Is it possible for Ohio State football to play another team in the spring? What Ryan Day said is as follows:
Ohio State football has long been a powerhouse in the world of college football. With head coach Ryan Day at the helm, the Buckeyes have continually competed at the highest level of college football, regularly finishing among the top teams in the Big Ten and nationally. However, like many programs, Ohio State’s spring football practices and the traditional spring game have been more focused on internal competition—evaluating the team’s roster, developing younger players, and fine-tuning their playbooks—rather than playing against another team in a competitive environment. But as the landscape of college football continues to evolve, some have wondered: Is it possible for Ohio State to play another team in the spring?
The idea of spring games and practices has been a tradition in college football for many years. These games often serve as a valuable opportunity for fans to get a glimpse of their team’s progress after months of off-season training. Traditionally, spring football games are an intrasquad scrimmage, where teams play against themselves in a controlled environment. It’s an opportunity for coaches to evaluate their players in a live-game setting, assess team dynamics, and provide experience to younger athletes who may not have had much playing time during the regular season.
However, with the ongoing developments in college football, particularly with the introduction of new NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) policies, an expanded College Football Playoff (CFP), and the increased pressures of recruitment, the conversation around spring games has begun to shift. Could there be a future where Ohio State plays against another team in the spring? Would a spring matchup between teams benefit the Buckeyes? And more importantly, what does Ryan Day, Ohio State’s head coach, think about the possibility of a spring game against another team?
This article will explore these questions, delve into Ryan Day’s thoughts on the matter, and analyze whether such a scenario is even feasible in the current climate of college football.
Spring Football: Tradition and Purpose
Before diving into the specifics of playing another team in the spring, it’s essential to understand the traditional purpose of spring football. Spring football practices are an integral part of college football programs across the country. For Ohio State, spring practices serve a critical role in development and preparation. After months of winter training, these practices give coaches and players the opportunity to get back on the field, work on fundamentals, and start putting together a team for the upcoming fall season.
The spring game, usually held at the end of the spring practice period, has become a major event for Ohio State football. It allows fans to watch their team in action, even if the atmosphere is less intense than a regular-season game. Coaches use this scrimmage to evaluate player performance, identify strengths and weaknesses, and experiment with different game strategies. It’s a low-risk, high-reward opportunity to gauge where the team stands and give younger players a chance to shine in front of the crowd.
For Ryan Day and his staff, the goal of the spring game is not necessarily to win but to prepare. The coaching staff may already have a good idea of their starting lineup, but spring practices and games are critical for developing depth and making sure that every player on the roster is getting the reps they need. By the end of the spring, Ohio State typically comes away with a solid understanding of what their team will look like in the fall and how the offense and defense will operate.
The Idea of Playing Another Team in the Spring
While the spring game traditionally features an intrasquad competition, the idea of Ohio State playing against another team during spring practice isn’t entirely new. There have been instances in the past where college football teams have scheduled spring exhibitions or “spring contests” against other programs. These games were often informal, non-competitive scrimmages, but they served as a way to break up the monotony of traditional spring practices and generate excitement.
However, the idea of a legitimate, competitive spring game between two college teams raises several important considerations. The NCAA’s current structure is not designed for this type of play. College football teams typically do not play non-conference games in the spring. The fall season, where teams compete for national rankings and playoff spots, is where all of the competition happens. But with the growing trend of NIL deals, increased financial incentives, and expanding media coverage, it’s possible that the landscape could shift, and spring games could evolve into something more.
Ryan Day’s Perspective on Spring Football
Ryan Day has been very vocal about his philosophy when it comes to spring football. For Day, the goal of spring practices and the spring game is to build a stronger, more cohesive team by focusing on internal competition. Day values the opportunity to evaluate his players in a controlled, low-stress environment. The spring game, for him, is not about showcasing Ohio State’s strength relative to other teams, but rather assessing how his team measures up against itself.
In a recent interview, Day addressed the growing conversation about whether college football teams should compete against each other in the spring. Day was adamant in his stance that spring football should remain focused on internal development. “The spring game is a great opportunity for us to evaluate our team, give younger players valuable experience, and make sure we’re heading in the right direction,” Day explained. “We’re not concerned about who we’re playing in the spring. It’s more about looking inward and making sure we’re improving every single day.”
Day also acknowledged that spring football is an important time for players to compete for starting spots, particularly for those who may be entering their first or second year of play. He noted that for a program like Ohio State, where there is a constant influx of talent, it’s important to ensure that every player on the roster gets a chance to show what they can do.
“You’ve got to keep developing talent, and spring is the perfect time to do that,” Day continued. “We’ve got so many great players here at Ohio State, and we want to make sure that everyone has an opportunity to showcase their skills. A spring game against another team could be fun, but it’s just not the focus of what we’re trying to accomplish.”
The Benefits of Playing Another Team in the Spring
Despite Day’s preference for keeping the spring game in-house, there are some potential benefits to Ohio State playing another team during the spring. For one, it could provide the Buckeyes with a different look and a higher level of competition. Playing against another team, even in a non-conference exhibition, would give Ohio State a chance to simulate game conditions with real opponents.
From a recruiting standpoint, playing another team in the spring could also generate more excitement and national attention. College football is a major spectacle, and a spring matchup between two high-profile teams could draw significant media coverage. This could be a valuable opportunity for Ohio State to showcase its talent and attract top recruits who may not yet have had the chance to see the team in action.
Additionally, playing another team could also serve as a bonding experience for the players. Going up against a different program would require the team to focus on executing the game plan, working together as a unit, and competing at a high level. For young players who are still adjusting to the pace and intensity of college football, this experience could be invaluable.
Logistical Challenges and NCAA Restrictions
While there are certainly potential benefits to playing another team in the spring, there are also logistical challenges and NCAA restrictions that would make such an endeavor difficult. The most obvious hurdle is that the NCAA currently prohibits teams from scheduling games during the spring practice period. Spring practice is officially a time for teams to work on individual skills, install plays, and build team chemistry—not to compete against other programs.
Additionally, scheduling an out-of-conference game would require both teams to agree on logistics such as travel, venue, and timing. Given that spring practice usually takes place in the months leading up to the regular season, fitting in a game with another team could disrupt the flow of spring practice and potentially lead to injuries or fatigue among players.
There is also the issue of player safety. Since spring practices are meant to be developmental rather than competitive, some coaches may be concerned about the risks of playing another team in a live, contact setting. A spring game against another team could result in key players getting injured, potentially derailing the season before it even begins. For a program like Ohio State, where depth is a key factor in maintaining a championship-contending team, the last thing Day would want is to lose a star player to an injury during an exhibition game.
The Future of Spring Football
While Ryan Day remains focused on internal development during spring football, the idea of playing another team during this time is not entirely out of the question. As the landscape of college football continues to evolve, it’s possible that changes could be made to the spring football model. If the NCAA were to allow teams to play spring exhibition games, it would likely be in a format similar to the NFL’s preseason—where teams are allowed to evaluate their talent in a game-like setting without the pressure of a full season’s worth of competition.
For now, however, Ohio State will continue to focus on its spring practices and internal evaluations. Day and his staff will use this time to develop their players and prepare them for the upcoming season. While a spring game against another team could be an exciting prospect, it’s clear that for Ryan Day, the focus remains on getting better, one practice at a time.
