Bucknuts Morning 5: An Ohio State athletics podcast

It is national signing day in college football and The People's Champ, Matt Baxendell, joins Dave Biddle for today's show to talk all about it from Ohio State's perspective.

The Buckeyes will sign at least 23 players today, perhaps 24 depending on what quarterback CJ Stroud decides to do when he makes his announcement at 12:30 p.m. ET on ESPNU.

Two verbal commits -- cornerback Clark Phillips and athlete Cam Martinez -- will not sign today. Phillips will decide between OSU and Utah on Thursday, while Martinez will likely wait until what is now the late signing period in February to make his final call. What is Bax's take on those situations?

Ryan Day and the Buckeyes currently have the No. 4 class in the nation, per the 247Sports Composite. And they are the only Big Ten team in the top 10.

The class is led by perhaps the best wide receiver group we have seen. The offensive line class is also extremely impressive. What else stands out about the class, both good and not so good?

All of that and more is coming at you on the signing day version of the 5ish.

We are less than 24 hours from Early Signing Day, what equates to a yearly holiday in these parts.

But - as always - there is drama before the decisions. With Jeff Hafley set to take over at Boston College, will any of his recruits opt against Columbus?

We are talking Clark Phillips III and more with Duane Long this a.n.

What more?

* Will C.J. Stroud ink with Ohio State? There are some concerns.

* Who is Duane's sleeper on offense and defense in the soon-to-be official class?

* Which Buckeyes will benefit from the practices added for bowl (playoff) prep?

Spend 5ish with us today, Nutters!

There is much to discuss as Bill "Bank" Greene joins Dave Biddle for today's show. On the docket:

* Is there a frontrunner to replace Jeff Hafley at Ohio State? Is it Kerry Coombs?

* Will cornerback Clark Phillips sign with the Buckeyes on Wednesday?

* What about the rest of the current 2020 commits? Is there anyone else that might be in danger of flipping to another program?

* Back to Hafley, what is the impact on his pending departure as it pertains to Ohio State's preperation for Clemson in the College Football Playoff semifinal/Fiesta Bowl?

* What does Bank think about the matchup between the Buckeyes and Tigers?

* Is quarterback CJ Stroud going to sign with Ohio State two days from now?

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

Sure, there was no game this weekend. But there is plenty to discuss.

* Joe Burrow won the Heisman Trophy with Chase Young and Justin Fields within hailing distance. It was quite a night and Burrow did a fine job crediting his Ohio roots.

We discuss.

* Jeff Hafley has accepted the Boston College head coaching job. How does this affect Ohio State on the recruiting trail? How about the effect on Clemson prep?

We discuss.

* Also, anyone notice Clemson feels like a prohibitive favorite over Ohio State in the public arena. Why? What's changed? 

We discuss.

Spend some quality time with Bucknuts this Sunday a.m.

It is Friday and we have a jam-packed edition of the Bucknuts Morning 5 for you as Jonah Booker drops by. On the agenda is the following:

* Thoughts on Ohio State's CFP matchup with Clemson.

* Are the Tigers extremely overconfident? Could this play into the Buckeyes' hands? Also, Clemson has not really been tested this season, save for Mack Brown and North Carolina. Meanwhile, Ohio State is battle tested.

* Will the No. 2 dual-threat quarterback in the country in the 2020 class, CJ Stroud, select Ohio State? He is making his official visit to OSU this weekend and is expected to make his announcement on Wednesday (early signing day).

* Is sophomore safety Josh Proctor earning more playing time for the Buckeyes?

* True freshman offensive tackle Dawand Jones is massive, and not the project everyone thought he was.

* Ohio State athletic director Gene Smith took a lot of flak -- including right here on Bucknuts from staff members. Today, we give Smith his deserved kudos.

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

The early signing period kicks off soon. Will Ohio State make a late splash?

Possibly.

We bring in 247Sports Director of Recruiting Steve Wiltfong to discuss the following vital topics:

* C.J. Stroud in or out?

* Jack Miller fielding calls?

* Ohio State vs. Clemson: Good getting them first?

* Why Michigan has no chance to beat Ohio State anytime soon.

* Next year's playoff teams. We let you know who has a chance. It's not a long list.

Spend 5ish with us this a.m.

It is Wednesday and there is plenty on the agenda for today's show.

The People's Champ, Matt Baxendell, joins Dave Biddle to discuss the following and more:

* Is it now looking like Jeff Hafley will remain at Ohio State and not take the Boston College job?

* Might Kevin Wilson leave to be the head coach at Colorado State? Or is Butch Jones still destined for that job?

* Did Ohio State get the shaft by the College Football Playoff committee? Or is the No. 2 seed what the Buckeyes deserved?

* What are thoughts on the matchup with Clemson in the semifinals?

* Are the Tigers showing a lot of disrespect toward the Buckeyes?

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

Did you heart drop when Ohio State was revealed as the No. 2 team on Sunday? 

If it did, that's understandable. But Duane Long is here today to tell you why the drop could actually benefit the Buckeyes. We explain.

Also:

* Chase Young wins Nagurski Award. Shocker.

* Young, Justin Fields, Jalen Hurts and The Plains' favorite son were nominated and get a NYC trip.

* What scares Duane most about Clemson?

* If C.J. Stroud opts for the Buckeyes, where would the Stroud-Jack Miller combo rank when it comes to all-time Ohio State QB hauls?

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

What is reaction to Ohio State getting the No. 2 seed in the College Football Playoff and its matchup with No. 3 seed Clemson?

Bill "Bank" Greene joins Dave Biddle on today's show to talk about that, plus:

* Did Bank think the Buckeyes were going to get the No. 1 seed?

* Did the committee overreact to one bad half of football from the Buckeyes?

* What are insights regarding the matchup with Ohio State and Clemson? Can the Buckeyes exercise some demons against the Tigers?

* Is OSU co-defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley going to be the new head coach at Boston College?

* How would it impact recruiting if Hafley does take the BC job?

* Early signing day is one week from Wednesday (Dec. 18). Who are recruits Ohio State might add in their 2020 class between now and then? What is the latest with quarterback CJ Stroud?

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

Yeah, it wasn't easy. But Ohio State persevered.

The Buckeyes defeated Wisconsin, 34-21, in the B1G title game on Saturday night in Indianapolis. 

What does it feel like to be behind by two scores? Ohio State found out for the first time this season and responded. The second half was a return to form and ended with another B1G crown.

What did we think of the effort?

What does it mean to Ohio State's CFP ranking?

The Dean of Ohio State Recruiting Bill Kurelic is here. The People's Champ Matt Baxendell is here.

Hurry up and listen before the CFP rankings are officially announced ...