The long, agonizing wait for Ohio State football fans is over. Today is the first day of spring practice, officially kicking off the 2026 season. After a disappointing end to the 2025 season, the Buckeyes are hoping for a better finish. Starting 12-0 was great, but they have to win at the end of the year.
By far, the biggest highlight of last season was finally beating TTUN. It was a win that Ryan Day desperately needed on his resume after losing four straight years. Now, he has to coach a new group of guys to win that game again, but also win a Big Ten championship and a national title.
On the first morning of spring practice, the Ohio State Buckeyes were ready to start getting better. Day started off the morning with a fiery speech to all of the newcomers on the team, letting them know that they have to earn their spot on the team.
Ohio State head coach Ryan Day gives fiery speech to start spring practice
Day was caught giving a fiery speech to start off the day in the Woody.
"You have to earn your stripes around here. You have to earn your stripes. Earn respect from your unit. That's what you do."
Day wants to make it clear that the new transfers and freshmen haven't earned anything yet. This is a new beginning for everyone. They have to earn everything they are going to get, and that starts now during spring practice. Those new Buckeyes have their black stripes and will work to get them removed.
Spring will be a time to learn a lot about the defense, a unit that is losing a lot of talent. Matt Patricia is back, so they have the leader of the unit returning. Still, Ohio State will have new linebackers, a new starting safety, and several new faces on the defensive line.
This is an exciting time for the Ohio State football program. Now, the 2026 season really can begin.