The Lantern — Spring Game Edition 2026

Thursday April 16th, 2026

THE LANTERN

The independent student voice of Ohio State University since 1881.

Issue 24, Year 145.

Spring Game Edition 2026

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Ohio State offensive line leans on experience, versatility after Cotton Bowl collapse

Gabe Eaker Sports Senior Writer

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hen Ohio State left the field at AT&T Stadium following its Cotton Bowl loss to Miami, the story of the defeat was clear. Protection.

By the time Miami quarterback Carson Beck kneeled as the clock expired, he had not only led the Hurricanes to the second round of the College Foot-

ball Playoffs and sent the Buckeyes home.

He had done so almost untouched.

Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin, meanwhile, faced a season-high 22 pressures from the Hurricanes’ pass rush, which was ultimately the deciding factor for the Buckeyes season to come to a crashing end.

Whether due to injuries, poor blocking or facing projected firstround picks defensive lineman Rueben Bain Jr. and Akheem Mesidor, Ohio State had to SANDRA FU | MANAGING PHOTO EDITOR reassess where its unit stood in the spring.

Miami defensive lineman Akheem Mesidor (3) sacks Ohio State redshirt freshman quarterback Julian Sayin (10) on Dec. 31, 2025. The No. 2 Buckeyes lost to the No. 10 Miami With a blend of promising young talent Hurricanes 24-14 at the Cotton Bowl in Arlington, Texas. and four starters redeparture of right guard Tegra Tshabouts, Ohio State’s offensive line depth turning, the Buckeyes’ ola who transferred to Kentucky. will be tested. offensive line is projected to be one of “When you see guys really step up Redshirt freshman Carter Lowe and the top units in the country heading and play really well in year four and redshirt sophomore Ian Moore are into the 2026-27 season. five, it’s typically because of all those expected to take on larger roles this “When you have a veteran offensive things, the number of reps, the accuspring, competing for playing time as line, typically you’re able to adjust mulation of these games starts to show the Buckeyes search for their best five things quickly, and guys are able to up,” Day said. linemen. sustain throughout a season,” head Many Buckeye offensive linemen “Not only are they playing for depth, coach Ryan Day said. “We’re countcan play both guard and tackle, a verbut they’re playing for starting posiing on these guys to continue to get satility few teams have in the transfer tions, everything is on the board,” Day better, but also having that experience portal era. said.

“The more guys we have that can count.”

Left tackle Siereveld, right tackle play, the more we’re going to put them When it comes to the trenches, exDaniels and guard Joshua Padilla all into the game.” perience is king. have experience playing at both tackle And as spring ball comes to an end The 2025 Indiana Hoosiers’ offenand guard, something that is valuable and the season approaches, the unit is sive line, composed of three juniors as the season progresses. playing with a “pissed off” mentality, and two seniors, powered a 16-0 “We’ll try to find the best five the fueled by a standard it knows it failed championship run while leading the best we can,” Day said.

“And all we can to meet in Dallas.

Big Ten with 212.9 rushing yards per do is just keep practicing every day “I think this season is going to be game. and evaluate what we have,” a great opportunity to kind of show This year, the Buckeyes follow a With projected starting tackles Sierwhat we have, maybe rewrite some similar blueprint, returning four of eveld and Daniels sidelined in spring of our wrongs we had this last year,” their five starters ­— Phillip Daniels, ball following “minor procedures” and Hinzman said.

Austin Siereveld, Carson Hinzman and not expected back until summer workLuke Montgomery ­— save for the lone

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Former Ohio State players challenge narrative on athlete academics

Reilly Cahill Sports Senior Writer

This story was originally published on March 25, 2026 and was updated for the Spring Game Edition.

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ormer Ohio State wide receiver Mylan Graham made news when he transferred to Notre Dame in January.

He gained even more attention a month later when he was asked the difference in his class experiences between his former and current schools.

“You just have to actually go [to class] in person, just stuff like that,” Graham said. “At Notre Dame, obviously, everybody knows how it is with academics.”

Former Buckeye linebacker Steele Chambers and 2023 Ohio State graduate pushed back on X. “I’ve got about $500 worth of parking tickets and lingering carpal tunnel that says otherwise. We had to go to class #Buckeyes,” Chambers posted.

At the center of the debate is a broader question about what it means to be a student-athlete at Ohio State, an experience former Buckeyes said is shaped by personal choices, demanding schedules and institutional support systems.

Chambers, who graduated with a degree in finance, said it was Graham’s decision not to go to in-person classes at Ohio State.

