Podcast appearances and mentions of tom orr

In this audio-only edition of the Buckeye Weekly Podcast, hosts Tony Gerdeman and Tom Orr share their reaction to speaking with Illinois head coach Bret Bielema about the state of college football, being a Big Ten spokesman, growing up, living with failure, and much more.

The Ohio State Buckeyes take center stage at Big Ten Media Days on Wednesday, and the crew from BuckeyeInsiders.com knows exactly what they want to ask head coach Ryan Day, QB Julian Sayin, WR Jeremiah Smith, and SAF Jaylen McClain.Tony Gerdeman of BuckeyeInsiders.com joins host Tom Orr on this episode of the Buckeyes TomOrrow Morning podcast to preview Ohio State's appearance at Big Ten Media Days, and discuss what they're hoping to learn.Today's episode is presented by Jeff Ruby's Columbus, the award-winning, upscale steakhouse in Downtown Columbus, named one of the Top 50 steakhouses in America by Food Network. Just go to JeffRuby.com/Columbus to check out the menu and make a reservation today.

In this audio-only episode of the Buckeye Weekly Podcast, hosts Tom Orr and Tony Gerdeman recap their thoughts following a conversation with new Penn State head coach Matt Campbell. Campbell talked about life at Penn State and the lessons he has learned as a head coach. What has been the hardest lesson? The fellas discuss this as well as the problem with expectations that coul hinder the Penn State football program.

In this audio-only episode of the Buckeye Weekly Podcast, hosts Tony Gerdeman and Tom Orr discuss what they learned from USC head coach Lincoln Riley. Riley shared interesting thoughts on the value of high school recruiting -- particularly quarterbacks, a potential renewed rivalry with Ohio State, embracing expectations, being in alignment throughout the program, and more.

In this instant reaction episode of the Buckeye Weekly Podcast, hosts Tony Gerdeman and Tom Orr discuss what Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti had to say about the Protect College Sports Act, how close it is, the SEC breaking away, the possibility of the Big Ten doing the same, and much more.

In this episode of the Buckeye Weekly Podcast, Tony Gerdeman gives Tom Orr five Buckeye predictions that could define the season. They then discuss each of the predictions and the likelihood that they happen.

2026 Big Ten Media Days kick off Tuesday in Chicago, with Big Ten Commissioner Tony Petitti addressing the future of the league and college sports on the whole, and then six Big Ten head coaches previewing their team's season, including USC's Lincoln Riley, Penn State's Matt Campbell, Iowa's Kirk Ferentz, Illinois' Bret Bielema, Rutgers' Greg Schiano, and Wisconsin's Luke Fickell.In this episode of the Buckeyes TomOrrow Morning podcast, Tony Gerdeman of BuckeyeInsiders.com joins host Tom Orr to discuss some of the biggest storylines they're interested in learning about this week, what you can expect to see and hear, and much more.Today's episode is presented by Jeff Ruby's Columbus, the award-winning, upscale steakhouse in Downtown Columbus, named one of the Top 50 steakhouses in America by Food Network. Just go to JeffRuby.com/Columbus to check out the menu and make a reservation today. 

Ohio State has the best wide receiver in college football—but does it have a proven No. 2?Tony Gerdeman and Tom Orr wrap up their positional concerns series by examining the three biggest questions facing the Buckeyes' wide receiver room heading into the 2026 season.Jeremiah Smith is the unquestioned star, but Ohio State must determine who will emerge behind him. Can Brandon Inniss finally take the next step? Will UTSA transfer Devin McCuin or LSU transfer Kyle Parker become dependable options? And could one of the talented freshmen force his way into the rotation?Tony and Tom also discuss Ohio State's expected move toward a quicker passing game, the importance of producing more yards after the catch, and whether the Buckeyes have enough proven playmakers to replace Carnell Tate.They also explore what a successful freshman season should realistically look like—and why relying on a freshman can be either a warning sign or a sign that the player is simply too talented to keep off the field.Are these concerns significant enough to limit Ohio State's offense, or will the Buckeyes find their answers early in the season? Let us know in the comments.0:00 — Introducing Ohio State's wide receiver concerns0:30 — Concern No. 1: Is there a true No. 2 receiver?1:40 — Replacing Carnell Tate, Quincy Porter, and Mylan Graham3:26 — Evaluating Devin McCuin and Kyle Parker4:16 — Concern No. 2: Adapting to a quicker passing game5:36 — Why yards after the catch must improve7:02 — How the new approach could affect Julian Sayin8:00 — Concern No. 3: Will Ohio State rely on a freshman?8:57 — What a good true freshman season actually looks like11:08 — The good and bad reasons for playing freshmen12:22 — Final thoughts on the Buckeyes' wide receiver 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.

The Buckeyes TomOrrow Morning countdown of the 40 biggest impact players for the 2026 Ohio State football season has reached its conclusion, with this look at the five players we project to have the biggest impact on this year's Buckeye football season. Tony Gerdeman of BuckeyeInsiders.com joins host Tom Orr to break down those five players, including superstar WR Jeremiah Smith, returning starting QB Julian Sayin, senior DE Kenyatta Jackson, Jr., SAF Jaylen McClain, and OL Austin Siereveld. This episode is presented by Jeff Ruby's Columbus, the award-winning, upscale steakhouse in Downtown Columbus, named one of the Top 50 steakhouses in America by Food Network. Just go to JeffRuby.com/Columbus to check out the menu and make a reservation today.

