Ohio State's defensive line may be deeper and more versatile in 2026, but it must replace enormous production from Kayden McDonald and Caden Curry.

Kenyatta Jackson returns as the proven leader after recording 11 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks. Eddrick Houston has emerged as the biggest early fall-camp riser, Beau Atkinson appears to lead the competition at the other defensive-end spot, and transfers James Smith and John Walker give Larry Johnson several experienced options inside.

We break down the projected rotation, the battle opposite Jackson, Houston's breakout potential, Qua Russaw's hybrid role, the young defensive ends pushing for snaps and how Matt Patricia can use multiple fronts instead of relying on one traditional starting four.

Can Ohio State's depth replace the star power of McDonald and Curry?

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Thursday, August 13, 2026

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Ohio State's defense is showing its depth and flexibility through the first three fall-camp practices open to the media.

Eddrick Houston has emerged as the biggest early riser on a disruptive defensive line. Freshman Jay Timmons is already taking first-team snaps at nickel, Devin Sanchez is stepping into a leadership role and Matt Patricia is rotating so many fronts and personnel combinations that a traditional depth chart may not tell the full story.

We break down six early defensive takeaways, including Kenyatta Jackson's expanded role, the crowded defensive-line rotation, Jermaine Mathews and Dominick Kelly at cornerback, Payton Pierce leading a flexible linebacker group and Ohio State's renewed emphasis on forcing turnovers.

Which development matters more: Houston's emergence inside or Timmons earning an immediate role at nickel?

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Wednesday, August 12, 2026

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Ohio State's offense is beginning to take shape after the first three fall-camp practices open to the media.

UTSA transfer Devin McCuin has emerged as the early favorite to become the Buckeyes' number-two receiver. Isaiah West has turned the running-back rotation with returning 1,000-yard rusher Bo Jackson into a legitimate competition. Meanwhile, Ohio State is still testing six offensive linemen for five jobs, and Arthur Smith's influence is already visible through multiple tempos, heavy play-action, flexible personnel and increased tight-end involvement.

We break down six early offensive takeaways, including Julian Sayin's added velocity, the crowded tight-end room and what Legend Bey's return could eventually add to the offense.

Which development matters more: McCuin emerging at receiver or West forcing a true running-back rotation?

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Tuesday, August 11, 2026

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Michigan made Chris Olave a star.

The Ohio State receiver entered the 2018 rivalry game with only five career catches and no touchdowns. He left with two 24-yard touchdown receptions and a blocked punt that Sevyn Banks returned for another score in the Buckeyes' 62–39 demolition of Michigan.

One year later, Olave burned the Wolverines for a 57-yard touchdown in Ann Arbor. Across Ohio State's 2018 and 2019 victories, he caught four passes for 116 yards—and three of those four receptions went for touchdowns.

In this edition of Michigan Killers, we revisit Olave's unforgettable freshman breakout, his 2019 deep strike, Michigan's cancellation of the 2020 game and the painful 2021 loss that ended his rivalry career at 2–1.

Which Olave moment against Michigan was the best: the two touchdown catches, the blocked punt or the 57-yard score?

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Monday, August 10, 2026

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Joey Bosa never lost to Michigan.

The Ohio State defensive end went 3–0 against the Wolverines from 2013 through 2015, helping the Buckeyes record three consecutive 42-point victories. His rivalry résumé includes two sacks and the decisive strip-sack touchdown in 2014, followed by a sack, forced fumble, multiple pressures and an incredible 28-yard interception return during Ohio State's 42–13 demolition in Ann Arbor in 2015.

In this edition of Michigan Killers, we revisit Bosa's three victories and the unforgettable plays that made him one of the rivalry's great defensive destroyers.

Which moment was better: the 2014 strip-sack or the 2015 interception?

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Friday, August 7, 2026

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Ohio State returns four starting offensive linemen, but the Buckeyes still enter fall camp with major lineup questions.

The biggest decision involves Austin Siereveld. Should Ohio State keep its proven left tackle in place, or move him to right guard so Ian Moore can take over on the edge?

