Tag: Ohio State

Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian leads the team onto the field as the Texas Longhorns prepare to play the Clemson Tigers in the first round of the College Football Playoffs at Darrell K Royal Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Texas, Dec. 21, 2024.

Texas, USC follow ‘NFL approach,’ punt annual spring game

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Texas and Southern California are part of the growing wave of prominent programs punting their annual spring game, eliminating the “live scrimmage” element from the offseason practice schedule in favor of an “NFL model.”

Coach Steve Sarkisian confirmed the Longhorns won’t pack Darrell K. Royal Stadium in April as has been tradition for Texas and almost every college football program in response to the length of the season.

“Over the last two years we played 30 games. That’s a lot for college football: 14 two years ago, 16 this year,” Sarkisian told Kay Adams in an appearance on “Up and Adams.”

“And I just mentioned we’ve had 25 guys get invited to the NFL combine the last two years, so we’ve got a lot of young players on our roster. We have 21 mid-year high school kids that just showed up. And so the development that’s needed for these guys to get ready for the fall is a little bit different than it used to be.”

USC, one of Sarkisian’s previous employers, reportedly will move forward with the public engagement elements of the spring game and involve well-known former players and coaches in a replacement event yet to be officially announced.

Sarkisian, who also coached in the NFL, emphasized process and individual player development in leading Texas to the first 12-team playoff in 2024. The Longhorns will double down on that plan.

“Our approach is going to be a little bit more NFL driven. Kind of more of an OTA style early on and as we grow into more of the scrimmage formats in the second half of spring ball, that I just don’t know if rolling the ball out, playing the game, when we only get 15 practices is the best for us to maximize the opportunities that we get,” Sarkisian said. “So it’s going to be a little bit of a different approach, but I think college football is changing right now. And we need to do a great job as coach of adapting to college football and that’s what we’re trying to do.”

While the spring game can be a showcase for a program’s stars of tomorrow, the complexities — and potential unintended consequences — involved in the modern game pushed other programs to pull the plug on the end-of-semester games. Nebraska’s Matt Rhule felt the Cornhuskers’ spring game because more of a platform for transfer portal poachers to scout and contact players. National champion Ohio State and Southern California also are done with the spring game as we know it.

Ohio State, one of the most active programs in the transfer portal between the 2023 and 2024 seasons, sold 80,012 tickets to its 2024 spring game according to school estimates, ahead of Alabama (72,358) and Penn State (67,000). Nebraska and Georgia each had more than 50,000.

The Texas spring game drew “a tad under 50,000” fans, according to athletic director Chris Del Conte.

–Field Level Media

Ohio State Buckeyes co-offensive coordinator Brian Hartline watches warm ups prior to the NCAA football game against the Michigan Wolverines at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024.

Ohio State makes coordinators Matt Patricia, Brian Hartline official

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National champion Ohio State made the appointments of defensive coordinator Matt Patricia and offensive coordinator Brian Hartline official on Thursday.

Coach Ryan Day announced them as replacements for Jim Knowles, who Penn State made the highest-paid defensive coordinator in the nation, and for OC Chip Kelly.

Kelly is now filling that role on the staff of new head coach Pete Carroll with the Las Vegas Raiders.

Patricia, 50, won three Super Bowls on the staff of the New England Patriots, where he spent 16 seasons. He also was the head coach of the Detroit Lions (2018-20).

“I have been aware of and followed Matt’s successful NFL career for the past 15 years, or when he first started calling plays for those outstanding New England teams,” Day said in announcing the hire. “I have also gotten to know him and, aside from his creative and outstanding abilities as a defensive coach, I think Matt is going to integrate into our program’s culture and values, which are the essence of who we are, very well.”

Hartline, 38, a former Ohio State and NFL wide receiver, was promoted to offensive coordinator but will continue in his role coaching wide receivers. Under his watch, the Buckeyes have had four first-round NFL draft picks in the past three years – Chris Olave (2022), Garrett Wilson (2022), Jaxon Smith-Njigba (2023) and Marvin Harrison Jr. (2024).