Is tight end actually a concern for Ohio State in the supposed “Year of the Tight End”?Tony Gerdeman and Tom Orr examine the biggest questions surrounding the Buckeyes' tight end room, beginning with the most familiar concern of all: can they consistently run block?Nate Roberts, Northwestern transfer Hunter Welcing, and Ohio transfer Mason Williams are expected to lead the group, but Ohio State still has to determine which players it can trust in critical short-yardage situations and how quickly the coaching staff can identify its best combinations.Tony and Tom also discuss whether the room contains a legitimate receiving weapon, why Roberts could become a surprise fan favorite, and whether any of Ohio State's current tight ends can develop into the kind of NFL prospect the Buckeyes had last season.They also explore how uncertainty at wide receiver could lead to more two- and three-tight-end formations and whether Ohio State has enough quality depth to make that approach work.Are the concerns justified, or will 2026 truly become the Year of the Tight End? Let us know in the comments.0:00 — Introducing Ohio State's tight end concerns0:32 — Can the Buckeyes' tight ends run block?1:57 — Evaluating Nate Roberts, Hunter Welcing, and Mason Williams3:14 — How quickly can Ohio State identify its best blocker?3:45 — Is there a legitimate receiving threat in the room?5:48 — Why Nate Roberts could become a fan favorite7:28 — Does Ohio State have an exceptional tight end?9:08 — Who has the best NFL potential?10:26 — Could Ohio State use more two- and three-tight-end sets?11:20 — Do the Buckeyes have enough depth for 13 personnel?13:00 — Final thoughts on the Year of the Tight EndSubscribe 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.

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.

The Ohio State Buckeyes had one of the greatest defenses in program history in 2025, but after losing first-round picks Caleb Downs, Sonny Styles, Arvell Reese, and Kayden McDonald to the NFL, did they do enough in the Transfer Portal to fill those holes?In this episode of the Buckeyes TomOrrow Morning podcast, Tony Gerdeman of BuckeyeInsiders.com joins host Tom Orr to discuss that and more as they count down players 10 through 6 on the list of the most impactful Buckeyes for the 2026 season.Today's episode is presented by Jeff Ruby's Columbus, the award-winning, upscale steakhouse in Downtown Columbus, named one of the Top 50 steakhouses in America by Food Network. Just go to JeffRuby.com/Columbus to check out the menu and make a reservation today.

In this episode of the Buckeye Weekly Podcast, hosts Tom Orr and Tony Gerdeman discuss the four major concerns for the Ohio State quarterbacks headed into the 2026 season.

One day after the Ohio State Buckeyes got bad news about their top target for the running back position for the 2027 recruiting class, they got some very good news about their quarterback commit.Brady Edmunds, who has been committed to Ohio State's class for well over a year, reaffirmed his commitment on Thursday, after more than a month of uncertainty. There were questions about Ohio State's plans for the quarterback position, and whether Edmunds might flip to another school, but that is all apparently in the past. Tony Gerdeman of BuckeyeInsiders.com joins host Tom Orr to discuss the impact of Edmunds remaining in Ohio State's 2027 recruiting class, as well as the future of the quarterback position for the Buckeyes. Today's episode is presented by Jeff Ruby's Columbus, the award-winning, upscale steakhouse in Downtown Columbus, named one of the Top 50 steakhouses in America by Food Network. Just go to JeffRuby.com/Columbus to check out the menu and make a reservation today.

The Ohio State men's basketball team enters the 2026-27 season with a chance to take another step forward after making the NCAA Tournament last spring. One of the biggest issues that last year's team faced with a shortage of quality depth, so Jake Diebler's program went into the portal to add quality rotation players like Curtis Givens III and Jimmie Williams.In this episode of the Buckeyes TomOrrow Morning podcast, Marcus Hartman, the basketball insider at BuckeyeInsiders.com, joins host Tom Orr to discuss that and more.Today's episode is presented by Jeff Ruby's Columbus, the award-winning, upscale steakhouse in Downtown Columbus, named one of the Top 50 steakhouses in America by Food Network. Just go to JeffRuby.com/Columbus to check out the menu and make a reservation today.

Devin McCuin arrives at Ohio State after three productive seasons at UTSA, but what should Buckeye fans realistically expect from the veteran wide receiver transfer?Tony Gerdeman and Tom Orr discuss McCuin's past production, how big of a step up he faces at Ohio State, what they saw from him during spring practice, and why his range of possible outcomes may be wider than almost anyone else on the Buckeye offense.They also break down his potential role opposite Jeremiah Smith, how Chris Henry Jr., Brandon Inniss, Kyle Parker, and other receivers could impact his opportunities, and whether McCuin could become a major piece of Ohio State's passing game this season.00:02 — Intro00:12 — Tom sets up the uncertainty around Devin McCuin00:37 — Devin McCuin's UTSA production and Ohio State opportunity02:20 — Revisiting Tony's February projection03:47 — Why McCuin's range of outcomes is so wide06:00 — What spring practice did and did not reveal07:34 — How McCuin performed against better competition at UTSA09:55 — Tony revises his Devin McCuin prediction10:26 — Tom goes over on the new projection11:12 — Could McCuin approach Carnell Tate-type production?12:18 — Why September may reveal his role13:00 — Final thoughts and listener questionWhat kind of season do you expect from Devin McCuin at Ohio State? Drop your catches, yards, and touchdown predictions in the comments.Subscribe to Buckeye Weekly for daily Ohio State football talk, recruiting coverage, analysis, and more.Visit BuckeyeInsiders.com to become a member and join the conversation.

In this episode of the Buckeye Weekly Podcast, hosts Tony Gerdeman and Tom Orr discuss three concerns for the Ohio State defensive ends. How big are these concerns and how likely are they to impact the Buckeyes' season? The fellas talk about this and much more.

One of Ohio State's top remaining targets for the 2027 recruiting cycle is set to announce his decision on Wednesday. David Gabriel Georges, a 5-star running back, will decide between the Tennessee Volunteers and the Buckeyes. So which program is he likely to choose?Juck Miletti, the recruiting insider at BuckeyeInsiders.com, joins host Tom Orr to discuss that and much more on this episode of the Buckeyes TomOrrow Morning podcast. If DGG does pick the Vols, where will Carlos Locklyn turn next to help fill out his room? And how big of a blow would it be to the running back room in the next couple of seasons?Today's episode is presented by Jeff Ruby's Columbus, the award-winning, upscale steakhouse in Downtown Columbus, named one of the Top 50 steakhouses in America by Food Network. Just go to JeffRuby.com/Columbus to check out the menu and make a reservation today.

