The Ohio State football team wrapped up the longest season in college football history in 2024, playing a total of 16 games. Their season extended into a four-game College Football Playoff run, concluding on January 20th.
Due to the extended season, the Buckeyes have opted to adjust their approach this Spring. They have already confirmed that Spring practice will begin later than usual. Instead of their typical schedule, they will now kick off Spring ball after Spring Break.
Ohio State will also be moving away from its traditional Spring Game. Instead, they will hold what they are calling a “Spring contest,” though the exact details remain unclear. Buckeye fans may need to adjust to this new format, as it could become the norm moving forward.
With the expanded 12-team College Football Playoff, Ohio State anticipates its season regularly stretching into late January. As a result, the program has adjusted its Spring schedule, and these changes may become a permanent fixture each year.
This marks the first time Ryan Day is making adjustments to Ohio State’s Spring schedule, and it comes on the heels of a national championship. This year will serve as a trial run to see how the new format works. If Day feels the changes weren’t effective, he may revert to the traditional approach next Spring.
Day understands the challenge of striking the right balance. He wants to ensure returning players get the rest they need while also giving new players ample practice time. Finding that equilibrium won’t be easy.