COLUMBUS, Ohio (WLIO) — April 18 marks the end of spring practices for Ohio State football, and what better way to cap things off than with the annual spring game in Columbus.

Team Scarlet and Team Gray squared off in front of fans at Ohio Stadium, offering an early look at the Buckeyes ahead of the upcoming season.

Scarlet struck first. Quarterback Julian Sayin connected with Jeremiah Smith on a key gain, then capped the drive himself, breaking free on fourth-and-goal for a touchdown run and a 7-0 lead.

Later in the quarter, Scarlet extended its advantage to 10-2 before Team Gray answered with a defensive play. Beau Atkinson came up with an interception and picked up three points for the takeaway under spring game scoring rules, helping keep Gray within striking distance.

Scarlet added another highlight when Bellefontaine grad Tavien St. Clair entered and hit Chris Henry Jr. on a 40-yard pass to stretch the lead to 17-5.

From there, Team Gray took over.

The defense settled in, generating stops and flipping momentum as Gray outscored Scarlet 30-9 the rest of the way to complete a 35-26 comeback win.

After the game, head coach Ryan Day reflected on where the program stands heading into the offseason.

“I think we're still a work in progress in all three phases, and this summer we only need to really focus on getting better individually,” Day said. “Each guy is in a race to get better. I just told the team that. Then also we need to build the chemistry in all three phases — offense, defense, special team. Then the last piece is everybody coming together as a team for one common purpose. So this is a big summer for us. I think we're off to a good, solid start."

Day also pointed to the challenge of integrating a large group of newcomers.

"With 50 new players, we got a lot of work to do. I don't think we're behind where I thought we'd be right now, but we all know that where we are with some of these new players and some of the guys we had to replace, it's going to be a process. And so we're a race against time.”

Quarterback Julian Sayin also spoke about his growth this spring.

“I think I can improve on a lot. I think pocket presence and kind of that still working, that ability to escape and just extending plays and giving us more chances on offense. And then I think still work on that leadership role too. I think I can grow there as well."

Sayin also added, "I think with the leadership, there's no such thing as a vocal leader. So you really have to take control of those guys. And it starts with the connection. You have to be a great teammate, and you have to get to know these guys. And so I think it's been fun this spring to get to know those guys.”

With spring ball complete, Ohio State turns to offseason preparation for the 2026 season, opening September 5 at home against Ball State.

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