Ryan Day Expresses Concerns After First Practice at Ohio State

As he begins his eighth season as Ohio State football head coach, Ryan Day expresses concerns about the team following their first preseason practice on August 8, 2026. Day aims for an eighth consecutive top 10 finish after the Buckeyes secured the No. 5 spot last season, falling short of defending their 2024 national championship.

Day reveals several areas of concern, primarily focusing on the offensive line. "Well, I think we all wanna see how the offensive line shakes out here, that’s for sure," he stated. He remarks on the tight end room, noting the depth but questioning who will command the majority of those reps. Additionally, Day mentions the slots for backup quarterbacks and receivers, listing positions three through six as areas of focus before discussing the running back position and the overall defensive secondary.

While Day's concerns about backup positions could be seen as a favorable problem to have, the offensive line remains a major issue following disappointing performances in season-ending losses to Indiana in the Big Ten Championship Game and Miami (Fla.) in the College Football Playoff quarterfinals. The Buckeyes return four starters, but it is expected that there might be changes in more than one position when the team opens the season at home against Ball State on September 5.

Austin Siereveld, who was last season's left tackle, transitioned to right guard, allowing the coaching staff to evaluate Ian Moore at left tackle. The probable starting lineup may include center Carson Hinzman, left guard Luke Montgomery, and right tackle Phillip Daniels, with additional players likely getting a look this month, including Joshua Padilla.

At tight end, the Buckeyes face turnover, losing Will Kacmarek and Max Klare to the NFL yet still benefitting from the return of Bennett Christian and Nate Roberts. Newly acquired transfers Mason Williams from Ohio University and Hunter Welcing from Northwestern add depth to this position.

Wide receiver remains a wealth of talent as All-American Jeremiah Smith returns for his junior year alongside senior Brandon Inniss, a respected leader. The depth chart includes five-star freshman Chris Henry Jr. and transfers Devin McCuin from Texas-San Antonio and Kyle Parker from LSU.

Despite the return of 1,000-yard rusher Bo Jackson, the running back hierarchy could be uncertain due to a strong offseason from teammate Isaiah West, who impressed throughout the winter and summer. "He had a tremendous offseason, one of the best in the whole building," Day remarked about West, who participated in first-team offense reps on Thursday. Meanwhile, another freshman, Legend Bey, was absent from practice due to a violation of team rules, but Day assures that he will return soon.

The Buckeyes prepare to kick off their season against Ball State on September 5, followed by a potential top 10 match-up against Texas the following week.