COLUMBUS, Ohio – The title defense is this fall, but you can watch the national champion Ohio State Buckeyes for free in their annual spring game today – Saturday, April 12 – at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio.
The Scarlet (offense) vs. Gray (defense) game will take place at 12 p.m. Eastern and be televised on the Big Ten Network. If you don’t have cable, you can always take advantage of a free streaming trial from DirecTV Stream or FuboTV.
There are also promotional offers from Sling TV. NOTE: In order to watch the Big Ten Network on Sling TV, you’ll need to add the Sports Extra package to Sling Blue or the combined Sling Orange & Blue plan.
Streaming serviceMonthly PriceFree trial LengthDiscountDirecTV Stream$74.99Yes5-dayNoFuboTV$84.99Yes5-dayNoSling TV$45.99NoN/AHalf off first month
The Buckeyes won the first-ever 12 team College Football Playoff, defeating the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, 34-23, in the national championship game. It was their ninth national title in program history.
After a massive roster turnover, which includes some of the coaching staff, the Buckeyes have adapted to their new roles with 14 spring practices. This is the last chance to catch a glimpse of the team until they return to camp in August.
The coaches
Head coach Ryan Day anchors the sidelines with a 70-10 overall coaching record and his first national championship under his belt. He has lost four straight times against Michigan as the Wolverines continue to seek their teeth into the rivalry. Hiring Matt Patricia was the biggest offseason move. He replaced Jim Knowles as defensive coordinator after he fled to Penn State following their national championship victory. Cornerbacks coach Tim Walton was promoted to co-defensive coordinator. Wide receivers coach Brian Hartline has been elevated to offensive coordinator while Matt Guerrieri has jumped to pass game coordinator.
The Quarterbacks
Quarterback is always a fascinating battle at Ohio State when they don’t have a proven starter returning. That is the case this season as former five-star Julian Sayin and Lincoln Keinholz continue to battle for the coveted starting role. Tavien St. Clair is also waiting in the wings, although he is taking time to adjust to the collegiate level.
The job isn’t won on a single series, but it will provide a sneak peek at the future signal caller running the show inside the Horseshoe.
Replacing thunder and lightning
Ohio State’s twin-headed rushing attack was the perfect complement to its offense last season with a combined 24 touchdowns and 2,076 yards.
With TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins both headed for the NFL Draft, Ohio State turns to James Peoples, who tallied 197 yards and two touchdowns across eight games last season.
CJ Donaldson, a West Virginia senior transfer, brings a proven track record to the mix, which includes 734 yards and 11 touchdowns last season. Ohio State’s rushing attack also touts younger pieces like Sam-Williams Dixon.
Zone 6
The Buckeyes once again tout the best wide receiver room in the country, led by superstar Jeremiah Smith (76 receptions, 1,315 yards and 15 touchdowns) and rising contributor Carnell Tate. Brandon Inniss, Bryson Rodgers and Mylan Graham are also expected to make noise this season.
BIA
Cornerback Davison Igbinosun returns while Jermaine Matthews Jr, Lorenzo Styles Jr., Aaron Scott Jr, Bryce West and highly regarded freshmen Devin Sanchez look to put themselves on the map in arguably the most talented cornerback room in the nation.
Seeing Ohio State’s receivers face their cornerbacks is easily one of the highlights of the spring game. It’s best on best in the same locker room.
The tight ends
The tight end position is one of the deepest in the field. Max Klare was the big catch of the offseason. He hauled in 51 receptions for 685 yards and four touchdowns on an abysmal Purdue team last season.
In addition to Klare, Ohio State also returns Will Kacmarek, Bennett Christian, Jelani Thurman and Max LeBlanc. There are a slew of scenarios for tight ends coach Keenen Bailey.
The defensive line
Defensive line is also a lingering question mark. The Buckeyes graduated four key players, including two supernova staples Jack Sawyer and JT Tuimoloau.
The fresh crop will consist of edge rushers Caden Curry and Kenyatta Jackson. The interior is bolstered by Eddrick Houston and Kayden McDonald. The depth of the defensive line could be a key storyline, especially with a monumental clash against Texas to open the season on Aug. 30.
Linebacker turned defensive end CJ Hicks is due for a breakout performance.
Replacing Lathan Ransom
Safety Lathan Ransom’s departure leaves a huge hole. Caleb Downs, arguably the best defensive player in the nation, returns to his usual spot, but who will anchor the other side? Malik Hartford and Jaylen McClain are the expected options.
Downs has been limited this spring. Expect Hartford and McClain to take a sizeable portion of first-team reps.
The offensive line
The offensive line was challenged with a slew of injuries last year. The Buckeyes lost right tackle Josh Fryar and left side pieces Josh Simmons, Zen Michalski and Donovan Jackson.
Rice transfer Ethan Onianwa is making first-team waves in the spring. Ian Moore also appears to have made his claim at right tackle. Minnesota transfer Phillip Daniels has seen a share of first-team reps as has Austin Siereveld, who played in all but one game last season.
The recruits
Ohio State is using the spring game as an opportunity to host a slew of top talent this weekend.
Player, Pos.SchoolRank (Pos.)StarsTyler Atkinson, LBGrayson (Ga.)No. 7 (No. 1)FiveFavour Akih, RBRutherford B. Hayes (Delaware, OH)No. 206 (No. 15)FourBlaine Bradford, SCatholic (Louisiana)No. 23 (No. 1)FiveDerrek Cooper, RBChaminade-Madonna (Florida)No. 36 (No. 2)FourSam Greer, OTArchbishop Hoban (Akron)No. 188 (No. 17)FourMaxwell Riley, OLAvon Lake (Avon)No. 114 (No. 9)FourTucker SmithSandra Day O’Connor (Az.)No. 818 (No. 72)ThreeNassir McCoy, SBuford (Ga.)No. 272 (No. 23)FourPeyton Falzone, QBNazareth (Pa.)No. 247 (No. 17)Four
What is the Ohio State football schedule in 2025?
- Aug. 30: Ohio State vs. Texas
- Sept. 6: Ohio State vs. Grambling
- Sept. 13: Ohio State vs. Ohio
- Sept. 27: Ohio State at Washington
- Oct. 4: Ohio State vs. Minnesota
- Oct. 11: Ohio State at Illinois
- Oct. 18: Ohio State at Wisconsin
- Nov. 1: Ohio State vs. Penn State
- Nov. 8: Ohio State at Purdue
- Nov. 15 Ohio State vs. UCLA
- Nov. 22: Ohio State vs. Rutgers
- Nov. 29: Ohio State at Michigan
What is the weather forecast for the Ohio State spring game?
The latest forecast calls for 48 degrees and partly cloudy skies with a light breeze out of the north. Rain is not expected.
Who is announcing the Ohio State spring game?
Guy Haberman (play-by-play), Yogi Roth (analyst), Jake Butt (analyst) and Tyvis Powell (analyst) will be the announcers.
Here’s all you need to know about watching the Ohio State spring game on TV and various streaming sites:
- What: Ohio State football spring game
- When: Saturday, April 12, 2025
- Time: 12 p.m. Eastern
- Where: Ohio Stadium, Columbus, Ohio
- TV Channel: Big Ten Network
- Best live stream options: DirecTV Stream (free trial), FuboTV (free trial) and Sling TV (half off first month)
- Cable Channel Finder: AT&T U-Verse, Spectrum/Charter, Cox, DIRECTV, Dish
