As the revamped Ohio State football team prepares for spring practice, many questions linger, including leadership roles, new schemes, and how they’ll handle high expectations.

As spring practice approaches, the Ohio State football program finds itself at a crossroads of both change and continuity. Following an offseason of adjustments, player departures, and recruiting triumphs, head coach Ryan Day and his staff are gearing up for a pivotal spring camp. The Buckeyes are reloading with an eye on not only returning to the top of the Big Ten but also competing for a national championship after falling just short in recent seasons. The questions heading into this spring are numerous, as the Buckeyes look to answer some pressing needs while continuing to build on their already impressive foundation.

As one of the most successful programs in college football, Ohio State has built its reputation on dominant offenses and imposing defenses. However, after a few seasons of near-misses—including a close loss to Georgia in the 2022 College Football Playoff—the Buckeyes are hungry for a national title. This spring, they will have to sort through a range of critical questions in multiple areas of the team, from leadership roles to new schemes and how they’ll handle the weight of championship expectations.

1. Leadership Roles: Who Will Step Up?

Leadership is one of the most vital aspects of any football team, and for Ohio State, 2023 presents a particularly critical challenge. In recent years, the Buckeyes have leaned heavily on quarterback C.J. Stroud, wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and defensive players like Zach Harrison and Ronnie Hickman to carry the mantle of leadership. But with these players now either in the NFL or pursuing other opportunities, Ohio State must identify new leaders who can steer the ship.

The quarterback position is always the most high-profile area of focus. After Stroud’s departure for the NFL Draft, Ohio State will likely hand the reins to one of their young signal-callers: Kyle McCord or Devin Brown. McCord, a highly regarded prospect who has been with the program since 2020, has the inside track, but Brown, a dual-threat quarterback with excellent mobility, is expected to push for the starting job. The spring competition between these two will be critical, not just in terms of performance but also in how they emerge as leaders within the offense.

At the skill positions, running back TreVeyon Henderson and wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. are both potential captains in waiting. Harrison, one of the best wideouts in the country, will undoubtedly be a focal point of the offense. His leadership will be crucial as the team looks to transition away from its previous star players. On the defensive side of the ball, J.T. Tuimoloau and Tommy Eichenberg are two players who will be expected to take on a more vocal leadership role. Tuimoloau, a dominant force on the edge, and Eichenberg, who has been a reliable linebacker, represent the next wave of defensive stalwarts that can carry on the BIA (Best in America) tradition.

However, leadership isn’t just about star players. The coaching staff, led by Ryan Day, will play an equally important role in providing direction. Jim Knowles, the defensive coordinator, will be key in re-establishing the Buckeyes’ dominance on that side of the ball, while offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson will continue to shape an offense that has often been one of the most explosive in the country.

2. New Schemes and Adjustments: What Will the Buckeyes Look Like?

While Ohio State has largely stayed consistent in its offensive philosophy over the past few years—focusing on a fast-paced, spread attack with a heavy emphasis on the passing game—the Buckeyes are undergoing some changes that could shape the team’s identity moving forward.

One of the most notable changes will be on defense. Jim Knowles’ defense has already shown flashes of brilliance in his first year as defensive coordinator, and in 2023, it will likely continue to evolve. His aggressive, attacking style of defense is a departure from the more traditional cover-2 or bend-but-don’t-break systems that Ohio State has employed in the past. With a roster loaded with talent—especially on the defensive line and in the secondary—the expectation is that Knowles will dial up even more pressure and blitz packages to disrupt opposing quarterbacks and create turnovers.

J.T. Tuimoloau and Jack Sawyer are expected to take on larger roles as edge rushers, providing the kind of pass-rushing prowess that Ohio State hasn’t had in recent years. The development of these two players will be critical to the success of Knowles’ system. In addition, the secondary, which struggled at times in 2022, will need to step up. Players like Denzel Burke, Jahvon Tracy, and Jordan Hancock will be counted on to provide more consistency in coverage and help prevent big plays that have plagued Ohio State in big games.

On offense, the biggest question revolves around how the quarterback position will be handled. C.J. Stroud was one of the most accomplished quarterbacks in Ohio State history, and his departure leaves big shoes to fill. Both McCord and Brown have immense potential, but neither has started a game. Ryan Day’s offense, which has relied on a strong passing attack, will need to adapt to the strengths of whichever quarterback wins the job. This could mean adjusting the playbook slightly to accommodate a more mobile quarterback in Brown or allowing McCord to settle into a traditional pocket-passing role. Regardless of who wins the starting job, the offensive line will be crucial in giving them time to develop as starters.

TreVeyon Henderson, when healthy, remains one of the most dynamic running backs in college football. His ability to be a dual-threat weapon in both the running and passing games will allow the offense to remain balanced. However, Ohio State will also need to find another playmaker to complement Henderson in the backfield, as well as develop depth at wide receiver behind Harrison.

With Marvin Harrison Jr. emerging as the team’s top receiving threat, the rest of the wide receiver corps will have to step up to provide depth and versatility. Emeka Egbuka and Julian Fleming have both shown flashes of brilliance but need to consistently perform at a high level. The development of these two players, along with young prospects, will be crucial to giving Ohio State a more dynamic and unpredictable passing game.

3. How Will Ohio State Handle High Expectations?

One of the defining characteristics of Ohio State football is its immense expectations. As a perennial college football powerhouse, the Buckeyes are expected to compete for national championships year in and year out. While this comes with the prestige of being one of the premier programs in the nation, it also brings immense pressure. The expectations for this team, particularly in 2023, are no different.

Ryan Day, who has already established himself as one of the top head coaches in college football, faces a season that could define his tenure at Ohio State. After the heartbreaking loss to Georgia in the 2022 College Football Playoff, the Buckeyes will be hungry to avenge that loss and take the next step toward a national championship. The talent on the roster is certainly there—Ohio State has one of the best recruiting pipelines in the country and has loaded up on high-level prospects across the board. However, as seen in previous seasons, talent alone doesn’t always lead to championships.

The key to handling the high expectations will be the development of team chemistry and the ability of Ohio State’s leadership—both on the field and on the sidelines—to maintain focus despite the pressure. The spring practice period will be crucial in establishing a sense of camaraderie among players and ensuring that everyone is on the same page heading into the season.

One of the challenges facing Ohio State is the strength of the Big Ten. The emergence of Michigan, which handed Ohio State a painful loss in 2022, makes the rivalry game even more critical. Additionally, the Penn State Nittany Lions and Wisconsin Badgers are both poised to challenge for supremacy in the Big Ten. Ohio State can’t afford to take any game for granted, especially with a target on its back from rivals looking to dethrone the Buckeyes.

4. Who Will Emerge as Surprises This Spring?

Spring practice is often where new stars emerge, and Ohio State is no stranger to having breakout players who take the next step. While much of the focus will be on familiar names like J.T. Tuimoloau, TreVeyon Henderson, and Marvin Harrison Jr., there are several players who could surprise fans this spring.

On offense, look for young wide receivers like Kyion Grayes or Kaleb Brown to step into larger roles. With the loss of key contributors at receiver, these young talents have an opportunity to shine during spring practice and earn meaningful playing time. Similarly, Caden Curry and Ty Hamilton on the defensive line could break out as key contributors to a defensive line that will need to generate pressure consistently.