Podcast appearances and mentions of payton pierce

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.

In this episode of the Buckeye Weekly Podcast, hosts Tony Gerdeman and Tom Orr discuss Ohio State middle linebacker Payton Pierce, the outstanding leadership he has shown in camp, the expectations for him this season, what this season means for the Texas junior, the task in front of him following the immense losses on defense, 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.

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Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-buckeye-scoop--4429642/support.Thank you for being part of the Scoop Family!

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-buckeye-scoop--4429642/support.Thank you for being part of the Scoop Family!

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-buckeye-scoop--4429642/support.Thank you for being part of the Scoop Family!

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-buckeye-scoop--4429642/support.Thank you for being part of the Scoop Family!

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-buckeye-scoop--4429642/support.Thank you for being part of the Scoop Family!

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-buckeye-scoop--4429642/support.Thank you for being part of the Scoop Family!

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-buckeye-scoop--4429642/support.Thank you for being part of the Scoop Family!

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-buckeye-scoop--4429642/support.Thank you for being part of the Scoop Family!

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With the start of the 2026 Ohio State football season now a little over a week away, we're cramming a few extra bonus shows into your feed to help you fill the time between now and kickoff. In this special bonus episode, you'll get a chance to hear directly from Ohio State head coach Ryan Day, and his thoughts on the defensive side of the ball. How are the various pieces of the secondary going to fit together this season? Are they happy with the depth they have on the interior of the defensive line? And what makes Payton Pierce such a respected member of the program?If you enjoy this show, you'll love BuckeyeInsiders.com. That's where Tony Gerdeman and Tom Orr are your Team Insiders, Juck Miletti is your Recruiting Insider, Ross Fulton and Michael Pettit are your Scheme Insiders, and Marcus Hartman is your Basketball Insider. Check out BuckeyeInsiders.com today, and join us on the Insiders Board: https://buckeyeinsiders.com/community/forums/the-insiders-board.5/

With the start of the 2026 Ohio State football season now a little over a week away, we're cramming a few extra bonus shows into your feed to help you fill the time between now and kickoff. In this special bonus episode, you'll get a chance to hear directly from Ohio State head coach Ryan Day, and his thoughts on the defensive side of the ball. How are the various pieces of the secondary going to fit together this season? Are they happy with the depth they have on the interior of the defensive line? And what makes Payton Pierce such a respected member of the program?If you enjoy this show, you'll love BuckeyeInsiders.com. That's where Tony Gerdeman and Tom Orr are your Team Insiders, Juck Miletti is your Recruiting Insider, Ross Fulton and Michael Pettit are your Scheme Insiders, and Marcus Hartman is your Basketball Insider. Check out BuckeyeInsiders.com today, and join us on the Insiders Board: https://buckeyeinsiders.com/community/forums/the-insiders-board.5/

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Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-buckeye-scoop--4429642/support.Thank you for being part of the Scoop Family!

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-buckeye-scoop--4429642/support.Thank you for being part of the Scoop Family!

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-buckeye-scoop--4429642/support.Thank you for being part of the Scoop Family!

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With 2025 starting linebackers Arvell Reese and Sonny Styles both selected among the top-10 picks in the 2026 NFL Draft, the Ohio State Buckeyes are going to have a new look at linebacker this fall. But more than just new faces, there are going to be new roles and a new mixture of players in different packages. In this episode of the Buckeyes TomOrrow Morning podcast, Tony Gerdeman of BuckeyeInsiders.com joins host Tom Orr to discuss how the new-look linebackers could fit together to defend against the wide variety of offenses they'll face this fall.From last year's third linebacker Payton Pierce, to Wisconsin transfer Christian Alliegro, to talented second-year standouts Riley Pettijohn and TJ Alford, there is a lot of potential in James Laurinaitis' position group.  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.

