Watch: Coach Ryan Day updates Ohio State spring football practice

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Ohio State is halfway through its spring practice schedule, with the defending national champion continuing to build the foundation for the 2025 season.

Coach Ryan Day is providing updates Monday after the Buckeyes held their eighth of 15 practices. You can watch his comments as they happen in the player above.

The Ohio State roster consists of 35 returning letterman, including 17 on defense, 15 on offense and three specialists. Meanwhile, 27 players are taking part in their first Ohio State spring drills, including six who join the team from the transfer portal.

Former Purdue tight end Max Klare is among the group of newbies getting accustomed to life as a Buckeye. Named an all-Big Ten player last season, he played in 18 career games with the Boilermakers, making 73 catches for 881 yards.

The Buckeyes will take part in four more practices this week, with Saturday's session at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center designated as "Student Appreciation Day," when students will be allowed to attend that day's practice.

The practice season will culminate with the spring showcase on April 12, which Day previously said will closely resemble a traditional spring game.