10 Things We Learned Rewatching The 2026 Ohio State Spring Game

In this episode of The Buckeye Weekly Podcast, hosts Charissa and Tom rewatch the 2026 Ohio State spring game and share their key takeaways from a deeper analysis. They highlight several emerging players who stood out during the scrimmage, including tight end Nate Roberts, whose strong performance before an early injury suggests he could be a key contributor this fall. Tom emphasizes the rise of Eli Lee, a middle linebacker wearing number 33, who impressed with his tackling, quickness, and nose for the ball—drawing comparisons to James Laurinaitis. Other standout performers include Chris Henry Jr., whose long catches against true freshmen signal his potential as a difference-maker, and defensive linemen Quay Roussau and Emmanuel Ruffin, who made strong impressions as true freshmen. The hosts also praise the development of veteran players like Sincere Johnson and Jacoby Jackson, and note the promising play of walk-on Inky Jones, who could contribute on defense. They caution against overreacting to single plays, stressing the importance of context and sample size in evaluating spring game performances. The episode concludes with a reminder to subscribe and a teaser for the upcoming Michigan spring game recap. Key takeaways include: 1) Nate Roberts and Chris Henry Jr. are emerging as key offensive weapons; 2) Eli Lee has made a significant leap in the linebacker room; 3) Inky Jones could earn a defensive role despite being a walk-on; 4) The tight end and defensive line depth is improving; 5) Spring game performances should be interpreted with caution and context; 6) Jacoby Jackson’s versatility makes him a valuable asset; 7) Kenyatta Jackson appears to be taking a major step forward; 8) The coaching staff is clearly building depth and preparing for fall competition. The overall sentiment is optimistic and encouraging, with a strong focus on player development and future potential.