The Ohio State football program is in the thick of spring practice. They are still trying to identify an identity heading into next year with 51 new players. Ryan Day has to find the best way to pool all of this talent together and mesh it together. That's his job as the head coach.
After a disappointing finish to the 2025 season, the Buckeyes are hoping to change things around in 2026. Depth is not something that outside fans would think the Ohio State Buckeyes have, especially on defense. They might have four first-round picks on that side of the ball alone.
Yet, Day has been preaching something over and over all spring long. The word that he keeps using to describe the Buckeyes is "depth'. That is something he is using over and over, and that is something that should excite fans as the Spring Game gets ever closer.
The Ohio State football team has more depth than usual
Day has said that the team has depth at the receiver spot, which is surprising with how many receivers bailed in the portal. Ohio State lost four receivers to the Transfer Portal. That also doesn't include Carnell Tate, who will likely be a top-10 first-round pick.
Day also believes the defensive line has depth, despite three starters departing. The portal was used to refill that spot, which is the bedrock of the defense. James Smith, John Walker, and Qua Russaw should be able to help the defensive line have a strong line.
Depth is something that Day always preaches. This year, it seems that he is actually pleased with what he has on his roster on that front on both sides of the ball. The key now is to get that depth to show up in the biggest games of the season, which failed to happen a year ago.