“You can schedule however you want, so you could probably be 100% in person now or do 100% online, it’s kind of your preference,” Chambers said. “If he’s saying that he didn’t have to go to class, that’s because he chose not to go to class. He’s probably doing all online, or he’s just skipping.”

Paris Johnson Jr., who graduated from Ohio State in 2022 with a degree in journalism before becoming a 2023 first-round pick for the Arizona Cardinals, thought taking classes in person enhanced his Ohio State experience.

He estimated that 80% of his classes were in person.

“It was probably the best decision home to do homework. a lot of late nights helping us, tutoring I could have made being in person, Williams said he was helped by us.” because otherwise if you’re a football the Student-Athlete Support Service While the Buckeyes were commitplayer or any other sport and you’re Office, which is tasked with supporting ted to on-field success, they were also purely online like a lot of kids nowaall student-athletes with their academ- focused on academic achievement. days are, it’s like you’re missing out on ic engagement, including time manChambers, Johnson and Williams all the college experience,” Johnson said. agement, tutoring and organizational earned Academic All-Big Ten Confer“You’re almost employed to just play structure. ence honors while at Ohio State. football and go home.”

“The SASSO department pretty During the 2023-24 academic year, Chambers said that for other playmuch runs our academics, so they’re Ohio State had a 1,000 Academic ers, like former wide receiver Marvin the ones that keep tabs on everything,” Progress Rate score, which was the Harrison Jr., online classes can be Williams said. “If we miss anything, highest in Division 1 football for the beneficial to avoid disruptions. they’re the ones that are telling coach second straight year. The APR mea“At that point [Harrison Jr.] should [Ryan] Day and our position coach, sures student-athlete’s eligibility and probably take a few online classes and they’re going to be on us pretty retention. because he’s not going to get anything hard. They don’t mess around with For former Buckeyes, the classroom done whenever half the class is trying that stuff; we’ve got to stay on top of experience ultimately came down to to ask for your autograph or someeverything.” accountability, not accommodation— thing,” Chambers said.

Williams said he doesn’t think the no matter how demanding the schedFormer players described that SASSO department gets enough credit ule or how high-profile the athlete. during the in-season autumn semesfor the help it provides student-ath“When it’s due at midnight, [Carter, their schedule consisted of mornletes. men] Canvas doesn’t care who you ing classes and afternoon practice.

“It’s not an easy job,” Williams said. are,” Johnson said.

“Some days we’d have workouts “They spend a lot of hours with us and early in the morning, if not, we’ve got class scheduled between 8 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., so we could have classes anytime between that period,” Chambers said.

“Once it got to 1:30 p.m., we couldn’t have any more classes because we practiced at 2:30 p.m.”

Kourt Williams II, a 2023 communication graduate of Ohio State, said his in-season daily routine on practice days would have him waking up at 5 a.m. to get to the Woody Hayes Athletic Center to eat and do rehab before having classes from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

After lunch he would go back to the team’s facilMACKENZIE SHANKLIN | LANTERN FILE PHOTO ity for practice at 2 p.m.

Around 6 p.m. he would Ohio State then-sophomore offensive lineman Paris Johnson Jr. (77) gives fans high fives as he walks out of the stadium. have tutoring or head

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Opinion: It’s time for Ohio State to remove Les Wexner’s name and uphold its values Jack Diwik Managing Sports Editor

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s a kid growing up in Columbus, I heard people talk about Woody Hayes like he was a myth. They mentioned the five national championships, the 16 wins over Michigan and the dominance of the early 1970s.

But more than anything, they talked about his character.

That legacy is etched into the walls of Ohio State’s football facility, where Hayes’ name represents tradition, pride and everything the program claims to be.

But just beneath it, there’s another name: Les Wexner.

Unlike Hayes, what that name represents is far more complicated.

The contrast highlights a deeper failure on Ohio State’s part to reconcile the people it chooses to honor with the values it claims to represent.

As scrutiny surrounding Wexner has grown, his continued presence on the university’s most visible program has become harder to justify.

Wexner’s impact on Ohio State is undeniable. His financial contributions helped shape the modern campus, including the football facility that now bears his name, a decision approved by the Board of Trustees in 2007 in recognition of decades of donations and service.

But a legacy is not built on money alone.

In recent years, Wexner’s name has become closely connected to his relationship with convicted pedophile Jeffrey Epstein. The disgraced financier served for years as Wexner’s financial manager and was granted power of attorney in 1991, giving him sweeping control over Wexner’s finances, properties and business affairs.

Court filings and reporting have

also detailed how Epstein exerted significant influence over Wexner’s personal and professional life.

