The Buckeye Cast

Ohio State looks like a better football team than the one that collapsed against Texas—but which improvements are real, and which problems remain unresolved?

Joe examines how the Buckeyes have developed during their three-game winning streak, beginning with a rushing attack that has increased its production each week. We look at Ja'Kobi Jackson and Bo Jackson, better short-yardage execution, Julian Sayin's growing command of the offense and Devin McCuin's emergence as another receiving weapon.

Defensively, Ohio State responded to its problems against Texas and Illinois by holding Iowa to only 39 rushing yards. Joe breaks down the improved run fits, a more coordinated pass rush and the impact of Kenyatta Jackson Jr., Qua Russaw, Payton Pierce and Jaylen McClain.

We also identify the areas that still haven't improved enough—including pass protection, penalties and special teams—before closing with a concise preview of Saturday's Homecoming game against Maryland.

Ohio State vs. Maryland storylines:

• How the Buckeyes have changed since losing to Texas • Ohio State's improving running game • Better execution in short-yardage situations • Julian Sayin's development under pressure • The dramatic run-defense turnaround against Iowa • A more coordinated Ohio State pass rush • Maryland quarterback Malik Washington and receiver Chris Durr Jr. • What Ohio State must accomplish before facing Indiana

Wednesday, October 7, 2026

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Ohio State's defense needed an answer after allowing 199 rushing yards against Illinois. The Buckeyes delivered one by holding Iowa's powerful rushing attack to only 39 yards on 21 carries in a 31–14 road victory.

Joe breaks down how Matt Patricia's defense corrected its run fits, maintained gap discipline and forced Iowa to abandon its offensive identity. Kenyatta Jackson Jr. set the tone with an opening-drive strip-sack, while Qua Russaw delivered his best performance as a Buckeye with five tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss and his first Ohio State sack.

We also examine Payton Pierce's improved performance, Zion Grady's return, Jaylen McClain's interception and how the secondary adjusted without injured nickel Jay Timmons. Plus, Joe dives into the defensive PFF grades and snap counts to determine which improvements were supported by the film and analytics.

Ohio State vs. Iowa defensive review:

• Iowa held to 39 rushing yards and 1.9 yards per carry • Kenyatta Jackson forces a game-changing fumble • Qua Russaw produces his Ohio State breakthrough • Payton Pierce leads the defense in tackles • Jaylen McClain ends Iowa's third-quarter threat • Jermaine Mathews Jr. moves to nickel without Jay Timmons • Ohio State allows only 28 yards during a dominant third quarter • The Buckeyes show real progress—but still have questions to answer

Tuesday, October 6, 2026

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Ohio State earned a 31–14 road victory over No. 14 Iowa—and the Buckeyes finally showed meaningful offensive improvement against one of the nation's best defenses.

Joe breaks down the progress in Ohio State's running game after Ja'Kobi Jackson and Bo Jackson combined for 142 yards on 30 carries. Was this the start of a legitimate rushing attack, or merely one encouraging performance?

We also examine Julian Sayin's poise and pocket movement, Jeremiah Smith's historic 206-yard performance, Devin McCuin's emergence as a secondary receiving option and the offensive line's uneven afternoon. The run blocking improved, but four sacks, protection breakdowns and repeated penalties remain concerns.

Plus, Joe revisits his five keys entering the Iowa game and dives into the offensive PFF grades and snap counts.

Ohio State vs. Iowa offensive review:

• Ja'Kobi Jackson and Bo Jackson lead an improved rushing attack • Julian Sayin throws for 324 yards and three touchdowns • Jeremiah Smith catches 11 passes for 206 yards • Devin McCuin provides a needed secondary weapon • The offensive line improves on the ground but struggles in protection • Ohio State gains 484 total yards against an elite Iowa defense • The Buckeyes still have major special-teams problems

Monday, October 5, 2026

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Ohio State travels to Kinnick Stadium for its first Big Ten road game of the season and its first visit to Iowa City since the disastrous 55–24 loss in 2017.

