Ohio State Football Spring Game Preview | What Coach Ryan Day Needs To See for 2026
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In this lively and candid episode of Menace2Sports, hosts Zach Smith and Chris Drew break down the upcoming Ohio State football spring game, analyzing key developments from the final practice before the event. They spotlight standout performances from freshmen like Dominic Kelly and Sam Greer, discussing how their play could impact starting roles in the upcoming season. The conversation dives deep into positional battles, particularly at cornerback and the secondary, where Dominic Kelly’s emergence has made him a top contender for a starting spot. The hosts also debate quarterback Julian Sand’s potential to scramble and make plays on the move, emphasizing the need for competitive grit over mechanical perfection. Beyond the field, they explore broader themes like the evolving transfer portal, the importance of player development, and the absurdity of spring game hype, all while delivering their trademark humor and irreverent takes. The episode ends with a celebration of the live show’s energy and a reminder that spring games are more about fan engagement than real evaluation.
Dominic Kelly’s strong spring performance positions him as a top contender for a starting cornerback role, despite transferring from Georgia.
The Ohio State secondary is still unsettled, with key decisions pending between Dominic Kelly, Leroy Roker, and Jermaine Matthews for nickel and outside corner spots.
Julian Sand needs to improve his scrambling ability and decision-making under pressure, especially when the pocket collapses.
Spring games are largely performance-driven for fans and media, not reliable indicators of future success.
The transfer portal is reshaping rosters, with players like Kelly choosing Ohio State for development over immediate playing time.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Spring Game Countdown & Coaches Clinic Wrap-Up
The episode kicks off with a lively preview of the Ohio State spring game, highlighting the coaches clinic as a high-pressure, high-effort event for position coaches and players alike. The hosts reflect on the significance of the clinic for player development and recruiting relationships.
Dominic Kelly’s Rise & Transfer Story
“Dominic Kelly looked at the room at Ohio State and said the number one corner in the country played as a true freshman. And this Jermaine Matthews kid was really good. He's coming back. Yeah. I'm going to go there. It shows you that it was not about competition and playing time. It was, he felt like he needed a change and Ohio state was the move for him.”
Quarterback Scrambling & Julian Sand’s Playmaking
“If the pass pro breaks down or everyone is covered, don't be a bitch. Just do something. Be a playmaker.”
Secondary Position Battles & Personnel Questions
“The ultimate thing that's going to have to be decided in training camp in August is going to be which gives us a better five. Dominic Kelly in outside corner or Leroy Roker in a slot, one of the two?”
Spring Game Hype & the Illusion of Performance
“Spring games are fun to watch players make plays. That's all you can take away from it. Yeah. So-and-so. And I would challenge every fan watching when you see Chris Henry Jr. score a touchdown, immediately look into who was covering him because in spring games, you'll look up and you're like, oh God.”
“If the pass pro breaks down or everyone is covered, don't be a bitch. Just do something. Be a playmaker.”
“Dominic Kelly looked at the room at Ohio State and said the number one corner in the country played as a true freshman. And this Jermaine Matthews kid was really good. He's coming back. Yeah. I'm going to go there. It shows you that it was not about competition and playing time. It was, he felt like he needed a change and Ohio state was the move for him.”
“I don't want to see the pass protection open up. Coverage is great. Everyone's covered. Nothing but green grass in front of him. And it's taking too long. He gets nervous, and he throws that bitch to a cheerleader out of bounds. It's like... Air mails it.”
Hosts
Zach Smith
person
Chris Drew
person
Ohio State Buckeyes
other
Julian Sand
person
Dominic Kelly
person
Jermaine Matthews
person
Menace2Sports
organization
Leroy Roker
person
John Gruden
person
Ryan Day
person
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