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The Friday 5ish with JBook and Dave gives predictions for Ohio State-Kent State, discusses the development of Julian Sayin, gives thoughts on the Buckeyes' 2026 transfer portal class and much more. (1:45) - Intro (3:20) - OSU-Kent St predictions (7:05) - Questionable personnel decisions on D (9:00) - Reacting to Ryan Day's comments (14:30) - Stop with the '4th quarter game' stuff (15:55) - Is Oregon in trouble? (18:10) - Do we still believe in Sayin? (24:00) - Best Bets (27:00) - OSU's portal class underwhelming so far (34:55) - Need a lot more out of Eddrick Houston
In today's episode of the Buckeyes TomOrrow Morning podcast, Ross Fulton, one of the Scheme Insiders from BuckeyeInsiders.com, joins host Tom Orr to discuss three things he's expecting to see from the Ohio State defense, as well as three areas of concern. Here's what he's expecting from Matt Patricia and the Ohio State Defense:More Situational Packages: No, this is not a prediction that Patricia will rotate more solely for rotation's sake. I expect guys like Payton Pierce, Jaylen McClain, and Earl Little to be on the field for nearly every snap that matters. But I do expect Patricia to deploy more situational packages than he did in 2025. Last year, Patricia effectively used three packages—nickel against 11 personnel, 4-3 against 12 personnel, and a dime package (which was a 3-2-6) on certain third and longs. This year, while those three looks will remain the mainstays, look for Patricia to add several more packages. In particular, I expect Patricia will use a 3-3-5 look on certain passing downs, using a linebacker (likely Christian Alliegro or Riley Pettijohn) as an edge rusher, and a “big nickel” package, with more of a hybrid linebacker/safety type (think Simeon Caldwell) at that spot.More Creepers and Simulated Pressures: In line with the above concept of aiding the defensive line in creating pressure, I expect Patricia to use a higher percentage of creepers and/or simulated pressures, where the defense rushes four defenders, but one of those four is a back seven defender, while a defensive lineman drops into underneath coverage. Such pressures force the offense to block rushers from different spots—while still allowing Ohio State to play its base cover 2 and cover 3 zones behind. The Buckeyes also have the benefit of having a defensive end like Qua Russaw who is more comfortable dropping into the curl/flat in space on such looks.More Penny Front: Finally, consistent with the trend across college football, I expect Patricia to use even more of a 5-1 Penny front this year. Such a look fits with Ohio State's current personnel and takes advantage of the Buckeyes' versatility—while minimizing the Buckeyes' reliance on the defensive end spot opposite Kenyatta Jackson. Specifically, Alliegro can play the role Arvell Reese did last year of a standup outside linebacker. And Ohio State's personnel provides Patricia options within the Penny front. Patricia can go to a heavier Penny look—using Eddrick Houston and James Smith as the two defensive tackles flanking the nose guard—or he can bump Jackson inside like he did last year and use Qua Russaw as the other stand-up outside linebacker.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.
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.
