Spring Game Edition — April 10

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Thursday, April 10, 2025

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2025 SPRING GAME EDITION

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Sayin, Kienholz ‘neck and neck’ for QB job as St. Clair develops %\ &RQQRU &DQ¿HOG Lantern Reporter

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xpected to stretch into the summer, Ohio State’s quarterback competition is set for the long haul.

Even with the spring game approaching, head coach Ryan Day doesn’t seem close to naming a starter, describing the battle between sophomore Julian Sayin and redshirt sophomore Lincoln Kienholz as a “neck-and-neck” competition.

“Somebody would have to make a VLJQL¿FDQW PRYH KHUH RQ 7XHVGD\ DQG or Saturday to really make that move to jump ahead,” Day said Monday.

7KLV PDUNV WKH ¿IWK WLPH LQ 'D\¶V seven years as head coach that he has elected not to name a starting quarterback in spring camp. The two exceptions came in 2020 and 2022, when Justin Fields and C.J. Stroud, respectively, entered their second years as the starter.

Another player in the mix is true

freshman Tavien St. Clair, who currently sits third on the depth chart behind Sayin and Kienholz.

“I think it’s fair to say that [St. Clair] has probably the longest way to go just because of just the lack of experience,” Day said. “The talent and his ability to run, his athleticism, the arm, he has all those things. He just needs to play more.”

Sayin Sayin is beginning his second season with Ohio State, after appearing in four games last year.

Originally recruited by former Alabama head coach

QB continues on Page 5

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Thursday, April 10, 2025 | The Lantern | 2

PARTY’S OVER

CARLY DAMON | ASST. PHOTO EDITOR

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Buckeyes done celebrating National Championship, looking to ‘earn it’ in 2025 %\ 1RDK :HLVNRSI Sports Editor

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n 2014, the Buckeyes won their eighth national championship.

Despite expectations to go back-toback in 2015, Ohio State lost to Michigan State late in the regular season and missed the four-team College Football 3OD\R̆ The 2024-25 Buckeyes know the age-old saying that history repeats itself. This year’s team, however, isn’t

putting much stock in it.

After Ohio State’s Jan. 20 national championship win in the debut 12WHDP &ROOHJH )RRWEDOO 3OD\R̆ PHPorabilia was dispersed around the Woody Hayes Athletic Center in celebration.

Nearly three months later, many Buckeye fans are still riding high from the team’s improbable run. But inside the facility, there’s little suggestion of a national title. In fact, the new leaders of the 2025-26 team wanted some of

the remembrances to be taken down.

“The 2014 team, they were great, and the 2015 [team] had more talHQW ´ VHQLRU R̆HQVLYH OLQHPDQ &DUVRQ Hinzman said. “But they were a little undisciplined, and what they did, we don’t want to become a story like that.

7R EH DEOH WR WDNH DOO WKDW VWX̆ GRZQ and get in the mindset ‘we haven’t earned anything’ has been important for us.”

Star wide receiver Jeremiah Smith — who’s working to be more outspoken

this spring — said the Buckeyes have ṘFLDOO\ SUHVVHG WKH UHVHW EXWWRQ “We can’t live in the past,” Smith said. “The 2024 team won the National Championship. This [year’s team], we didn’t.”

New defensive coordinator Matt Patricia said football is unlike any other sport when it comes to trying to repeat as champions. ³,W¶V GL̆HUHQW WKDQ ER[LQJ ZKHQ you win a championship in boxing, the next time you step in the ring, you step

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in as the champ, and you have to defend your title,” Patricia said. “When you win a championship in football, WKH QH[W WLPH \RX VWHS RQ WKH ¿HOG LW¶V something new — it’s a new season, LW¶V D QHZ WHDP \RX KDYH WR VWDUW RYHU You’re not defending anything. What you won, you won — that can’t be taken away from you. That was last season.”

Even so, there are still banners hanging on the walls of the indoor SUDFWLFH ¿HOG ² HPEOHPV WKDW ZLOO EH there for eternity. The new leaders understand that, but are still doing all they can to eliminate potential distractions.

“We try not to talk about it as much EHFDXVH LW¶V D ZKROH GL̆HUHQW WHDP DQG we’ve got to earn it, just like we earned LW ODVW \HDU ´ VDLG MXQLRU R̆HQVLYH OLQHman Luke Montgomery.

This fresh, focused mindset began just hours after the team’s national championship celebration inside Ohio Stadium Jan. 26.

