A fatal car accident in Dublin, Ohio, involving Ohio State football legend Kirk Barton resulted in the death of 24-year-old Ethan Perry. Barton, a former Ohio State All-American lineman, was driving under the influence at high speed and was charged with vehicular manslaughter. Prayers and condolences are pouring in for the victims and their families.
Julian Fleming, a former Ohio State football player, was seriously injured in a deadly ATV crash, highlighting concerns over ATV safety and the risks faced by athletes in recreational activities.
The Ohio State football team had a successful Spring Game, with the defense and specifically Davison Igbinosun standing out in the secondary. Igbinosun impressed with his physicality and strong performance, indicating a promising season ahead.
Tony Johnson, son of longtime Ohio State football assistant Larry Johnson, has joined the Buckeyes' coaching staff as an analyst. This marks his first collegiate coaching position after a career as a former Penn State receiver and manager for his brother Larry during his NFL career. Larry Johnson, who has been mentoring Ohio State's defensive linemen since 2014, mentioned working with his son while accepting an award at the National Football Foundation awards banquet.
Former Michigan linebacker Joey Velazquez has joined Ohio State as a walk-on for 2024, providing the Buckeyes with extra veteran depth at the linebacker position following the departure of three-year starters Steele Chambers and Tommy Eichenberg for the NFL. Velazquez, a native of Columbus suburb Lewis Center, played in 21 games over five seasons with the Wolverines and recorded seven tackles as a reserve. His addition comes at a time when numbers have been thin at the linebacker position for Ohio State, and he could potentially contribute on special teams.
Ohio State football's pass rush legacy was on display in the Super Bowl as former Buckeyes Nick Bosa and Chase Young showcased their skills for the San Francisco 49ers. Despite their impressive performance, the 49ers fell to the Kansas City Chiefs in overtime. Young, who was traded mid-season, is now a free agent, while Bosa recorded a strong game with six tackles. In other news, Ohio State's women's basketball team secured a victory, and former Buckeye assistant coach Phil Matusz has been hired by the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Ohio State football's pivot to Chip Kelly as offensive coordinator could maximize the potential of running backs TreVeyon Henderson, Quinshon Judkins, and Dallan Hayden in the 2024 season. Kelly's history of successful rushing attacks, particularly at Oregon, suggests he can enhance the Buckeyes' ground game and bring new ideas to the offense. His experience with two-back sets and mobile quarterbacks aligns with Ohio State's roster, potentially leading to a more dynamic and versatile offensive approach.
Ohio State football has hired Chip Kelly as its new offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach, replacing Bill O'Brien who has been named the next coach at Boston College. Kelly's extensive coaching experience, including stints at Oregon and UCLA, is expected to bring immediate value to the Buckeyes. His hiring marks a rare move of a sitting head coach voluntarily leaving for a coordinator position, but his longstanding ties with Buckeyes coach Ryan Day and offensive line coach Justin Frye played a significant role. Kelly's innovative offensive strategies and connection with the coaching staff are anticipated to elevate Ohio State's football program.
Ohio State's 2025 football recruiting class has received a boost with Na’eem Offord's commitment, solidifying positions such as quarterback and cornerback. The team is actively pursuing talented prospects for positions like running back, wide receiver, tight end, offensive line, linebacker, and safety, with a focus on building a strong and well-rounded roster for the future.
Five-star cornerback Na’eem Offord's commitment to Ohio State football adds to the team's already impressive 2025 class, solidifying their dominance in recruiting. With Offord's addition, the Buckeyes now boast a formidable defensive lineup, particularly in the cornerback position, making their 2025 class potentially historic. The success in cornerback recruiting reflects well on coach Tim Walton, and combined with expected elite additions at receiver and a top 100 offensive lineman, Ohio State's 2025 class has the potential to be one of the best in recent memory.
Ohio State football's offseason surge in transfer pickups has quickly shifted national championship odds, with the Buckeyes now having the second-best odds at +500. Former player Maurice Clarett speaks out against the double standard of college athletes making money, while Iowa women's basketball star Caitlin Clark draws huge crowds and sets a new home attendance record at Value City Arena. Marvin Harrison Jr. is recognized for his accomplishments, and former OSU receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba gives back to his hometown community.
Ohio State football coach Ryan Day's aggressive quarterback-stacking strategy reaches a new extreme as top 2024 quarterback Julian Sayin transfers in from Alabama, adding to the already competitive quarterback room. Day's approach reflects a shift in quarterback recruiting philosophy, aiming to avoid being caught empty-handed and ensuring depth at the position. The arrival of Sayin adds turbulence to the quarterback situation, setting up a fierce competition for the starting role in the future.
Ohio State football adds former 5-star quarterback Julian Sayin from Alabama, who will join the spring quarterback competition after transferring immediately. Sayin, ranked No. 5 overall in the 247 Sports composite, is the third former Crimson Tide player to transfer to OSU since the end of the season. He joins another five-star quarterback prospect in OSU’s 2024 class, and both will compete with other quarterbacks for the starting position.
Ohio State football missed out on landing offensive lineman Kadyn Proctor from Alabama, as he committed to Iowa instead. Proctor, a former five-star prospect, was considered a likely Hawkeye due to his Iowa roots. Ohio State did secure a commitment from safety Caleb Downs, who was a freshman All-American for the Crimson Tide. Proctor's decision adds to the list of Alabama players entering the transfer portal following coach Nick Saban's retirement announcement.
Caleb Downs, a freshman All-American safety from Alabama, has committed to Ohio State football through the transfer portal, bolstering what is expected to be a historic defense for the upcoming season. With an already stacked lineup, including returning defensive starters and highly talented players, Downs' addition further solidifies Ohio State's defensive prowess and raises expectations for the team's performance.