Bucknuts Morning 5: An Ohio State athletics podcast

What is the real story with Torrance Gibson?

Alex Gleitman joins Dave Biddle to give insights on that, plus recruiting updates on:

* Darnay Holmes.

* Marvin Wilson.

* Donovan Peoples-Jones.

OK, this is getting nuts.

Pete Werner?

In.

Shaun Wade?

In?

Darnay Holmes and Marvin Wilson?

In and in?

It's possible.

That is just how insane Ohio State's recruiting in the Class of 2017 has gotten. We bring in Duane Long to discuss that plus Luke Fickell's impending exit.

Spend 5ish with us this a.m.!

Who will replace Luke Fickell aka "Mr. Buckeye" at Ohio State?

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

* Thoughts on Fickell's legacy at OSU.

* Thoughts on Kerry Coombs staying at Ohio State.

* Would Kevin Wilson be a good fit at OSU if Ed Warinner and/or Tim Beck moves on?

That plus more as you kick off your week the right way, by listening to the BM5.

Luke Fickell has been a very good assistant coach for Ohio State for many years.

But where Fickell really separated himself from the pack was as a recruiter. He could help land the top prospects in the country, and had a knack for finding diamonds in the rough.

If Fickell does in fact leave OSU to become the next head coach at Cincinnati, how will this impact the Buckeyes' recruiting efforts?

We bring in the Dean of Ohio State Football Recruiting, Bill Kurelic, to discuss that, plus thoughts on the following 2017 recruits:

* Jeffrey Okudah

* Jay Tufele

* Marvin Wilson

* Cam Akers

When you are on top or close to it this is how it goes.

Top prospects choose your school. Other schools choose your assistant coaches.

Such is life for the Ohio State Buckeyes.

We bring in 247Sports Director of Recruiting Steve Wiltfong to talk Baron Browning, Marvin Wilson, Jay Tufele and about one of Wiltfong's fellow Indy residents claiming Luke Fickell and Kerry Coombs are Queen City-bound.

Spend 5ish with us this a.m.!

Luke Fickell wants to be a head coach and it sounds like there is a good chance this will be his final season at Ohio State.

Patrick Murphy joins Dave Biddle to discuss that, plus:

* Thoughts on Malik Hooker's and Curtis Samuel's comments about whether or not they will leave for the NFL after this season.

* Thoughts on the matchup of Ohio State and Clemson in the Fiesta Bowl/CFP semifinal.

* Is the end near for Ohio State head basketball coach Thad Matta? It sure feels that way. Biddle and Murphy debate.

It's a stress-free Tuesday as Ohio State knows its fate will be determined in the College Football Playoff.

But that didn't stop us from bringing in Duane Long for some wisdom.

Can Ohio State beat Clemson?

Where are Duane's concerns when it comes to the national semifinal match up?

Are Ohio State's issues ones that can be tweaked in time?

Also: What exactly did Ohio State get with the commitment of Texas star Baron Browning? Who does he compare to that we've seen before?

All that plus the latest on coveted big men Trey Smith and Marvin Wilson.

Spending 5ish this a.m. with us!

Ohio State answered one big question: It made the College Football Playoff as the No. 3 seed and will play No. 2 Clemson (12-1) in the Fiesta Bowl on Dec. 31 at 7 p.m. ET.

Now the biggest question for the Buckeyes (11-1) is whether they can correct what has been a dismal downfield passing attack throughout the season. It's a safe bet that OSU won't be winning its second national championship in the last three years if it doesn't produce a competent passing game.

However, Urban Meyer is a great offensive mind and he has nearly four weeks to prepare for the Tigers. So, we'll see what happens.

Steve Helwagen joins Dave Biddle to discuss that, thoughts on the matchup with Clemson and much more.

It's a rare season when not playing in the Big Ten championship game is actually good for Ohio State. In fact, you could argue it's great. Why?

Because not only do the Buckeyes avoid playing in another football game where they would risk: 1. Losing the game and being knocked out of the College Football Playoff; and 2. Injuries to players due to playing in another football game. But Ohio State's coaches can also go all-in on recruiting this week, which they have done.

We're already seeing the fruits of their labor as the Buckeyes landed 5-star linebacker Baron Browning on Thursday. This gives OSU an amazing six 5-star recruits in their 2017 class, which only has 16 players. By comparison, Michigan has 20 commits in its 2017 class, and zero 5-stars.

Brandon Castel joins Dave Biddle to discuss all of that, plus:

* Give predictions on the four teams that will make the College Football Playoff.

* Give thoughts on the situation at Indiana where Kevin Wilson was fired and defensive coordinator Tom Allen was promoted to head coach.

* That plus more on the 16-minute Friday extravaganza.

It's been an absolutely intense few days since The Game on the recruiting trail.

We bring in 247Sports Director of Recruiting Steve Wiltfong for the latest on several elite prospects Ohio State is competing for down the stretch.

* The absolute latest on Baron Browning. Is he in or out? When will we hear the verdict?

* Will New Jersey star Markquese Bell be a Buckeye? 

* How did Pete Werner go from Notre Dame commitment to Ohio State lean?

* Updates on Antjuan Simmons, Marvin Wilson, Jeffrey Okudah and more!

Spend 5ish today with us during this unreal week on the recruiting trail!