“Brian did some of his best coaching this past season,” Day said. “His loyalty and patience are going to pay off, and I think he’s going to be the best coordinator in the country.”

Ohio State also announced the hiring of Tyler Bowen, 35, as offensive line coach and run-game coordinator. He most recently served as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Virginia Tech.

In other staff moves, Tim Walton, 53, was promoted to co-defensive coordinator, secondary and cornerbacks coach and Keenan Bailey to co-offensive coordinator and tight ends coach.

–Field Level Media

Nov 29, 2024; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Colorado Buffaloes wide receiver Travis Hunter (12) during the first quarter against the Oklahoma State Cowboys at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

On the defense: Travis Hunter to work out as DB at combine

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Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter, who starred at Colorado at both cornerback and wide receiver, will work out with the defensive backs at the NFL Scouting Combine, which begins later this month.

Hunter’s name was among the list of 329 prospects invited to the attend the combine, which runs from Feb. 24-March 3.

As a wide receiver, he caught 96 passes for 1,258 yards and 15 touchdowns, plus a rushing touchdown. As a cornerback, the All-American and national Player of the Year had 36 tackles, 11 pass breakups and four interceptions in 13 games.

While Hunter, 21, has expressed an interest in playing both position in the NFL, scouts generally see him as a cornerback.

In recent mock drafts, NFL.com projects the New York Giants to select Hunter with the No. 3 overall pick, while Pro Football Focus sends him to the Cleveland Browns with the No. 2 pick.

Also among those with invited to the combine are Hunter’s college teammate, quarterback Shedeur Sanders, who is expected to be drafted early in the first round.

In all, national champion Ohio State leads the way with 15 combine invitees.

Georgia and Texas tied for the second-most invitations with 14 each.

–Field Level Media

Ohio State Buckeyes offensive lineman Ben Christman (71) runs beside Ryan Smith (60) during football training camp at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center in Columbus on Tuesday, Aug. 10, 2021.

UNLV OL Ben Christman dies at age 21

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UNLV senior offensive lineman Ben Christman, a recent transfer who played at Ohio State and Kentucky, has died. He was 21.

UNLV said Christman was found dead in an off-campus apartment on Tuesday morning. The university said it had no further details, and that the Clark County Coroner’s Office would determine a cause of death.

“Our team’s heart is broken to hear of Ben’s passing,” UNLV football coach Dan Mullen said in a statement from the university. “Since the day Ben set foot on our campus a month ago, he made the Rebels a better program. Ben was an easy choice for our Leadership Committee as he had earned the immediate respect, admiration and friendship of all his teammates. Our prayers go out to his family and all who knew him. Ben made the world a better place and he will be missed.”

The 6-foot-6, 325-pound Christman graduated from Kentucky in December with a degree in communications. He appeared in all 12 games last season on special teams for the Wildcats.

Christman, a native of Akron, Ohio, enrolled at Ohio State, redshirted in 2021 and played one game in 2022. He transferred to Kentucky in the spring of 2023 and missed the entire season due to knee injury. He was the top-ranked offensive lineman in Ohio as a four-star prospect out of Revere High School in Richfield.

UNLV director of athletics Erick Harper said counseling services are being provided.

“There is little that can be said to lessen the pain of suddenly losing a member of our university family at such a young age, and my heart breaks for all who knew and loved him,” UNLV president Keith E. Whitfield said in a statement. “On behalf of UNLV, our sincere condolences are with Ben’s family, friends, loved ones, and teammates during this very difficult time.”

–Field Level Media

Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day raises the trophy during Ohio State's national championship celebration at Ohio Stadium on Sunday, Jan. 26, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio.

New contract to keep Ryan Day at Ohio State through 2031

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Ohio State and football coach Ryan Day are in agreement on a seven-year contract through the 2031 season. The deal is valued at $12.5 million per year.

The new pact, which adds three years to his current contract, is pending approval by the university’s trustees.

