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Game week has arrived for Ohio State and the Monday 5ish is chock-full of excitement. Dave Biddle and Dan Rubin give several hot takes and predictions for the Buckeyes' 2026 season on today's show and more. (1:45) - Introduction (2:30) - Expectations for season opener (8:50) - Hot takes on the Buckeyes (29:45) - CFP/national championship picks (43:30) - Hottest take on Ohio State
Ross & Emory make their picks & bets for all of the College Football games across Week 1 including: #7 Miami @ Stanford: 10:40 Ball State @ #1 Ohio State: 14:35 Tarleton State @ Bowling Green: 16:50 #2 Oregon vs Boise State: 18:45 #11 LSU vs Clemson: 19:30 Western Michigan @ #16 Michigan: 22:25 #9 Ole Miss vs Louisville: 23:00 #4 Notre Dame vs Wisconsin: 24:15 SMU @ Florida State: 25:00 See all of Emory's picks here! https://www.patreon.com/RTMedia Download the DraftKings Sports Book App and use code ROSS! Connect with the Pod: Website - https://www.rosstucker.com Become A Patron - https://www.patreon.com/RTMedia Podcast Twitter - https://twitter.com/RossTuckerPod Podcast Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rosstuckerpod/ Ross Twitter - https://twitter.com/RossTuckerNFL Youtube: Youtube.com/RossTuckerNFL TikTok: tiktok.com/@rosstuckernfl Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Most coaches fail their athletes long before an injury ever occurs because they train muscles for show while completely neglecting the structural integrity of the joints. Mark Uptegraff II had his Division I playing career ended in an instant by an L4–S1 laminectomy, a devastating setback that forced him to stop chasing personal weight room numbers and start studying how to keep human bodies from breaking. Through nearly a decade running strength programs across the collegiate landscape, he developed a systematic approach to joint capacity, relative strength baselines, and individualized "bucketing" that reliably produces bulletproof, high-velocity athletes. INSIDE THIS CONVERSATION The Joint Integrity Gap: Why standard weight room programming exposes athletes to catastrophic soft-tissue tears and how iso-ramping builds load-bearing capacity. The 20 MPH Threshold: How Fordham Football expanded its high-velocity roster from 9 to 46 athletes without burning out their nervous systems. Relative Strength Thresholds: The exact squat and press ratios an athlete must hit before transitioning into advanced power development. Proactive Return-to-Play: The specific warm-up framework that cut a grade-two MCL rehab timeline from six weeks to just eleven days. The Coach's Reality Check: How an unexpected career-ending spine surgery transformed a former walk-on into an elite system-builder. MEET THE GUEST Mark Uptegraff II is the Director of Football Strength & Conditioning at Fordham University. A former UNC offensive lineman whose playing career was halted by major spine surgery, Uptegraff turned personal physical adversity into a relentless pursuit of human performance. Having refined his methods through the ranks at Ohio State, Virginia Tech, Boston College, and Division III Wittenberg, he has earned a reputation as an innovator in injury mitigation, joint capability, and athlete longevity. His credentials include SCCC, CSCS, FRCms, FRSC, FRA, and USAW. FOLLOW MARK Instagram @markuptegraff Fordham Athletics Bio https://fordhamsports.com/staff-directory/mark-uptegraff/1698 Become an elitefts Channel Member Get early access to Dave Tate's Table Talk, exclusive content, and member-only perks. ➡️ @eliteftsofficial Support Dave Tate's Table Talk Full Crew Access https://elitefts.com/pages/join-the-crew Limited Edition Apparel https://www.elitefts.com/shop/apparel/limited-edition.html Programs & Exclusive Content