The Buckeye Huddle Podcast

The Michigan football scandal heats up this week as the Partridge lawsuit brings new allegations to light regarding a massive cover-up.
This breakdown covers the latest developments surrounding the Jenner and Block report, which carries a $12 million price tag and potentially vindicates past claims made by Ohio State football supporters. We examine the timeline of events stretching from 2021 to July 2026, providing clarity on the specific accusations facing the program.
Additionally, the video analyzes the critical decision regarding Warde Manuel, expected this Thursday. This analysis is designed for fans who want to separate the facts of the Michigan cover-up from the media speculation. By reviewing the Partridge lawsuit details, you will understand the potential consequences for the athletic department and what the Jenner and Block report means for the future of the coaching staff.
Ohio State football news: The Partridge lawsuit just exposed Santa Ono’s “don’t create records” order and the $12M Jenner & Block report is about to drop. Ohio State fans were right all along about Michigan’s institutional cover-up. Full breakdown inside.
Ohio State football news just got a massive new chapter.
The Chris Partridge federal lawsuit alleges former Michigan president Santa Ono personally ordered staff to “don’t create records” after they found the Connor Stalions sign-stealing operation on Matt Weiss’s computer — before the 2023 season even started. At the exact same time, Michigan has spent nearly $12 million on Jenner & Block to investigate its own athletic department culture. The report drops this week. The Board of Regents meets Thursday. Warde Manuel’s future hangs in the balance.
In this episode of The Buckeye Huddle Podcast, JR goes deep on the one phrase that changes everything: “don’t create records.”
We break down:
Why this order proves the cover-up went all the way to the top
How the $12 million investigation is the most expensive participation trophy in college sports history
Why the 2021 and 2022 Ohio State losses now sit under a permanent asterisk
What this means for recruiting, the portal, and Big Ten Media Days
Why Ohio State fans who got called “salty” for three years are about to get the biggest “I told you so” in modern college football
This is not another broad Michigan scandal recap. This is the expose on the single piece of evidence that finally vindicates everything Buckeye fans have been saying.
Chapters:
0:00 – The real Michigan story is about to come out
0:54 – Why the Chris Partridge lawsuit is only the first public domino
2:05 – Partridge names Santa Ono, Warde Manuel & the Board of Regents
3:22 – Michigan’s $12 million Jenner & Block report
4:02 – Warde Manuel’s “great conversations” quote
5:03 – Civil lawsuits vs. NCAA investigations
7:09 – The 2021 & 2022 Ohio State losses now have an asterisk
8:28 – Matt Weiss computer + “don’t create records” order
10:27 – The three most damning words in the entire lawsuit
11:42 – What this means for Ohio State recruiting and the portal
13:00 – Big Ten Media Days disaster for Michigan
14:07 – Ohio State fans were right all along
14:41 – Bottom line: The real Michigan story isn’t finished
15:28 – Subscribe & drop your take
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New episodes every Sunday–Thursday.
Drop your take in the comments: Do you think the full Jenner report actually sees daylight this week… or do they try one more magic trick?
Go Bucks.
#OhioState #Michigan #PartridgeLawsuit #SignStealing #WardeManuel #SantaOno #BuckeyeHuddle #CollegeFootball
Subscribe for weekly college football investigations and updates, and let me know in the comments if you believe the athletic department will survive these findings.
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John Walker is positioned to force his way into the Ohio State football rotation much faster than analysts expect.
Most discussions regarding the Buckeyes roster characterize this UCF transfer as a secondary option for the upcoming season. However, evaluating his specific skill set and recent development suggests a different trajectory. This analysis breaks down why he is more than just a depth piece, highlighting the traits that could force him onto the field during critical moments this fall.
We examine how the current defensive line depth in Columbus compares to his production at his previous school. By looking at the tape, it becomes clear that his impact on the interior could be significant. If you are tracking roster movement and want to know which transfers are ready to contribute immediately, this breakdown provides the necessary context on his potential role.
Ohio State football news, John Walker, Larry Johnson, defensive line — the quiet internal flip nobody saw coming. Insiders say the UCF transfer is no longer depth. Body transformation + functional strength rebuild has him in the starter conversation next to Edrick Houston. Here’s the real story from inside the Woody.
Most fans (and even I) still have John Walker pegged as a solid fifth-year depth piece who transferred from UCF to spell James Smith and Edrick Houston. That evaluation is now outdated. After hearing what’s actually happening in the weight room and how coaches are talking about him, the internal expectations have flipped hard.
