Bucknuts Morning 5: An Ohio State athletics podcast

Ohio State fans could almost hear Kool & The Gang playing in the background as the Buckeyes landed a pair of high four-star recruits Tuesday night.

First, wide receiver Kamryn Babb pledged his allegiance to Urban Meyer's team.

Then, defensive tackle Tommy Togiai also committed to the Buckeyes.

Ohio State already had the No. 1 recruiting class in the nation, per the 247Sports Composite. Now, the Buckeyes increased their lead even more over Texas and the others in the mix for the "recruiting national championship."

The People's Champ, Matt Baxendell, joins Dave Biddle to discuss the recruiting windfall for OSU and much more on the Wednesday extravaganza.

It's coming down to the wire.

Which quarterback do you want in Ohio State's Class of 2018?

Or do you want two?

Matthew Baldwin?

Emory Jones?

Both?

Gulp ... neither?

We have eight days until we know the deal for sure thanks to the new three-day Early Signing Period that kicks off on Dec. 20.

Who does Duane Long want?

Which defensive ends should Ohio State be pursuing?

Which Buckeyes thought to be off for Sunday football should actually stay?

Spend 5ish with us this a.m. for some answers!  

It is Monday and we have an action packed version of the 5ish.

Alex Gleitman joins Dave Biddle to discuss:

* The latest on the recruiting front for the Buckeyes.

* Including quarterback recruiting, defensive end recruiting and more.

* Specifically, what is up with Emory Jones?

* Will Casey Rogers end up signing with Ohio State?

* Will any OSU players skip the bowl game?

* What are our thoughts on the matchup between the Buckeyes and USC?

All of that and more on the Monday extravaganza.

Quarterback Emory Jones has been committed to Ohio State for months. However, will the Buckeyes sign the talented player from Georgia?

Jonah Booker joins Dave Biddle to discuss that, plus:

* Speaking of prospects from the Peach State, Brenton Cox de-committed from OSU exactly two weeks before the early signing period begins. J-Book played college football. Is he OK with what Cox did, or should he have let Ohio State's staff know a lot earlier?

* Will any OSU players skip the bowl game?

* What are thoughts on the matchup with USC in the Goodyear Cotton Bowl? The Buckeyes are favored by seven points.

* Is defensive end a concern for the Buckeyes in 2018, or is too much being made of that?

All of that and more on the Friday extravaganza.

Recruiting is always hot and heavy for the Buckeyes.

With the new Early Signing Period coming in two weeks, the temperatures are even toastier than usual.

So 247Sports Director of Recruiting Steve Wiltfong is here to play amateur meteorologist and provide a Buckeyes forecast:

** How did Tyreke Johnson work with 247Sports to put out such and excellent commitment video?

** Brenton Cox and why he is no longer a future Buckeye ...

** Emory Jones? Matthew Baldwin? What is the deal at quarterback for this class?

** Why are Urban Meyer and Kerry Coombs traveling with a Denzel Ward jersey?

Hang with us for some answers this a.m.!

It is officially silly season on the recruiting trail with the early signing period exactly two weeks away (Dec. 20-22).

Will Ohio State hold on to recruits that have been committed for several months, such as defensive end Brenton Cox, quarterback Emory Jones, and safeties Jaiden Woodbey and Josh Proctor?

The People's Champ, Matt Baxendell, joins Dave Biddle to discuss that, plus:

* The Buckeyes landing their 19th commit in their 2018 class -- four-star defensive back Tyreke Johnson.

* A few days removed, what are thoughts on Ohio State missing the College Football Playoff? Did the Buckeyes deserve to get in or not?

* Jim Harbaugh stalking the Ole Miss campus, looking for transfers. Smart move, or desperate move?

All of that and more on the midweek spectacular.

Still playing the blame game?

You're not alone. It's an Ohio thing these days.

We invited Duane Long to play and he had no trouble with the concept.

Why is Ohio State on the outside of the playoff looking in?

That's the focus.

We also talk recruiting and get into the latest on Walker Culver,

Brenton Cox and Tyreke Johnson.

Spend 5ish with us this a.m.!

The results are in and they are not good for Ohio State.

The Buckeyes barely missed out on making the College Football Playoff as they were the No. 5 team in the rankings.

Ohio State was beaten out by No. 4 Alabama.

Did the committee get it right? Did the Crimson Tide just get in based on their reputation and not their resume?

Even though Alabama might not have deserved to get in, did the Buckeyes really deserve to get in after getting blown out by a 7-5 Iowa team?

What are thoughts on the Buckeyes' matchup with USC in the Goodyear Cotton Bowl?

And much of the show is dedicated to recruiting, specifically Ohio State's 2018 class. The Dean gives the latest on 10 of the top uncommitted recruits that are left on the Buckeyes' board: Jackson Carman, Anthony Cook, Tyson Campbell, Tommy Togiai, Kamryn Babb, Tyreke Smith, Rasheed Walker, Jayson Oweh, Walker Culver and Tyreke Johnson.

All of that plus more on a 16-minute edition of the Monday extravaganza.

Ohio State is publicly saying J.T. Barrett will start for the Buckeyes in the Big Ten Championship Game against Wisconsin in Indianapolis on Saturday (8 p.m. ET; FOX).

However, is Barrett really going to be ready to play just six days following knee surgery? Might Dwayne Haskins be at the controls for the Buckeyes?

Jonah Booker joins Dave Biddle to discuss that, plus:

* What do we expect out of Haskins if he does have to play, perhaps even start?

* If Ohio State wins, are the Buckeyes in the College Football Playoff? Or do they still need help?

* How do we expect the Wisconsin game to go, including a final score?

All of that and more on the Friday extravaganza.

Ohio State is in the home stretch of the football season. All of the Buckeyes' goals are in front of them.

The same could be said for Class of 2018 recruiting. It's basically the home stretch and everything points to the Buckeyes finishing with the nation's top class.

So 247Sports Director of Recruiting Steve Wiltfong is here to provide some clarity on the following home stretch targets:

* Cameron Brown
* Walker Culver
* Tommy Togiai
* Payton Wilson

**ALSO:

Does Wiltfong think Ohio State or Wisconsin will win the Big Ten title game?

Will Ohio State eventually be selected for the College Football Playoff?

Spend 5ish with us this a.m.!!!