After the Buckeyes invited fans inside the ‘Shoe to commemorate their historic victory, Ohio State held its ¿QDO WHDP PHHWLQJ WR FHOHEUDWH WKH champions inside the main meeting room at the Woody.

The seniors — like they had all year — sat in the front, followed by juniors and the underclassmen toward the back.

On that day, all departing players stood out of their chairs, walked to the front of the room and faced the return-

ing players.

It was a changing of the guard. The juniors, as the program’s new leaders, ¿OOHG WKH VHQLRUV¶ IRUPHU VHDWV “It was kind of a ceremony,” head coach Ryan Day said. “You’re now going from being a junior to being a senior that we’re counting on to be a leader. You’re now going from being a freshman to a guy that has to step up DV D VRSKRPRUH DQG JHW RQ WKH ¿HOG Your role has physically changed in the room by moving down in the team room.”

Throughout the spring, senior defensive lineman Caden Curry said new leaders have emerged who are continuing to progress in their distinct roles, particularly those on the defensive line.

“Me, [Kenyatta Jackson Jr.] and [C.J. Hicks] are all trying to take that leadership role,” Curry said. “We’re trying to push the guys to be the best version of themselves every day. We’re GH¿QLWHO\ WU\LQJ WR WDNH WKDW QH[W VWHS ´ 0RYLQJ IRUZDUG R̆HQVLYH FRRUGLnator Brian Hartline said the entire program understands this rising team hasn’t accomplished anything quite yet, and these new Buckeyes have a long way to go.

“We were trying to build the map to get to where you wanted to get to,” Hartline said. “But now that we have the map, it doesn’t mean we’ve traveled the path.”

Thursday, April 10, 2025 | The Lantern | 3

“We can’t live in the past. The 2024 team won the National Championship. This [year’s team], we didn’t.”

- JEREMIAH SMITH

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SANDRA FU | PHOTO EDITOR

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Thursday, April 10, 2025 | The Lantern | 4

Buckeyes bolster the trenches: The next wave of Ohio State defensive linemen is ready to emerge %\ 6DP &LSULDQL Asst. Sports Editor

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evelop, gain valuable reps, rise through the depth chart and repeat.

That’s how Ohio State reloads its ever-talented defensive line units season after season.

After all four of its starting defensive linemen departed for the 2025 NFL Draft, Ohio State has replaced its front four with a group that’s untested, yet brings valuable experience as it attempts to uphold its predecessors’ standard of dominance.

Last season, defensive ends Jack Sawyer and JT Tuimoloau, as well as defensive tackles Tyleik Williams and Ty Hamilton, led the charge not only in the trenches, but also as team leaders.

Now, defensive linemen Caden Curry, Eddrick Houston, Kayden McDonald and Kenyatta Jackson Jr. — all of ZKRP VDZ VLJQL¿FDQW WLPH EDFNLQJ XS Ohio State’s dominant starting defensive line in the 2024-25 season — are the frontrunners to return as the Buckeyes’ top group.

Jackson said it’s vital for the newest group of rushers to follow in the footsteps of Ohio State’s former, always-stout defensive line groups, using the lessons they have learned in seasons past to make an impact.

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and four good players,” Jackson said.

“I’m just trying to take them piece by piece by piece by piece, you know, continuing that tradition of what the rushmen are.”

Not only will the line look vastly GL̆HUHQW EXW the Buckeyes also brought in a new defensive coordinator in Matt Patricia, after former coordinator Jim

Knowles left for Penn State in January.

Curry said Patricia has already made an immediate impression, citing his NFL experience with the New England Patriots and Detroit Lions as a factor that will help the line GHYHORS RQ DQG R̆ WKH ¿HOG ³+H¶V GH¿QLWHO\ MXVW helping us play better, faster, stronger,” Curry VDLG ³, PHDQ LW GH¿nitely helps us kind of push ourselves, and it helps us get better day by day.”

Though Ohio State’s starting defensive line group will likely include the four rotational linemen from last season, Patricia still emphasized the importance of having depth.

“I do think that depth is FULWLFDO ¿QGing out exactly what roles those guys can play within the defensive line to have some f lexibility to be able to move g u y s a r ou nd ,” Patricia said.

Patricia said the beauty of spring camp is having the ability to move players around on the line. In addition, he believes the Buckeyes have done a great job of adjusting throughout practices thus far.

“The guys have done a really good job with the multiplicity of some of the things that we’re do-

ing right now, and moving around and NLQG RI EHLQJ LQ VRPH GL̆HUHQW VSRWV WR get an evaluation of it,” Patricia said.

“We want to see if we can have some of that depth to put them in those alignments. That’s been pretty impressive.”