Brandon Inniss is back for another season as a key piece of Ohio State's offense, but can he become more explosive in year two as a starter?Tony Gerdeman and Tom Orr discuss expectations for Inniss, what he did last season, where his numbers need to improve, and whether Ohio State can get more big plays from the slot receiver position this year.They also discuss how Inniss compares to past productive Buckeye slot receivers, why yards after the catch will be so important, how Julian Sayin's progression reads could impact his targets, and whether Inniss can remain a reliable weapon while also increasing his downfield and red-zone production.00:30 — Intro00:40 — Tom explains why expectations shows are fun00:57 — Setting up Brandon Inniss' year-two expectations01:29 — Looking back at Inniss' 2025 production02:40 — Why 271 receiving yards was lower than expected04:19 — The yards-per-catch issue05:15 — Ohio State's history of productive slot receivers06:11 — Tony's projected numbers for Brandon Inniss06:59 — What would count as a solid season?08:20 — Could Inniss add more touchdowns?09:40 — Inniss' sure hands and punt return value10:03 — Where Inniss fits in Julian Sayin's passing progression11:21 — Final thoughts and listener question11:54 — Tom sings the show outWhat kind of season do you expect from Brandon Inniss? Drop your catches, yards, and touchdown predictions in the comments.Subscribe to Buckeye Weekly for daily Ohio State football talk, recruiting coverage, analysis, and more.Visit BuckeyeInsiders.com to become a member and join the conversation.

Warde Manuel Is OUT...EventuallyMichigan athletic director Warde Manuel is stepping down at the end of the year, following the release of a summary from an outside review into the Michigan athletic department's culture, oversight, and accountability.Tony Gerdeman and Tom Orr discuss what Michigan revealed, what it did not reveal, why Manuel is staying on through the end of the year, and how the report frames issues inside the athletic department. They also look at the long list of Michigan football controversies and suspensions in recent years, the challenge of overseeing a major football program, and whether Manuel is being fairly blamed for what happened on his watch.00:00 — Intro00:11 — Tom introduces the “$11 million episode”00:30 — Warde Manuel is out — eventually01:03 — Why Manuel is staying through the end of the year01:34 — What Michigan released from the outside review02:47 — The report's positives and vague negatives03:44 — The “deep and wet well” analogy04:59 — Failures of oversight and accountability06:04 — Why Manuel is being asked to help fix the culture07:38 — Why Michigan may want stability right now08:38 — Oversight issues inside the football program10:50 — Michigan's recent suspension history11:40 — The coaches, not the players, have been the issue12:48 — How much blame belongs to Warde Manuel?15:19 — Carefully worded exits and Michigan's culture of accountability16:40 — Why Kyle Whittingham may represent a culture reset17:46 — Final thoughts and listener questionIs Warde Manuel to blame for Michigan's recent athletic department issues, or is he being unfairly railroaded? Drop your thoughts in the comments.Subscribe to Buckeye Weekly for daily Ohio State football talk, recruiting coverage, analysis, and more.Visit BuckeyeInsiders.com to become a member and join the conversation.

Our countdown of the most impactful players on the 2026 Ohio State football team continues today with No. 15 to 11, including a pair of cornerbacks who could be the best duo at the position anywhere in the nation.In this episode of the Buckeyes TomOrrow Morning podcast, Tony Gerdeman of BuckeyeInsiders.com joins host Tom Orr to discuss Jermaine Mathews, Devin Sanchez, and three other players. Today's episode is presented by Jeff Ruby's Columbus, the award-winning, upscale steakhouse in Downtown Columbus, named one of the Top 50 steakhouses in America by Food Network. Just go to JeffRuby.com/Columbus to check out the menu and make a reservation today.

The Ohio State defense is replacing a number of stars following its dominant 2025 season, but brought in some potential playmakers through the Transfer Portal.In this episode of Buckeyes TomOrrow Morning, Tony Gerdeman, the team insider from BuckeyeInsiders.com, joins host Tom Orr to discuss safety Terry Moore, linebacker Christian Alliegro, and three other players among the top-20 impact players on this year's roster.Today's episode is presented by Jeff Ruby's Columbus, the award-winning, upscale steakhouse in Downtown Columbus, named one of the Top 50 steakhouses in America by Food Network. Just go to JeffRuby.com/Columbus to check out the menu and make a reservation today.

Which Ohio State offensive players are ready to become breakout names this season?Tony Gerdeman and Tom Orr draft six Buckeyes who could take major steps forward on offense, including players along the offensive line, in the backfield, at wide receiver, and at tight end.They discuss why Ian Moore may be one of the most important players on the offense, how Legend Bey could become a dangerous weapon, what Chris Henry Jr. could bring to the wide receiver room, and much more.00:30 — Intro00:41 — BuckeyeInsiders.com and the PowerPauseKing01:49 — Setting up six breakout Buckeyes on offense02:29 — Breakout Pick No. 1: Ian Moore03:28 — Why Ian Moore could be critical at left tackle04:09 — Breakout Pick No. 2: Legend Bey06:08 — How many touches could Legend Bey get?07:05 — Breakout Pick No. 3: Chris Henry Jr.08:01 — Why Chris Henry Jr. could become a bigger part of the offense09:53 — Breakout Pick No. 411:14 — Breakout Pick No. 513:58 — Breakout Pick No. 616:43 — Final thoughts and listener questionWhich Buckeye offensive player do you think is most likely to break out this season? Drop your pick in the comments.Subscribe to Buckeye Weekly for daily Ohio State football talk, recruiting coverage, analysis, and more.Visit BuckeyeInsiders.com to become a member and join the conversation.

Kenyatta Jackson is going to be a standout at one defensive end position for Ohio State this fall, but there are still some questions about who will be playing at the spot on the other side of the defensive line. In this episode of the Buckeyes TomOrrow Morning podcast, Tony Gerdeman of BuckeyeInsiders.com joins host Tom Orr to discuss two young players who could be on the verge of breakout seasons at edge: second-year Buckeyes Zion Grady and Epi Sitanalei. Plus, a look at several other players ranked as the 25th to 21st biggest-impact Buckeyes for the 2026 season. Today's episode is presented by Jeff Ruby's Columbus, the award-winning, upscale steakhouse in Downtown Columbus, named one of the Top 50 steakhouses in America by Food Network. Just go to JeffRuby.com/Columbus to check out the menu and make a reservation today.