Ohio State is almost through fall camp, but a handful of Buckeyes still have important work to do before the season opener.In this episode of The Buckeye Weekly Podcast, Tony Gerdeman and Tom Orr identify the players who still have the most to prove over the final practices before game week.The discussion starts with the battle for the backup quarterback job between Tavien St. Clair and Luke Fahey, where St. Clair may need to reestablish himself after Fahey's strong push during camp. The guys also talk about Kyle Parker's place in a crowded wide receiver rotation, what role Terry Moore can still carve out in the secondary, whether young defensive ends Zion Grady and Epi Sitanilei can force their way into a larger role, and why Eddrick Houston still has something to prove as Ohio State looks for more production up front.0:01 — Welcome to the Buckeye Weekly Podcast1:01 — Which Buckeyes still have the most to prove?1:31 — Tavien St. Clair and the backup quarterback battle2:33 — Why Luke Fahey's push appears to be very real3:34 — Why the QB2 job needs to be settled before game week5:15 — How quickly a backup quarterback role can become crucial5:43 — Kyle Parker has ground to make up at wide receiver7:28 — A crowded receiver room is making Parker's situation tougher8:16 — Chris Henry Jr., Brock Boyd and Des Jones moving up the pecking order9:31 — Why missed camp time can be difficult to overcome10:03 — Terry Moore's uncertain role in the secondary11:11 — How Jay Timmons changed Ohio State's safety picture12:16 — Has Moore's window for a major role already closed?13:05 — Zion Grady and Epi Sitanilei need to emerge at defensive end14:25 — Why the lack of buzz around the young defensive ends stands out15:18 — Beau Atkinson's rise has changed the DE rotation16:13 — Eddrick Houston still has something to prove17:00 — Why Ohio State needs more production from Houston18:08 — Can Houston finally become an All-Big Ten-level player?19:45 — Final thoughts and BuckeyeInsiders.comWhich Buckeye do you think has the most to prove before the season opener? Let us know in the comments.For more Ohio State football coverage, practice intel, depth-chart discussion and more, 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 Monday 5ish takes a close look at the Ohio State players who are stepping up during camp and what it means for the upcoming season. Also, do we have a good competition for the backup QB job on our hands. And should we be concerned about Austin Siereveld?That and more is coming your way on today's show with Dave Biddle and Dan Rubin.(1:25) - Introduction(2:00) - Backup QB battle(11:31) - Khary Wilder stepping up(14:40) - Bo Jackson had strong scrimmage(18:06) - Concerned about Siereveld?(28:23) - Connor Hawkins update(30:35) - Eddrick Houston set for a breakout year?
Breaking Down the Depth Chart on Defense...So FarOhio State is more than a week into fall camp, and the Buckeyes' defensive depth chart is beginning to take shape.In this episode of The Buckeye Weekly Podcast, Tony Gerdeman and Tom Orr go position by position through the Ohio State defense and break down what they've seen and heard so far. How deep will the Buckeyes go at defensive tackle? Has Beau Atkinson grabbed a starting job at defensive end? Where does Alabama transfer Qua Russaw fit into Matt Patricia's defense? And which young players are already forcing their way into the rotation?The guys also discuss the linebacker pecking order, the emergence of freshman Jay Timmons at nickel, Ohio State's increasingly competitive cornerback room, the Earl Little–Jaylen McClain safety tandem, and what we know about the return game.Where do you agree or disagree with our projected depth chart? Let us know in the comments.0:00 — Welcome to the Buckeye Weekly Podcast0:44 — Breaking down Ohio State's defensive depth chart1:03 — Defensive tackle rotation and Matt Patricia's committee approach2:03 — How much will Eddrick Houston and James Smith play together?3:17 — Defensive end depth chart: Kenyatta Jackson and Beau Atkinson4:16 — Beau Atkinson's rise during fall camp4:57 — Where Qua Russaw fits into the defense5:49 — Russaw's unique role as a pass rusher7:31 — Why Ohio State could be the perfect fit for Russaw8:09 — Linebacker depth chart begins to take shape9:12 — Payton Pierce, Christian Alliegro and the battle for the third LB spot10:04 — Who backs up the Sam linebacker?11:18 — Could Russaw handle some linebacker responsibilities?11:54 — Nickel: Is freshman Jay Timmons already the starter?12:45 — Who would be the backup nickel?13:49 — Cornerback depth chart and the battle behind the starters15:01 — Safety depth chart: Earl Little and Jaylen McClain16:08 — Why expectations are rising for Earl Little16:51 — Ohio State's safety depth behind the starters17:23 — Punter appears settled17:49 — Punt and kickoff return possibilities19:08 — Final thoughts on the defensive depth chartFor more Ohio State football coverage, recruiting intel, practice reports and discussion, 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 with your thoughts on how Ohio State's defensive depth chart will shake out this season. On the podcast side, a five-star rating and review is always appreciated.
