Bucknuts Morning 5: An Ohio State athletics podcast

Smell that? It's not smoke, relax. Nothing is on fire. Everyone is safe. 

You may have heard Ohio State is reeling since the beginning of the Early Signing Period. 

You heard wrong. Given the way this year has gone, maybe we shouldn't be surprised. 

But we needed some truth.

So we brought in 247Sports Director of Recruiting Steve Wiltfong to let you know how Ohio State fared yesterday.

All of that and more as we review Commitmas ... 

Our good friend Bill King of The Bill King Show on Nashville Sports Radio has dubbed the early signing period -- which kicked off today -- "Commitmas."

We like that term, and thus far Ohio State is receiving many nice presents. And more good news is expected later in the day when Zach Harrison makes his announcment.

The Dean of Ohio State Football Recruiting, Bill Kurelic (who else, right?) joins Dave Biddle on today's show to discuss all things early signing day from the Buckeyes' perspective.

Who has already signed with OSU this morning?

In addition to Harrison, which recruits are we keeping a close eye on the rest of the way today?

Which recruits could sign with Ohio State in February?

What are we hearing on the Justin Fields front? Might the Georgia quarterback transfer to Ohio State? Or did those rumors get a bit out of control on Monday and Tuesday of this week?

All of that and more as we take a break from celebrating Festivus to celebrate Commitmas.

It's the eve of the Early Signing Period. Ohio State remains in the mix for several elite prospects, including a certain local.

It's the 'eve' of the college transfer season. Ohio State is apparently in the mix for a certain elite quarterback ... possibly.

So we have plenty to discuss and just the person to discuss it with: Duane Long.

We talk Justin Fields, Zach Harrison, Nick Broeker, Jaden McKenzie, Doug Nester, breeding boxer puppies and much more.

Spend 5ish with us today, 'Nutters!

Mike Weber will turn pro after this season, which is not a surprise, but does lead to a question: Is running back depth going to be a problem for the Buckeyes in 2019.

Obviously, J.K. Dobbins will return, but behind him, there could be some concerns.

With the early signing period kicking off this Wednesday, we also talk a lot about recruiting on today's show:

* What is the latest with Doug Nester and Paris Johnson?

* Which recruits who are not committed to OSU might sign with the Buckeyes on Wednesday when the early signing period begins?

* What will happen with Zach Harrison?

* Which 2019 recruits that are committed to OSU (in addition to Nester) might not sign with OSU in the end?

Alex Gleitman joins Dave Biddle for the Monday extravaganza to discuss all of that and more.

If Greg Schiano does depart as Ohio State's defensive coordinator, and Alex Grinch is promoted to defensive coordinator, might Marcus Freeman make a homecoming to OSU?

Jonah Booker joins Dave Biddle for today's show to discuss that, plus:

* The refreshing honesty from Dre’Mont Jones (and the refreshing fact that he's going to play in the Rose Bowl).

* Will Jordan Fuller return in 2019, or will he turn pro?

* What is the latest on the recruiting front as far as Zach Harrison, Jordan Battle, Harry Miller and Doug Nester are concerned?

All of that and more on the Friday extravaganza.

What are early returns on Ryan Day's recruiting trail exploits as head coach?

Has his ascension weakened Ohio State's pitch in the wake of Urban Meyer's announced exit?

We bring in 247Sports Director of Recruiting Steve Wiltfong to get an expert opinion.

Other topics include:

* Should Dwayne Haskins set sail for NBA waters?

* Does the Big Ten have a new, legitimate recruiting challenger?

* What does Washington offer Ohio State as a Rose Bowl opponent?

Spend 5ish with us today, 'Nutters!

"The Granddaddy of Them All" is not getting much discussion amongst Ohio State fans.

Part of that is because of the existence of the College Football Playoff, and the Buckeyes not being a part of the four-team field.

Another reason is the pending retirement of Urban Meyer and promotion of Ryan Day is by far the biggest topic of conversation when OSU fans banter about their squad.

However, on today's show, Ohio State's matchup with Washington in the Rose Bowl is the crux of the show.

The People's Champ, Matt Baxendell, joins Dave Biddle for that; plus the latest on the Zach Harrison recruitment, what coaching changes could be in store for OSU after the Rose Bowl, and more.

All of that is coming your way on this Rosy edition of the Wednesday extravaganza.

Change ... change ... change.

Sometimes it's scary. Sometimes it's exciting.

Well ... what's the deal at Ohio State now that Urban Meyer is in the process of handing the reins to Pat Day?

So far ... so good. 

Could the staff be facing upheaval?

Are there committed recruits ready to defect?

Is Ohio State about to be knocked off its Big Ten perch?

We brought in Duane Long, who takes a break from dealing with multiple boxer puppies to offer up his opinions on the 'Day regime' thus far.

Also: A major reason why recruiting will continue full-speed ahead.

Spend 5ish with us today!

For several weeks, Zach Harrison appeared to be trending Michigan's way.

Now the No. 1 recruit in the state of Ohio seems to be leaning toward Ohio State.

But why?

Bill "Bank" Greene joins Dave Biddle to give his take on that (and Bank has always kept his Crystal Ball to OSU as far as Harrison is concerned).

Also on the docket:

What is the latest with Harry Miller, Jordan Battle, Cade Stover, Doug Nester, Nick Broeker and Cavon Butler?

What are thoughts on Ryan Day being promoted to head coach? What type of recruiter is Day?

All of that and much more on the 22-minute (yes, 22-minute) Monday extravaganza.

Jonah Booker believes Ohio State made the correct decision in promoting Ryan Day to head coach, even without conducting a national search.

However, JBook says that Day must do a complete overhaul of the defensive coaching staff.

JBook joins Dave Biddle for his usual Friday visit to discuss that, plus:

* What is our overall confidence level in Day?

* Are we buying into any of the conspiracy theories that Urban Meyer's decision to retire really wasn't his decision alone?

* Is there any chance Dwayne Haskins wins the Heisman Trophy tomorrow night?

All of that and more on the Friday extravaganza.