Ohio State football’s national title defense started when the Buckeyes kicked off spring practice on March 17. Saturday, spring ball wraps up with the only time the Buckeyes will suit up in front of fans at Ohio Stadium before playing Texas on Aug. 30.
The annual spring game, however, was almost shelved this year.
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With the expanded playoff, Ohio State’s championship win against Notre Dame fell on Jan. 20, much later than usual. Coach Ryan Day considered ending an abbreviated spring schedule with a “showcase” event instead of the usual scrimmage to spare his players even more wear and tear.
In the end, he decided the experience, especially for Ohio State’s younger players, was worth it. Fans also called for a simulated game.
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So here we are.
Kacmarek not the only Buckeye out for spring game
There are five scholarship players who are not in uniform warming up for the spring game: running back Isaiah West; defensive end Josh Mickens; linebacker Garrett Stover; safety DeShawn Stewart’ and as previously mentioned, tight end Will Kacmarek.
As stated below, Kacmarek has a protective boot on his left foot, He is also using a scooter to move around as he was during yesterday’s practice. The rest of the players who are out of uniform don’t look as limited.
— Joey Kaufman
Ohio State tight end Will Kacmarek out
Ohio State tight end Will Kacmarek has not been practicing with the Buckeyes due to an injury.
Kacmarek wore a protective boot on his left foot and used a scooter to move around during practice on Friday morning at Ohio Stadium.
He also did not participate in a scrimmage last Saturday.
The nature of the injury was not clear. Buckeyes coach Ryan Day did not address Kacmarek’s status during a news conference on Monday. He had been a participant when spring practice opened last month.
Kacmarek is the Buckeyes’ top returning tight end. Held in high regard by the staff for his blocking, he also caught eight passes for 86 yards in 12 games last season after transferring from Ohio. He missed four games due to an upper-body injury.
Max Klare, a transfer from Purdue, and Jelani Thurman, a returning redshirt sophomore, were the tight ends seeing reps with the first-stringers in place of Kacmarek during Friday’s practice.
— Joey Kaufman
Will there be tackling in the spring game?
Ohio State will use “thud” tackling, in which players wrap up opponents but don’t bring them to the ground, for the first few series. They will go full contact once the starters are out of the game.
Look back: What happened in the 2024 spring game?
The Ohio State offense beat the OSU defense in the 2024 spring game, helped by touchdown runs by Sam Williams-Dixon, James Peoples and TC Caffey. Devin Brown threw a touchdown pass in the scrimmage, which was played under similar timing and scoring rules as 2025.
What is going on before the OSU spring game?
For those who have yet to buy national championship gear, Ohio State’s team shop will open at 10 a.m., which is also when gates will open at the stadium. Ohio State’s players will walk over from the corner of Woody Hayes Drive and Archie Griffin Way, through Remembrance Park and into Ohio Stadium, starting at 10:30 a.m.
How much do spring game tickets cost?
Not everything is going up in price! Spring game tickets start at $8, which is $2 cheaper than last year. Children under 6 are admitted free in the general admission seating areas. Children under 2 are admitted free in the reserved seating areas but must sit on an adult’s lap. And current Ohio State students can get in for free with valid Buck ID.
You’ll want to get to the campus area early, because parking is free. It drew just over 80,000 fans last year, making up the largest crowd since 2017.
Where can I buy spring game tickets?
Tickets are on sale through Ticketmaster. Gates open at 10 a.m. The Buckeyes’ usual bag policy applies Saturday.
How long is the OSU spring game 2025?
The first three quarters will run 12-15 minutes. Regular rules regarding clock stoppages will be in effect. The fourth quarter will be 10 minutes with a running clock. Halftime will last 10 minutes during which the Ohio State athletic band will perform.
Ohio State spring game scoring
Scoring for the 2025 Ohio State spring game will be the same as years past.
The Ohio State offense (in scarlet) will face the OSU defense (in gray) on Saturday. Offensive scoring will be traditional: touchdowns, extra points and field goals.
Here’s how defensive scoring will work:
- Touchdown: 6 points (before extra point)
- Turnover: 3 points
- Three-and-out: 3 points
- Sack: 2 points
- Forced punt: 1 point
When is the Ohio State spring game?
Kickoff: 12 p.m., April 12; Ohio Stadium
Ohio State spring game TV schedule
The Ohio State spring game can be watched on BTN.
Who is calling the OSU spring game on television?
Guy Haberman, Yogi Roth and Jake Butt will handle play-by-play from the press box. Tyvis Powell will provide sideline analysis.
Will the Ohio State spring game be broadcast on the radio?
The game will air on the Ohio State Sports Radio Network on WBNS-FM/AM (97.1/1460).
Here’s who will be on the call:
- Paul Keels (play-by-play)
- Jim Lachey (commentary)
Anthony Rothman, Tim May, and Dave Biddle are hosting a pregame “Tailgate Show” from 10 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. that will broadcast on 97.1 The Fan and on The Fan’s YouTube Channel.
OSU football schedule 2025
- Aug. 30: Ohio State vs. Texas; Ohio Stadium, Columbus, Ohio
- Sept. 6: Ohio State vs. Grambling; Ohio Stadium, Columbus, Ohio
- Sept. 13: Ohio State vs. Ohio; Ohio Stadium, Columbus, Ohio
- Sept. 27: Ohio State at Washington; Husky Stadium, Seattle, Washington
- Oct. 4: Ohio State vs. Minnesota; Ohio Stadium, Columbus, Ohio
- Oct. 11: Ohio State at Illinois; Memorial Stadium, Champaign, Illinois
- Oct. 18: Ohio State at Wisconsin; Camp Randall Stadium, Madison, Wisconsin
- Nov. 1: Ohio State vs. Penn State; Ohio Stadium, Columbus, Ohio
- Nov. 8: Ohio State at Purdue; Ross-Ade Stadium; West Lafayette, Indiana
- Nov. 15: Ohio State vs. UCLA; Rose Bowl Stadium, Pasadena, California
- Nov. 22: Ohio State vs. Rutgers; Ohio Stadium, Columbus, Ohio
- Nov. 30: Ohio State at Michigan; Michigan Stadium, Ann Arbor, Michigan
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