Despite the fact depth in the trenches is important and can wear down opposing teams, starting experience and playing time in big moments is certainly invaluable.

The Buckeyes’ revamped defensive line lacks that starting experience, but FRPLQJ R̆ D QDWLRQDO FKDPSLRQVKLS victory, the unit is hungry for more and HDJHU WR EXLOG RQ WKH ÀDVKHV RI SRWHQtial it showed last season.

Houston praised the starting defensive line’s leadership from last year, saying he hopes to instill many of that front line’s traits within this season’s group.

“Jack [Sawyer], JT [Tuimoloau], Tyleik [Williams] and Ty [HamilWRQ@ ZHUH JUHDW OHDGHUV RQ DQG R̆ WKH ¿HOG ´ +RXVWRQ VDLG ³7KH\ KHOSHG PH ZLWK MXVW VLPSOH VWX̆ ,I , GLGQ¶W NQRZ where to go get something, they’d tell me or just [hang] out with the group, getting them closer. There are a lot of GL̆HUHQW VPDOO WKLQJV WKDW JRW EURXJKW up last year that I need to start doing this year.”

Jackson agreed that adding members of the new defensive line group must establish consistency in their work and routine, just like their predecessors.

“We just got to take on what the guys left for us,” Jackson said. “SpeFL¿FDOO\ WKH GHIHQVLYH OLQH WKH VDPH mindset that we had last year, to stay consistent in our toolbox.”

Ohio State spring game Saturday, April 12 Ohio Stadium Noon on Big Ten Network

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Kienholz, who’s been with the QB continued from Page 1 Buckeyes since 2023, begins 2025 as Nick Saban to the Crimson Tide, Sa- the longest-tenured scholarship quaryin joined the Buckeyes in January terback on Ohio State’s roster.

2024 after entering the transfer porDespite being in Columbus the lontal following Saban’s retirement. gest among the three quarterbacks, The top quarterback in the 2024 the Pierre, South Dakota native has UHFUXLWLQJ FODVV FRPSOHWHG ¿YH RI only played in three career games, all passes for 84 yards and a touchdown of which came during the 2023 seain limited play time as the Buckeyes’ son. third-string quarterback.

His most notable appearance was Sayin said he credits quarterbacks in that year’s Cotton Bowl, at which coach Billy Fessler for helping him get he completed six of his 17 passes for better every day by improving his fun- 86 passing yards in the Buckeyes’ 14-3 damentals. loss to Missouri.

“It’s been good, just trying to get Day has previously praised Kienbetter every day,” Sayin said. “Coach holz’s athleticism and ability to make Fes has done a really good job with us, tough throws. and we’re improving our fundamen“You saw his potential on some of tals.” the throws that he made,” Day said.

Sayin is one of two viable options “You saw his athleticism show.” to be the Buckeyes’ starter in 2025 Kienholz said he believes he’s ready and the current favorite amongst fans. for the challenge of being the starter, DV KLV OHDGHUVKLS DQG FRQ¿GHQFH KDYH .LHQKRO] both grown over the past three years.

“In past years, I’ve had older guys

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Thursday, April 10, 2025 | The Lantern | 5

in front of me,” Kienholz said. “Getting to learn from them on how to be a leader, and how to take control of the huddle and things like that. Now, I’m the oldest guy in the room, so I feel WKDW QRZ , IHHO PRUH FRQ¿GHQW DQG , need to be a leader for the quarterback room.”

6W &ODLU St. Clair enters the season as the newest quarterback in Ohio State’s quarterback room.

The nation’s No. 3 quarterback in the 2025 recruiting class, according to 247 Sports, St. Clair joins the Buckeyes after a storied career at Ohio’s own Bellefontaine High School, where he threw for over 10,000 yards and 100 touchdowns.

7KH IUHVKPDQ VDLG WKH VWL̆ FRPSHtition among the Buckeyes’ potential quarterbacks has only helped him improve.

“The guys in the room, we’re the

best in the country, so you just gotta compete every day,” St. Clair said.

“At Ohio State, that’s what it breeds.

Competition’s what we talk, and that’s what we do. So, really just getting better every day, that’s been all of our focuses, and we’re just ready to work.”

Day said St. Clair has the essential traits he needs to succeed, but he needs to become acclimated to the speed of the college game.

“He needs to see it more,” Day said.

“The game is moving really fast for him right now, but he’s picking it up, he’s getting it every day.”

Though St. Clair may be sitting behind Sayin and Kienholz, he’s still getting invaluable reps, which will only increase going forward.

