Ohio State held a pregame moment of silence for late Columbus Blue Jackets star Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew following their tragic passing this week.
Austin Siereveld makes his first career start against Akron as the 6-foot-5, 320-pound guard replaces an injured Donovan Jackson on the first-team offensive line.
Ohio State's players will wear helmet stickers recognizing the 50th anniversary of Archie Griffin's first Heisman Trophy when the Buckeyes take on Akron Saturday.
Akron won't provide much of a challenge for Ohio State but will still bring a chance to test the Buckeyes' gains on the offensive line and at quarterback.
The Buckeyes are embracing the massive expectations entering Ohio State’s 2024 season but say they aren’t taking any game for granted entering their opener against Akron.
“The journey to greatness is paved with more than just talent. It’s forged in the fires of relentless effort and unwavering commitment," Archie Griffin said in the trailer.
Group of Five analyst Colton Pool says Akron will “need to greatly exceed expectations” to make a bowl game this season as the Zips head into Columbus as massive underdogs.
Ohio State will stay at a downtown hotel rather than the Blackwell Inn on campus before home games this season, and the Buckeyes will wear sweats rather than suits to the stadium.
Ryan Day says his players "want to win in the worst way," and Ross Bjork says Day deserves "credit for the job he's done" in preparing Ohio State for the 2024 season.