https://www.elitefts.com/shop/dave-tate-s-table-talk-crew.html TYAO Coaching Application https://www.elitefts.com/dave-tate-s-tyao-application Best-Selling elitefts Products Pro Resistance Training Bands https://www.elitefts.com/shop/bands.html Specialty Barbells https://www.elitefts.com/shop/bars-weights/specialty-bars.html Wraps, Straps & Sleeves https://www.elitefts.com/shop/power-gear.html Official Sponsors & Discounts elitefts — Save 10% OFF with code TABLE TALK https://www.elitefts.com/ Marek Health — Save 10% OFF Labs with code TABLETALK https://marekhealth.com/tabletalk LMNT — Get a FREE 8-Count Sample Pack http://www.drinklmnt.com/tabletalk ChiliPad 2.0 — Save Up to $255 with code TABLETALK https://sleep.me/tabletalk Visionary Meals (Official Meal Prep Partner) — Save 10% OFF with code TABLETALK10 https://visionarymeals.com MASS Research Review — Save 20% OFF with code ELITEFTS20 https://massresearchreview.com/ RP Hypertrophy App — Save 10% OFF with code TABLE TALK https://rpstrength.com/pages/hypertrophy-app Support Massenomics https://www.massenomics.com/
Ohio State WR Jeremiah Smith has been honored as an all-conference player, an all-American, an Iron Buckeye, a player of the week, and much more. But when he was named one of the captains of the 2026 Ohio State football team, he got emotional. So why was that such a big deal to him?In this special bonus episode, you'll hear the answer to that and much more directly from Smith.
It's time for the preseason edition of Tale of the Tape.In this episode of The Buckeye Weekly Podcast, Tony Gerdeman and Tom Orr go position by position through the Ohio State and Michigan offenses to decide which team has the advantage heading into the 2026 season.The guys compare Julian Sayin and Bryce Underwood at quarterback, debate whether Ohio State or Michigan has the better running back room, break down the Wolverines' revamped wide receiver group against a Buckeye unit led by Jeremiah Smith, and examine two tight end rooms that both enter the season with something to prove.They also finish with the offensive lines, where Ohio State returns four starters from a group that earned plenty of All-Big Ten recognition, while Michigan brings back significant experience of its own.Who has the edge on offense right now — and how different will these answers look when the Buckeyes and Wolverines meet in November?0:00 — Welcome to the Buckeye Weekly Podcast0:38 — Introducing the preseason Tale of the Tape1:16 — Quarterback: Julian Sayin vs. Bryce Underwood1:58 — Why Bryce Underwood should be better in Year Two3:16 — Why Arthur Smith's offense could help Julian Sayin4:29 — Running backs: Ohio State vs. Michigan6:08 — Jordan Marshall and Savion Hiter give Michigan the edge7:21 — How Ohio State's running back depth could change the comparison8:05 — Wide receivers: Ohio State has Jeremiah Smith8:49 — Andrew Marsh and Michigan's receiver room9:08 — How JJ Buchanan fits after moving from tight end10:36 — Can Michigan's receiver additions close the gap?12:53 — Tight ends: An unusual Ohio State-Michigan comparison14:10 — Does Ohio State finally have the advantage at tight end?15:32 — Offensive line: Ohio State's experience vs. Michigan's depth17:30 — Why the Buckeyes get the edge up front19:05 — Final offensive Tale of the Tape results19:39 — Ohio State wins four of five position-group comparisons20:01 — Could Michigan actually have the better running back room?20:32 — Michigan Monday returns for the 2026 season21:01 — Closing thoughtsFor more Ohio State football coverage, Michigan discussion, practice intel, recruiting and analysis, visit BuckeyeInsiders.com and join us on The Insiders Board.If you enjoy the show, make sure to like the video, subscribe to the channel and leave a comment. A five-star rating and review on the podcast side is always appreciated.