This is the full breakdown of:
The undisclosed injury that limited him at UCF
How the Ohio State strength staff treated him like a clean slate
Why functional strength at DT changes everything for Matt Patricia’s defense
What this development quietly proves about Larry Johnson’s eye for talent
How a suddenly deep 4-man impact rotation raises the ceiling of the entire 2026 Ohio State defense
Why fans froze the evaluation the day he signed… and why that was a mistake
If the intel stays consistent through fall camp, John Walker isn’t just another name on the two-deep. He might be one of the most important players on the defense.
Timestamps:
0:00 Intro: Fans Are About to Get Blindsided on John Walker
0:46 What We’re Covering Today
1:54 The Real Internal Story Fans Are Completely Missing
2:23 From Depth Piece to Potential Starter Next to Houston
3:03 Why the Original Depth Evaluation Made Sense (and Why It’s Wrong Now)
6:16 Ohio State Strength Staff Gets a Clean Slate
6:43 Functional Strength: The Difference Maker at Defensive Tackle
7:50 Larry Johnson Always Knew the Ceiling Was There
8:35 What This Quiet Flip Reveals About OSU’s Talent Evaluation
10:03 Larry Johnson’s Development Shop Still Dominates
11:37 The Suddenly Deep & Dangerous DT Rotation
12:51 Why This Depth Is a Massive Luxury in 2026
13:44 Impact #1: Run Defense & Linebacker Freedom
14:09 Impact #2: Interior Pass Rush & Creating One-on-Ones
14:52 Impact #3: True Rotation Without Drop-Off
15:16 The High-Stakes Reality: Quietly Solving a Major Question
16:01 Is Walker About to Be One of the Biggest Breakout Players in the Big Ten?
16:30 The All-Big 12 Trap That Fooled Everyone (Including Me)
17:09 Why Fans and Media Freeze Evaluations at the Portal Signing
18:39 What We Can Say With Real Confidence Right Now
19:14 Closing: From Assumed Depth to Potential Starter
Drop your take in the comments:
Is John Walker about to steal a starting spot next to Edrick Houston… or do we still need to see it in fall camp?
We’re live every day talking Ohio State and Big Ten football.
Join the conversation on the message boards at BuckeyeHuddle.com with Marc Givler, Kevin Noon, and the rest of the crew.
#OhioState #Buckeyes #JohnWalker #LarryJohnson #DefensiveLine #BigTenFootball #CollegeFootball #TransferPortal #WoodyHayes #EdrickHouston #JamesSmith
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Ohio State recruiting vs Georgia is heating up after a botched attempt on Marcus Facchetto. Is the Big Ten surpassing the SEC talent gap?
This breakdown analyzes the recent recruiting friction between Kirby Smart and Ohio State. If you follow college football recruiting trends, this video explains why a single failed attempt might signal a broader shift in power between these two powerhouse programs.
While Georgia remains a dominant force, the narrative surrounding the SEC versus Big Ten rivalry is shifting. We examine the reality behind the headlines to determine if Ohio State recruiting is truly gaining ground or if this is just an isolated incident in the college football landscape.
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Is Cortez Hankton leaning too heavily on Monshawn Sayles for Ohio State recruiting success? We assess the current WR strategy.
Ohio State football fans are demanding results, and the spotlight is squarely on the wide receiver room. This analysis examines if the current coaching staff possesses the right dynamic to maintain the program's elite status. We break down the specific reliance on key personnel and how that impacts our ability to secure top-tier talent in an increasingly competitive landscape.
Beyond the immediate pressure, we look toward the 2027 recruiting class and the potential pursuit of prospects like Bryson Wright. While the current focus remains on building the foundation for the 2028 cycle, understanding these staffing decisions is vital for predicting future roster health. We evaluate whether the current approach is sustainable for long-term championship contention.
Ohio State football news: Cortez Hankton isn’t paralyzed by Brian Hartline’s shadow. The real test is Brysen Wright’s “proof of concept” requirement — and the Braylon Clark June visit already shows how Hankton is building his own relationships. Monshun Sales may be trending elsewhere, but Jett Harrison committed and Clark is trending hard. Here’s the insider breakdown.
