Ryan Day confirmed a pair of unfortunate injury updates for the Ohio State Buckeyes as they begin spring practice
The Buckeyes are dealing with some injuries this spring as they ramp back up.
The Ohio State Buckeyes began spring practice again on Tuesday morning and it was the first look at the 2026 team.
Ohio State will again have high expectations this season as always and they should be even higher in Jeremiah Smith’s final season of college. Ryan Day gets to return QB Julian Sayin for a second season, and returning a quarterback isn’t something he’s had happen often.
Unfortunately for the Buckeyes, they won’t be at full health this spring.
Ohio State’s potential breakout defensive star will miss the spring
Day confirmed to the media on Tuesday that Ohio State would be without sophomore LB Riley Pettijohn for the spring with an undisclosed injury. It was also made known that Ohio State would be without TE Bennett Christian for the spring.
The Buckeyes are also without their top two running backs this spring with Bo Jackson and Isaiah West both not practicing.
Of course, it’s only the spring and there’s plenty of time to get healthy. None of these injuries is expected to be a serious one that’ll impact once the season rolls around.
Pettijohn is expected to compete for a starting spot for the Buckeyes after they lost both starting linebackers Sonny Styles and Arvell Reese to the NFL draft process. Pettijohn played in 13 games as a true freshman in 2025 and made nine tackles, one forced fumble, and one defensive touchdown for the Buckeyes defense.
Ohio State went out and got Wisconsin transfer LB Christian Alliegro from the portal and he’s expected to play a role for the Buckeyes. Payton Pierce very well could be the team’s starting MIKE with the most returning experience in the linebacker room. Tarvos Alford and Garrett Stover are other linebackers fighting for a role.
As far as the Buckeyes missing Christian for the spring, it’ll make for more opportunities for players like Nate Roberts, Hunter Welcing, and Mason Williams.
The Buckeyes will play their spring game on April 18, but there unfortunately looks to be several key players who won’t be seen on the field until the fall.
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