No matter what happens during Saturday’s spring game, Day said he LV FRQ¿GHQW LQ WKH %XFNH\HV¶ RYHUDOO prospects at the quarterback position.

“We have good players,” Day said.

“And I think the guys believe that they can do it. It’s just a growing process.”

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Thursday, April 10, 2025 | The Lantern | 6

Frames from the 2024 spring game

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Thursday, April 10, 2025 | The Lantern | 7

Shifting gears: NFL veteran Matt Patricia takes over Ohio State’s defense %\ /LY 5LQDOGL Lantern Reporter

D GL̆HUHQFH DQG , WKLQN WKDW¶V ZKDW KH As he prepares for Ohio State’s aeronautical engineering from Renswants to do.” spring game, Patricia said he is learn- selaer Polytechnic Institute. But engiAs Patricia settles into his new role, ing to adapt to a roster that is vastly neering didn’t compare to his passion he is eager to take it all in, one day at GL̆HUHQW IURP ODVW VHDVRQ¶V 1RWDEO\ for mentoring young players. fresh beginning. a time.

WKH GHIHQVLYH OLQH ZLOO VHH VLJQL¿FDQW Now, Patricia has returned to the That’s how Matt Patricia de“I just want to teach,” Patricia said. changes following the departures of college game to do just that at Ohio scribed his transition from profession“I want to mentor, but really, right now, key players Jack Sawyer, JT TuimoloState. al coaching to taking over Ohio State’s I’ve got to learn. I’ve got to listen. Right au, Tyleik Williams and Ty Hamilton.

“I really got into coaching when I championship-winning defense. now, I feel like I’m the student.”

In addition to readjusting the line, left engineering to pursue my passion Patricia is no stranger to winning 2QH VSHFL¿F DUHD 3DWULFLD KDV SULPatricia has also worked to build refor working with young men,” Patrinational titles, but he’s never helped a oritized is recruiting and evaluating lationships with his players, both on FLD VDLG ³5HDOO\ EHLQJ LQÀXHQWLDO LQ college team raise a trophy in celebrayoung talent.

After all, it’s a big shift DQG R̆ WKH ¿HOG &RUQHUEDFN %U\FH their lives and helping them grow, tion. from watching professional players West said Patricia immerses himself in that’s what college coaches were for After 20 seasons in the NFL — into assessing the raw potential of high the team environment and, like other me.

When you’re in college and trying cluding three Super Bowl victories school and college athletes. coaches, connects with his players on a WR ¿JXUH RXW HYHU\WKLQJ WR EH LQ D VLWwith the New England Patriots — PaPatricia said his approach is rooted personal level. uation where we’re in the building all tricia made the rare move to college in evaluating a player’s speed, strength, “It’s not always about ball with the time, you have problems that come IRRWEDOO /RRNLQJ DKHDG WR KLV ¿UVW VHDpower and overall talent. them,” West said.

“It’s about focusing up. And just working with young men, son as Ohio State’s defensive coordina“It’s been a while since I’ve watched on helping you become a better man I think it’s so important to have that.”

WRU D SRVLWLRQ KH ṘFLDOO\ WRRN )HE that level of football, just how good and a better player individually.”

Patricia said he couldn’t imagine being it’s gotten,” Patricia said. “You have a %HIRUH KLV FRDFKLQJ FDUHHU WRRN R̆ anywhere else. vision of what it looked like 25 years Patricia earned a bachelor’s degree in “Look, there’s nothing better than ago, and I know Ohio football,” Patricia said. “I know we lived our glothat.”

The upcoming season will mark Pa- ry days back then WULFLD¶V ¿UVW YHQWXUH LQWR FROOHJH IRRW- too, but the kids ball since 2003, when he served as an are way better R̆HQVLYH JUDGXDWH DVVLVWDQW DW 6\UD- now than we ever were.” cuse.

During his time Now, with changes to name, image in New England, and likeness policies — as well as the Patricia said he H[SDQGHG SOD\R̆ V\VWHP ² 3DWULFLD learned the imporsaid the college football landscape is WDQFH RI ¿QGLQJ D evolving in ways that feel familiar. balance between ³6WXG\LQJ LW LQ WKH R̆VHDVRQ FROlege football to me really felt like, ‘Hey, developing stratethat’s where I want to be,’” Patricia gy and giving his players the freesaid.

Head coach Ryan Day’s choice to dom to play fast KDYH 3DWULFLD ¿OO WKH VKRHV RI IRUPHU and aggressive.

