Locked On Buckeyes - Daily Podcast On Ohio State Buckeyes Football & Basketball

Big Ten football faces seismic changes as coaches push for a 24-team College Football Playoff and the elimination of conference championship games. Is the legendary exclusivity of college football evaporating? The Big 10 Squad debates whether expanding the playoff waters down the sport, how job security and coaching standards might shift, and if a January 25th national championship is simply too much. The crew breaks down Maryland Terrapins’ shocking 4.5 win total: can Mike Locksley’s squad exceed expectations, or is another disappointing season inevitable? Key talking points include playoff expansion, scheduling chaos, and the shifting stakes for Big Ten coaches and teams like Washington and Ohio State. With heated insights on tradition, competitive balance, and the future of college football, this episode takes on the sport’s most controversial debates.

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Ohio State Buckeyes’ freshman receiver group could redefine the receiver room in 2026—but which new face will break out first? Chris Henry Jr. headlines the class, and Jay Stephens explores how Henry Jr., Brock Boyd, Jerquaden Guilford, and Jaeden Ricketts are primed to make an immediate impact, whether in the receiving rotation or on special teams. Is Chris Henry Jr. destined to start from day one, and can the rest carve out roles on a crowded depth chart?

Jay Stephens breaks down the arrival of receivers coach Cortez Hankton and his emphasis on yards after catch, evaluating how his approach might accelerate the development of Ohio State’s young talent. Key topics include the importance of trusting the process, managing the grind of D1 football, and learning from Ohio State standouts like Jeremiah Smith. Don’t miss strategic analysis on how these Buckeye freshmen could shape the future of college football’s most dynamic offense.

00:00 Freshmen receivers' potential impact

04:07 Managing expectations for Brock Boyd

09:37 Trusting the process as freshmen

12:58 Adapting to Ohio State football

13:54 Adjusting to College Life

17:37 Adjusting to a new team

23:18 Grading Hankton's year one results

24:57 Young athlete's evolving journey

27:23 Evaluating Ohio State's receivers

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Ohio State Buckeyes boast their most complete running back room under Ryan Day—can Bo Jackson lead the Big Ten in rushing this season? Jay Stephens spotlights Jackson’s breakout freshman campaign, the dynamic rotation with Isaiah West, and how Turbo Rogers and Legend Bey’s elite speed could add a new dimension. With a veteran offensive line and a versatile backfield, the Buckeyes have the depth to avoid over-reliance on one star.

Questions arise about youth and inexperience: will Ohio State’s promising young backs handle Big Ten physicality and pass protection at a championship level? Jay Stephens praises Carlos Locklyn’s coaching—can he maximize production from this diverse group? Find out how the Buckeyes’ running back strategy, depth concerns, and locker room culture might impact their 2026 College Football Playoff chase.

00:00 Ohio State's complete running back room

04:40 Ohio State running back strategy

07:39 Discussing Ohio State's running back talent

11:27 Discussing team inexperience concerns

14:27 Adapting to college football speed

18:34 Evaluating young running backs

21:24 Recruiting and developing players

23:43 Coach's inspiring leadership approach

26:33 Team communication and responsiveness

30:14 Discussing Buckeyes productivity issues

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FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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Ohio State Buckeyes’ basketball roster remains just one piece away as Jake Diebler’s transfer portal haul addresses key needs but leaves an experienced wing missing. Can Anthony Thompson or Jimmie Williams truly fill the void against the Big Ten’s size and athleticism, or will the team’s lack of a seasoned 6’7”-6’9” wing prove costly during a tournament push?

Jay Stephens breaks down the roster construction, the crucial impact of John Mobley Jr.’s NBA Draft decision, and possible scenarios if Mobley chooses pro basketball or heads overseas. Key topics include guard depth, transfer standouts like Justin Pippen and Curtis Givens III, and contingency plans to fortify the wing. With time running out and slim portal options, can the Buckeyes secure the missing piece to contend in March Madness?

00:00 Ohio State basketball lineup discussion

03:10 Discussing the team's player changes

07:11 Indeed job credit offer

09:53 Navigating college basketball transfers

13:12 Discussing potential career moves

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If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub

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FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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Ohio State Buckeyes’ quarterback debate heats up as Julian Sayin’s precision passing draws NFL comparisons, but does Notre Dame's C.J. Carr raw upside give him an edge in next year’s draft? Jay Stephens and Ryan Roberts explore the strengths, weaknesses, and pro potential of both stars, plus what’s holding Sayin back from universal top-10 status.

The episode breaks down Kenyatta Jackson Jr.’s NFL traits versus Texas' Colin Simmons’ on-field production, raising tough questions about consistency and ceiling on Ohio State’s defensive line. The conversation closes with a hotly-contested ranking of college football’s top head coaches—is Ryan Day truly among the elite, or does Curt Cignetti’s dramatic turnaround at Indiana challenge that hierarchy? Buckeyes fans and draft junkies won’t want to miss these bold takes on the future of Big Ten football.

00:00 Discussing Julian Sayin's NFL and college potential

06:38 Ohio State player's draft decision

10:17 Discussion on Sayin's NFL potential

14:12 Discussing Kenyatta Jackson's career decisions

15:01 Kenyatta Jackson's future in football

20:28 Assessing Kenyatta Jackson's potential

23:46 Coach Cignetti's transformative impact

28:15 Finding common sports rivalry ground

28:45 Coaching transitions and adjustments

31:51 Signing off after the game

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FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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Ohio State Buckeyes eye a top-two seed in the new College Football Playoff format, unlocking the ability to choose their quarterfinal and semifinal bowl games. Could strategic site selection give Ryan Day’s squad a crucial edge in the postseason? Jay Stephens breaks down why this tweak amps up motivation for leaders like Jeremiah Smith and Julian Sayin, and explores which bowls could offer Ohio State the best path given travel and time zone advantages.

