The reigning national champions wrapped up spring camp with a bang inside Ohio Stadium, as Julian Sayin and the Scarlet offense lit up the scoreboard in a 50-31 victory over the Gray defense in the annual Ohio State Spring Game.

With 40,136 fans in attendance and championship rings handed out between the first and second quarters, the energy in The Horseshoe matched the on-field fireworks. The game followed a traditional scoring format for the offense while awarding points to the defense for key plays like three-and-outs, takeaways, and sacks.

Quarterback Depth on Full Display

At the center of the action was redshirt freshman Julian Sayin, who lived up to his billing as the No. 1 quarterback in the 2024 recruiting class. Sayin led the offense to touchdowns on his first three drives and finished 16-of-24 for 175 yards and a touchdown, flashing elite poise and precision.

“Julian’s processing speed and decision-making are starting to separate him,” head coach Ryan Day said postgame. “He’s in a different place than he was a couple months ago. I mean, let’s call it for what it is.”

Sayin split reps with Lincoln Kienholz, who also impressed in a steady outing. Kienholz went 12-of-18 for 158 yards and two touchdowns, including a 51-yard catch-and-run to Mylan Graham and a well-placed intermediate touchdown to Sam Williams-Dixon.

Freshman Tavien St. Clair commanded the third-team offense and had an up-and-down debut. He threw two interceptions — one to fellow freshman Faheem Delane, the other to walk-on Brenton “Inky” Jones — but bounced back to end the scrimmage with a touchdown to Phillip Bell. St. Clair finished an efficient 11-of-15 for 116 yards and a score, showing promise and resilience.

Offensive Explosion: Six Buckeyes Score

The Scarlet offense flexed its depth and talent throughout the afternoon as six different Buckeyes scored touchdowns, with both veterans and freshmen contributing.

C.J. Donaldson, the transfer running back from West Virginia, set the tone early with a pair of chunk runs on his first drive before finishing it off with a touchdown. Shortly after, Purdue transfer Max Klare got loose over the middle against the first-team defense, and Sayin hit him with a long strike for his first touchdown pass of the day.

True freshman Bo Jackson found paydirt on Sayin’s third drive, capping off an 88-yard, 13-carry performance with a short touchdown plunge that excited the crowd. Jackson, who enrolled early, continues to build hype as a potential impact freshman in a crowded backfield.

Mylan Graham, who redshirted in 2024, had the play of the day when he turned a slant route into a 51-yard touchdown, weaving through defenders on the way to the end zone. He finished with four catches for 104 yards, the highest receiving total of the afternoon.

Williams-Dixon and Bell added fourth-quarter touchdowns, and kicker Jayden Fielding went a perfect 3-for-3 on field goals — including a 43-yarder — helping the offense hang 50 on the scoreboard.

Defensive Highlights and New Leadership

Despite giving up points, the Gray defense had its moments. Faheem Delane, one of the most anticipated freshmen on the roster, showed his instincts with a smooth interception of St. Clair and nearly took it the other way. Walk-on Inky Jones added another takeaway, showcasing depth in the secondary.

Linebacker C.J. Hicks continued his strong spring, playing fast and aggressive in the second level and contributing to the Scarlet unit’s ability to slow the run.

The spring game also offered a first glimpse of the defense under new coordinator Matt Patricia, who brings NFL pedigree and fresh schemes following Jim Knowles’ departure. While play-calling was kept relatively simple, Patricia’s emphasis on fundamentals and rotational depth was evident. Starters like Sonny Styles, Malik Hartford, and Davison Igbinosun played sparingly but helped steady the defense early.

Who’s In, Who’s Out

Seven Buckeyes were sidelined with injuries and did not participate: Will Kacmarek, Mason Maggs, Isaiah West, Joshua Mickens, Garrett Stover, Deshawn Stewart, and Keenan Nelson Jr.

The Scarlet offensive starters included:

QB Lincoln Kienholz, RB James Peoples, WRs Jeremiah Smith, Carnell Tate, Bryson Rodgers, TE Jelani Thurman, OL Ethan Onianwa, Luke Montgomery, Carson Hinzman, Tegra Tshabola, and Austin Siereveld.

The Gray defensive starters were:

DL Kenyatta Jackson Jr., Caden Curry, Kayden McDonald, Eddrick Houston, LBs Sonny Styles, Arvell Reese, DBs Davison Igbinosun, Jermaine Mathews Jr., Lorenzo Styles Jr., S Caleb Downs, and Malik Hartford.

Final Thoughts: Energy, Execution, and Momentum

With spring ball officially in the books, the Buckeyes leave the Horseshoe with plenty to build on. Sayin’s command of the offense, the emergence of playmakers like Graham and Jackson, and Patricia’s early defensive framework all offer reasons for optimism.

More than anything, the 2025 Spring Game confirmed that Ohio State has reloaded — not rebuilt — after its national championship season. As Coach Day noted, “We’re in a different place,” and the performance across the roster backs that up.

With Fall Camp looming, summer workouts will be critical for position battles and continued growth. The quarterback competition remains open — and compelling — and young players now know exactly what’s expected heading into the season.

Next Up: Offseason conditioning, film study, and the journey back to the College Football Playoff begins.

Stay tuned to Buckeye50 for more player spotlights, position previews, and off-season coverage.

Go Bucks!

Photo Credit: Ohio State