Dates to watch for Ohio State football

Ohio State fans were lucky this year to get a short season extension with the College Football Playoff and championship, but the dust has finally settled and they are no longer re-airing games on the Big Ten Network. Now what?

NFL Scouting Combine (Feb. 17-23, 2015)

Every February, over three hundred of the nations best football players descend onto Indianapolis, Indiana for their shot to impress NFL coaches. Players have just four days to prove they have the talent and fortitude to make it at the next level. Four Buckeyes have been invited to participate in this year's combine: Devin Smith (WR), Michael Bennett (DT), Doran Grant (CB) and Jeff Heuerman (TE). All four of these players are projected to go in the first four rounds of the draft and some could make an immediate impact for their new team.

Ohio State's spring game (Apr. 18, 2015)

The next time you can watch the Buckeyes suit-up will be for the annual Scarlet vs. Gray game at Ohio Stadium. A great time to break out the tailgating gear, throw on your National Championship t-shirt and make your way to campus. Tickets for the game are $5-$15, and includes an Ohio State lacrosse game against Maryland. Plus, it's a great way to usually welcome warm-ish (or at least warmer) weather again in Columbus. Some schools call this game a scrimmage, for Buckeye Nation, it's a little more important than that.

The 2015 NFL Draft (Apr. 30-May 2, 2015)

There have been talks around the league that the draft should be extended to a four-day event, but it will remain a three-day process for the time being. While the first round of the draft is typically the most viewed, Ohio State fans should focus on rounds two and four to see where most of their Buckeyes land. At least four Buckeyes should get picked this season, but a few more could get snagged in the late rounds. Also, the draft will take on a bit of a midwest flair this year with it taking place in Chicago for the first time ever.

Big Ten Football Media Days (~End of Jul. 2015)

This event is the unofficial start to the football "pre-season" and the fans first chance to hear from coaches and players before the hard work commences. All 14 head coaches and one former player from each school will be signing autographs, while current players will take part in "brief, live interviews highlighted by questions from fans on-site and through social media channels". Given the back and forth this week on Twitter, all eyes will be on Urban Meyer and new foe Jim Harbaugh during the interview segment.

2015 Fall Camp (Aug. 2015)

Last year's Fall Camp was the beginning of the bad luck streak Ohio State seemed to have at the quarterback position; Braxton Miller ended up injured and J.T. Barrett took over the number two spot on the depth chart over Cardale Jones. Camp is the best time for coaches to assess the talent and make good, albeit difficult, decisions on starters. With a looming race at quarterback, and legitimate competition at the wide receiver, running back, defensive tackle and cornerback positions, this year's camp will be a must-watch for Buckeye fans.

Ohio State football is back (Sep. 7, 2015)

The Buckeyes only lost one game last year in a shocker against a Virginia Tech team that was never really healthy again after that. Fans won't have to wait long for their revenge as it's the season opener of the 2015 season. This game means football is back and you have nothing to worry about for the next four months.