Key topics include the Buckeyes’ grueling upcoming schedule, the potential psychological impact of bowl location, and spirited debate over College Football Playoff expansion. Jay Stephens critiques automatic qualifiers, proposes bold changes to selection criteria, and questions whether further expansion will dilute the playoff’s quality. Will the Buckeyes seize the opportunity to shape their playoff journey—and can college football’s decision-makers finally land on a format that delivers both fairness and excitement?

00:00 CFP updates and Ryan Day's motivation

03:13 Choosing bowl games and team leaders

09:35 Betting with FanDuel during playoffs

10:18 Discussing College Football Playoff changes

14:51 College football playoff changes

19:40 Discussing CFP expansion debate

22:32 College football's unique timing rules

26:12 Advocating for team recognition

29:23 Ohio State vs. Ball State comparison

30:06 Join the Everydayer Club

Everydayer Club
If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub

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FanDuel

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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Ohio State Buckeyes surge in national recruiting with Ryan Day leveraging recent NFL Draft dominance—25 Buckeyes drafted over two years, including four first-rounders, strengthens the program’s appeal to top high school talent. Can this draft pipeline make Ohio State the premier destination for future stars? Jay Stephens and recruiting analyst Brian Smith break down how linebacker development under James Laurinaitis and the new NCAA five-year eligibility rule could transform the Buckeyes’ depth and on-field performance.

Spotlight shines on Ohio State’s 2025 recruiting class, with five offensive linemen already committed before May, including top prospects Jimmy Kalis and Will Wymer. The hosts examine the O-line’s potential, DJ Jacobs’ status as a cornerstone recruit, quarterback intrigue with possible changes involving Brady Edmunds and Peter Bourque, and Chris Henry Jr.’s expected impact as a true freshman. Is Ohio State poised for another top-five class—and a Big Ten title run?

00:00 Discussing Ohio State linebacker play

04:36 Ohio State player development success

07:42 Recruiting and developing veteran players

10:29 Talking recruiting with Brian Smith

14:35 Player review: Mason Wilt analysis

17:44 Evaluating freshman and sophomore talent

21:02 Scouting Jamier Brown's potential

24:38 College football team transfers

28:52 Discussing player's training and potential

Everydayer Club
If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub

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FanDuel

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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College football playoff chaos looms as postseason expansion rumors ignite fierce debate. Could the Big Ten secure eight playoff spots in a future super-sized format? The Big 10 Squad tackles the growing influence of money on NCAA tournament and College Football Playoff changes, questioning whether tradition or TV contracts will shape the future of Big Ten powerhouses like Michigan State, Penn State, and USC. The crew breaks down Michigan State’s outlook under Pat Fitzgerald, with FanDuel setting a three-and-a-half win total. Can quarterback Alessio Milivojevic and the Spartans shock critics with a stronger season? Plus, hot dog eating contests and schedule traps add intrigue to a season already rich with drama. With insiders debating expansion fatigue, scheduling quirks, and long-term survival for non-revenue sports, this heated roundtable asks: Where is college football heading, and who will rise or fall when change arrives?

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Ohio State Buckeyes boast a powerhouse freshman class, with Chris Henry Jr. and Legend Bey primed to make immediate waves on offense. Can Henry Jr. seize a starting wide receiver role from day one and help shape a dynamic receiving corps alongside Julian Sayin and Jeremiah Smith? The battle for special teams stardom heats up as Bay, Turbo Rodgers, and Brandon Inniss each vie for return duties, while Arthur Smith’s new offensive schemes spark intrigue: will lineup innovations give Buckeye opponents matchup nightmares?

Host Jay Stephens spotlights breakout candidates like Brock Boyd, Kari Wilder, and corners Jordan Thomas and Jay Timmons as contenders for the two-deep rotation or impactful special teams roles. The discussion zeroes in on whether these highly ranked recruits have the right mindset and preparation to turn depth chart opportunities into long-term Buckeye success. Which freshman will rise above the competition and leave a mark this season?

Everydayer Club
If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub

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FanDuel

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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Ohio State Buckeyes navigate college football’s evolving landscape as head coach Ryan Day balances high school recruiting with aggressive transfer portal strategy. With proposed NCAA eligibility changes looming—including five years to play and the end of redshirting—can Day maintain the Buckeyes’ reputation for assembling one of the most talented rosters in the nation?

Jay Stephens spotlights key transfers like John Walker, Devin McCuin, and Ja'Kobi Jackson, detailing how Ohio State replaced 31 departed scholarship players by adding 17 transfers and over 25 high school recruits. The conversation examines challenges in the running back and safety rooms, the impact of injuries, and the importance of adapting recruiting tactics as players gain more transfer flexibility. Drawing comparisons to Nick Saban and Dabo Swinney, Jay Stephens weighs how “adapt or die” defines Ohio State’s path to remaining a powerhouse in the college football elite.

00:00 Ohio State's talented roster

05:32 Recruitment and transfer challenges

07:34 Managing player roles and transfers

11:07 Ohio State's transfer additions

14:03 Discussing Buckeyes’ recruitment strategy

19:02 Discussing Ohio State's tight ends

19:50 Nick Saban's Adapt or Die philosophy

22:55 Dabo Sweeney's adaptation challenges

27:07 Locked On Buckeyes promotion

Everydayer Club
If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub

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FanDuel

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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