In partnership with
Vo. 1, No. 38
This week in Ohio State football, we’re talkin’ ‘bout practice!
Specifically: How does the cost of attending an Ohio State football practice in 2026 compare to going to an actual game in recent years?
We will analyze that along with an update on the offensive line and a look at X-factors on offense.
Sound familiar?
Over 4 million people have had the same lightbulb moment.
Morning Brew is a free daily newsletter that breaks down what's happening in business, finance, and tech — clearly, quickly, and with enough personality to make it the best email in your inbox.
No yelling. No filler. Just the news, finally making sense.
Ohio State football public practice dates announced
If you want to watch the Buckeyes practice later this summer, you’re in luck!
The university announced this week it will open three practices to the public… for a cost.
A significant cost at that, but I guess that’s the power of the market.
This season the practices of August 6-8 will be open to those who are willing to pony up $48 per day for general admission or $143 for the VIP experience, which includes access to a tent with relief from the hot sun, refreshments and “light snacks.”
Practices will take place from 9-12 in the morning, and opportunities for pictures and autographs will follow each one.
For some perspective on paying $48 to watch a three-hour practice, my dad paid $25 apiece for two alumni tickets for us to sit in the south stands to watch Eddie George run for 314 yards against Illinois in 1995.
My ticket stub from Eddie George’s 314-yard game against Illinois
OK, yeah, that was a 30 years ago, but still… to quote Allen Iverson, “We talkin’ ‘bout practice!”
I totally understand the appeal of watching practice not just for myself as a reporter but for the average fan. You’re not likely to learn much about Xs and Os or anything like that, but it is interesting to see everyone in person and how they move around and interact with each other.
But man that’s a lot of money in my opinion. Good for Ohio State if they can get that much, I guess. Every athletics department claims to be poor these days even though I would argue their problem is more how they spend their money than how much they make.
For more perspective, the cost to get into the first game of the 2001 season (Jim Tressel’s debut as Ohio State head coach and the unveiling of new newly renovated Ohio Stadium) was $43.
They raised it $2 apiece each of the next two seasons, and then if I recall correctly it was somewhat controversial when the price jumped from $47 to $57 in 2004.
(That was a result of having only six home games after the school enjoyed eight in 2002 and ’03 because of the calendar having an extra Saturday, much like the last two years vs. this year.)
It’s harder to make a like for like comparison now since they introduced premium game pricing in 2013 and then went to a full tiered system in 2022, but the cheapest face-value ticket this year is $57.
Ohio State offensive line update
One could make the case the offensive line cost Ohio State the 2025 national championship.
In fact, one probably SHOULD make the case that is what happened given how talented the revamped defense was and the star power at receiver, but that’s in the past now.
(Or you can read more here if you’re still not ready to move on.)
The offensive line is still a question mark heading into this season, but one of its veterans offered a positive update this week.
Speaking to reporters at The Memorial in Dublin, senior Luke Montgomery said “everyone is back and healthy” with fresh legs “so they should be good to go” when the preseason starts in August.
That would be a reference to starting tackles Austin Siereveld and Phillip Daniels, who missed the end of spring practice after having unspecified surgical procedures not expected to keep them out long term.
Montgomery, Siereveld and Daniels join senior center Carson Hinzman to give the Buckeyes four returning starters, which is good news if they all improve from last season but not so much if they don’t.
Montgomery himself is an interesting case these days because he was a big-time recruit who broke into the lineup just in time to help the Buckeyes win it all in ’24, started every game last season then did NOT enter the NFL Draft.
For many years, almost every Ohio State starter who was eligible was likely to enter the draft as soon as possible, but the ability to make money off their fame has changed the game.
That means more veterans with a strong recruiting pedigree and experience on the roster than used to be the norm, which is more like the Tressel years and could yield positive results both physically (you know, blocking dudes better) and intangibly (leadership, maturity, setting an example for younger guys).
Here’s a look at the full Montgomery interview via ElevenWarriors.com:
X factors for the offense?
Buckeye Sports Bulletin had an interesting piece this week naming the three biggest X-factors for the 2026 Ohio State offense.
Daniels was one along with running back Bo Jackson and receiver Chris Henry Jr.
I’d say Daniels is the clear No. 1 here because they should have plenty of solid No. 2 options at receiver and I’m not sure Jackson is significantly better than a healthy Isaiah West.
Offensive line ended up being a weakness last season, and for that not to be the case this year they need a healthy Daniels to take a big step in his development.
His potential ability to play guard or tackle also helps as it makes it easier to get their “best five” on the field whether No. 5 is Joshua Padilla inside or Ian Moore at tackle.
Nonetheless, I acknowledge Jackson and Henry are both intriguing cases, too.
Yes, if Henry ends up being an instant impact freshman in the realm of Jeremiah Smith, that makes the offense extremely dangerous, but I tend to doubt that will happen. It would also be a luxury if we’re being honest, and we just have to look at last year to see why that is the case.
They had two elite receivers last year but some other deficiencies, and at the end of the day the offense sputtered in the two biggest games. And before that, it looked uninspiring when those two receivers were hurt.
Jackson showed he can be a big-play back last season, especially against Michigan, but he left a lot or yards on the table because he seemed to go down rather easily if someone got a hand on him.
He figures to be bigger, faster and stronger this fall, but will he be able to keep the strengths and enhance his weaknesses or smooth out into just a solid all-around back? That is… truly an X-factor I guess!
Read the full BSB piece at BuckeyeSports.com by clicking here.
Hair Dye Causes New Problems. We’ll Fix the Original One.
Hair dye fixes gray. It also gives you roots, a smell, and a hairline that looks painted. Particle Anti-Gray Serum works at the root to gradually restore your natural color — hair and beard — no dye, no mess. Thirty-day guarantee. Get 20% off now with the code BH20.
BONUS CONTENT!
Aside from this newsletter, I’m also writing for other sites, including PressProsMagazine.com, The Associated Press and MensJournal.com.
(I’m also sharing my thoughts on the premium message board at BuckeyeSports.com if you’re into that sort of thing.)
I’ve had a busy couple of weeks for MJ, including the release of an exclusive interview I got with Bengals QB Joe Burrow thanks to the folks at BODYARMOR. They are rolling out a new carbonated drink that Burrow is endorsing, which means I got to talk to him for about 10 minutes over video conference this spring.
The most interesting part was him talking about how he is trying to be a better teammate this spring and to get to know the new guys, something that has not been his strength in the past (according to him).
Read the whole thing here, and be sure to share that link if you found the story worthwhile! (I get paid by the click there.)
I also did a piece on the best day of the week to buy gas in your state and reviewed how no one seems happy with the ridiculous schedule for the College Football Playoff this season.
Looking for more to read? Check these newsletters out:
