Five offensive players to watch in OSU spring game Saturday
Here are five offensive players to watch in Ohio State's spring game today:
QB Will Howard
Expectations are high for the Kansas State grad transfer to play at an elite level. Howard has the natural leadership skills and the mature demeanor needed to handle the pressure that accompanies being the Ohio State quarterback.
But he has to produce on the field, and as to be expected, there has been an adjustment period for Howard. He has been here three months compared to three years for Devin Brown.
QB Devin Brown
Brown's audition in the Cotton Bowl to stake a claim for the starting job in 2024 didn't go well. He was injured early in the 14-3 loss to Missouri. Many expected him to transfer when Howard arrived, but Brown has been steadfast in insisting that he is here for the long haul and isn't conceding the job to anyone.
In practices that reporters were allowed to watch, Brown looked good, especially the one two weeks before the spring game.
QB Julian Sayin
Sayin joined the 2024 OSU recruiting class late after briefly enrolling at Alabama. When Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban retired, Sayin transferred
to Ohio State.
It would be stunning if a true freshman won the quarterback job, but Day said Sayin has earned his way into the mix. He earned the removal of his black helmet stripe after only nine practices, signifying full-fledged status on the team. Day said Sayin has gained 15 pounds of muscle since his arrival in January.
WR Jeremiah Smith
Ohio State has had a remarkable run of receivers in recent years. But not even Marvin Harrison Jr., nor Jaxon Smithnjigba, Chris Olave or Garrett Wilson before him, started as a freshman.
Smith could. In fact, it'll be a surprise if he doesn't become one this season. He
was the No. 1 overall recruit nationally in the 2024 class and has done nothing to dispel the belief he is a generational talent.
RG Luke Montgomery
The sophomore from Findlay appears to have the inside track to start this year, but he has to fend off a challenge from Tegra Tshabola. Montgomery was a blue-chip recruit and is projected to play tackle eventually. But it has been common practice for OSU linemen to start at guard before moving to tackle or center.
If Montgomery can show Saturday that he's up to the challenge, he could help solidify the offensive line by allowing Josh Fryar to remain at right tackle.