This approach defensive coordinator Jim Knowles — is one he plans who left for Penn State after three seato bring to Ohio sons and a national championship — State. was met with anticipation from many “I’m not playBuckeye fans. ing,” Patricia said.

Like Patricia, Day said he recogniz“They play the es the growing similarities between game, so let them SANDRA FU | PHOTO EDITOR the NFL and college football, which is JHW RQ WKH ¿HOG OHW 2KLR 6WDWH GHIHQVLYH FRRUGLQDWRU 0DWW 3DWULFLD VSHDNV WR WKH PHGLD 0DUFK IRU WKH ¿UVW WLPH why he believes Patricia can excel at them play fast, let VLQFH EHLQJ DGGHG WR WKH VWD̆ the university level.

“It’s a new chapter,” Day said. “He them play aggrescan absolutely come in here and make sive.”

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Thursday, April 10, 2025 | The Lantern | 8

From sweeping floors to shaping futures: Logan Hittle’s unorthodox path to success at Ohio State %\ 1RDK :HLVNRSI Sports Editor

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ogan Hittle was working as a facilities assistant at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center in 2018 when he ZDONHG LQWR WKH UHFUXLWLQJ ṘFH WR WDNH out the trash.

Eron Hodges, former assistant director of player personnel for Ohio State football, was sitting at his desk and looked up at the interruption. He quickly took notice of Hittle.

“You’re a bigger guy,” Hodges said.

“Have you ever thought about playing here?”

Hittle answered honestly: The thought had never occurred to him.

But he pondered the idea, imagining what it could be like.

A few months later, the team was holding tryouts, and Hittle had thought enough — he was ready to set the bizarre idea into motion.

He walked onto the indoor practice ¿HOG ZHDULQJ KLV KLJK VFKRRO $GLGDV white cleats with gold laces.

COURTESY OF LOGAN HITTLE “Are you here to take out the trash?” )RUPHU 2KLR 6WDWH OLQHEDFNHU /RJDQ +LWWOH UXQV RQWR WKH ¿HOG DW 2KLR 6WDGLXP WR FHOHEUDWH VHQLRU GD\ SULRU WR asked Phil Matusz, a strength and con- WKHQ 1R 2KLR 6WDWH¶V YLFWRU\ RYHU WKHQ 1R 3HQQ 6WDWH 1RY ditioning coach.

“No coach,” Hittle replied. “I’m here scarlet No. 48 jersey hangs on one wall. letics director of indoor facilities. “We good to go for tryouts.

On another wall are nearly a dozen promoted him to student supervisor; A day after his tryout, Hittle was to try out.” handwritten notes from student-athhe was a self-starter, he was a leader — sitting in his American literature class The rest is history. letes, expressing their gratitude for he led the crew, and he could manage at 11:35 a.m. when he received an +LWWOH¶V FRQ¿GHQFH LQ KLPVHOI SDLG Hittle’s guidance over the years. the crew for you.” email.

He had made the cut.

R̆ LQ WKH IRUP RI D ZDON RQ VSRW ZLWK His current setup is a far cry from 2QFH +LWWOH KDG ¿QDOO\ FRQYLQFHG “It was just one of those things that the 2018 Buckeyes, and he hasn’t the janitorial job he took in 2017 to himself to try out for the Buckeyes, didn’t feel real,” Hittle said. looked back since. Seven years later, earn “spending money” and help him he ran into a roadblock: He forgot to But Hittle didn’t quit his custodial he’s the associate athletic director of pay tuition. turn in his mandatory paperwork and job just because he made the team. In Ohio State’s name, image and likeness “If I’m taking out the trash of a thought he had blown his chance of fact, he consistently went from practicDQG VWUDWHJLF LQLWLDWLYH H̆RUWV OHDGLQJ FRDFK¶V ṘFH RU DQ DGPLQLVWUDWRU RU making the team. es to cleaning shifts. and advising student-athletes in 36 Hittle went back to the recruiting “It tells you the kind of person he is; sports through the ever-changing col- a defensive coordinator, that’s like a 30-second opportunity every day to FRRUGLQDWRU¶V ṘFH DQG FRQIHVVHG KLV it tells you how driven he is; it tells you legiate athletics landscape. try and build a little bit of a relationmistake.

But he wasn’t told he was out how loyal and dedicated he is,” Perkins “I had the foresight that getting ship,” Hittle said. of luck.