If you’re judging Cortez Hankton only on whether he lands Monshun Sales, you’re missing the actual evidence from the last two weeks. Hankton has already landed five-star Jett Harrison and has multiple crystal-ball predictions on five-star Braylon Clark after a critical June visit where he broke down film and laid out Ohio State’s development vision.
The real measuring stick is Brysen Wright. Wright’s father was direct: Ohio State has to re-establish trust after Hartline left, and “proof of concept” matters more than recruiting tactics. How the 2026 wide receivers perform and develop under Hankton this fall will be watched closely by the Wright family and every other top target.
In this episode JR breaks down the real story behind the “Hartline shadow” narrative with specific evidence from the trail.
Timestamps:
00:00 – Hook: Is Hankton Living in Hartline’s Shadow?
01:03 – Setting the Scope: What We’re Actually Examining Today
02:05 – Monshun Sales Trending Toward Indiana or Texas
05:55 – Early Evidence Hankton Is Already Reloading (Jett Harrison + Braylon Clark)
07:19 – Brysen Wright: The True Measuring Stick in Hartline’s Shadow
09:46 – The Braylon Clark June Visit Blueprint (Film Breakdown & Vision Session)
11:20 – Zooming Out: 2027 Class Strength & Planning for Post-Jeremiah Smith
13:30 – Hankton’s Track Record & Why He’s Not “Just Replacing Hartline”
15:49 – Final Takeaway: The Shadow Is Real… But Fading Fast
17:13 – Outro, Comments & What I’m Watching This Fall
Drop your take in the comments: Are you more worried about Monshun Sales or encouraged by Harrison + Clark momentum? Subscribe for daily honest Ohio State football analysis with no national media spin.
#OhioState #Buckeyes #Hankton #Hartline #Recruiting #BuckeyeHuddle #MonshunSales #BrysenWright #BraylonClark
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Does college football recruiting still rely on high school talent or has the transfer portal taken over? See how roster building works.
Many fans believe the transfer portal signaled the end of high school recruiting importance, especially after seeing Indiana's strategy last year. This discussion clarifies why that assumption is flawed by examining the actual roster building methods used by recent national championship teams. If you are interested in the future of college football recruiting, understanding this balance is essential.
We analyze why Ohio State football prioritizing prospects like Christopher Vargas and David Gabriel George remains a critical strategy despite the current landscape. By looking at how title-winning programs construct their teams, we can determine if high school recruiting is still the primary engine for success or if the transfer portal has fundamentally changed the game.
Subscribe for weekly college football recruiting breakdowns, and comment below if you think high school talent or transfers matter more for winning championships.
Timestamps:
00:00 – The popular myth about the transfer portal and high school recruiting
02:58 – How Indiana’s 2025 roster was actually built (it wasn’t all portal)
06:59 – Evidence from the last 7 national champions and how they built their cores
11:25 – Why the Vargas prediction is good news for Ohio State’s quarterback pipeline
13:25 – Why staying in the fight for David Gabriel Georges matters for the next core
15:45 – The real blueprint champions have always used (and why Ohio State is following it)
18:00 – Final thoughts on building sustained contention in the expanded playoff era
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Ohio State football news: Phil Steele ranked the Buckeyes Defensive Line #1 for 2026, but Zion Grady and Epi Sitanilei are the Young Edge X-Factors who could actually make that ranking hold up all season. Larry Johnson’s development plan, second-year EDGE depth, and why these two change everything for Ohio State football in 2026.
Phil Steele 2026 magazine ranks the Ohio State defensive line as number one in the nation. See why this unit is poised for dominance.
This breakdown examines the specific personnel changes driving the Buckeyes defense to the top of the college football rankings. We analyze why the Ohio State defensive line is considered the best in the country according to the latest Phil Steele 2026 magazine data. This analysis is essential for anyone following Big Ten football and the shifting power dynamics in college athletics.
We specifically look at the impact of Kenyatta Jackson returning to the rotation and the crucial role of Ohio State football transfers. The addition of Quay Roussard and James Smith from Alabama provides the depth and experience necessary to sustain this elite standing. By evaluating these key roster moves, you will understand exactly how the coaching staff plans to maintain this defensive standard throughout the upcoming season.