Which Ohio State defenders have seen their stock rise the most during fall camp?In this episode of The Buckeye Weekly Podcast, Tony Gerdeman and Tom Orr break down five Buckeyes on defense who are standing out based on what they've seen and heard throughout camp.The conversation starts with freshman nickel Jay Timmons, who has quickly gone from intriguing newcomer to a player getting extensive first-team work. The guys also discuss transfer linebacker Christian Alliegro, sophomore cornerback Devin Sanchez, linebacker Riley Pettijohn, middle linebacker Payton Pierce, and safety Earl Little Jr. as Ohio State's defensive depth chart continues to take shape.How much can Timmons contribute immediately? Could Sanchez become Ohio State's top outside corner? How deep will the linebacker rotation go? And can Little thrive in the role previously occupied by Caleb Downs?0:30 — Welcome to the Buckeye Weekly Podcast0:38 — Stock Up on defense begins with Jay Timmons1:14 — Why Timmons' first-team reps matter1:44 — The remarkable history of freshman Ohio State nickelbacks3:10 — Is Timmons already headed for the starting lineup?4:19 — Stock Up: Christian Alliegro4:45 — Why Alliegro has become a given at linebacker5:35 — Alliegro's versatility in Matt Patricia's defense6:51 — Stock Up: Devin Sanchez7:39 — Could Sanchez be Ohio State's best outside corner?8:38 — Expectations are soaring for Sanchez in Year Two9:41 — Stock Up: Riley Pettijohn10:15 — Pettijohn creating buzz throughout fall camp10:53 — How Pettijohn fits into the linebacker rotation12:04 — T.J. Alford remains very much in the mix12:47 — Stock Up: Payton Pierce13:30 — Why Pierce is clearly Ohio State's Mike linebacker14:14 — The importance of the green dot and defensive communication15:11 — Why Ohio State has so much confidence in Pierce16:18 — Stock Up: Earl Little Jr.16:56 — Little stepping into the Caleb Downs role17:36 — Can Little match Downs' impact?19:54 — A future Earl Little vs. Caleb Downs episode?20:15 — Who did we miss?20:35 — YouTube Hype and supporting the show21:31 — BuckeyeInsiders.com and final thoughtsWhich Buckeye defender has seen his stock rise the most during fall camp? And who did we leave off the list? Let us know in the comments.For more Ohio State football coverage, practice intel and fall camp 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, leave a comment, and Hype the video if that option is available to you. A five-star rating and review on the podcast side is always appreciated as well.

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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.

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Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-buckeye-scoop--4429642/support.Thank you for being part of the Scoop Family!

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Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-buckeye-scoop--4429642/support.Thank you for being part of the Scoop Family!

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Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-buckeye-scoop--4429642/support.Thank you for being part of the Scoop Family!

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What questions are still unanswered for the Ohio State defense after the first week of fall camp?Tony Gerdeman and Tom Orr take stock of what they've seen and heard so far and break down three major areas where the Buckeyes are still sorting through personnel, roles, and rotations.The first question comes at defensive end, where Kenyatta Jackson and Beau Atkinson appear to be leading the way, but the pecking order behind them is still unsettled. Zion Grady, Epi Sitanilei, and Qua Russaw are all in the mix, and the answer may depend on down, distance, and situation.At linebacker, the biggest mystery may be Riley Pettijohn. Ohio State has already worked him at Sam, Will, and Mike as the staff tries to determine where he fits best. Tony and Tom discuss how Pettijohn compares with T.J. Alford, Christian Alliegro, and Payton Pierce—and whether Ohio State could end up using more three-linebacker looks this season.Finally, they look at the nickel and safety spots, where true freshman Jay Timmons continues to make a strong impression. If Timmons really is Ohio State's starting nickel, what does that mean for the rest of the secondary—and how often will the Buckeyes even need to be in nickel against the changing offensive trends in college football?Which defensive question do you most want answered next? Let us know in the comments.0:29 — Welcome to Buckeye Weekly1:12 — Three unanswered questions for the Buckeye defense1:34 — Who is the next defensive end after Kenyatta Jackson and Beau Atkinson?2:03 — Zion Grady, Epi Sitanilei, and Qua Russaw in the rotation3:08 — How soon will Ohio State settle the defensive end pecking order?5:00 — Where does Riley Pettijohn fit in the defense?6:13 — Sorting through Ohio State's loaded linebacker room8:13 — Can Pettijohn and T.J. Alford both find major roles?9:14 — How much will Ohio State actually use the nickel?10:06 — Why Jay Timmons could play a major role early11:30 — What Timmons' rise means for the safety room13:14 — Final thoughts on the unanswered defensive questionsSubscribe to the Buckeye Weekly Podcast for daily Ohio State football news, camp updates, analysis, and discussion.Become a member and join the conversation at BuckeyeInsiders.com.