The Ohio State Buckeyes just landed the final - and biggest - piece to their elite 2027 defensive line recruiting class. Karlos May, a 4-star defensive tackle out of Birmingham, Alabama, just announced that he was committing to Larry Johnson's class over other finalists like Georgia, Auburn, and Florida State.In this special bonus show - a breaking news episode of the Buckeyes TomOrrow Morning podcast, Juck Miletti, the Recruiting Insider at BuckeyeInsiders.com, joins host Tom Orr to break down the importance of May's commitment, how he fits in with the top-100 players already committed to the class, including DJ Jacobs, Markus Fakatou, and Wyatt Smith, and more.

Who is the best quarterback Ohio State will face during the 2026 season?Tony Gerdeman and Tom Orr rank the opposing quarterbacks on the Buckeyes' schedule, from the least proven options to a top three featuring Texas' Arch Manning and others.The discussion includes Bryce Underwood's potential sophomore leap at Michigan, Malik Washington's promising freshman production at Maryland, Anthony Colandrea's unpredictable playmaking ability, and what Illinois can expect from former Michigan State quarterback Katin Houser.Tony and Tom also examine whether Josh Hoover can maintain Indiana's recent standard at quarterback, debate whether Arch Manning belongs ahead of Maiava, and explain why Moore may enter the season as the most dangerous passer Ohio State is scheduled to face.Which quarterback would you rank No. 1? Let us know in the comments.0:00 — Introducing the opposing quarterback rankings1:18 — Ranking Nos. 12 through 93:45 — No. 85:33 — No. 77:20 — No. 610:12 — No. 512:50 — No. 415:56 — No. 318:21 — No. 219:44 — No. 122:52 — Final thoughts on Ohio State's challenging quarterback scheduleSubscribe to the Buckeye Weekly Podcast for daily Ohio State football news, analysis, rankings, and discussion.Become a member and join the conversation at BuckeyeInsiders.com.

The Ohio State Buckeyes just landed the final - and biggest - piece to their elite 2027 defensive line recruiting class. Karlos May, a 4-star defensive tackle out of Birmingham, Alabama, just announced that he was committing to Larry Johnson's class over other finalists like Georgia, Auburn, and Florida State.In this special breaking news episode of the Buckeyes TomOrrow Morning podcast, Juck Miletti, the Recruiting Insider at BuckeyeInsiders.com, joins host Tom Orr to break down the importance of May's commitment, how he fits in with the top-100 players already committed to the class, including DJ Jacobs, Markus Fakatou, and Wyatt Smith, and more.

Is Ja'Kobi Jackson being overlooked in Ohio State's crowded running back room?Tony Gerdeman and Tom Orr continue their running back expectations series by examining one of the Buckeyes' most difficult players to project for the 2026 season.Jackson appeared in only four games last year before an injury ended his season, but his previous work at Florida included productive performances against Georgia, Texas, and LSU. So which version of Jackson should Ohio State expect this fall?Tony and Tom discuss whether Jackson can carve out a consistent role behind Bo Jackson and Isaiah West, how many carries may realistically be available, and why his value could extend beyond his rushing totals. They also explore his potential as a third-down back, pass protector, and receiving threat out of the backfield.Could Jackson become this year's version of C.J. Donaldson? Might he finish third in snaps but fourth in carries? And is a 400-yard rushing season a fair expectation—or evidence that he is being overlooked?Let us know your Ja'Kobi Jackson projections in the comments.0:00 — Projecting Ja'Kobi Jackson's 2026 season0:36 — Why Jackson is so difficult to evaluate2:17 — His productive stretch against top SEC defenses4:43 — Could Jackson play more than his rushing totals suggest?7:59 — His potential impact in the passing game10:15 — Are Ohio State's rushing projections getting too high?Subscribe to the Buckeye Weekly Podcast for daily Ohio State football news, analysis, predictions, and discussion.Join the conversation at BuckeyeInsiders.com.

It's not easy for a true freshman to crack the rotation to earn playing time for the Ohio State Buckeyes, and it's even more uncommon for a first-year player to make a real impact on the season. However, this year, a pair of true freshmen have a chance to do just that on offense for Ryan Day's program. In this episode of the Buckeyes TomOrrow Morning podcast, Tony Gerdeman of BuckeyeInsiders.com joins host Tom Orr to count down players 30-26 on the list of the most impactful Buckeyes for 2026, including freshman RB Legend Bey and freshman WR Chris Henry, Jr. Today's episode is presented by Jeff Ruby's Columbus, the award-winning, upscale steakhouse in Downtown Columbus, named one of the Top 50 steakhouses in America by Food Network. Just go to JeffRuby.com/Columbus to check out the menu and make a reservation today.

Will Isaiah West emerge as Ohio State's not-so-secret weapon in 2026?Tony Gerdeman and Tom Orr revisit their expectations for the talented second-year running back after continuing to hear strong reviews about his potential inside the Ohio State football program.West rushed for 312 yards and two touchdowns as a true freshman, but his role could grow considerably in an offense expected to place a greater emphasis on the running game under new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith.How close is West to presumed starter Bo Jackson? Could the two running backs combine for 2,000 rushing yards? And might West's size make him Ohio State's primary short-yardage and goal-line option?Tony and Tom discuss West's projected carries, rushing yards and touchdowns, the value of keeping the Buckeyes' running backs fresh, and why West could be much more than a traditional backup this season.Let us know your Isaiah West projections in the comments.0:00 — Will Isaiah West be Ohio State's secret weapon?1:09 — Why expectations for West have changed2:42 — Revisiting the preseason projections4:19 — Could West rush for more than 800 yards?5:49 — West's potential short-yardage role7:51 — Projecting his 2026 touchdown total9:07 — Could West produce his first 100-yard game?11:09 — Why Ohio State will divide the carries12:01 — Final Isaiah West projectionsSubscribe to the Buckeye Weekly Podcast for daily Ohio State football discussions, analysis, predictions and news.Join the conversation at BuckeyeInsiders.com.

