Ohio State 2026 Football Team Begins Camp

The Ohio State Buckeyes started football camp on Thursday and were hoping to make up for losing the Big Ten Championship Game and their first game in the second round of the College Football Playoff. There are five position battles to keep an eye on for camp, and there are several newsworthy items.

In terms of position battles, keep an eye on offensive Tackle and Right Guard. Per the comments of head coach Ryan Day at Big Ten Media Days, it sounds like the offensive line positions will depend on who emerges as Ohio State’s fourth- and fifth-best offensive linemen between Phillip Daniels, Ian Moore and Joshua Padilla.

The second position battle to watch is at wide receiver. We know Jeremiah Smith will be one wide receiver. The Question is who will play with him. Brandon Inness is the incumbent; however, transfers Devon McCun and Kyle Parker could play. Playing time will also be needed for Brock Boyd. There is also super-freshman Chris Henry.

There is also an Ohio State football camp controversy for the number two defensive end. This is also a battle involving transfers in Qua Russaw and Beau Atkinson. Sophomore Zion Grady will also see time. Sophomore Eli Stephani has impressed.

The fourth most interesting position battle for the Buckeyes is at defensive tackle, where both positions are up for grabs. Edrick Houston and Will Smith Jr. are returning. However, transfer James Smith will put pressure on them. Fourth-year Jason Moore and freshman Jamir Perez will also demand playing time.

Finally, in the defensive secondary, Ohio State needs to replace Caleb Downs. Jaylin McClain will get one of the safety positions, and Jermaine Matthews Jr. and Devin Sanchez should start. However, transfer Earl Little Jr. will pressure them. Georgia transfer Dominick Kelly had an excellent first spring as a Buckeye to position himself to be Ohio State’s No. 3 cornerback. Five-Star cornerback Jay Timmons could also see time.

At safety, there is a transfer in Terry Moore, who has some eye-popping statistics, but is he healthy? Then there is Leroy Roker III, who split starting time in the spring. Ohio State might be a little thin at safety. Watch that.

Other News

There is some other news from the first day of camp. Running Back Legend Bey has been suspended for breaking team rules. Freshman wide receiver Henry signed an endorsement deal with Nike. 2028 commit wide receiver Jett Harrison signed with New Balance. His brother, Marvin Harrison Jr., is a New Balance athlete with the Arizona Cardinals. Finally, 2027 wide receiver commit Jameir Brown transferred back to his original high school. He transferred from Big Walnut to Sandusky in Columbus. He transferred back to Big Walnut. Buckeye fans hope he is eligible.