Wexner has denied knowledge of Epstein’s crimes, but their connection cannot be denied, and it has reshaped how many view his place in the public eye.

The university is still grappling with fallout from abuse committed by former team doctor Richard Strauss, accused by hundreds of former students of sexual misconduct spanning nearly two decades. Lawsuits tied to the case are ongoing, raising questions about institutional accountability and how long it took those in power to act.

That history is a reminder that universities are not judged only by their traditions, but by how they respond when those traditions are challenged.

Which brings Ohio State back to the present.

WEXNER continues on page 6.

LIAM AHERN | SPORTS PHOTO EDITOR

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Roundtable: Past, present and future Lantern sports editors break down Ohio State’s 2026 outlook

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ootball will return to Ohio Stadium on Saturday as Team Scarlet faces Team Gray in Ohio State’s annual spring game, offering the first live look at the Buckeyes ahead of the 2026 season.

While the spring game will not necessarily quench fans’

thirst for meaningful football, it provides a glimpse of what is to come once the calendar turns to August.

Ahead of the game, Lantern sports editors from the past, present and future came together to discuss four topics surrounding Ohio State’s 2026-27 football season.

SANDRA FU | MANAGING PHOTO EDITOR

Jack Diwik (current Lantern Sports Editor) What will be the biggest difference from last year’s team?

Sam Cipriani (Buckeye Sports Bulletin/Lantern Sports Editor 2024-25) What will Ohio State’s identity be in 2026?

While the Buckeyes’ identity in 2025 stemmed from their defense, which finished No. 1 in the FBS in both total and scoring defense under first-year defensive coordinator Matt Patricia, the Reilly Cahill (incoming Lantern For the past seven years, Day has departure of eight defensive starters Sports Editor) been the mastermind behind Ohio from last year’s roster could lead to a Why Ohio State can win the national State’s offensive game plan. While he shift in identity for the 2026 squad. championship: Returning production has gone through three offensive coorOhio State’s offense is likely to once and new offensive leadership dinators during his tenure, two — Kevin again be one of the best in the country, Wilson and Brian Hartline — have been returning all but its starting right guard Ohio State returns most of its core internal hires, and one — Chip Kelly — Andy Anders (Eleven Warriors/ offensive pieces, and most importantly, was someone Day knew from his college Tegra Tshebola, tight end Max Klare and No. 2 wide receiver Carnell Tate.

Lantern Sports Editor 2019-20) it returns arguably the best player in days at New Hampshire.

After ranking just 26th in total offense Who is Ohio State’s biggest X-factor the country in wide receiver Jeremiah That is not the case with newly hired and 21st in scoring offense last season, in 2026?

Smith. offensive coordinator Arthur Smith. the unit could reach new heights.

Pair that with quarterback Julian Known for his run-scheme expertise, Day also brought in offensive coorThe biggest X-factor for Ohio State Sayin returning, along with one of the Arthur Smith will be the yin to Day’s dinator Arthur Smith this offseason this season is tackle Ian Moore. Offen- most experienced offensive line groups prolific passing attack, which has finto stabilize an offense that put up 24 sive linemen can be overlooked in these in the country, and the Buckeyes have a ished top four in the conference in each combined points in the final two weeks conversations — we typically think of shot to beat anybody in the country. of his seven seasons as head coach. of Brian Hartline’s tenure.

X-factors as exciting playmakers — but With an offensive line returning four Led by Heisman finalist quarterback he could be a piece that quietly elevates Why Ohio State can’t win the nation- starters and sophomore running backs Julian Sayin and unanimous All-Amerthe Buckeyes’ entire offense. al championship: Defensive losses and Bo Jackson and Isaiah West primed ican wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, It’s no secret that the offensive line is schedule difficulty to take a leap, look for the Buckeyes’ along with an offensive line boasting coming off a bitterly disappointing end rushing attack — which ranked ninth in to the 2025 season. Ten combined sacks The bad news is that while Ohio State the Big Ten last season — to drastically significant continuity, Ohio State is positioned to become a more balanced, were allowed in the two losses that can beat anybody in the country, it also improve under Smith’s direction. and potentially offense-driven team. ended Ohio State’s campaign. Rather faces one of the toughest schedules in Rather than forcing a run game that than add potential starters through the the country. struggled to find a rhythm in 2025, transfer portal, however, the Buckeyes The Buckeyes will face six teams that another year of development up front, are banking on the veteran experience finished in last season’s final AP Top 25 paired with emerging sophomores Bo of their front five and aiming for a few poll, including road games against TexJackson and Isaiah West, could unlock other linemen to take the next step. as and defending national champion a complementary rushing attack.