The team from BuckeyeInsiders.com got a chance to watch Ohio State men's basketball practice on Thursday, and came away thinking that former 5-star forward recruit Anthony Thompson could be a difference-maker for Jake Diebler's team this season. In this episode of the Buckeyes TomOrrow Morning podcast, Basketball Insider Marcus Hartman joins host Tom Orr to discuss their biggest takeaways from watching practice, and also speaking with Diebler, and the Buckeyes' four true freshmen, Thompson, guard LJ Smith, forward Alex Smith, and center Vuk Lazarevic. This episode is presented by Jeff Ruby's Columbus, the award-winning, upscale steakhouse in Downtown Columbus, named one of the Top 50 steakhouses in America by Food Network. Just go to JeffRuby.com/Columbus to check out the menu and make a reservation today.

The Ohio State Buckeyes are just under two weeks away from Big Ten Media Days and the unofficial start to the 2026 college football season. The team from BuckeyeInsiders.com is counting down to the big event with a look at the players most likely to make an impact on the season for Ryan Day's program.In this episode of the Buckeyes TomOrrow Morning podcast, Tony Gerdeman of BuckeyeInsiders.com joins host Tom Orr to count down from No. 35 to 31 on the list, as well as taking a quick run through five players who narrowly missed the countdown. Today's episode is presented by Jeff Ruby's Columbus, the award-winning, upscale steakhouse in Downtown Columbus, named one of the Top 50 steakhouses in America by Food Network. Just go to JeffRuby.com/Columbus to check out the menu and make a reservation today.

Bo Jackson rushed for more than 1,000 yards as a true freshman at Ohio State. So what comes next in year two?In this episode of the Buckeye Weekly Podcast, Tony Gerdeman and Tom Orr revisit their offseason expectations for Bo Jackson and discuss whether his projected numbers still make sense after spring ball. They break down possible rushing totals, yards per carry, touchdowns, carry distribution, and how Ohio State's deep running back room could impact Jackson's production.They also discuss the role of Isaiah West, Ja'Kobi Jackson, Legend Bey, Carlos Locklyn, Arthur Smith, and whether a better offensive line could make the Buckeyes' running game even more efficient this season.00:00 — Intro00:16 — Tom's national championship confetti update01:48 — The confetti story gets even stranger02:25 — Revisiting Bo Jackson expectations from February03:13 — Tony's projected numbers for Bo Jackson04:10 — Why the touchdown jump makes sense05:50 — Carry totals, yards per game, and Ohio State's RB history08:09 — How Isaiah West, Ja'Kobi Jackson, and Legend Bey could impact carries10:24 — Short-yardage carries and Bo Jackson's yards-per-carry outlook11:02 — Remembering what Bo Jackson already accomplished as a freshman12:06 — How high is Bo Jackson's ceiling in year two?13:28 — Final prediction and listener questionWhat kind of season do you expect from Bo Jackson in year two? Drop your rushing yards, touchdowns, and yards-per-carry predictions in the comments.Subscribe to Buckeye Weekly for daily Ohio State football talk, recruiting coverage, analysis, and more.Visit BuckeyeInsiders.com to become a member and join the conversation.

Ohio State's cornerback room has a chance to be one of the strengths of the 2026 Buckeye defense — but are there still legitimate concerns?Tony Gerdeman and Tom Orr discuss the biggest questions facing the Ohio State cornerbacks, including whether expectations are too high for Jermaine Matthews, Devin Sanchez, and Dominick Kelly; how the Buckeyes replace Davison Igbinosun's physicality; and whether every cornerback room is bound to have a few rough moments over the course of a season.They also discuss what the spring revealed about Devin Sanchez, how daily battles with Jeremiah Smith could help prepare the corners, why Dominick Kelly's experience at Georgia matters, and how past great Ohio State corners have still had difficult matchups.00:00 — Intro00:11 — Tom asks what Tony is panicking about today00:25 — Setting up the cornerback concerns01:06 — Concern No. 1: Are expectations too high?02:23 — Why the cornerback projection is fair, but not reckless05:36 — Veteran depth and the value of insurance at corner06:23 — Concern No. 2: Replacing Davison Igbinosun's physicality08:31 — Why practicing against Jeremiah Smith matters09:53 — A challenging schedule for Ohio State's cornerbacks10:47 — Concern No. 3: Avoiding random bad games and big plays12:07 — Why even great corners give up plays13:28 — Final thoughts on the concern level14:29 — BuckeyeInsiders.com and wrap-upHow concerned are you about Ohio State's cornerbacks this season? Drop your thoughts in the comments.Subscribe to Buckeye Weekly for daily Ohio State football talk, recruiting coverage, analysis, and more.Visit BuckeyeInsiders.com to become a member and join the conversation.

The Ohio State Buckeyes have filled most of their 2027 recruiting class on the defensive side of the ball, and could be on the verge of adding another big piece later this week when 4-star DT Karlos May announces his decision. So where do things stand right now, with Signing Day about five months away?Juck Miletti, the recruiting insider from BuckeyeInsiders.com joins host Tom Orr to share his grades on every position group on defense. The defensive end group is absolutely loaded, but where is there still work to do?Today's episode is presented by Jeff Ruby's Columbus, the award-winning, upscale steakhouse in Downtown Columbus, named one of the Top 50 steakhouses in America by Food Network. Just go to JeffRuby.com/Columbus to check out the menu and make a reservation today.