Ohio State's defensive line may be deeper and more versatile in 2026, but it must replace enormous production from Kayden McDonald and Caden Curry. Kenyatta Jackson returns as the proven leader after recording 11 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks. Eddrick Houston has emerged as the biggest early fall-camp riser, Beau Atkinson appears to lead the competition at the other defensive-end spot, and transfers James Smith and John Walker give Larry Johnson several experienced options inside. We break down the projected rotation, the battle opposite Jackson, Houston's breakout potential, Qua Russaw's hybrid role, the young defensive ends pushing for snaps and how Matt Patricia can use multiple fronts instead of relying on one traditional starting four. Can Ohio State's depth replace the star power of McDonald and Curry? Subscribe for quick, no-nonsense Ohio State football talk every day. Thursday, August 13, 2026 Join Kalshi and Get $10 Subscribe to the Podcast
Ohio State's defense is showing its depth and flexibility through the first three fall-camp practices open to the media. Eddrick Houston has emerged as the biggest early riser on a disruptive defensive line. Freshman Jay Timmons is already taking first-team snaps at nickel, Devin Sanchez is stepping into a leadership role and Matt Patricia is rotating so many fronts and personnel combinations that a traditional depth chart may not tell the full story. We break down six early defensive takeaways, including Kenyatta Jackson's expanded role, the crowded defensive-line rotation, Jermaine Mathews and Dominick Kelly at cornerback, Payton Pierce leading a flexible linebacker group and Ohio State's renewed emphasis on forcing turnovers. Which development matters more: Houston's emergence inside or Timmons earning an immediate role at nickel? Subscribe for quick, no-nonsense Ohio State football talk every day. Wednesday, August 12, 2026 Join Kalshi and Get $10 Subscribe to the Podcast
Is defensive tackle a legitimate concern for Ohio State heading into the 2026 season?Tony Gerdeman and Tom Orr examine the biggest questions surrounding the Buckeyes' interior defensive line, beginning with the expected step back at nose tackle following the departure of Kayden McDonald.Can Will Smith Jr. and UCF transfer John Walker provide enough disruption in the middle? Does Ohio State have the depth necessary to play its preferred fronts? And can Jason Moore finally establish himself as a dependable member of the rotation?Tony and Tom also discuss the possibility of one of the true freshmen earning meaningful snaps and explain why the development of Eddrick Houston could determine the ceiling of the entire position group.Houston has shown flashes, but after battling a knee injury last season, Ohio State needs the former five-star prospect to become a more consistent and disruptive presence. The arrival of James Smith may ease some of that pressure, but the Buckeyes still need answers throughout the defensive tackle room.Are these concerns justified, or does Ohio State already have enough talent and experience to remain strong up front? Let us know in the comments.0:00 — Introducing Ohio State's defensive tackle concerns0:23 — The expected step back at nose tackle1:59 — Comparing Will Smith Jr. and John Walker to Caden McDonald4:09 — Does Ohio State have enough defensive tackle depth?5:30 — What can the Buckeyes expect from Jason Moore?8:20 — Can Ohio State survive with a four-man rotation?10:15 — Why Eddrick Houston must take the next step11:19 — Reasons for optimism about Houston14:00 — Final thoughts on the defensive tackle roomSubscribe to the Buckeye Weekly Podcast for daily Ohio State football news, analysis, predictions, and discussion.Become a member and join the conversation at BuckeyeInsiders.com.
David Gabriel Georges will announce his decision exactly one week from today (July 22). And in exactly two weeks (July 29), Ohio State has all of its obligations at Big Ten Media Days in Chicago. Yes, football is almost here. On today's show, Dave Biddle and Steve Helwagen discuss if DGG is leaning Tennessee's way, what we're curious to hear from the Buckeyes at media days, Eddrick Houston having a strong summer, the latest with Warde Manuel's status at Michigan and more.That is coming your way on the Wednesday 5ish.
The NCAA has officially changed its eligibility rules, and the impact on Ohio State's roster could be significant. Instead of the traditional four seasons within a five-year window, most college football players will now have five full years of eligibility. That means nearly half of Ohio State's roster suddenly has a different career timeline. In this episode, we break down: The new NCAA eligibility rule Which Buckeyes benefit the most Players who could now return in 2027 What it means for Ryan Day's roster building Why this could become a major advantage for Ohio State Some of the biggest names affected include Luke Montgomery, Jermaine Mathews Jr., Mason Williams, Christian Alliegro, James Smith, Jeremiah Smith, Eddrick Houston, Payton Pierce, Devin Sanchez and many more. Will this rule help Ohio State build another championship roster? Let me know in the comments.
