3 Random Thoughts About The First Week Of Ohio State Spring Practice

I realize that most of the sports world is going to be focused upon the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament for the foreseeable future, and I would be lying if I did not admit that I also have a passing interest in how my bracket performs for “March Madness.” After the first day, when I am shaking my head at how poorly I have done and will continue to do with my bracket, I get back to what truly excites me this time of year – Ohio State spring football.

I will concede that spring football is not something most people pay close attention to, and I will also concede that it is important to not overanalyze the events of spring football, as there are still several months before the actual college football season begins. That being said, below are three things that I always look forward to learning when Ohio State spring football begins ~

• New Players Means New Jersey Numbers To Look For In 2025: The picture of freshman quarterback Tavien St. Clair represents one of several new faces who will be a member of the Ohio State football program this season. While there is a possibility that some of the transfer portal players and early enrolled freshmen will change jersey numbers again sometime in the future, possibly even this season, the first week of practice offers me an opportunity to associate a certain number with a player, so I will not be surprised when that player enters a game this coming fall.
• New Players Means Black Stripe Removals Are Coming: One of former Ohio State head coach Urban Meyer’s traditions that Ryan Day has maintained is the black stripe removal. All new players to the program, regardless of whether they are a transfer portal player or a freshman, have a black stripe on their helmet that will remain until their teammates have notified their coaches that the specific player is someone that the other players believe is ready to perform in game situations, and they are now considered a Buckeye. Who will be the first to lose their black stripe? In case you forgot, @TomOrr4 and @TonyGerdeman even devoted an episode of The Buckeye Weekly Podcast to these thoughts back in February. It is well worth the listen, and will only enhance the practice updates that are posted here on the site.
• The Focus Is Squarely On 2025: While the 2024 national championship is something that everyone associated with it will always cherish, the 2025 leaders have specifically removed certain reminders of the 2024 season. According to Coach Day, the message is one of “We didn’t win a national championship. Last year’s team did.” It is that kind of mindset that has me encouraged about the 2025 season that has only just begun the crucial work necessary for Ohio State to once again be in the College Football Playoff.