Can Ohio State's 2026 defense be even better than the Buckeyes' 2024 national championship defense?Tony Gerdeman and Tom Orr compare the two defenses position by position, including the defensive line, linebackers, cornerbacks, safeties, and special teams. They discuss why the 2024 defense sets such a high bar with players like J.T. Tuimoloau, Jack Sawyer, Tyleik Williams, Ty Hamilton, Cody Simon, Sonny Styles, Caleb Downs, Lathan Ransom, Jordan Hancock, Denzel Burke, and Davison Igbinosun.They also look at where the 2026 Buckeyes could have an edge, including the cornerback room, the potential of the linebacker group, the return game, and whether a full-time special teams coordinator could make a major difference.00:00 — Intro00:10 — Comparing this year's Buckeyes to a national championship team00:44 — Tony sets up the 2026 vs. 2024 defense debate00:54 — BuckeyeInsiders.com update01:27 — Why this comparison is different from asking who can win it all02:02 — Defensive line comparison03:12 — Why the 2024 defensive line gets the edge for now04:38 — Linebacker comparison05:59 — Could the 2026 linebackers eventually catch the 2024 group?07:32 — Cornerback comparison08:55 — Why the 2026 cornerback room may have the edge10:30 — Safety and nickel comparison12:19 — Why the 2026 safeties could still be one of the nation's best groups13:40 — Special teams comparison16:10 — Why 2026 special teams could be better18:04 — Final position-by-position thoughts19:23 — Listener question and wrap-upCan Ohio State's 2026 defense top the 2024 national championship defense? Drop your position-by-position picks in the comments.Subscribe to Buckeye Weekly for daily Ohio State football talk, recruiting coverage, analysis, and more.Visit BuckeyeInsiders.com to become a member and join the conversation.

Could the 2026 Ohio State offense actually be better than the 2024 national championship offense?Tony Gerdeman and Tom Orr compare the Buckeyes' 2026 offense to the 2024 title team position by position, including Julian Sayin vs. Will Howard, the current running back room vs. TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins, Jeremiah Smith's growth, the wide receiver and tight end groups, and whether the 2026 offensive line could eventually match or exceed the 2024 version.They also discuss how much championship bias impacts the comparison, how roster-building has changed in the NIL and transfer portal era, and why the 2026 Buckeyes may not need to be better than 2024 at every spot to still compete for a national title.00:00 — Intro00:11 — Tom courts disaster with coffee and a white shirt00:42 — Comparing the 2026 offense to the 2024 national champions02:12 — How NIL and the portal have changed roster depth04:26 — Ohio State's recent recruiting success in Alabama06:11 — Quarterback comparison: Julian Sayin vs. Will Howard07:26 — What Sayin needs to do better than Howard09:49 — Running back comparison: 2026 depth vs. 2024 star power10:55 — Why Henderson and Judkins set such a high bar13:02 — Receiver and tight end comparison14:27 — Offensive line comparison and injury questions15:51 — Could the 2026 offensive line be better for most of the season?17:56 — Final thoughts and listener questions19:44 — BuckeyeInsiders.com update and wrap-upCould the 2026 Ohio State offense be better than the 2024 national championship offense? Drop your position-by-position picks in the comments.Subscribe to Buckeye Weekly for daily Ohio State football talk, recruiting coverage, analysis, and more.Visit BuckeyeInsiders.com to become a member and join the conversation.

Ohio State did not have a 70-yard run during the entire 2025 season, but Tony Gerdeman of BuckeyeInsiders.com thinks that a true freshman could be just the person to break that drought this fall. Tony joins host Tom Orr on this episode of Buckeyes TomOrrow Morning to discuss how freshman RB Legend Bey could be a gamebreaker for Ohio State in 2026, along with three other predictions for the year. Will the Buckeyes snap a four-decade drought against a new Big Ten opponent?How much of a statistical leap will Kenyatta Jackson take this fall?Which Buckeye is going to pick off Michigan QB Bryce Underwood?The answers to those questions and more on this episode of the Buckeyes TomOrrow Morning podcast. This episode is presented by Jeff Ruby's Columbus, the award-winning, upscale steakhouse in Downtown Columbus, named one of the Top 50 steakhouses in America by Food Network. Just go to JeffRuby.com/Columbus to check out the menu and make a reservation today.

Ohio State may have one of the deepest running back rooms in the country, but are there still reasons for concern?Tony Gerdeman and Tom Orr discuss the Buckeyes' running back situation, including the injury histories throughout the room, how Carlos Locklyn can manage a deep group, whether the backs can get into a rhythm while sharing carries, and who Ohio State can trust in short-yardage situations.The discussion includes Bo Jackson, Isaiah West, Ja'Kobi Jackson, Legend Bey, Turbo Rogers, Favour Akih, and comparisons to past Buckeye running back rotations featuring TreVeyon Henderson, Quinshon Judkins, J.K. Dobbins, Mike Weber, Trey Sermon, Chip Trayanum, Dallan Hayden, and others.00:00 — Intro from the Schottenstein Center00:18 — BuckeyeInsiders.com is live01:04 — Concern No. 1: Running back health02:14 — Why depth helps protect against injuries03:40 — What happens if Ohio State has to go deep down the depth chart?05:22 — Concern No. 2: Can the backs get into a groove?05:55 — Lessons from past running back rotations07:54 — Why this rotation cannot just be a set batting order09:54 — Why communication and buy-in matter11:20 — Could anyone get 20 carries in a game?12:49 — Fresh legs vs. rhythm in the backfield13:08 — Concern No. 3: Short-yardage answers14:05 — Who can become Ohio State's goal-line option?16:10 — Final thoughts and listener questions16:33 — BuckeyeInsiders.com and wrap-upWhat is your biggest concern with Ohio State's running back room this season? Drop your thoughts in the comments.Subscribe to Buckeye Weekly for daily Ohio State football talk, recruiting coverage, analysis, and more.Visit BuckeyeInsiders.com to become a member and join the conversation.

