Ohio State University’s football program has been active with significant developments recently. Here’s an overview of the latest news and rumors:
Coaching Staff Update
Defensive Coordinator Appointment.
Matt Patricia, a former NFL coach with the New England Patriots and Detroit Lions, has been officially named as Ohio State’s defensive coordinator. Patricia brings a wealth of professional experience to the Buckeyes’ defense.
Offensive Line Coaching Change:
Tyler Bowen, previously the offensive coordinator at Virginia Tech, has joined Ohio State as the offensive line coach and run-game coordinator. His addition aims to bolster the Buckeyes’ offensive front.
Player News
NFL Draft Prospects:
Several Buckeyes have seen their NFL Draft stock rise following a successful championship season. Notably, quarterback Will Howard delivered outstanding performances during the playoff run, breaking school records and earning MVP honors in the championship game.
Linebacker Cody Simon emerged as a key defensive player, leading the team in tackles and showing significant growth under coach James Laurinaitis. Running backs TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins both surpassed 1,000 rushing yards, showcasing their exceptional talent.
Program Achievements
National Championship Victory:
Ohio State celebrated its ninth national championship after defeating Notre Dame 34-23 on January 20, 2025. The Buckeyes showcased dominance throughout the playoffs, overcoming top-ranked teams such as Oregon and Texas. Coach Ryan Day expressed gratitude to the fans and highlighted the team’s resilience during the celebratory event at Ohio Stadium.
Administrative News
Contract Extension for Coach Ryan Day: Following the national championship win, Ohio State has agreed to a seven-year contract extension with head coach Ryan Day, securing his position through the 2031 season. The new deal, valued at $12.5 million annually, reflects the university’s commitment to maintaining stability and success within the football program.
Spring Game and Future Outlook
Spring Game Cancellation:
Ohio State has decided to cancel its traditional spring football game. Coach Ryan Day cited the high number of games and player development challenges as reasons for the decision. This move aligns with a trend among several major college football programs reevaluating the necessity of spring games.
As the Buckeyes prepare for the upcoming season, the combination of experienced coaching additions and a roster of talented players positions Ohio State favorably for continued success.