In today's Fall Camp Preview:

• Ohio State's three possible starting-line combinations

• Why Ryan Day wants the lineup settled by practice nine or ten

• The competition involving Ian Moore, Phillip Daniels, Josh Padilla and Gabe VanSickle

• Luke Montgomery and Carson Hinzman's leadership

• How Arthur Smith is changing the offensive line's mentality

• Ohio State's problems handling stunts and defensive-line movement

• Difficult matchups against Texas, Oregon, Indiana and Michigan

• The future of freshmen Sam Greer, Max Riley and Mason Wilhelm

The Buckeyes have the talent and depth to field one of the nation's best offensive lines. Now Tyler Bowen and Ryan Day have to identify the right five.

What would your starting lineup be?

Go Bucks!

#OhioState #Buckeyes #OhioStateFootball #FallCamp #CollegeFootball #BigTenFootball

Thursday, August 6, 2026

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Ohio State enters fall camp with one of its deepest and most versatile tight end rooms in years.

Sophomore Nate Roberts appears ready to take over as TE1, while transfers Mason Williams and Hunter Welcing bring experience, production and positional flexibility. Veteran Bennett Christian gives the Buckeyes a fourth playable option, allowing Arthur Smith to experiment with more 12 and 13 personnel.

In today's episode:

• Why expectations are so high for Nate Roberts

• Whether the Buckeyes have a legitimate receiving threat

• The importance of run blocking

• How Mason Williams could be used at H-back and fullback

• What Hunter Welcing brings from Northwestern

• Bennett Christian's role

• Whether Ohio State will use more multiple-tight-end formations

• Freshman Nick Lautar's long-term potential

Is this finally the Year of the Tight End in Columbus?

Let me know which player you expect to have the biggest season.

Go Bucks!

#OhioState #Buckeyes #OhioStateFootball #NateRoberts #CollegeFootball #FallCamp #BigTenFootball

Wednesday, August 5, 2026

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Ohio State sent Ryan Day, Julian Sayin, Jeremiah Smith and Jaylen McClain to Big Ten Media Days—and the Buckeyes delivered plenty of important updates before fall camp.

In today's episode:

Jeremiah Smith explains why he believes the Biletnikoff Award is overdue

Arthur Smith gives Julian Sayin and the offense more freedom

Sayin discusses deep shots, avoiding sacks and winning the fourth quarter

Ryan Day challenges Bo Jackson, Isaiah West and the running backs

Ohio State's offensive line remains unsettled

Jaylen McClain takes over as a defensive leader

Michigan's new coach explains why hatred isn't necessary in the rivalry

Ohio State sounds confident, motivated and angry after falling short of its championship goal last season. Now the Buckeyes have to carry that attitude into fall camp and one of the country's toughest schedules.

Which Big Ten Media Days comment stood out most to you?

Go Bucks!

Tuesday, August 4, 2026

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Keith Byars is one of the greatest running backs in Ohio State history—and one of the most memorable Michigan Killers.

In this episode, we revisit Byars' performances against the Wolverines, from his first taste of The Game as a freshman to his legendary three-touchdown performance in 1984 that sent the Buckeyes to the Rose Bowl. We also look at his courageous return from injury in 1985 and why many Buckeye fans still believe he should have won the Heisman Trophy.

Byars finished his Ohio State career with over 3,200 rushing yards, 46 touchdowns, and later became a College Football Hall of Famer.

This is another chapter in our Michigan Killers series, celebrating the Buckeyes who made life miserable for the Wolverines.

Topics Covered

• Keith Byars vs. Michigan

• The 1984 Rose Bowl season

• Ohio State-Michigan rivalry history

• Heisman Trophy race

• College Football Hall of Fame career

Monday, August 3, 2026

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Malcolm Jenkins wasn't just one of Ohio State's greatest defensive backs—he was one of the leaders of Jim Tressel's dominance over Michigan.

In this episode of the Michigan Killers series, we look back at Jenkins' four victories over the Wolverines, the legendary 2006 Game of the Century, the 2008 Thorpe Award season, and why he remains one of the greatest defensive backs in Buckeye history.

Topics include:

• Malcolm Jenkins vs. Michigan

• 2006 Game of the Century

• Ohio State's five-game winning streak over Michigan

• Jim Thorpe Award

• Jim Tressel era

• Ohio State football history

Go Bucks!

Friday, July 31, 2026

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