Instead, he realized his detersaid. that job at the Woody and having the So, Hittle gave it his all every time mination as a facilities worker was beHittle’s lone snap as a member of chance to walk on was always bigger he stepped through the door, whether ing noticed. the Buckeye football team came Sept. than football,” Hittle said. “It was alKH ZDV VZHHSLQJ ÀRRUV PRYLQJ WDEOHV “Certain people, I know who they 21, 2019, when Ohio State led Miami ways going to lead to the opportunity cleaning toilets or taking out trash. are,” Hodges said.

“He didn’t have to (OH) 76-5 in a torrential downpour. to work in college athletics, hopefully “Logan was great; he was proba¿OO RXW V ´ at Ohio State, but at least somewhere.”

Hittle had Hodges’ trust already, HITTLE continues on Page 9 +LWWOH¶V ṘFH VLWV RQ WKH ¿IWK ÀRRU RI bly one of the best students we’ve ever had,” said Sean Perkins, assistant athand that following Wednesday, he was the Fawcett Center, where his framed,

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HITTLE continued from Page 8 Before the game was called early by mutual consent, Hittle and the other walk-ons were put into the game.

“It was a cool moment to be out there with guys who are in similar situations as you,” Hittle said. “There were probably 300 people in the stands. It was probably all of our parents.”

Hittle spent two years on the football team and graduated in December 2019. Soon after, he sat down with then-athletic director Gene Smith and asked him about working in collegiate athletics.

“Leave, get out of here,” Smith said to Hittle. “You can always come back, but go get experience somewhere else to help build your resume.”

Hittle left for the University of Tennessee to serve as a graduate assistant for the school’s football program, helping the Volunteers plan academic

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schedules, track educational progress and schedule tutors and mentoring sessions.

A year later, Hittle got a call from Melissa McGhee, director of student-athlete development at Ohio 6WDWH ZKR R̆HUHG KLP WKH UROH RI DVVRciate director.

“It was a no-brainer,” Hittle said. “I wanted to be at Ohio State anyway. It was incredible because what Gene had VDW LQ KLV ṘFH DQG WROG PH FDPH WUXH ´ As Hittle began his new job back in Columbus, NIL initiatives started to gain steam in the wider world of college sports.

Carey Hoyt, executive associate athletic director of sport administration and student-athlete development at Ohio State, oversaw the athletic deSDUWPHQW¶V 1,/ H̆RUWV 6KH DVNHG +LWtle to read through related articles and review potential vendors with whom the program could connect.

Thursday, April 10, 2025 | The Lantern | 9

As more and more schools began KLULQJ 1,/ GLUHFWRUV +LWWOH R̆HUHG WR ṘFLDOO\ WDNH RQ WKH UROH DW 2KLR 6WDWH a position he assumed in 2022.

“He is elite in so many ways,” Hoyt said about Hittle. “In the space that we’re in, and NIL and the responsibilities that he has, I don’t know that everyone could handle them. It’s very fast-paced, changes quickly, high-pressure, high-stakes, and he handles it like a pro.”

In his role, Hittle completes a multitude of tasks, whether it’s educating student-athletes on brand building, talking to potential donors about how they can collaborate with student-athletes, researching how jersey sales impact Ohio State and its athletes or pitching why Columbus is the best place for a new recruit.

“I had no idea where it was going, but knew that I was willing to take the opportunity to learn and grow with the

COURTESY OF LOGAN HITTLE

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space,” Hittle said. “I’m so fortunate because this NIL space has allowed me, as a young professional, to develop exponentially fast.”

Hittle said he has helped facilitate more than 5,500 NIL deals and works closely with Ohio State’s 1,100 student-athletes, as well as coaches, administrators, brands, donors, alumni, fans, agents and parents.

“Anybody that interacts with him externally — whether it’s a brand or another professional in Columbus, a donor — everybody is just so impressed with him, and people go out of their way to take note of how special he is,” Hoyt said.

Hittle’s quick rise in the athletics administration landscape was not a surprise to Hoyt, Athletic Director Ross Bjork or Hodges, who is now the associate director of player personnel for Alabama football.

“Certain people have traits that you can consistently see them climbing,” Hodges said. “And he’s one of those people that I saw those traits when he was changing trash, I saw it when he became a player, even after I left, and I see it now in his ability to navigate NIL.” Bjork agreed.

“I’ve been so impressed with his talent, his organization, his calmness,” Bjork said. “He’s in a high-pressure environment around the NIL world, and you can’t get too high or too low with his steadiness, and calmness and organization; he puts people at ease.”

1RZ +LWWOH VDLG HYHU\ GD\ LV GL̆HUent as he continues to gain diverse experience in the college administration realm. Looking forward, he said he can see himself becoming an athletic director someday, or even the CEO of a company adjacent to college athletics.

