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5 Intriguing Ohio State Players From Spring Ball
© Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

5 Intriguing Ohio State Players From Spring Ball

Originally posted on Mike Farrell Sports
By Patrick Weider  |  Last updated Mar 24, 2025 12:20 PM ET

By Patrick Weider 

Ohio State has just concluded week one of spring ball practices. We break down five intriguing Buckeyes through the first week of spring ball. It is a mixture of young and older Ohio State players. 

Malik Hartford, Safety

One apparent thing, through the first week of practices is that Hartford is in line to start in the safety position opposite Caleb Downs. Hartford was a member of the 2023 recruiting class, so he has been around the program for a while. He has earned this opportunity. Everyone in the program seems to like his game and respects him as a player. Hartford is someone who had to be patient and looks like it will pay off with a starting job in the safety position.

CJ Donaldson, Running Back 

James Peoples still looks like he has the running back starting position locked down, but Donaldson has looked good in the first week of practices. Donaldson has lost 18 pounds since he arrived at Ohio State as the strength staff has seen an opportunity for him to lose some weight and add some explosiveness. One of the keys to last year's success for the Buckeyes was TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins splitting carries at the running back position. I can see Donaldson and Peoples doing the same thing next year. Donaldson has a chance to come in and be a big-time player at running back for the Buckeyes.

Lincoln Keinholz, Quarterback 

I went into spring ball assuming that Julian Sayin would be the next starting quarterback for the Buckeyes, but Keinholz has made it an interesting battle after the way he has played. I still think Sayin will eventually win the job, but Keinholz has significantly improved as a passer. He also has the athleticism and running ability that would help open up the run game for the Buckeyes. Keinholz's development so far has been a positive sign for the Buckeyes. 

Sonny Styles, Linebacker

Last spring Styles made the move from safety to linebacker, and nobody knew how exactly it would play out. He eventually won a starting job as a linebacker and had a good year for the Buckeyes, but coming back for another season as a starter is huge for him and the defense. The big area of growth for Styles is he is now one of the biggest leaders in the program. I expect him to pick up the leadership void left by Jack Sawyer on defense and the team. Also, I expect him to play at an even higher level as a linebacker and possibly make an All-American team next. He is that talented of a player.

Mylan Graham, Wide Receiver 

Graham was the other five-star wide receiver in the 2024 recruiting class behind Jeremiah Smith. Graham red-shirted last year and is fighting for playing time this year. He won't start this season but could rotate in at wide receiver and make an impact in spot duty like Brandon Inniss did last year. Graham is a talented wide receiver. He is just stuck behind Smith and Carnell Tate, who is a talented wide receiver in his own right. Graham is talented enough to challenge for playing time this season and make an impact this year for the Buckeyes. 

This article first appeared on Mike Farrell Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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