Ohio State football is starting spring practice later than usual in 2025
Ohio State football typically begins spring practice in early March, giving the team plenty of time to prepare for the upcoming season. However, in 2024, the Buckeyes are pushing back the start of spring ball, and there are several reasons why. From coaching changes to player health and NCAA scheduling adjustments, the later start reflects strategic planning by head coach Ryan Day and his staff.
Coaching Changes and Adjustments
One of the biggest reasons for the delay is Ohio State’s coaching staff changes. This offseason, the Buckeyes made significant hires, including bringing in Chip Kelly as the new offensive coordinator. Kelly, the former UCLA head coach and a longtime innovator in college football, is expected to install new offensive concepts that require careful implementation.
Giving Kelly and the rest of the offensive staff extra time before spring practice allows for more thorough preparation. The team can fine-tune playbooks, hold additional meetings, and ensure that when players take the field, they’re maximizing their reps rather than learning on the fly.
Additionally, Ohio State made changes on defense, with a renewed focus on refining Jim Knowles’ scheme. While Knowles is returning for his second full season as defensive coordinator, adjustments and player development remain key priorities. A later spring practice start allows for more time in the film room and weight room before on-field drills begin.
Maximizing Player Health and Recovery
Another major factor in the delay is player health. After a grueling 2023 season and a physical bowl game against Missouri in the Cotton Bowl, Ohio State had multiple players dealing with injuries. The extended offseason gives these players extra time to recover and participate more fully in spring workouts.
Quarterback Devin Brown, expected to compete for the starting job with Kansas State transfer Will Howard, dealt with injuries in 2023. Additionally, other key contributors, including wide receivers, offensive linemen, and defensive backs, were banged up by season’s end. A later spring schedule ensures that more players are at full strength when practices begin, allowing for better competition and evaluation.
NCAA Rules and Scheduling Factors
The NCAA has specific rules regarding how many practice sessions teams can hold in the spring, along with a mandatory offseason conditioning period. While Ohio State has typically started early, delaying the start gives the Buckeyes more flexibility.
For example, by starting later, Ohio State can extend its spring practice window deeper into April, keeping players engaged longer before the summer offseason begins. This can help with player development and retention, ensuring that newcomers, such as highly touted freshman quarterback Air Noland, get the most out of their first college practices.
The Impact on the 2024 Season
This strategic shift could pay dividends for the Buckeyes. The later start allows the team to enter spring practices with a more complete roster, giving coaches better evaluation opportunities. This is especially critical at key positions like quarterback, offensive line, and defensive back, where Ohio State has multiple battles to settle before the 2024 season.
The Buckeyes open their season with a high-profile matchup against Akron before traveling to Oregon for a major early-season test. A well-structured offseason, including a properly timed spring practice schedule, ensures the team is best prepared for these challenges.
While some fans may wonder why spring practice is starting later than usual, it’s clear that this decision is rooted in long-term success. With a new offensive coordinator, key player recoveries, and a strategic approach to the offseason calendar, Ohio State is positioning itself for a championship-caliber 2024 campaign.
