Ryan Day and Ohio State’s tryst with fate is complete. After a decade of longing, the Natty is finally back in Columbus. For these bluebloods to go on a drought without one only made the triumph sweeter and the hardware more shiny. Well, a positive environment only breeds more positivity. They say good things come in threes. That’s exactly what’s transpiring for the Buckeyes. They’ve almost simultaneously received 3 independent boosts. Let’s lay them out in a rising order of relevance and the cheer they ought to bring to the fans.

First up, Jeremiah Smith. A player who’s transcended what it meant to be a true freshman. Labeling him a prodigy or even generational almost feels like a disservice to his other talented contemporaries. Still only 19, he’s already earned plaudits as one of the best in the sport. Certainly in his own position group. Jeremiah Smith is arguably Ohio State’s most important player heading into 2025. In terms of the way the offense, under new OC and existing WR coach Brian Hartline, shall be catered towards him. He’s the piece that’ll bring it all together for a unit poised to have an inexperienced QB. Akin to how Caleb Downs is the glue for how they run defense. Well, Jeremiah seems to be picking things up exactly where he left them off—with that glorious final catch in the Natty.

In a video posted to X by Eleven Warriors’ Chase Brown, Jeremiah Smith can be seen partaking in spring practice. Looking sharp, looking rejuvenated. Just as Ryan Day needs him to be. In the short clip, he can be seen running a route where he stops and changes direction on a dime. Goes without saying he completes the ensuing catch, too. Now that he’s had experience of where he needs to be physically come fall, this spring becomes more streamlined for Jeremiah. Coach Day and Coach Hartline will hope he’s in optimal shape for that colossal Week 1 game against Texas. Both teams began spring relatively later, owing to their long-drawn seasons. Neither is hosting a spring game either. Meaning the suspense for both fanbases only receives salvation directly on August 30 in Columbus.

Next up in this flurry of developments at the onset of spring camp. Ryan Day has addressed the biggest elephant in the room- the quarterback battle. Julian Sayin, Lincoln Kienholz and Tavien St. Clair are all competing for Will Howard’s now-vacated QB1 shirt. Coach Day expressed what he’s looking for from Howard’s successor rather passionately. Passion which he’ll hope permeates over to the QB he picks. During his presser, Day said “The No. 1 job for the quarterback is being the hardest-working guy in the building. If someone says, ‘Who’s our hardest-working guy?’ It should be the quarterback. If it’s somebody else, that’s a problem.” Ryan Day further delved into his and the program’s demands.

“They should be the first one in the building and the last one to leave,” he exclaimed. Addressing the 3 players directly, Day said “Those guys understand that. They know it. Mick [Marotti] reinforces that in the weight room daily. But those are some of the things we talk about at quarterback.” Marotti is the Buckeyes’ assistant AD and strength and conditioning coach. Well, we’re none the wiser about who’ll win the job come fall. But these 15 spring practices will go a long way in answering this conundrum. The think-tank and coaching staff at OSU will seek to get to the correct resolution for their title defense in ‘25 and maybe beyond. Speaking of the coaching staff, that segues into the third bit of news reverberating out of Columbus.

Ryan Day adds an OSU alum and Super Bowl champ to his staff

As great as Ryan Day’s coaching staff is, there’s always room for improvement. Every staff unit will perennially welcome two things. Experience as a player for the very team they’re coaching and experience of winning. Ohio State has just onboarded an alumni who’s won the small matter of three Super Bowls. The number 3 really is a bit of an ongoing theme here.

Former Buckeye and New England Patriot Nate Ebner is back in Columbus. He’s been hired for the role of special teams quality control coach. As a safety and special teamer during his playing career, Ebner brings an understanding of OSU’s rich culture and what it takes to stay at the top once you’ve already tasted victory. He played 36 times for the Buckeyes as a walk-on. The guy knows how to overcome adversity. Really the perfect personality for Ryan Day to have around his team.

Heavy is the head that wears the crown. Yes, Coach Day has alleviated a lot of pressure and heat off his back with the Natty. But he’s now tasked with keeping up with updated standards. With the likes of Jeremiah Smith still here, their championship window remains wide open. At the same time, a new quarterback means some growing pains are expectantly forthcoming. It remains to be seen how Ryan Day manages this balancing act.