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

Ohio State Buckeyes prepare for the Battle of Illibuck, eyeing dominance over Illinois Fighting Illini—can Katin Houser and Collin Dixon spark an upset, or will Jeremiah Smith and Ryan Day’s squad maintain control? The conversation focused on offensive changes for Illinois, including Hauser’s strong accuracy and Dixon’s nation-leading seven receiving touchdowns, while Ohio State’s search for consistent depth behind Smith remains a pressing storyline.

A key theme that emerged was the revamped Illinois defense under Bobby Hauck’s 3-3-5 scheme, struggling with personnel but boasting NFL-caliber talent in the secondary. The discussion explored Ohio State’s linebacker rotation, key impact players like Riley Pettijohn, and pressing issues in the Buckeyes’ running back room. Several points were raised, including both teams’ offensive line turnover and the strategic chess match between Matt Patricia and Bret Bielema. Is Illinois ready to close the gap, or will the Buckeyes continue their Illibuck streak?

Episode Timestamps

• 00:00 Illibuck Trophy & Game Preview
  Discussion opens with the history and significance of the Illibuck trophy, and sets up Illinois vs. Ohio State matchup, including notable players and initial offensive analysis.
• 05:59 Offensive Analysis & Key Playmakers
  In-depth breakdown of both teams’ quarterbacks, wide receivers, and running backs. Includes offensive line changes, strengths, and concerns for both squads.
• 16:23 Defensive Overhaul & Keys to Victory
  Deep dive into Illinois’ defensive changes, Ohio State’s defensive focus, and the key strategies each team needs to succeed. Concludes with final thoughts and predictions for the game outcome.

Follow the show on twitter: https://x.com/LOBuckeyes

Photo credit: Adam Cairns via Imagn Images

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Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. It’s time to put your knowledge to the test with College Football Pick’Em from FanDuel.  Download the FanDuel app and play College Football Pick'Em for free. Only on FanDuel.  Join all the action at https://FANDUEL.COM 
 

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Ohio State Buckeyes shake up their offense as Ryan Day sends a clear message—run harder or lose your spot. Bo Jackson faces scrutiny for his lack of explosive runs, while Ja'Kobi Jackson continues to earn praise with his downhill, physical style. Competition heats up in the running back room, and changes on the offensive line loom large as Gabe VanSickle and Austin Siereveld take on new roles ahead of Big Ten play.

Matt Fontana and Justin Zwick tackle the fan base’s growing impatience, the emergence of Christian Allegro in the defense, and why the pursuit of a Big Ten championship remains the Buckeyes’ top priority after a turbulent start. With Iowa and Illinois looming, can Ohio State silence the “lunatic fringe” and reach their standard of perfection before playoff implications set in? Tune in for sharp analysis, player updates, and must-know storylines.

Episode Timestamps

• 00:00 — Ryan Day Critiques RBs
• 11:51 — Offensive Line Changes
• 15:28 — Big Ten Goals & Fan Reactions

Follow the show on twitter: https://x.com/LOBuckeyes

Photo credit: Joseph Maiorana via Imagn Images

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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
Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. It’s time to put your knowledge to the test with College Football Pick’Em from FanDuel.  Download the FanDuel app and play College Football Pick'Em for free. Only on FanDuel.  Join all the action at https://FANDUEL.COM 
 

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Ohio State Buckeyes tumble in the AP poll despite a strong resume, reigniting debates about the poll’s relevance in the era of the College Football Playoff. Matt Fontana and Justin Zwick break down the controversy, questioning why teams like Georgia and Texas remain atop the rankings while Ohio State faces tougher scrutiny. Do preseason rankings and media narratives hold back Ryan Day’s squad, and should fans ignore the AP altogether?

Quarterback intrigue heats up in Columbus as Luke Fahey leapfrogs Tavian St. Clair for the Buckeyes’ backup job, casting fresh uncertainty on future depth charts. The hosts weigh in on recruiting wins, with 2028 commits like Jett Harrison and Christopher Vargas sparking optimism, and preview the Ohio State men’s basketball team’s new-look roster under Jake Diebler. Can this blend of football recruiting momentum and basketball hype energize Buckeye Nation for the season ahead?