Moore tops the list of those linemen.

Indiana, along with a matchup against Defensively, some regression is exWhile Phillip Daniels is back after Michigan in Ohio Stadium. pected after last season’s elite producstarting at right tackle for the BuckIn addition to navigating that tion, but another year under Patricia eyes in 2025, it was an inconsistent schedule, Ohio State must replace should help stabilize a unit undergoing season for him overall, and, to me, his seven defensive starters, including significant turnover.

With a mix of ceiling just isn’t as high as Moore’s at Arvell Reese, Caleb Downs, Sonny returning contributors and transfers the position. Daniels lacks the feet and Styles and Kayden McDonald, who are such as safeties Earl Little Jr. and Terry seems technically limited. If Moore can all projected first-round NFL Draft Moore, linebacker Christian Alliegro rise and claim the right tackle position picks. and defensive linemen James Smith, from him, as Ryan Day has very much In the College Football Playoff era, no John Walker and Qua Russaw, the SANDRA FU | MANAGING PHOTO EDITOR left the door open for, it’s a sign that team has reached the playoff with three Buckeyes will be tasked with forming a the much-maligned right side of Ohio regular-season losses.

Ohio State sophomore wideout Jernew identity rather than replicating last State’s offensive line can be better in emiah Smith (4) catches a deep ball year’s dominance.

2026. from quarterback Julian Sayin.

Ohio State sophomore Carnell Tate (17) and senior running back TreVeyon Henderson (32) celebrating.

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Spring game signals return of game-day traditions, social scene fewer stakes on the field and a full lineup of bars and house parties, students and local businesses alike embrace the day as a celebration, regardless of the score.

“It’s definitely more about going out than the game,” fourthyear in environment, economy, development and sustainability Anthony Zelinskas said. “I would say it’s the best day of spring semester.”

While attendance inside the stadium can vary, the energy PHOTO COURTESY OF HOLLY NADINIC outside it remains The Chittenden Avenue street sign. consistent. Students often treat the spring Liv Rinaldi game less like a sportSports Editor ing event and more like a tradition — an opportunity to gather with friends, ith Saturday’s spring game enjoy the weather and participate in a approaching, excitement around familiar game-day atmosphere withOhio State’s campus is building, but out the pressure of a regular-season not necessarily for the football. matchup.

For students, the annual spring “The vibes on campus and right off game signals more than just the campus is what makes spring block return of football — it marks one of special,” third-year in aerospace engithe first major social weekends of neering Evan Kneer said. the semester. With warmer weather,

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“It’s finally nice weather and you get to go out just like a football game in the fall,” Zelinskas added. “The frats all throw and the bars are packed.”

For many, the appeal lies in what the spring game represents.

After months of winter and a quieter campus, the day signals a shift for the student body. It’s the long-awaited return of warmer weather, longer days and outdoor social life.

The football game becomes secondary to the atmosphere surrounding it, as students take advantage of one of the first major spring weekends.

“Even though it’s not the first day with nice weather and it won’t be the last, it’s like the first snow in winter,” Kneer said. “People are outside from dawn to dusk enjoying the weather and tradition.”

That shift in atmosphere is felt just as strongly along North High Street.

Local bar owners brace for crowds that resemble a fall Saturday, as the celebration surrounding the game draws students regardless of what happens on the field.

“There’s nothing like the atmosphere of an OSU gameday, and when you get to recreate that at all of the incredible bars on campus in the spring, it’s really special,” Quinn Allen, owner of The Library Bar, said.

Many establishments adjust staffing,

specials and hours in anticipation of increased foot traffic, capitalizing on the overlap between sports culture and campus nightlife.

“We staff heavier for the daytime, especially on the patio at The Library,” Allen said. “Night time is business as usual, always a long line, so we are used to operating at maximum capacity.”

While the atmosphere mirrors fall game days, the stakes and students’ priorities look different.

Students across campus are preparing for the annual “Chitt Fest,” a street festival on Chittenden Avenue, as well as fraternity parties known as “spring block.”

“I think we’ll wake up early, maybe not as early as a Michigan home game but early enough so we can pregame block,” Zelinskas said. “Then we’ll probably grab food and recover before going out later.”

Even without a traditional opponent, the spring game maintains its place on the calendar — not just as a Buckeye football event, but as a signal of the season.

“While the football game is interesting to me, it’s hard to section out such a big portion of such an exciting day just to be at the game,” Kneer said.

Why removing Wexner’s name is necessary Continued from page 4.

As of Feb. 25, more than 300 requests have been submitted through the university’s naming review process calling for Wexner’s name to be removed from campus buildings, according to prior Lantern reporting.

