COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Ohio State football is returning sooner than you think.
New NCAA rules eliminating two-a-day practices, plus the fact that the Buckeyes are opening on a Thursday night means that Ohio State's 2017 preseason camp will open on Thursday, July 27.
Ohio State announced the opening day of camp on Thursday. The Buckeyes will be on the field at 6:30 a.m. next Thursday to open camp. They'll also practice on Friday before having the weekend off.
Last year, Ohio State opened preseason camp on Aug. 7.
With the elimination of two-a-day practices, the college football preseason has been extended one week to give teams enough time to get in their allowable 29 practices before their season opener. So Ohio State won't be alone in opening in late July. Expect most teams to do the same.
The new rules limit teams to one, three-hour practice session per day plus a walk-through. Helmets and shoulder pads are not permitted during the walk-through period, and there must be three continuous hours of rest between the practice and walk-through. Meetings, medical treatment, film review and meals are permitted during that rest time.
Last summer, Ohio State had four days of two-a-day practices.
The exact practice dates for Ohio State's 2017 preseason camp have not yet been announced.
The Buckeyes open the 2017 season on Thursday, Aug. 31 at Indiana.