Each year during Ohio State’s spring practice, we hear about a lot of players who are standing out. Now that the Buckeyes have wrapped up their allotted 15 sessions, here are a few names to keep in mind.
Mylan Graham WR
If you watched Saturday’s Spring Game, you know I’m not exactly going out on a limb here by including him on this list. Ryan Day will tell you the former five-star recruit still has work to do (get better at securing the ball after a catch), but I don’t think there is any doubt Graham has emerged as the fourth receiver at a loaded position.
Payton Pierce LB
The sophomore from Lucas, Texas is a name I heard mentioned often by those who observed OSU’s practice sessions. At the Spring Game, we saw why he caught their eye. Pierce seemed to be everywhere and made one of the more memorable plays when he flattened a guard and made a tackle for a loss. He played in 13 of the Buckeyes’ 16 games last year and will battle for playing time behind starters Arvell Reese and Sonny Styles this fall.
Bo Jackson RB
Anytime I read an opinion on him, they all say the same thing, “He’s doing everything right.” Even before his impressive showing in the Spring Game, many feel the true freshman from Cleveland is making a case to be the team’s third running back behind James Peoples and former WVU transfer C.J. Donaldson. Pass blocking is always the most difficult thing to learn for a young running back. If he can master it, Jackson is really going to push Sam Williams-Dixon to be number three.
Ethan Onianwa LT
Although Ryan Day does not release a post-spring practice depth chart, I think it is obvious the former Rice transfer is going to be the Buckeyes’ starting left tackle when the season opens. When he entered the transfer portal, he sought out the Buckeyes because he likes their culture and the competition among players. Since committing on Christmas Eve, he has slimmed down from the listed 345 pounds and recently said he feels like he’s moving much better. He made 34 starts at Rice and I think he has the potential to develop into one of the Big Ten’s best left tackles.
Logan George DE
With all of the attention given to moving C.J. Hicks to defensive end from linebacker, George wasn’t talked about much this spring. But Day has made it clear finding a role for the former Idaho State transfer (19.5 tackles-for-loss last season) is going to be a topic of discussion among the coaches in the time leading up to the beginning of fall camp in August. Day said he is physical, has strong hands, and when he practiced with the team for a few weeks during the playoff, was a handful to block.
Here's a bonus player to keep in mind: Quincy Porter. The true freshman receiver was the first in his class to have his black stripe removed and is expected to see the field a lot this fall. So, there you have five players (plus one) to watch for when the Buckeyes take to the practice field again in August to prepare for the 2026 season.