Episode Timestamps

• 00:00 AP Poll Chaos
  Discussion of the AP college football poll, perceived inconsistencies, the relevance of the AP poll vs. the playoff rankings, and Ohio State’s drop in the standings.
• 12:05 Quarterback Depth Debate
  Analysis of Ohio State's backup quarterback situation, including the rise of Luke Fahey over Tavian St. Clair, Ryan Day’s QB recruiting, and future implications for the Buckeyes.
• 22:27 Recruiting & Basketball Update
  Updates on Ohio State football recruiting (notably early 2028 commits), preview of men's basketball season, and excitement for the program’s future.

Follow the show on twitter: https://x.com/LOBuckeyes

Photo credit: Adam Cairns via Imagn Images

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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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5-Hour ENERGY
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Gametime
Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

FanDuel
Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. It’s time to put your knowledge to the test with College Football Pick’Em from FanDuel.  Download the FanDuel app and play College Football Pick'Em for free. Only on FanDuel.  Join all the action at https://FANDUEL.COM 
 

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Ohio State Buckeyes' Jeremiah Smith etches his name atop the program's all-time receiving leaderboard, sparking debate about his place in NCAA football history. Could Smith join the exclusive Triple Crown club—leading the Buckeyes in receptions, yards, and touchdowns—all within just three seasons? Matt Fontana and Justin Zwick track Smith’s record-breaking pace, dissect his on-field dominance, and compare him to national greats like Corey Davis and DeVonta Smith.

The hosts break down Ohio State's 59-point rout over Kent State, spotlighting Julian Sayin’s efficient passing, key touchdowns from Bo Jackson and Chris Henry, and areas where Ryan Day’s offense can tighten up before Big Ten play. Defensive performances, upcoming coaching milestones, and recent high-profile basketball recruits under Jake Diebler also factor in. Can this Buckeyes roster maintain its sky-high standard when stiffer competition looms?

Episode Timestamps

• 00:00 Jeremiah Smith's Historic Day
  Record-breaking performance, where Smith ranks at Ohio State and in NCAA history, discussion of exclusive "Triple Crown" club, and impact for Buckeyes.
• 11:57 Ohio State vs Kent State Analysis
  Game recap, pros and cons from Kent State matchup, evaluation of offense/defense, areas needing improvement, Julian Sayin's performance, and defensive notes.
• 25:06 Ryan Day & Buckeye Basketball Updates
  Ryan Day passes Urban Meyer in all-time wins, program coaching stability, and discussion of basketball recruiting momentum under Jake Diebler.

Follow the show on twitter: https://x.com/LOBuckeyes

Photo credit: Kyle Robertson via Imagn Images

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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KALSHI
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SupplyHouse
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Odoo
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Square
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LARINECO
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5-Hour ENERGY
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Gametime
Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

FanDuel
Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. It’s time to put your knowledge to the test with College Football Pick’Em from FanDuel.  Download the FanDuel app and play College Football Pick'Em for free. Only on FanDuel.  Join all the action at https://FANDUEL.COM 
 

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Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jeremiah Smith is on the brink of smashing school records, solidifying his place as potentially the greatest receiver in Buckeyes history. Can anyone match the legacy he’s building in Columbus? Hosts Matt Fontana and Justin Zwick spotlight Smith’s meteoric rise, the significance of Ohio State’s elite receiver pipeline, and what sets recent stars like Michael Jenkins, Chris Olave, and Marvin Harrison Jr. apart in college football and the NFL.

The conversation pivots to Ohio State’s matchup against Kent State, exploring the Golden Flashes’ recent improvements, key players like Dru DeShields, and the historical connection that bodes well for the Buckeyes’ national championship aspirations. Plus, the show covers a major Buckeyes men’s basketball recruit—Deng Ngor’s commitment—while celebrating Ohio State overtaking Alabama for the most active NFL players. Buckeye fans won’t want to miss this all-access gridiron and hardwood update.

Episode Timestamps

• 00:00 Ohio State WR Legacy
  Discussion on Ohio State's history of elite wide receivers, Jeremiah Smith’s impending records, and his impact on the program.
• 12:40 Kent State Preview
  Breakdown of Kent State’s football program, coaching changes, their strengths, and Ohio State's matchup analysis.
• 23:10 Recruiting & NFL Buckeyes
  Ohio State men's basketball recruiting victory, breaking Alabama’s NFL roster record, and discussion of Buckeyes in the NFL.