Even so, Hittle isn’t worried about the future — he’s focused on the present.

“One of my favorite quotes I have on my wall is, ‘Keep your vision solid, EXW \RXU SODQV ÀXLG ¶´ +LWWOH VDLG ³8Otimately, that endpoint and how you want to feel has to stay consistent, but how you’re gonna get there isn’t always going to be a straight line.”

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Thursday, April 10, 2025 | The Lantern | 10

Opinion: C.J. Hicks poised to strengthen Ohio State’s defensive line with transition from linebacker in 2025 %\ 6DP %HFNHU Lantern Reporter

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hen a highly touted prospect comes to Ohio State, it’s not uncommon for their career to follow a prescribed path.

Typically, freshmen are expected WR VKRZ ÀDVKHV RI SRWHQWLDO LQ OLPLWed playing time. By the time they enter their sophomore and junior years, however, it’s time for them to consistently produce.

But for C.J. Hicks, perhaps a career at Ohio State is not as simple as being a bust or star player.

7KH IRUPHU ¿YH VWDU UHFUXLW ² ZKR was ranked as the No. 10 player nationally in the 2022 class, according to 247 6SRUWV ² KDV QRW RQO\ VWUXJJOHG WR ¿QG VLJQL¿FDQW SOD\LQJ WLPH DW 2KLR 6WDWH but also his true position on the team. ,Q KLV ¿UVW WKUHH VHDVRQV +LFNV played linebacker. Now, as a senior in KH¶V KRSLQJ WR ¿QG KLV IRUHYHU home at defensive end and contribute to the Buckeyes in a big way.

When Hicks was coming out of Archbishop Alter High School in Dayton, Ohio, his athleticism and talent were never in question. In high school, he played linebacker, wide receiver, running back, and he also ran track.

But his skill set hasn’t quite clicked at Ohio State.

For Hicks, this struggle can be chalked up to a mix of coaching turnover and being stuck behind established starters. He was originally recruited by former linebacker coach Al Washington, who left Columbus for 1RWUH 'DPH MXVW ¿YH GD\V DIWHU +LFNV enrolled at Ohio State.

Defensive coordinator Jim Knowles then served as Hicks’ linebacker coach for the 2022 and 2023 seasons, followed by James Laurinaitis, who remains in the role. Knowles has since left for Penn State and was replaced by new defensive coordinator Matt Patricia in February.

Before Patricia’s arrival, Hicks had been trying to earn playing time at a position dominated by veteran starters like Steele Chambers, Tommy Eichenberg and Cody Simon. Sonny Styles also switched to linebacker last season, which further cut into Hicks’ opportunity.

The situation seemed to reach a frustrating point last season for Hicks, as rumblings emerged of his potential frustration with his role and lack of playing time.

Many fans even speculated that Hicks would enter the transfer portal.

But Hicks didn’t leave the program, DQG QRZ KH ZLOO ¿QDOO\ JHW KLV FKDQFH on the edge. And the early returns, albeit in spring practice, have been encouraging.

“He’s done an outstanding job thus far,” defensive line coach Larry Johnson said.

“He’s bought into what we’re doing, and I think that’s the key, when a guy buys in [and] is like, ‘This is what I want to do.’”

Laurinaitis said he knew Hicks’ potential could be maximized with Patricia — a historically high-quality developer of players — as soon as he was hired.

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was [Hicks],” Laurinaitis said.

The relationship between the new defensive coordinator and the new edge rusher has been WKH ¿[-

ation of many ever since Patricia was pictured with his arm around Hicks on WKH ¿UVW GD\ RI VSULQJ SUDFWLFH For a player who has had to deal with so much coaching turnover, it just might be the last one who unlocks his true potential. And if anyone can help Hicks develop, it will be Patricia.

Patricia compared Hicks to hybrid-outside linebackers and defensive ends that he’s coached in the past, as they have similar skill sets and body frames.

Before landing in Columbus, Patricia was a Super Bowl-winning defensive coordinator for the New England Patriots and had a short stint as the head coach of the Detroit Lions.

Besides praise from coaches, the extendHG VWD̆ DOVR LPplicitly voiced its faith in Hicks as an edge rusher by not adding another one from the transfer portal, with the exception of Idaho State transfer Logan George.

This comes after the departure of two stars at the position, Jack Sawyer and JT Tuimoloau.

Because of this, Hicks will undoubtedly have a role on the 2025 Ohio State defensive line, as well as a valuable chance to make a true impact from the jump.

