Ohio State football is finally getting ready to kick off the 2026 season. And head coach Ryan Day sounds pretty happy with what he has seen from his team.
The Buckeyes open the season against Ball State on Saturday. On paper, it looks like the kind of game Ohio State should handle, but Day is not taking anything for granted.
The 8-year head coach recently spoke with reporters inside the Woody Hayes Athletic Center. He discussed the team’s preparation, expectations, and what needs to happen when the real football finally begins.
Day said Brandon Inniss, Phillip Bell and Devin McCuin will be Ohio State’s punt returners against Ball State. If things keep trending in the right direction, “Legend Bey will take the first kickoff back.”
Day said Ohio State’s tight ends have performed well in preseason camp. “We have some really good depth there. We have some really good young players.” Day named Nate Roberts, Bennett Christian and Mason Williams as players he’s excited to see. Max LeBlanc, Brody Lennon and Nick Lauter are also pushing for playing time. He later returned during Luke Montgomery’s press conference to (hilariously) share that Hunter Welcing will also play a lot at the tight end position this fall.Day said Arthur Smith will likely call plays on the field for the Ball State game.
The Buckeyes are ready to stop practicing and start playing.
And Ball State gets the unfortunate honor of being the first team standing in the way.