Ohio State enters the 2026 season as the consensus No. 1 team in college football, but the biggest reason the Buckeyes could win another national championship may not be Julian Sayin, Jeremiah Smith, or even Ryan Day. In this episode of the Daily Buckeye Blitz, we break down why roster depth could be Ohio State's greatest advantage. From Tavien St. Clair and Bo Jackson to Devin Sanchez, Eddrick Houston, Kenyatta Jackson Jr., and an elite secondary, the Buckeyes have talent stacked throughout the roster. Can Ohio State survive the brutal road trips to Texas, Iowa, Indiana, and USC while making another playoff run? Let's dive in.
Could Ohio State's defense actually be better in 2026 than it was a year ago? The Buckeyes lost superstar safety Caleb Downs, but return an incredibly talented group led by Kenyatta Jackson Jr., Devin Sanchez, Eddrick Houston, Zion Grady, Jermaine Mathews Jr., Payton Pierce and more. In this episode of the Daily Buckeye Blitz, we break down:
Ohio State's defensive tackle room entered spring full of questions… but did the Buckeyes quietly build a strength? In today's Daily Buckeye Blitz, we break down the entire post-spring defensive tackle situation: Eddrick Houston's HUGE opportunity James Smith's rapid rise John Walker's late spring surge Freshmen flashing early Matt Patricia's possible 3-DT packages Biggest concerns heading into fall camp Updated depth chart projections Can Larry Johnson develop another dominant interior defensive line? #OhioStateFootball #Buckeyes #OhioState #CFB #CollegeFootball Friday, May 15, 2026 Join Kalshi and Get $10 Subscribe to the Podcast
⭐️ Get Your Buckeye Gear ON SALE NOW!!! VISIT TheBuckeyeCast.com https://thebuckeyecast.com/ Ohio State's spring game wasn't just about the offense — the Buckeyes' young defensive talent stole the show. In this episode of the Daily Buckeye Blitz, we break down the rising stars on defense, including: Beau Atkinson's breakout potential Khary Wilder flashing as a true freshman Defensive end depth becoming a real strength Growth from Eddrick Houston and Will Smith Jr. Transfer impact from John Walker and James Smith Emerging leaders at linebacker and in the secondary Ohio State isn't rebuilding — they're reloading on defense. Subscribe for daily Buckeye football coverage. Wednesday, April 22, 2026 Join Kalshi and Get $10 Subscribe to the Podcast
⭐️ Get Your Buckeye Gear ON SALE NOW!!! VISIT TheBuckeyeCast.com https://thebuckeyecast.com/ Ohio State is through 11 spring practices, and several major storylines are starting to take shape. In this episode of the Daily Buckeye Blitz, we break down the biggest updates from Practice No. 11, including: Carlos Locklyn's confidence in the Buckeyes' injured but talented running back room Why Bo Jackson's spring development still matters even while sidelined The growing buzz around Eddrick Houston after a huge practice Dominick Kelly shedding his black stripe and pushing for playing time Why Earl Little Jr. looks like a perfect fit in the Ohio State secondary John Walker and Leroy Roker continuing to rise on defense The final stretch of spring ball is here, and the Buckeyes are starting to show who's really making a move. Tuesday, April 14, 2026 Join Kalshi and Get $10 Subscribe to the Podcast
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The Ohio State defensive line has a little bit of everything in 2026. There is a proven veteran edge in Kenyatta Jackson, a promising second-year edge in Zion Grady, a three-tech with a chance to take on a bigger role in Eddrick Houston, top transfer additions in James Smith and John Walker, and more.In this episode of the Buckeyes TomOrrow Morning podcast, Tony Gerdeman of BuckeyeHuddle.com joins host Tom Orr to break down the depth chart for Larry Johnson's defensive line heading into 2026 Ohio State spring football practice.
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