Quarterbacks and Defensive Backs Headline Standouts in Ohio State Buckeyes Spring Game

The Ohio State Buckeyes have a lot to look forward too in the 2024-25 season.

April 13, 2024; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Will Howard (18) signs / Barbara J. Perenic/Columbus Dispatch /

The Scarlet and Gray battled in the 2024 Ohio State Buckeyes Spring Game on Saturday, giving more than 80,000 fans a highlight-filled experience.

Jim Knowles’ defense dominated the first half, picking up two interceptions, while two quarterbacks filled the stat sheet for Chip Kelly in his first game calling plays for the Buckeyes.

Offense

Quarterback Battle: Will Howard vs. Devin Brown

The quarterback competition did not disappoint.

With five still competing for a starting role, two surely stood out at The ‘Shoe Saturday.

Senior Kansas State transfer Will Howard, who went 15-12 as a starter with the Wildcats, had some great throws and was solid in his decision-making all afternoon. Howard ended the completing 9-13 for 77 yards — leading the team in passing yards.

On the other hand, junior Devin Brown, the most “experienced” quarterback with the Buckeyes,  played like he wanted to be QB1 more than anything. Brown had a pair of big runs and got the ball out quickly while at the same time reading through his progressions.

The Gilbert, Arizona, native had a great throw to junior receiver David Adolph in double coverage early on and followed with the first touchdown of the game with a pass to sophomore receiver Brennen Schramm in the second quarter.

Brown is certainly in store for yet another fierce quarterback competition, one he lost in a close battle to former quarterback Kyle McCord a season ago.

RB Sam Williams-Dixon

An incoming freshman, Sam Williams-Dixon had himself a day, recording nine rushes for 72 yards and a touchdown through the first drive in the fourth.

Although we saw a lot of the 1-2 running back punch of TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins early on, Williams-Dixon was the workhorse through the final three quarters. His touchdown came behind sophomore lineman Joshua Padilla at right guard.

The Pickerington, Ohio, native had another potential touchdown before tripping himself up on the sideline around midfield — with junior Dallan Hayden announcing his transfer earlier this week, we may have witnessed a new RB3 in Columbus.

April 13, 2024; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Will Howard (18) signs / Barbara J. Perenic/Columbus Dispatch /

Defense

CB Davison Igbinosun

A season after transferring from Ole Miss, sophomore cornerback Davison Igbinosun was a real difference-maker for the Buckeyes. He ended the year as a starter in a deep defensive back room, as is known for his physicality in man coverage.

Those traits did not wane a bit on Saturday. In man coverage in the first half, Igbinosun was targeted three times and didn’t allow a reception. He did allow a handful of catches while playing in zone coverage.

Igbinosun is the leading returner in total tackles from last season with 59, also picking up five pass breakups and recovering two fumbles. We can expect to see a lot more of him this season as a leader for this secondary.

CB Calvin Simpson-Hunt

Yet another young cornerback, Calvin Simpson-Hunt was everywhere for the Buckeyes on Saturday.

The sophomore recorded three tackles and an interception through the first three quarters, totaling more than what he recorded all of his freshman season. Simpson-Hunt was usually in the right place at the right time, excelling in coverage down the right side of the field and having great ball tracking and awareness.

When veteran defensive backs Denzel Burke and Josh Proctor got injured last season, freshmen Malik Hartford and Jermaine Matthews Jr. stepped up and shone in their absence. Perhaps we could see more of Simpson-Hunt this season, even if in a rotational role.

Although we may have to wait 140 days to witness Buckeye football live again, Ryan Day has a lot to look forward to with his veterans and newcomers this upcoming season.