The Buckeyes won the College Football Playoff national championship in January, making Day one of just three active coaches — Dabo Swinney of Clemson and Kirby Smart of Georgia are the others — to hoist the trophy.

“Ohio State Football has long been defined by excellence and, under Ryan Day’s leadership, that tradition has not only continued, but thrived,” athletic director Ross Bjork said in a school statement.

“Stability at the head coaching position is crucial in today’s evolving college football landscape, and this new contract guarantees continued momentum in recruiting, player development, and overall program success,” Bjork continued. “It is a great pleasure to work side by side with Ryan and we know that his vision and leadership will continue to bring championship success and pride to our program for years to come.”

The Buckeyes finished the regular season with a 10-2, but a 13-10 home loss to bitter rival Michigan in November had fans calling for the dismissal of the 45-year-old Day.

Ohio State entered the CFP as the No. 7 seed, then won four games in dominating fashion, defeating Tennessee, Oregon and Texas to earn a meeting with Notre Dame in the title game in Atlanta. The Buckeyes won 34-23.

It was Ohio State’s ninth national championship and first since 2014 and moved Day’s career record to 70-10.

“My family and I are incredibly grateful to be a part of the Ohio State community, this football program and Buckeye Nation,” Day said.

“I want to thank my assistant coaches and the entire staff for the tireless efforts they all put in to keep Ohio State positioned as one of the elite programs in the country … on and off the field.

“And I especially want to thank and commend all the young men, and their families, who are a part of this football program. This is a team of tough and determined individuals who drive our culture of respect, commitment and love.”

–Field Level Media

Ohio State Buckeyes co-offensive coordinator Brian Hartline arrives prior to the College Football Playoff National Championship against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Jan. 20, 2025.

Report: Ohio St. promoting Brian Hartline to OC

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Ohio State is promoting wide receivers coach Brian Hartline to offensive coordinator, On3 reported Wednesday.

Hartline replaces Chip Kelly, who left the Buckeyes after just one season to become OC of the Las Vegas Raiders over the weekend.

It’s unclear if Hartline or head coach Ryan Day will be the chief offensive play-caller in 2025, per the report. Hartline was also the OC during the 2023 season, but Day did the play-calling.

Hartline has been with Ohio State since 2017 and was promoted to wide receivers coach in 2018.

In addition, Billy Fessler is expected to be promoted from analyst to quarterbacks coach, and the Buckeyes are expected to name Virginia Tech offensive coordinator Tyler Bowen their new offensive line coach and run game coordinator.

Bowen would replace Justin Frye, who left Ohio State to take the offensive line job with the Arizona Cardinals.

–Field Level Media

Jan 20, 2025; Atlanta, GA, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes offensive coordinator Chip Kelly before the CFP National Championship college football game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Reports: Chip Kelly leaving Ohio State to become Raiders OC

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Chip Kelly is leaving national champion Ohio State to return to the NFL as offensive coordinator of the Las Vegas Raiders, ESPN reported Sunday.

Kelly, 61, spent just one season with the Buckeyes and the campaign ended with a 34-23 victory over Notre Dame in the College Football Playoff national title game.

Quarterback Will Howard threw for 5,786 yards and 48 touchdowns in 50 games over four seasons at Kansas State before transferring to Ohio State. Under Kelly’s tutelage, Howard passed for 4,010 yards and 35 touchdowns in 16 games in 2024.

Kelly served four years in the NFL as a head coach, going a combined 28-35 with the Philadelphia Eagles (2013-15) and San Francisco 49ers (2016).

Kelly also spent 10 seasons as a college head coach. He went 46-7 in four seasons at Oregon (2009-12) and 35-34 in six seasons at UCLA (2018-23).

The Raiders recently hired former Seattle Seahawks and Southern California coach Pete Carroll as their new head coach.

–Field Level Media

Aug 31, 2024; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes defensive coordinator Jim Knowles walks the sideline prior to the NCAA football game against the Akron Zips at Ohio Stadium. Ohio State won 52-6.