Why hasn’t it happened?

The university is not contractually bound to keep Wexner’s name on the football facility. The decision to rename the complex ultimately rests with Ohio State.

Ohio State football is not just another part of the university. It is the front porch. It is where the university

showcases its identity, and the names attached to it reflect that identity.

Right now, that message is hard to reconcile.

Hayes should be honored. Wexner should not.

What is holding the university back?

Is it loyalty to a donor who has given more than $200 million, or the reality that Wexner’s financial legacy is still tied to Ohio State’s future?

If money is part of the calculation, it means the issue is about leverage, not legacy.

At some point, though, the question becomes simpler: What does Ohio State stand for?

Honoring someone in the present is not passive. It is a choice that reflects what the university values and what it is willing to defend.

Wexner’s contributions will always be part of Ohio State’s history. That does not change. But the standard for recognition can.

For generations, people in Columbus have pointed to Hayes as a standard for winning and character, for what it means to represent Ohio State the right way.

The question now is whether every name attached to Ohio State meets that same standard.

DANIEL BUSH | CAMPUS PHOTO EDITOR

Wexner protesters in February 2026.

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Opinion: Ohio State’s spring game often comes with false expectations

Sam Becker Lantern Reporter

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y spring, the Ohio State football community is starved for anything resembling football. As a result, the Ohio State spring game draws an unusual amount of attention compared with other programs across the country.

Ohio State spring games have previously drawn more than 100,000 fans, creating early hype around players among the Buckeyes’ ravenous fan base.

While the early glimpse can occasionally hint at future stars, more often than not, the spring game creates false hope about players who may

never become impactful.

With Ohio State’s spring game set for Saturday, fans should take the results with a grain of salt.

In recent years, several “spring game stars” have gone on to play insignificant roles in Ohio State’s longterm plans.

In 2022, Kye Stokes became the first freshman to lose his black stripe, earning his official entry into the Ohio State brotherhood. Shortly after, he recorded two pass breakups and nine tackles in the spring game.

Stokes then received widespread praise from fans and pundits, despite

most recruiting services labeling him a middling prospect. Some were quick to compare him to Denzel Burke, who became Ohio State’s No. 1 cornerback as a freshman.

Stokes went on to record 12 tackles in 11 games across two seasons before transferring to Cincinnati and later Utah State.

While Stokes represents one version of spring game disappointment, another archetype is just as frustrating: the spring game standout who becomes a late bloomer.

The issue with spring game hype is that it can lead fans to believe young players are more developed than they truly are.

New faces generate excitement, and after seeing the production of a freshman like Jeremiah Smith, fans can become impatient.

No example better illustrates this than Jack Sawyer.

Unlike Stokes, Sawyer arrived at Ohio State as a highly touted recruit, ranked alongside former stars such as Joey and Nick Bosa and Chase Young. The expectations were already high.

Those expectations grew after Sawyer starred in the 2021 spring game, recording LIAM AHERN | SPORTS PHOTO EDITOR three sacks in Long-snapper-turned-place-holder John Ferlmann (43) gets the ball down in time for kicker the first half.

Jayden Fielding (38) to complete the extra point at last year’s spring game on April 12, 2025.

Combined

with strong praise from coaches and teammates, the performance elevated him to expectations of becoming Ohio State’s next premier defensive end almost immediately.

Instead, Sawyer spent his first two seasons as a solid rotational player, and his development was often viewed as a disappointment. In hindsight, his career will be remembered more positively, but early expectations fueled by the spring game led to unfair criticism.

The final reason to temper spring game hype has become more relevant in recent years.

In today’s college football landscape, with the transfer portal and name, image and likeness opportunities, there is no guarantee a spring game standout will remain at Ohio State.

From 2016 through 2018, Joe Burrow earned consistent praise for his spring game performances while competing for playing time behind J.T. Barrett and later for the starting job.

Burrow was widely respected by coaches and teammates, and each performance increased confidence in his potential as Ohio State’s future starter.

He never started for the Buckeyes.

Instead, Burrow transferred to LSU, where he won the Heisman Trophy, a national championship and became the No. 1 overall pick in the 2020 NFL draft.

Situations like Burrow’s have contributed to some programs reevaluating the spring game format. Nebraska coach Matt Rhule said he canceled the team’s spring game due to concerns about tampering following the program’s scrimmage the previous year.

In each case, the outcome is similar.

Whether it leads to misplaced expectations, delayed development narratives or player departures, spring game hype often creates more harm than clarity.

And in the end, the ones most affected are the fans who crowned those spring game stars in the first place.

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