The undefeated Iowa Hawkeyes lead the nation in scoring defense, excel on special teams and are coming off a dramatic last-second victory at Michigan. Ohio State has more talent, but defeating Iowa will require patience, discipline and a much better defensive performance than the Buckeyes delivered against Illinois.

Joe breaks down five keys to an Ohio State victory and explains exactly what he needs to see from the Buckeyes on Saturday:

• Protect the football • Remain patient without becoming passive • Establish a functional running game • Fix the defensive gap and tackling problems • Win the field-position and special-teams battle

We also discuss Julian Sayin's second major road test, Jeremiah Smith against Phil Parker's defense, Iowa quarterback Hank Brown, Jay Timmons' uncertain status and whether Ohio State's defensive ends can finally generate consistent production.

Can the Buckeyes handle the Kinnick Stadium environment and earn their first ranked victory of the season?

Friday, October 2, 2026

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Ryan Day delivered a clear warning before Ohio State travels to face Iowa: The Buckeyes cannot "get cute" against a Hawkeye team that thrives on field position, defensive discipline and opponent mistakes.

We break down everything Day, Julian Sayin and Kenyatta Jackson Jr. said during Ohio State's weekly media availability. Topics include Jay Timmons' uncertain injury status, Ohio State's lack of production at defensive end, the 199 rushing yards allowed against Illinois and Jackson's admission that defenders were trying to play "hero ball."

We also examine what Iowa's dramatic victory over Michigan revealed about Hank Brown, Kirk Ferentz's team and the challenge awaiting Ohio State at Kinnick Stadium.

Topics include:

• Ryan Day's warning about Iowa • Jay Timmons' injury status • The options at nickel if Timmons cannot play • Ohio State's defensive-end competition • Kenyatta Jackson's criticism of the run defense • Julian Sayin's preparation for Kinnick Stadium • Legend Bey's potential role • Phillip Daniels and the offensive line • Iowa's last-second victory over Michigan • What Ohio State must avoid on Saturday

Thursday, October 1, 2026

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Ohio State travels to Kinnick Stadium for the first time since its stunning 55–24 loss to Iowa in 2017. This time, the fifth-ranked Buckeyes face an undefeated Iowa team coming off a dramatic last-second victory at Michigan.

We break down the most important Ohio State–Iowa matchups, including whether the Buckeyes can contain Kamari Moulton and Iowa's rushing attack after allowing 199 rushing yards against Illinois.

On the other side, Jeremiah Smith and Julian Sayin will face an Iowa defense that leads the country in scoring defense—but surrendered 429 yards against Michigan. Can Ohio State attack the Hawkeyes' secondary, protect the football and prevent Iowa from turning this into a field-position battle?

Topics include:

• Hank Brown's efficient start at quarterback • Reece Vander Zee and Iowa's tight ends • Iowa's running backs against Ohio State's run defense • Jeremiah Smith against the Hawkeye secondary • Ohio State's offensive line against Phil Parker's defense • The areas Ohio State can exploit • Iowa's dangerous return game • The impact of Kinnick Stadium and the Buckeyes' 2017 loss

Ohio State and Iowa kick off Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET on CBS.

Wednesday, September 30, 2026

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Ohio State defeated Illinois 42–19, but the final score hides some serious defensive problems.

The Buckeyes allowed 462 total yards, 199 rushing yards and 15 plays of at least 10 yards. Illinois averaged six yards per carry and produced eight plays covering at least 20 yards—numbers that will not hold up against the best teams remaining on Ohio State's schedule.

Joe breaks down the defensive film, PFF grades and snap counts, including:

• Why the run defense earned a failing grade • Ohio State's season-high three sacks • Matt Patricia's decision to bring more pressure • The explosive plays created when the blitz did not reach Katin Houser • Whether Ohio State is rotating too many defenders • The communication problems Payton Pierce acknowledged • Jaylen McClain's eight tackles and four pass breakups • Riley Pettijohn's case for an expanded role • Strong situational defense despite the troubling yardage • The two fourth-down stops that prevented another late collapse

Ohio State recorded 12 pass breakups and allowed only two touchdowns in nine Illinois possessions. But after surrendering the most yardage it has allowed since the 2024 Oregon game, this defense remains a long way from championship form.