Report: Ohio State DC Jim Knowles headed to Penn State

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After he helped guide Ohio State to a national championship, Jim Knowles is finalizing a deal with Penn State to become the highest paid defensive coordinator in college football, ESPN reported Sunday.

Knowles is set to make $3.1 million per season on a three-year deal to join the staff of Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin.

Knowles is getting a raise of $900,000 per season over the deal he had at Ohio State and zoomed past the $2.5 million per-season deals for both Wink Martindale of Michigan and Blake Baker of LSU, who were slated to be the highest paid defensive coordinators in 2025.

Ohio State rode the No. 1 defense in the country to four victories in the College Football Playoff, including a 34-23 win over Notre Dame in the title game. The Buckeyes gave up 251.1 yards per game, more than five yards better than the next best team, Indiana.

Ohio State, which finished 14-2, also led the nation with 12.2 points per game, more than two points better than Notre Dame.

Penn State was seventh in total defense (294.8 yards) and eighth in scoring defense (16.5 points). The Nittany Lions are set to return many of the key players that also led the team into the College Football Playoff.

–Field Level Media

Jan 20, 2025; Atlanta, GA, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes cornerback Davison Igbinosun (1) reacts after a play against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the first half the CFP National Championship college football game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Ohio State CB Davison Igbinosun to return next season

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Ohio State cornerback Davison Igbinosun still has his sights set on the NFL, but not right away.

Igbinosun, who started in the Buckeyes’ secondary for the last two seasons, decided not to enter this year’s NFL draft. Envisioned as a Day 2 selection if he had gone pro, the junior cited multiple motivations for staying at Ohio State, which is fresh off winning the national championship on Monday.

The deadline for early entry into the draft for Notre Dame and Ohio State players was Friday.

Chosen an All-Big Ten honorable mention in both of his seasons with the Buckeyes, Igbinosun told ESPN he relishes “the opportunity to lead and do it all over again. And have a bigger role as a leader, as more is going to be expected of me as a senior.”

There is also the expectation of an eventual call by the NFL. Igbinosun added that he is “coming back to school to be a first-round pick.”

Toward that end, Igbinosun acknowledged the need to cut down on penalties. He was whistled for 16 penalties in coverage, the most by a cornerback in college football during the 2024-25 campaign, according to ESPN.

He will be one of just three returning starters on defense for the Buckeyes.

In 29 games for Ohio State, Igbinosun has 104 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, two interceptions, 16 passes defensed and three fumble recoveries.

–Field Level Media

Ohio State Buckeyes running back Quinshon Judkins (1) gets away from the Notre Dame Fighting Irish defense for a long run in the third quarter during the College Football Playoff championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on January 20, 2025.

Ohio State RB Quinshon Judkins to declare for draft

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Running back Quinshon Judkins is leaving national champion Ohio State for the NFL draft, he said Friday.

Judkins, who transferred from Ole Miss before the 2024 season, announced his decision to give up his senior season on Instagram.

“To Buckeye nation, thank you for taking in a kid from Alabama and continually showing your support,” he wrote. “I am forever a Buckeye and will carry my time spent on campus and playing at The Shoe with me for a lifetime. Winning a national championship was the best way to end this journey.”

Judkins was a three-star prospect, as ranked by 247Sports, when he landed in 2022 recruiting class at Ole Miss. He spent two seasons there, running for 2,725 yards and 31 touchdowns, and entered the transfer portal last January.

In 16 games with the Buckeyes, he rushed 194 times for 1,060 yards and 14 touchdowns, averaging 5.5 yards per carry. He caught 22 passes for 161 yards and two scores.

Judkins’ star shined the brightest, however, on Monday in the 34-23 win over Notre Dame in the College Football Playoff title game in Atlanta. He scored two rushing touchdowns and caught a pass for another as Ohio State built its lead from 7-7 to 28-7 and gained 121 yards from scrimmage.

“My time here at Ohio State was like no other,” Judkins told ESPN in a phone interview. “It was like no other place I’ve ever been. I enjoyed my time here so much. I’m ready to take the next step in my journey and prove I’m best running back in the draft class.”

–Field Level Media