Ohio State Football Welcomes New Stars Amid Rivalry Tensions

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio State football is gearing up for a new season as it welcomes promising new talent while navigating a charged rivalry with Michigan. With spring practice kicking off just two months after the team secured a national title, the Buckeyes are both defending their championship and integrating fresh faces into their roster.

Julian Sayin, a sophomore quarterback who previously played behind Will Howard and Devin Brown, is positioned as the frontrunner for the starting job. Meanwhile, Michigan’s highly anticipated 2024 recruit, Underwood, recently stirred the pot by highlighting their rivalry in a lighthearted encounter with NBA star LeBron James during a game between the Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Clippers.

“Before this all starts, just had to let you know, I go to Michigan,” Underwood recounted after their conversation. James responded, “Oh, yeah, yeah,” prompting Underwood to declare, “It’s over for Ohio State.” This playful banter follows four consecutive victories in the rivalry for Michigan, including a pivotal win last season in Columbus.

Off the field, former Ohio State receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. recently resolved a legal dispute with Fanatics. The case was discontinued as confirmed by a Fanatics spokesperson on Thursday, though the details of the settlement remain private. Licensed products featuring Harrison are set to launch soon, hinting at a resurgence in merchandise sales for the key player.

In recruiting news, Ohio State added a significant commitment with four-star offensive tackle Maxwell Riley from the 2026 class. Rated as the No. 114 overall prospect by 247Sports, Riley opted to remain in-state despite competition from national powerhouse Clemson. His commitment is seen as a positive sign for Ohio State’s future.

Additionally, Eddie George, a legendary Ohio State running back, is making strides in his coaching career as he transitions to the Mid-American Conference with Bowling Green. George’s coaching experience at Tennessee State served as a springboard, where he led the team to a 24-22 record, including a 9-4 season last year. He succeeds Scot Loeffler, who departed to join the Philadelphia Eagles as a quarterback coach.

George’s decorated past—including winning the Heisman Trophy and setting school rushing records—makes his eventual return to Columbus on September 4 for the 2027 season opener a highly anticipated event for Buckeyes fans.

As Ohio State prepares for its spring practice, the upcoming challenges are unmistakable, especially with the loss of 17 key contributors from last season’s championship squad. The road ahead promises to be intense as rivalries heat up and new adventures unfold.