Bucknuts Morning 5: An Ohio State athletics podcast

When it comes to offseason recruiting activity, it's been an impressive week even by Ohio State standards. The Buckeyes are making their presence felt on the trail once again.

The nation's No. 2 inside linebacker?

Teradja Mitchell is 24 hours from making his decision public knowledge.

The nation's No. 1 running back?

There's a real Ohio State buzz around Zamir White.

The nation's No. 1 cornerback?

Crystal Balls are rolling towards Columbus for Anthony Cook.

Other coveted prospects like Solomon Tuliapupu, Daniel Carson, Nesta Silvera and Andrew Chatfield? Crystal Balls have been flipped for Ohio State on all of them recently.

We address the developments with 247Sports Director of Recruiting Steve Wiltfong.

It sure looks like it will be "wide receiver by committee" for Ohio State in 2017.

However, is there a reasonable chance that a true "go-to" WR steps up for the Buckeyes this fall?

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

* Thoughts on OSU's 2017 schedule. How does it compare to the 2016 slate?

* What might the ticket prices be on the secondary market for the two big home games this year: Oklahoma and Penn State?

That and more on the midweek extravaganza.

How much confidence do you in the Buckeyes this season?

Las Vegas has plenty.

The spreads are out for what are thought to be Ohio State's three most challenging contests - vs. Oklahoma, vs. Penn State and @ Michigan - and the Buckeyes are at least an eight-point favorite in each.

Also: 

** Is wide receiver Kamryn Babb the No. 1 or No. 7 receiver in the nation?

** Standout safety Amari Burney commits on Thursday ... what does it mean for Ohio State?

** We lost a titan of rock & roll when Gregg Allman passed over the weekend.

Sounds like a show for Duane Long. Luckilly, it was. 

What are expectations for Ohio State in 2017?

Is it a "Big Ten championship or bust" feeling in Columbus?

Might you go as far as to say it's a "national championship or bust" season?

Steve Helwagen joins Dave Biddle to do a deep dive on that topic.

Also discussed is OSU's basketball team only having nine of 13 scholarships filled at the present time. Might the Buckeyes find a recruit or two at this very late stage that could help them in 2017-18? Or is the roster set as is?

Ever question 247Sports Director of Recruiting Steve Wiltfong's commitment to the BM5?

If so, that ends today.

Wiltfong checks in from a big-time location to spread some recruiting wisdom.

** Will Ohio State end Alabama's run at the top of the recruiting rankings?

** Will Zamir White pick the Buckeyes on his mom's birthday?

** What does Wiltfong think of Bill Kurelic's latest Crystal Ball prediction?

Spend 5ish with us this a.m.!

Who are the players on Ohio State's 2017 roster that, in retrospect, were vastly underrated during the recruiting process?

Jonah Booker joins Dave Biddle to discuss that topic, plus:

Chris Spielman's recent comments that he thinks either Joe Burrow or Dwayne Haskins will transfer before the 2018 season begins. That seems to be exactly what Urban Meyer is trying to prevent by not naming a clear No. 2 quarterback entering this season.

What happens if J.T. Barrett can't go? Who steps in at quarterback?

It's no easy decision. But that's why Urban Meyer gets the big checks. It's also why we brought in Duane Long for his usual Tuesday appearance.

Duane offers wisdom on the following topics:

** Joe Burrow vs. Dwayne Haskins

** Teradja Mitchell: Buckeye or Seminole and just how good is he?

** Michael Harris: The real answer in the middle at 'backer?

** Jaiden Woodbey: Buckeye or not?

If you have some time for answers to these questions ... you've come to the right place!

Spend 5ish with us this a.m.!

Is Aeneas Hawkins' offer to Ohio State of the committable variety?

If so, will Hawkins end up a Buckeye? Or might he pick one of the other six schools on his list, such as perhaps his hometown Cincinnati Bearcats?

Patrick Murphy joins Dave Biddle to discuss that, plus all things Kevin Wilson. The issue stemming from Wilson's days as Indiana's head coach has blown over as predicted. So, what can fans expect from Wilson in year one of running OSU's offense? Can the Buckeyes go from a middle-of-the-pack offense nationally, to one of the best in the land?

We debate that and more on the Monday version of the 5ish.

Should the Big Ten expand from 14 to 16 teams?

If they do, would Oklahoma and Texas be good fits?

Brandon Castel joins Dave Biddle to discuss that topic and more.

Also broached is Ohio State's running back situation, and Castel is very high on third-year sophomore Mike Weber. In fact, he thinks this will be "the year of Mike Weber."

If Weber does play well, what will be the roles of Demario McCall and J.K. Dobbins?

That and more on the Friday extravaganza.

Another day, another top-ranked cornerback headed to Ohio State?

It's possible.

The Buckeyes have emerged as a serious contender for Florida standout Tyson Campbell, the nation's No. 4 cornerback. 

How serious?

How psyched should we be that Dallas Gant is a future Buckeye?

How psyched should we be about the chance Zamir White will be a future Buckeye?

Questions that need answers.

Enter 247Sports Director of Recruiting Steve Wiltfong. He makes his usual Thursday appearance and takes on those topics.

Spend 5ish with us today!