It's time for the defensive side of the preseason Tale of the Tape.In this episode of The Buckeye Weekly Podcast, Tony Gerdeman and Tom Orr go position by position through the Ohio State and Michigan defenses to determine which team has the edge heading into the 2026 season.The guys compare the defensive lines, including Kenyatta Jackson, Beau Atkinson, James Smith, and Eddrick Houston for Ohio State against a Michigan front that includes John Henry Daley and Trey Pierce. They also debate the linebacker rooms, compare both teams at cornerback, and break down the safeties and nickel spots, where Ohio State brings back Jaylen McClain and adds Earl Little, while true freshman Jay Timmons continues to make noise.The show wraps up with special teams, where Michigan may have the current edge thanks to its portal additions and more proven return options.Which side has the better defense right now — and how much could these answers change by the time Ohio State and Michigan meet in November?0:00 — Welcome to the Buckeye Weekly Podcast0:30 — Introducing the defensive Tale of the Tape1:20 — Defensive line: Ohio State vs. Michigan2:30 — Michigan's questions at defensive tackle3:12 — John Henry Daley's health and upside4:07 — Why Ohio State gets the edge up front5:05 — Kenyatta Jackson, Beau Atkinson and Ohio State's pass rush options6:42 — Michigan's young defensive ends and upside7:37 — Linebackers: Ohio State vs. Michigan8:15 — Payton Pierce and Christian Alliegro give Ohio State confidence9:11 — Michigan's linebacker transfers and experience10:31 — Cornerbacks: Ohio State vs. Michigan12:30 — Devin Sanchez as the difference-maker14:35 — Shamari Earls and Michigan's corner depth15:54 — Safeties and nickel: Ohio State vs. Michigan16:40 — Rod Moore's health remains a major factor17:24 — Jaylen McClain and Earl Little headline Ohio State's safeties18:12 — Jay Timmons taking over at nickel19:19 — Michigan's safety depth and Chris Bracy20:40 — How quickly things could change if Rod Moore is unavailable21:00 — Special teams comparison21:58 — Why Michigan gets the edge on special teams22:55 — Ohio State's return-game questions24:31 — A bold prediction for Legend Bay on kickoff returns25:03 — Final Tale of the Tape results25:53 — Which position groups could flip by November?26:39 — Closing thoughtsWhich defensive position group do you think Michigan has the best chance to overtake Ohio State in by November? Let us know in the comments.For more Ohio State football coverage, Michigan Monday discussion, practice intel and analysis, visit BuckeyeInsiders.com and join us on The Insiders Board.If you enjoy the show, make sure to like the video, subscribe to the channel and leave a comment. A five-star rating and review on the podcast side is always appreciated.
The 2026 Ohio State football season is just days away from kicking off, and the team from BuckeyeInsiders.com is making their final calls on several positional battles that have still not been officially decided. Team Insider Tony Gerdeman joins host Tom Orr to let you know what they're hearing about the battles for the five starting offensive line spots, the backup quarterback position, the top-three linebacker spots, and both the kick return and punt return roles. Today's episode is presented by Jeff Ruby's Columbus, proudly offering nationally-acclaimed U.S.D.A. Prime steaks, seafood & sushi, impeccable service, live entertainment, and an attention to detail that is simply unmatched. Just go to JeffRuby.com/Columbus to check out the menu and make a reservation today.
The way Ohio State and every other Big Ten team reports injuries is getting a major overhaul for the 2026 college football season.Now, instead of one availability report that's released two hours prior to kickoff, every Big Ten team will be releasing updated versions every Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday of a game week... but only for conference games.Tony Gerdeman of BuckeyeInsiders.com joins host Tom Orr to break down what this means for Big Ten teams this fall, why the league is making the change, and what they could do to make it all make a whole lot more sense. Today's episode is presented by Jeff Ruby's Columbus, proudly offering nationally-acclaimed U.S.D.A. Prime steaks, seafood & sushi, impeccable service, live entertainment, and an attention to detail that is simply unmatched. Just go to JeffRuby.com/Columbus to check out the menu and make a reservation today.
