COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — Ohio State is set to begin its quest for back-to-back national championships as spring football kicks off next Monday. The Buckeyes will wrap up their spring practices with the annual spring showcase on April 12 at Ohio Stadium.
Head coach Ryan Day will hold a news conference around 10 a.m. on Friday to outline the team’s preparations for the spring season. Fans can watch Day’s remarks live in the video player above.
The spring season comes nearly two months after Ohio State captured its ninth national championship, defeating Notre Dame 34-23 in Atlanta on January 20. The Buckeyes’ title run capped off the first 12-team playoff, which included victories over Tennessee at Ohio Stadium, Oregon in the Rose Bowl, and Texas in the Cotton Bowl.
Since the championship game, the Buckeyes have undergone significant roster and coaching changes. Fifteen players have moved on to the NFL draft, while star receiver Jeremiah Smith and safety Caleb Downs lead the group of returning talent.
Day’s coaching staff will have a new look, featuring two-time Super Bowl champion Matt Patricia as defensive coordinator, replacing Jim Knowles, who is now at Penn State. On offense, co-coordinators Brian Hartline and Keenan Bailey will take the reins following their promotions after the national title win and the departure of Chip Kelly to the NFL’s Las Vegas Raiders.
Ohio State will begin its national title defense on August 30 with a highly anticipated rematch against Texas at Ohio Stadium, a replay of their Cotton Bowl clash. The Buckeyes aim to join Georgia as the only program to win back-to-back championships in the College Football Playoff era.
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