Before spring practice begins, what questions does Ohio State football need to address?

With Ohio State football consistently ranking as one of the elite programs in college football, the start of spring practice offers an opportunity for head coach Ryan Day and his staff to fine-tune the team ahead of the 2025 season. However, before they take the field for practice, the Buckeyes must address several crucial questions that will shape their preparations and ultimately their quest for another Big Ten title and College Football Playoff berth. While Ohio State is consistently a contender, every new season brings unique challenges, and 2025 will be no exception.

As spring practice looms, Ohio State has numerous areas to address—on both offense and defense—that will have a significant impact on their season. The coaching staff will need to evaluate new players, figure out how to replace key losses, and ensure that team chemistry is solid. Below are the most pressing questions that Ohio State football must answer before the start of spring practice.

1. Who Will Replace C.J. Stroud at Quarterback?

Perhaps the most critical question for Ohio State football heading into spring practice is the quarterback situation. After three years of elite play under C.J. Stroud, who was drafted second overall in the 2024 NFL Draft by the Houston Texans, the Buckeyes need to find a new leader for their high-powered offense. Stroud’s departure leaves a gaping hole at the most important position on the field, and the answer to this question will largely determine Ohio State’s ability to contend for championships in 2025.

The front-runners to take over are Kyle McCord and Devin Brown, both of whom have significant experience in the program. McCord, a former five-star recruit, has served as Stroud’s backup for the past two seasons and has shown flashes of his potential. However, his playing time has been limited, which raises questions about his ability to fully take command of the offense in a starting role. Devin Brown, a highly touted prospect who enrolled in 2023, also has a strong arm and impressive mobility, which could make him an intriguing option for Day’s offense.

Questions to address:

• How does each quarterback perform under pressure in scrimmage situations?
• Who can best operate Ohio State’s up-tempo offense and read defenses effectively?
• Will McCord or Brown rise as the vocal leader in the locker room?
• How will both quarterbacks develop their timing and chemistry with Ohio State’s elite wide receiver corps?

The coaching staff will likely give both quarterbacks ample reps during spring practice, making it essential to see how they manage the offense, especially in competitive situations. While Day’s offense is built to maximize the talent around the quarterback, the team will need a steady, consistent leader to navigate the pressure-filled games in the Big Ten and beyond.

2. How Will the Offensive Line Evolve in 2025?

Another key question Ohio State needs to address is the state of its offensive line. The unit has historically been one of the strongest in college football, and this year will be no different. However, the Buckeyes must replace some key contributors, including Paris Johnson Jr., a standout left tackle who was selected in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Johnson’s departure leaves a significant hole on the left side, which will be critical for both the running and passing game.

The development of Ohio State’s offensive line will be one of the key factors in determining whether the Buckeyes’ offense can continue to operate at the elite level that it has in recent seasons. The Buckeyes have several experienced players in the mix, including Dawand Jones, Matthew Jones, and Zach Harrison, but there are still questions about how well the line will gel and who will step into the more prominent roles left open by departures.

Questions to address:

• Who will step up and fill the void left by Paris Johnson Jr. at left tackle?
• How will the offensive line work together as a cohesive unit, especially with younger players in the mix?
• How will the line perform in pass protection and run blocking for Travon Henderson and Miyan Williams?
• Are there any younger players who can emerge as contributors and offer depth?

While Ohio State is consistently known for its dominant offensive line play, the transition to a new group of starters can take time. Identifying the players who can step into leadership roles on the line and ensuring that the unit functions cohesively will be a major focus of spring practice.

3. Can the Wide Receiver Corps Continue to Dominate?

Ohio State has long been known for producing elite wide receivers, and the 2025 season will be no different. However, after the departure of Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Marvin Harrison Jr., and Emeka Egbuka, the team will need to develop new playmakers who can fill the void left by these stars. The Buckeyes still have some of the best wide receiver talent in the country, but spring practice will be crucial in determining who can step into those leading roles.

Questions to address:

• Who will emerge as the top receiving targets for Ohio State’s new quarterback?
• Will Julian Fleming, Cayden Lee, or Mookie Cooper take the next step to become a primary playmaker?
• How can Ohio State’s incoming wide receivers, including Bryson Rodgers and Kojo Antwi, develop over the course of spring and summer?

Ohio State is known for producing NFL-caliber wide receivers, and while there is a lot of raw talent in the wide receiver room, it remains to be seen how quickly these players can mesh with the new quarterback. With a system that emphasizes quick, precise routes and deep ball threats, spring practice will be essential in figuring out how the receiving corps gels with the new quarterback.

4. How Will the Defense Adjust Without Key Leaders?

Ohio State’s defense will face a major test in 2025 with the departure of several key players, including Zach Harrison and Steel Chambers. These players were important leaders on both the defensive line and in the linebacking corps, and their absence will leave significant gaps in leadership and playmaking ability. The Buckeyes will need to develop young players who can step into those roles, as well as identify emerging stars who can help the defense maintain its elite status.

Questions to address:

• Who will replace Steel Chambers at linebacker, and can the Buckeyes continue to stop the run at a high level?
• How will the defensive line cope without Zach Harrison’s pass rush presence?
• Will players like JT Tuimoloau, Jack Sawyer, and Michael Hall Jr. take on more prominent roles as leaders of the defense?
• How will the secondary adjust after the departure of Jordan Hancock and Cam Brown?

The defense must continue to perform at a high level to ensure that Ohio State remains a serious championship contender. Spring practice will help identify which players can step up to replace the leaders who have departed, and how well the unit as a whole functions together in both pass defense and run defense.

5. Will Special Teams Remain a Strength?

Although often overlooked, special teams play can have a significant impact on a team’s success. Ohio State has traditionally had a strong special teams unit, and in 2025, it will be essential for the Buckeyes to maintain that consistency. With key contributors like Jake Seibert and Ethan Wright no longer on the roster, the Buckeyes need to evaluate their kicking game and return units during spring practice.

Questions to address:

• Who will step into the kicker role, and can they be consistent in clutch situations?
• Will the punt and kick return units remain as dynamic as they’ve been in recent seasons?
• How will Ohio State address its punting situation, and who will emerge as the primary punter?

Special teams play can often be the difference between winning and losing in tight games, and Ohio State cannot afford to take this area for granted. Spring practice will provide the coaching staff with an opportunity to evaluate the talent on hand and see how the special teams units perform in different situations.

6. How Will the Coaching Staff Continue to Evolve?

Ohio State’s coaching staff, led by Ryan Day, has been one of the most stable and successful in college football, but even the best coaching staffs need to evolve to stay ahead of the competition. The Buckeyes have made several changes to their coaching staff in recent years, and the 2025 season may bring new adjustments to their game plan and overall strategy.

Questions to address:

• How will Ryan Day continue to develop as a head coach and leader of the program?
• Will new assistant coaches, such as Jim Knowles (defensive coordinator), make any changes to Ohio State’s defensive schemes?
• How will Day adjust his offensive play calling with a new quarterback under center?
• Are there any new coaching philosophies or adjustments that Ohio State will incorporate into its program?

As always, spring practice will give the coaching staff the chance to evaluate what’s working and what needs to be adjusted, both on the field and in terms of overall philosophy. Ryan Day and his staff will need to remain flexible and adaptable in order to continue Ohio State’s dominance in the highly competitive landscape of college football.

By addressing these