The Ohio State men's basketball team was able to retain a pair of key building blocks for this season, in guard John Mobley and forward Amare Bynum, brought in a pair of 5-star freshmen in Anthony Thompson and LJ Smith, and they made some big additions in the Transfer Portal as well. In this episode of the Buckeyes TomOrrow Morning podcast, Tony Gerdeman of BuckeyeInsiders.com joins host Tom Orr to discuss the roles that guard Justin Pippen and forward/center Andrija Jelavic could play this year.After the show, stick around to hear interviews with Jelavic and Pippen following practice this week.Today's show is presented by Jeff Ruby's Columbus, the award-winning, upscale steakhouse in Downtown Columbus, named one of the Top 50 steakhouses in America by Food Network. Just go to JeffRuby.com/Columbus to check out the menu and make a reservation today.

Ohio State lost two elite linebackers from last year's national championship defense, so how concerned should Buckeye fans be about the position in 2026?In this episode of the Buckeye Weekly Podcast, Tony Gerdeman and Tom Orr discuss the biggest linebacker concerns facing Ohio State this season, including the challenge of replacing Sonny Styles and Arvell Reese, the pressure on Payton Pierce as the new leader of the defense, the importance of tackling consistency, and how much Riley Pettijohn, Christian Allegro, TJ Alford, Eli Lee, and others could factor into the rotation.The Buckeyes may not have two first-round linebackers again, but can Matt Patricia and the Ohio State defense still find the right answers?Join us at BuckeyeInsiders.com for more Ohio State football coverage, message board discussion, insider analysis, and more.00:00 Welcome to the Buckeye Weekly Podcast01:01 BuckeyeInsiders.com is live01:56 The biggest concerns at linebacker02:25 Replacing Sonny Styles and Arvell Reese03:17 Can Ohio State still have very good linebacker play?05:41 Why the Buckeyes don't have to replace everyone one-for-one06:25 Concern No. 2: Tackling without Sonny Styles07:26 How much does Ohio State's margin for error shrink?09:15 The impact of losing Caleb Downs behind the linebackers10:20 Concern No. 3: Payton Pierce taking over the defense11:25 Why Pierce may already be prepared for the role13:09 Concern No. 4: Figuring out Riley Pettijohn's role14:20 Why missing spring matters for Pettijohn15:26 How TJ Alford and C.J. Hicks-style versatility could help the rotation16:28 Eli Lee, depth, coaching, and final thoughts17:10 Subscribe, comment, and join BuckeyeInsiders.com

Ohio State men's basketball will take part in an all-new four-team event this October at an outdoor venue. The Caresource Invitational will pit the Buckeyes against Cincinnati, and Xavier against Dayton, and be played outside at the Linder Family Tennis Center, just north of Cincinnati.In this episode of the Buckeyes TomOrrow Morning podcast, Tony Gerdeman of BuckeyeInsiders.com joins host Tom Orr to discuss the event, and why it's just the first step in what could be a welcome change in college basketball.Following the show, you'll hear an interview with Ohio State head coach Jake Diebler about the game and why he's a big fan of playing in-state matchups like this. Today's episode is presented by Jeff Ruby's Columbus, the award-winning, upscale steakhouse in Downtown Columbus, named one of the Top 50 steakhouses in America by Food Network. Just go to JeffRuby.com/Columbus to check out the menu and make a reservation today.

5-star 2027 RB prospect David Gabriel Georges will announce his commitment on July 22. His recruitment is down to three schools, but the decision is likely to come down to the Tennessee Volunteers and the Ohio State Buckeyes. So which way is the talented back leaning? An interview with his uncle this week at On3 may have provided some insight.Juck Miletti, the recruiting insider at BuckeyeInsiders.com joins host Tom Orr to discuss what he said, what DGG said in response, and what it could mean for Ohio State's chances to land the future star. Our new website is now live at BuckeyeInsiders.com, and we invite you to come check it out. We would love to have you sign up for a membership and join us on the Insiders Board, presented by Jeff Ruby's Columbus, to talk about this story, and everything else happening around Ohio State Buckeyes football, basketball, and other sports. Sign up today at Buckeye Insiders.com Today's episode is presented by Jeff Ruby's Columbus, the award-winning, upscale steakhouse in Downtown Columbus, named one of the Top 50 steakhouses in America by Food Network. Just go to JeffRuby.com/Columbus to check out the menu and make a reservation today.

Ohio State's offensive line could be very good this season — but there are still some important questions to answer.In this episode of the Buckeye Weekly Podcast, Tony Gerdeman and Tom Orr discuss four major concerns for the Buckeyes up front, including the left tackle situation, Philip Daniels' development, how the line handles movement and stunts, and how quickly Ohio State can settle on its best five.They also discuss where Austin Siereveld, Ian Moore, Carson Hinzman, Luke Montgomery, Philip Daniels, Josh Padilla, Gabe VanSickle, and Jake Cook could fit into the offensive line picture.00:00 — Intro00:07 — Tom reacts to the title00:19 — Concern No. 1: Is Ian Moore ready at left tackle?01:37 — Why Ian Moore is more of a question than a crisis03:46 — Concern No. 2: Philip Daniels' next step05:36 — Right-side issues from last season06:09 — How much growth has Daniels already shown?07:59 — Concern No. 3: Can the line handle movement and stunts?10:08 — Why experience and Arthur Smith could help12:21 — Concern No. 4: How long until Ohio State finds its best five?14:11 — Fall camp options and possible offensive line combinations16:33 — Final thoughts and listener questionsWhat is your biggest concern with Ohio State's offensive line this season? Drop your thoughts in the comments.Subscribe to Buckeye Weekly for daily Ohio State football talk, recruiting coverage, analysis, and more.Visit BuckeyeInsiders.com for updates, coverage, and more.

The day we've been waiting for is finally (almost) here! Buckeye Insiders, the new Ohio State fan community is set to launch Wednesday, July 8 at Noon Eastern. Who is a part of the new site? How is it going to be different? How can you be a part of it all?In this episode of the Buckeyes TomOrrow Morning podcast, Tony Gerdeman of BuckeyeInsiders.com joins host Tom Orr to talk about everything you need to know to be a part of the big launch day. Today's show is presented by Jeff Ruby's Columbus, the award-winning, upscale steakhouse in Downtown Columbus, named one of the Top 50 steakhouses in America by Food Network. Just go to JeffRuby.com/Columbus to check out the menu and make a reservation today.