Can Patricia find a dependable core and generate pressure without constantly blitzing before the Buckeyes travel to Iowa?

Tuesday, September 29, 2026

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Ohio State's offense delivered its best performance of the season in a 42–19 victory over Illinois.

Jeremiah Smith produced a historic afternoon with 12 catches for 217 yards and four touchdowns, while Julian Sayin completed 27 of 36 passes for 367 yards, accounted for five total touchdowns and finally used his mobility as an offensive weapon.

We break down the film, statistics, PFF grades and snap counts from Ohio State's Big Ten opener, including:

• Six touchdowns on eight meaningful possessions • Five touchdown drives covering at least 75 yards • Ohio State's improved offensive-line combination • Gabe VanSickle and Austin Siereveld on the right side • Sayin's growth as a passer and runner • Bo Jackson and Ja'Kobi Jackson answering Ryan Day's challenge • An eight-for-12 performance on third down • A perfect four-for-four day in the red zone • The search for a second receiving option beside Jeremiah Smith • Why the scoreless third quarter wasn't as concerning as it appeared • Two fourth-quarter touchdown drives that finished the game properly

The Buckeyes showed meaningful offensive progress, but questions remain about the lack of explosive runs and how heavily the passing game depends on Smith.

Was this the beginning of Ohio State's offensive breakthrough—or can the Buckeyes only sustain this level when Jeremiah Smith takes over?

Monday, September 28, 2026

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Ohio State opens Big Ten play against Illinois with several important questions still unanswered.

In this episode, Joe breaks down five keys to a Buckeyes victory—and the specific improvements Ohio State must demonstrate before the schedule becomes significantly more difficult.

Can Bo Jackson and Ja'Kobi Jackson respond to Ryan Day's challenge to "run angry"? Will Arthur Smith finally solve Ohio State's third-down and short-yardage problems? Can Julian Sayin develop another dependable target beside Jeremiah Smith?

Defensively, the Buckeyes must disrupt Illinois quarterback Katin Houser, contain national touchdown leader Collin Dixon and take advantage of an Illini offensive line that has already started three different right guards.

Five keys to victory:

• Establish a physical rushing identity • Fix third down and short yardage • Punish Illinois for focusing on Jeremiah Smith • Pressure Katin Houser and contain Collin Dixon • Play four complete quarters

Joe also provides his Ohio State–Illinois score prediction and a postgame checklist that we'll revisit during Monday and Tuesday's film and PFF reviews.

Friday, September 25, 2026

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Ryan Day delivered a blunt message before Ohio State begins Big Ten play against Illinois: The Buckeyes' running backs need to "run angry and run physical."

Joe breaks down Day's challenge to Bo Jackson, Ja'Kobi Jackson and Isaiah West; Ohio State's continuing short-yardage problems; and the competition along the right side of the offensive line. Could Gabe VanSickle remain at right guard with Austin Siereveld at right tackle—even if Phillip Daniels returns?

We also examine Julian Sayin's next developmental step, Brandon Inniss's growing role, the young defenders Ohio State wants to build around and Matt Patricia's search for a dependable pass rush.

From the Illinois side, Bret Bielema's team enters Columbus with one of the country's most productive passing combinations. Quarterback Katin Houser and receiver Collin Dixon will test an Ohio State defense still trying to establish its identity after the collapse at Texas.

Topics include:

• Ryan Day's public challenge to the running backs • Bo Jackson versus Ja'Kobi Jackson • Ohio State's third-down and short-yardage failures • Gabe VanSickle, Austin Siereveld and Phillip Daniels • Julian Sayin's timing and Brandon Inniss's emergence • Riley Pettijohn, Jay Timmons and Ohio State's young defense • Katin Houser and Collin Dixon • Illinois's unstable offensive line • The Buckeyes' special-teams concerns

Thursday, September 24, 2026

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