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Thursday, April 10, 2025 | The Lantern | 11

CHECK OUT WHAT’S NEW ON LANTERN TV Ohio State Football Team Celebrates Student Appreciation Day Rain, snow or shine, Buckeye Nation always finds a way to support Ohio State sports, and they did just that Saturday afternoon at the 10th Student Appreciation Day.

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“Best part is this right here,” Brandon Inniss said. “Getting to interact with the fans and stuff like that.They came out here to watch us. So, it’s just us giving back time right now.”

Buckeyes 2 Watch: Three Freshman to look out for this season Enjoy spotlights on some of the top recruits joining the Ohio State Football team for the 2025-26 season.

From five-star quarterback Tavien St. Clair to standout cornerback Devin Sanchez and wide receiver Quincy Porter.

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Thursday, April 10, 2025 | The Lantern | 12

The making of a new freshman phenom: Devin Sanchez embraces the climb at Ohio State %\ -DFN 'LZLN Lantern Reporter

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ast season, Jeremiah Smith lit the FROOHJH IRRWEDOO ZRUOG RQ ¿UH DV D true freshman, rewriting record books DQG UHGH¿QLQJ ZKDW D ¿UVW \HDU SOD\HU can accomplish at Ohio State.

Now, Buckeye fans have their eyes on another rising talent — cornerback Devin Sanchez.

Like Smith, Sanchez is hoping to PDNH DQ LPPHGLDWH LPSDFW LQ KLV ¿UVW year wearing scarlet and gray.

“What [Smith] did last year as a true freshman — being able to impact the team like that — obviously, I want that for myself,” Sanchez said. “I’m going to push myself to the limit and try WR EH RQ WKH ¿HOG >LQ@ \HDU RQH ² WKDW¶V the biggest reason I came here.”

The 18-year-old Houston native is the latest addition to Ohio State’s prestigious “Best in America” lineage of deIHQVLYH EDFNV $ ¿YH VWDU SURVSHFW DQG the No. 1 cornerback in the nation, according to 247 Sports, Sanchez arrived in Columbus with sky-high expectations.

But unlike Smith, who burst onto the scene from day one, Sanchez’s ascent might be more of a slow burn — a SURFHVV GH¿QHG E\ SDWLHQFH GHYHORSment and earning his place in one of the most competitive position groups in the country.

For Sanchez, the main challenge of transitioning to college from high school — where he said he’s “been the man” for three years — will be starting from scratch once again.

Still, he’s no stranger to earning his stripes. At North Shore High School — a national powerhouse that regularly ranked among the top 15 teams in the country during Sanchez’s tenure — he KDG WR ¿JKW KLV ZD\ XS WKH GHSWK FKDUW before becoming one of the most dominant corners in the United States.

“I think my history is repeating itself,” Sanchez said. “When I went into high school, I was at the bottom and

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had to work my way up. I’m at the bottom here, so I [have] to work my way up to the top.”

With a crowded cornerback room led by veterans like Davison Igbinosun, Jermaine Matthews Jr. and Lorenzo Styles Jr., Sanchez is likely slotted as the No. 4 corner heading into the spring game. Nevertheless, head coach Ryan Day said the freshman’s diligent approach is exactly what the Buckeyes want to see.

“He’s out there competing, and he’s doing some good things,” Day said.

“He’s also making some mistakes, and learning from that and growing. [Sanchez] has the right mindset and just needs to continue to get reps under his belt and grow from it.”

Co-defensive coordinator and cornerbacks coach Tim Walton — a key ¿JXUH LQ EULQJLQJ 6DQFKH] WR 2KLR State — echoed Day’s emphasis on balancing expectations with development.

“I don’t ever like to put expectations on guys; I like to let them go play,” Walton said. “But he’s doing well. He’s SLFNLQJ VWX̆ XS +H¶V PDNLQJ VRPH SOD\V %XW KH VWLOO KDV VRPH VWX̆ WR learn. We’re pleased with his progression so far.”

Regardless of the cornerback room, IDQ EX]] RU KLV ¿YH VWDU ODEHO 6DQFKH] knows nothing is just given at Ohio State. His focus isn’t on the hype, but rather on earning everything he de-

serves.

“Anybody can say, ‘Oh, he’s going to play this year,’ but I actually gotta prove it,” Sanchez said. “I just gotta come out here, work and earn that spot.”

It may not happen overnight, but Sanchez is betting on himself — and if history indeed repeats itself, it won’t be long before he climbs from the bottom and stakes his claim as the next breakout star in Columbus.

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