Follow the show on twitter: https://x.com/LOBuckeyes

Photo credit: Adam Cairns via Imagn Images

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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KALSHI
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SupplyHouse
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LARINECO
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5-Hour ENERGY
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Gametime
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FanDuel
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Big Ten faces scrutiny as Michigan’s controversial win sparks debate—can the conference restore its reputation before playoff selections loom? The Big 10 Squad breaks down the FBS Oversight Committee’s ruling on the Michigan–Western Michigan officiating drama and question the value of public apologies with no actual remedies. With underwhelming showings from Ohio State, Michigan, Penn State, and more, is Indiana really the conference’s best hope for national championship glory?

The panel spotlights UCLA’s momentum, USC’s 30-point fourth-quarter leads, and Washington’s offensive woes—while poking fun at Purdue’s heartache and Maryland’s September hot streak. Are the Big Ten’s marquee teams ready to step up, or will non-traditional contenders like Maryland and Indiana carry the torch? Matchups to watch include Colorado at Northwestern and Virginia Tech at Maryland, with playful shots and bold predictions adding intrigue to the Big Ten’s unpredictable landscape.

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LARINECO
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5-Hour ENERGY
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Gametime
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Ohio State Buckeyes’ special teams come under the microscope as Ryan Day stands firm behind kicker Connor Hawkins while hinting at possible changes. Can increased reps for Legend Bey and rising young talents ignite a midseason turnaround? As the Buckeyes adjust after their loss to Texas, lineup tweaks and injury recovery become key talking points, with analysis of Philip Daniels and Zion Grady’s status and fresh opportunities for Gabe VanSickle and Austin Siereveld on the offensive line.

Matt Fontana and Justin Zwick also break down Heather Dinich’s wild college football playoff “bubble watch,” exploring scenarios where the SEC could send a staggering six teams to the expanded field. The episode covers Miami’s surge in the ACC, early playoff projections for Ohio State and Indiana, and a look at the Buckeyes men’s basketball schedule release. Don’t miss insight into official rulings from the FBS Oversight Committee and what it means for Western Michigan’s disputed finish against Michigan.

Episode Timestamps

• 00:00 — Ryan Day Supports Special Teams
• 12:33 — College Football Playoff Bubble Watch
• 24:18 — Buckeyes Basketball & Oversight News

Follow the show on twitter: https://x.com/LOBuckeyes

Photo credit: Scott Wachter via Imagn Images

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

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

KALSHI
For a limited time, Download Kalshi and use code Locked On to get $25 when you trade $25. Kalshi. Trade what’s next. 
 

SupplyHouse
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SupplyHouse. Real people. Real service. 

Omaha Steaks
Shop proteins you can trust at https://www.Omaha Steaks.com. And right now, get 2 pounds of premium ground beef FREE with orders over $129 using code COLLEGE at checkout. Terms apply. See site for details. 

Aura Cybersecurity
Start your free trial today at https://aura.com/aware.  
Protect yourself now. 
 

Wayfair
Transform your space with pieces that hold up to real life.  Join Wayfair Rewards today and get five percent back on every purchase.  
Head to https://Wayfair.com or shop the Wayfair app for all things home. Every style. Every home. 

Indeed
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Square
Get up to $200 off Square hardware when you sign up at https://square.com/go/COLLEGE ! #squarepod
 

LARINECO
Give Larine a try. Right now, Larine Co is offering our listeners up to 50% off at https://BUYLARINE.com/LOCKEDONCOLLEGE. 

5-Hour ENERGY
Bring on the sweetness with Cotton Candy 5-hour ENERGY®️ shots—available online now at https:/5hourENERGY.com or on Amazon. 

Gametime
Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

FanDuel
Make this Your Most Rewarding Season Ever with FanDuel. Get $350 in Bonus Bets — GUARANTEED — when you bet five dollars every day for seven days.  Join all the action at https://FANDUEL.COM 
 

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Ohio State Buckeyes’ fourth-quarter collapse against Texas raises big questions about Ryan Day’s play-calling and Arthur Smith’s offensive strategy. Matt Fontana and former Buckeyes QB Justin Zwick break down the coaching decisions that fueled the heartbreaking loss, including critical moments like missed shot plays, conservative third-quarter runs, and the controversial goal-line stand. Is there a real fourth-quarter problem in Columbus, or are fans overreacting to high-stakes letdowns?