Could Ohio State have its deepest running back room in more than 30 years?Tony Gerdeman and Tom Orr discuss whether the Buckeyes' current backfield could be the deepest since the loaded 1992 group that featured Robert Smith, Raymont Harris, Jeff Cothran, Eddie George, Butler By'not'e, and others.They compare that room to the current group of Bo Jackson, Isaiah West, Ja'Kobi Jackson, Legend Bey, Turbo Rogers, and more. They also look back at other Ohio State running back rooms from the Cooper, Tressel, Meyer, and Day eras to determine where this year's group could eventually rank.00:00 — Intro00:10 — BuckeyeInsiders.com launch update00:38 — Could this be Ohio State's deepest RB room since 1992?02:47 — Comparing this year's backfield to the 1992 group05:05 — Could this year's production exceed 1992?07:19 — Why the 1992 rushing numbers need context10:17 — Remembering Tim Williams and the 1992 offense13:48 — Other Ohio State running back rooms in the conversation17:18 — NFL production from past Buckeye backfields19:19 — Final thoughts and listener questionCould Bo Jackson, Isaiah West, Ja'Kobi Jackson, Legend Bey, and the rest of Ohio State's running backs become one of the deepest backfields in Buckeye history? Drop your thoughts in the comments.Subscribe to Buckeye Weekly for daily Ohio State football talk, recruiting coverage, analysis, and more.Visit BuckeyeInsiders.com for updates on the launch of the new site.

The day we've been waiting for is finally (almost) here! Buckeye Insiders, the new Ohio State fan community is set to launch Wednesday, July 8 at Noon Eastern. Who is a part of the new site? How is it going to be different? How can you be a part of it all?In this episode of the Buckeyes TomOrrow Morning podcast, Tony Gerdeman of BuckeyeInsiders.com joins host Tom Orr to talk about everything you need to know to be a part of the big launch day. Today's show is presented by Jeff Ruby's Columbus, the award-winning, upscale steakhouse in Downtown Columbus, named one of the Top 50 steakhouses in America by Food Network. Just go to JeffRuby.com/Columbus to check out the menu and make a reservation today.

Bryce Underwood says he feels like he is the best player ever to come out of Michigan. Is that confidence, or is that going too far?Tony Gerdeman and Tom Orr discuss Underwood's comments, whether he meant the best player from the state of Michigan or the best player from the University of Michigan, and how he compares to names like Charles Woodson, Andre Rison, Tyrone Wheatley, Antonio Gates, Jerome Bettis, Chad Henne, J.J. McCarthy, and others.They also look at Underwood's freshman season, his development, Michigan's quarterback history, and what he still has to prove before claims like that can be taken seriously.00:31 — Intro00:40 — Tom's goal for the show01:03 — Bryce Underwood's big quote03:20 — Did he mean Michigan high school football or the University of Michigan?05:01 — Comparing Underwood to Michigan legends and freshman quarterbacks07:37 — Bryce Underwood vs. Chad Henne as freshmen10:22 — Terrelle Pryor comparison and freshman QB development11:41 — J.J. McCarthy comparison and Michigan's offensive outlook13:19 — Final thoughts and listener questionIs Bryce Underwood on track to become the best player to come out of Michigan? Drop your thoughts in the comments.Subscribe to Buckeye Weekly for daily Ohio State football talk, recruiting coverage, analysis, and more.Visit BuckeyeInsiders.com for updates on the launch of the new site.

Can Ohio State make it three straight Big Ten Freshman of the Year winners?Tony Gerdeman and Tom Orr discuss whether the Buckeyes have a realistic candidate to follow Jeremiah Smith and Julian Sayin as the most recent Big Ten Freshmen of the Year from Ohio State. They look back at the Buckeyes' history with the award, including Robert Smith, Orlando Pace, Maurice Clarett, Terrelle Pryor, Braxton Miller, J.T. Barrett, Mike Weber, and C.J. Stroud.They also discuss which current Buckeye freshmen have the best path to playing time, whether a true freshman wide receiver could put up the necessary numbers, how special teams could factor in, and why this might be a harder award for Ohio State to win this season than it was the last two years.00:00 — Intro00:12 — Tom discovers another second-generation Buckeye01:27 — Ohio State's recent Big Ten Freshman of the Year run03:48 — Could Chris Henry Jr. be the top candidate?05:25 — What kind of production would it take?06:57 — The case for a versatile offensive weapon09:16 — Why starters usually win this award10:18 — Possible defensive candidates and longshot scenarios11:22 — Final thoughts and listener picksWhich Buckeye freshman do you think has the best chance to win Big Ten Freshman of the Year? Drop your pick in the comments.Subscribe to Buckeye Weekly for daily Ohio State football talk, recruiting coverage, analysis, and more.

Tony Gerdeman has five Ohio State football predictions for Tom Orr to judge.Some are bold. Some are reasonable. Some may depend on opportunity, schedule, injuries, development, and how quickly new faces emerge for the Buckeyes this season.Tony and Tom discuss several areas that could shape Ohio State's year, including young offensive playmakers, linebacker production, special teams pressure, close-game situations, and whether the Buckeyes can answer one of the biggest questions facing the offense.00:00 — Intro00:11 — Tom prepares for Tony's predictions00:26 — Prediction No. 101:36 — How realistic is the first prediction?03:01 — Prediction No. 204:39 — Why early-season narratives matter06:56 — Texas games and linebacker expectations08:44 — Prediction No. 309:40 — Prediction No. 410:24 — Late-game kicking situations12:12 — Prediction No. 513:48 — Why the final prediction may be more realistic than it sounds15:46 — One key difference from last year16:57 — BuckeyeInsiders.com launch update17:36 — Wrap-upWhich prediction do you think is most likely to happen? Drop your thoughts in the comments.Subscribe to Buckeye Weekly for daily Ohio State football talk, recruiting coverage, analysis, and more.Visit BuckeyeInsiders.com for updates on the launch of the new site.