Bucknuts Morning 5: An Ohio State athletics podcast

On Wednesday, the local media met with Ohio State's 14 early-enrollee freshmen for the first time. We came away incredibly impressed with this group, both on and off the field.

Steve Helwagen joins Dave Biddle for today's show to talk about many of the talented freshmen such as Paris Johnson, Julian Fleming, CJ Stroud and others.

Also, what are Steve's thoughts on Mark Dantonio stepping down at Michigan State? Getting out before the avalanche hits, or was he just ready to retire?

All of that and more is coming at you on the Friday 5ish.

Can 247Sports Director of Recruiting Steve Wiltfong see the future?

It's debatable. 

His Crystal Ball hit rate - 94% for the Class of 2020 cycle - leads one to believe its possible. His prediction more than nine months ago that Mark Dantonio was in his last season as Michigan State's coach advances his argument. 

Oh, and yesterday was National Signing Day and Brian Hartline was honored for being the absolute best recruiter going.

So there is plenty to discuss. 

And Wiltfong is here. Let's enjoy. 

Spend 5ish with us this a.m., 'Nutters!

The first Wednesday of February used to be a national day of celebration for college football fans. Now? Well, signing day is a shell of what it used to be.

That is because the real signing day is in December now. Ohio State signed 24 recruits in December and will sign just one -- Cameron Martinez -- today.

Is this way better or worse?

The People's Champ, Matt Baxendell, joins Dave Biddle to discuss that question in detail.

Other topics include Mark Dantonio stepping down as Michigan State's head coach, Ohio State's basketball team beating Michigan in Ann Arbor last night and more.

All of that is coming at you on the Wednesday 5ish.

The Super Bowl has come and gone. National Signing Day is tomorrow. 

Football is gone for a while (apologies, Cardale). Let's provide some pigskin perspective. Duane Long is here to run the gamut with us.

* Nick Bosa: The best player on the field in the biggest game on Earth. Strong marketing for your Buckeyes, indeed.

* Mike Hall: Why he rated out as a nekkid jaunt pickup (without photo evidence of such, thankfully).

* Cam Martinez: Tomorrow is your day. Our support team thanks you.

* Crystal clear: The last five Crystal Ball picks for the Buckeyes and what Duane thinks of each.

Spend 5ish with us this a.m., 'Nutters!

Ohio State already has 10 commitments in its 2021 recruiting class, which is ranked as the No. 1 haul in the nation according to the 247Sports Composite.

Four-star defensive tackle Mike Hall from Streetsboro, Ohio, was the most recent prospect to join the class. Of all the top 2021 recruits still left on OSU's board, who do the Buckeyes have a good shot at landing?

The Dean of Ohio State Football Recruiting, Bill Kurelic, joins Dave Biddle for an extended version of today's show to give you a primer on what to expect going forward.

All of that and more is coming at you on the Monday 5ish.

Kerry Coombs has been on the job for just a week-and-a-half. Yet, Ohio State's defensive coordinator is pounding the pavement on the recruiting trail and could wind up landing some of the top cornerbacks in the country in the 2021 class.

Jonah Booker joins Dave Biddle for his usual Friday visit to discuss that, including:

* What's the latest with the No. 1 corner in the country for 2021, Tony Grimes? How much of a difference is Coombs making with him?

* Are the Buckeyes the clear front-runners to land the No. 5 cornerback in the nation, Jakailin Johnson?

* What does JBook think about four-star corner Jordan Hancock?

* What will Ohio State's 2020 offense look like from a run/pass balance? Are we going to be looking at an offense much more similar to 2018?

* Which three-tech defensive tackle does JBook think will step up for OSU this fall?

All of that and more is coming at you on the Friday 5ish.

Yes, the Class of 2020 has appeared to come to a close for the Buckeyes with Michigan star Cam Martinez on board. 

Technically, National Signing Day coming next week (Wednesday). Should Bucknutters actually go to work that day?

It's time for a visit from 247Sports Director of Recruiting Steve Wiltfong. He recently chatted with Martinez about his decision and will share highlights. 

Also:

* Newest (maybe the best) Texas prospect on recruiting radar?

* Ohio State's recruiting class finished cycle No. 5 overall.

* Two new 5-stars for the Buckeyes?

Sit back and absorb the knowledge.

Spend 5ish with us this a.m.

It is the midpoint of the work week and The People's Champ, Matt Baxendell, joins Dave Biddle for today's show. On the docket:

* Cameron Martinez saying he will definitely sign with the Buckeyes one week from today when the late signing period begins.

* Which notable OSU recruits moved up and down on the final 247Sports rankings for the 2020 class? Hint: One of the guys who moved up is quarterback CJ Stroud, and we're quite high on his game.

* Offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson having a bigger role in terms of calling plays.

* How will things shake out at running back for Ohio State in 2020?

All of that and more is coming at you on the Wednesday 5ish.

The final Top247 for the class of 2020 was released earlier today. Ohio State's haul now includes four 5-star commitments.

The 5-star Reveal Show show, hosted by Josh Pate and featuring analysis from 247Sports Director of Scouting Barton Simmons, featured player-by-player unveiling of the 32 final 5-star prospects in the class of 2020.

That means in-depth discussion on the two you knew about and the newest 5-star Buckeyes: No. 4 Julian Fleming; No. 8 Paris Jackson, Jr.; No. 15 Jackson Smith-Njigba; No. 29 C.J. Stroud.

So it back and listen to Josh and Barton go into detail on each of the Buckeyes to earn such lofty status and stick around for a list of the five prospects that fell just short of that elusive fifth star. 

The final Top 247 for the Class of 2020 will be released later today. How many five-stars will Ohio State have?

We know it is more than the two who entered the final evaluation as such: Julian Fleming and Paris Johnson, Jr.

But what if Duane Long was the official dude of rankings. What would be his top five in Ohio State's Class of 2020 haul. We discuss. You will enjoy and likely be surprised who makes up the quintet.

Also:

* The Dean of Ohio State Recruiting has lobbed in a Crystal Ball for Maryland defensive lineman. What's Duane scouting report?

* Why are Mike Hall and Jaylen Johnson so underrated? 

All that and more this a.m. Spend 5ish with us, today!