Player development and playing time dominate the debate as calls grow for young talents like Riley Pettijohn, Khary Wilder, Legend Bey, and Chris Henry to earn more reps. With roster changes looming ahead of the Buckeyes’ matchup against Kent State, Fontana and Zwick weigh the merits of trusting veterans versus unleashing the next wave of Buckeye stars. The show wraps with an NFL roundup, spotlighting former Buckeyes like JSN, Caleb Downs, and Sonny Styles making headlines on Sundays.

Episode Timestamps

• 00:00 — Ryan Day Addresses Loss
  Discussion on Ryan Day's press conference after the Texas loss; play-calling criticism; reactions to in-game decisions.
• 13:19 — Personnel & Reps Debate
  Debate over playing time for younger Buckeyes, evaluation of defensive/offensive rotations, and opinions on whether Ohio State should have played more backups against Texas.
• 24:50 — TV Ratings & NFL Buckeyes
  Review of Ohio State-Texas TV viewership statistics, plus a roundup of notable NFL performances from former Buckeye players.

Follow the show on twitter: https://x.com/LOBuckeyes

Photo credit: Scott Wachter via Imagn Images

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Ohio State Buckeyes see national championship odds improve after a heart-stopping 24-23 loss to Texas—does Vegas know something the AP poll doesn’t? While Steve Sarkisian and Ryan Day both weigh in on the game’s impact, the conversation spotlights how resilient play, clutch moments, and near-misses have reshaped perceptions of this Buckeyes squad.

Justin Zwick and Matt Fontana break down Ohio State’s red zone woes, emerging receivers, and the implications of close non-conference battles under college football’s evolving playoff format. Insightful debate covers Texas’ legitimacy, Georgia’s question marks, and why marquee matchups should be rewarded by the playoff committee. Can the Buckeyes fix late-game execution and reclaim their No. 1 status? Buckeye Nation, this is one reaction you don’t want to miss.

Episode Timestamps

• 00:00 Ohio State vs. Texas Loss — Polls & Betting Odds
• 10:23 Coaches' Reactions & Playoff Implications
• 24:04 Ryan Day’s Takeaways & OSU Improvements

Follow the show on twitter: https://x.com/LOBuckeyes

Photo credit: Adam Cairns via Imagn Images

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Ohio State Buckeyes stunned by Texas after blowing a 20-point lead—has the team’s Achilles’ heel been exposed? Matt Fontana and Justin Zwick break down the Buckeyes’ gut-wrenching loss in Austin, spotlighting the electric first-half connection between Julian Sayin and Jeremiah Smith and a dominant offensive line performance that unraveled after halftime. The show examines suspect play-calling by Arthur Smith, missed opportunities from the receiving corps beyond Jeremiah, and critical fourth-down defensive breakdowns that shifted momentum in Texas’ favor.

Key discussion points include the impact of Connor Hawkins' missed field goal, Ohio State’s inability to finish drives in the second half, and the emotional toll as the pressure mounted. With the updated AP poll dropping the Buckeyes to No. 6, Matt Fontana and Justin Zwick ask: Can Ohio State rebound, fix its late-game strategy, and stay in College Football Playoff contention with key tests ahead against Indiana, USC, and Michigan?

Episode Timestamps

• 00:00: Texas Loss Reactions
  Initial reactions and emotional recap from Matt Fontana and Justin Zwick following Ohio State's shocking loss to Texas. Analysis of momentum swings, first-half positives, and game-changing moments.
• 07:39: Play Calling & Second Half Issues
  Breakdown of Ohio State's offensive stagnation in the second half. Discussion of Arthur Smith's play calling, failure to adapt, and the impact of conservative strategy on the defense and overall outcome.
• 15:54: Positives, Growth, and AP Poll
  Shift to positives from the Texas game, including standout performances and areas of promise. Matt Fontana and Justin Zwick discuss growth potential, the new AP Poll rankings, and Ohio State's outlook for the rest of the season

Follow the show on twitter: https://x.com/LOBuckeyes

Photo credit: Adam Cairns via Imagn Images

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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KALSHI
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SupplyHouse
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SupplyHouse. Real people. Real service. 

Omaha Steaks
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Aura Cybersecurity
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Protect yourself now. 
 

Wayfair
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Square
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LARINECO
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5-Hour ENERGY
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Gametime
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FanDuel
Make this Your Most Rewarding Season Ever with FanDuel. Get $350 in Bonus Bets — GUARANTEED — when you bet five dollars every day for seven days.  Join all the action at https://FANDUEL.COM 
 

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