Ken Karmann and Anthony Lima explore a potential scenario for the Browns' quarterback rotation before welcoming Ari Wasserman to discuss Ohio State's playoff outlook. They also weigh in on the national perception of Deion Sanders and Miles Garrett's leadership impact in Los Angeles. 02:16 - German Club Stomping Grounds 06:00 - Deshaun Watson Starting Strategy 10:05 - Browns Offense Under Monken 17:16 - Ari Wasserman Joins Show 24:11 - Playoff Expansion Impact 32:11 - Deion Sanders Colorado Future 38:12 - Miles Garrett Leadership Debate
Ari Wasserman joins the show to argue Ohio State's daunting slate makes a four-loss season nearly unthinkable, while also praising Curt Cignetti's "cocky but lovable" rebuild at Indiana and calling Jeremiah Smith a rare throwback in an era where players rarely stay loyal to one program. He also weighs in on Deion Sanders' shaky standing at Colorado, noting the Buffaloes have faded fast since losing stars like Travis Hunter. The segment closes with a quick Browns tangent, as Ari says he can't find a football reason for Deshaun Watson to be starting over Shedeur Sanders.
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In this episode of the Buckeye Weekly Podcast, hosts Tony Gerdeman and Tom Orr discuss the latest with the Ohio State safeties. What have the Buckeyes shown so far in their plans to replace Caleb Downs? What has changed from the spring? How deep will the Buckeyes go? The fellas discuss all of these questions and more.
Payton Pierce is going to be the man in the middle of almost everything for the Ohio State defense in 2026. He's the middle linebacker, the guy with the green dot who runs all of the helmet radio communications, and, now, a team captain. In this special bonus episode, you'll hear from Pierce about how he earned such a big role, what he said to the entire defense after a disappointing start to fall camp, and more.
Julian Sayin has been named a captain for the 2026 Buckeyes, so does that mean he's ready to be the leader that Ohio State needs?In this episode of the Buckeye Weekly Podcast, hosts Tom Orr and Tony Gerdeman discuss Julian Sayin as a leader and the positive reviews he's getting from teammates and coaches for how vocal he has become. How will that be displayed on Saturdays? Is he willing to back up the talking with more physical play? The fellas discuss these topics and much more.
In this special bonus episode, you'll get a chance to hear directly from Ohio State captain, wide receiver, and Block O jersey recipient Brandon Inniss about why that last honor gave him a momentary pause, why he thinks new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith has a plan to get him the ball, how QB Julian Sayin has taken over the offense, and why true freshmen wide receivers Chris Henry, Jr. and Brock Boyd are poised for big things this fall.
Ohio State WR Jeremiah Smith has been honored as an all-conference player, an all-American, an Iron Buckeye, a player of the week, and much more. But when he was named one of the captains of the 2026 Ohio State football team, he got emotional. So why was that such a big deal to him?In this special bonus episode, you'll hear the answer to that and much more directly from Smith.
Ralph Russo, formerly of the Associated Press and now at The Athletic, researched how many teams from the preseason AP Top 25 would have made the College Football Playoff in each of the 10 years before the playoff expanded in 2024. Here's what he found. On average, the CFP field would have consisted of: 4 of the top-5 teams in the preseason AP Poll2 of the teams ranked from 6-10 in the preseason AP Poll2 of the teams ranked from 11-20 in the preseason AP Poll1 of the teams ranked from 21-25 in the preseason AP Poll3 teams not ranked at all in the preseason AP PollTony Gerdeman of BuckeyeInsiders.com joins host Tom Orr to use these guidelines to pick the 2026 College Football Playoff field, and they come up with some very different answers. Want to try your hand at it? The categories are listed below.AP Preseason Top 5 (Pick 4 of these): Ohio State, Georgia, Oregon, Notre Dame, Texas AP Preseason 6-10 (Pick 2 of these): Indiana, Miami, Texas A&M, Ole Miss, Oklahoma AP Preseason 11-20 (Pick 2 of these): LSU, Texas Tech, Alabama, BYU, USC, Michigan, Washington, Penn State, SMU, Tennessee AP Preseason 21-25 (Pick 1 of these): Utah, Iowa, Houston, Louisville, Missouri Unranked in the preseason AP Poll (pick 3 teams not listed above)