Subscribe for weekly Ohio State football breakdowns and comment below if you believe this defensive line will live up to the number one ranking.Ohio State football news: Phil Steele ranked the Buckeyes’ Defensive Line #1 in the country for 2026 — but the real story isn’t just Kenyatta Jackson and the Alabama transfers. It’s the Young Edge X-Factors and Second-Year EDGE Depth that could keep this room elite all the way through November and December.In this episode, JR breaks down exactly why Zion Grady and Epi Sitanilei are the players who turn a good defensive line into the best one in college football. You’ll hear:Why Grady’s scheme discipline, explosive first step, and 108 snaps as a true freshman make him the cornerstone of Larry Johnson’s four-man (and potentially five-man) rotationHow Epi Sitanilei’s elite bend, natural hand usage, advanced counters, and offseason lean bulk to ~270 lbs position him as the wild-card depth pieceThe three-year developmental timeline both players are perfectly positioned for right nowHow this young edge depth — combined with last year’s historic reload — gives Ohio State a sustainable advantage most programs can’t matchIf we keep sleeping on these two second-year edge rushers, we’re going to be surprised when the rotation carries the defense deep into the playoff.Precise 
Chapters / Timestamps:
0:00 – Phil Steele’s #1 DL Ranking & The Overlooked Young Edge X-Factors
3:37 – Zion Grady: Cornerstone of the Rotation (108 Snaps, Scheme Discipline & Traits)
5:22 – Epi Sitanilei: Elite Bend, Hand Usage, Counters & Offseason Bulk
7:25 – Last Year’s Historic DL Reload (Curry & McDonald Stats)
10:14 – Larry Johnson’s Development Pipeline & Why Young Talent Creates Sustainability
11:12 – The Three-Year Plan Sweet Spot for Grady & Sitanilei Right Now
13:01 – How Grady Pairs with Jackson & Enables the True Rotation
13:38 – Sitanilei as the Wild-Card Depth Piece in a 4-5 Man EDGE Group
14:04 – Big Picture: Why This Young EDGE Depth Changes OSU’s 2026 Ceiling
15:00 – Stop Sleeping on These Second-Year Edge Rushers
16:05 – Final Takeaway: The Whole Room Makes Steele’s #1 Ranking Believable
16:42 – 
Drop Your Take in the Comments & SubscribeYoung Edge X-Factors and Second-Year EDGE Depth are the difference between peaking in September and staying dominant in December. Drop your take in the comments — are you buying the hype on Grady and Sitanilei making real contributions in 2026, or do you want to see more in fall camp first?For more straight-talk Ohio State football analysis without the national media spin, subscribe to Buckeye Huddle. New episodes every Sunday through Thursday at 7 PM. Check out BuckeyeHuddle.com for the full written breakdown and more roster & scheme content all summer long.Join this channel to get access to perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2kfc69aD-JmkPNPtFqcGcQ/joinCheck out BuckeyeHuddle.com to get all of the best Ohio State Buckeyes coverage. Our team of contributors will have you up-to-the-minute with recruiting, team coverage and so much more. Join the fastest growing community in all of BuckeyeNation at BuckeyeHuddle.comJoin Now: https://buckeyehuddle.com/community/account/upgrades/🏈👕SHOP Ohio State gear on Fanatics: http://fanatics.93n6tx.net/WDk33JOhio State Gear at Homage - https://homage.sjv.io/09YoMMFind Ohio State Football Tickets: https://seatgeek.pxf.io/7abjoQGet Ohio State stuff on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3T51uJ2🎤Podcasting equipment: https://amzn.to/3TEN9Dk🎙Podcasting mics: https://amzn.to/3Tyz8Hk🎥Video equipment: https://amzn.to/3TGM0Lt

Marcus Fakatou chose Ohio State football over major rivals. Here is why the program's facilities played the deciding role.
This breakdown analyzes the decision-making process behind Marcus Focatau committing to the Buckeyes. We look at how Ohio State recruiting efforts are shifting, specifically regarding how modern amenities influence top-tier prospects when they weigh offers from powerhouse programs like Georgia and Texas.
If you follow college football recruiting, this video explains the direct impact of facility investments on roster building. We examine why Focatau prioritized infrastructure over other factors and what this signals for the future direction of the Ohio State football program.
Subscribe for weekly Ohio State recruiting breakdowns, and comment below on which prospect you want us to cover next.
Marcus Fakatou chose Ohio State over Georgia and Texas last week. Then he said the Buckeyes’ facilities “really wasn’t all that” compared to other programs. In this episode, JR breaks down exactly what Marcus said, why it matters, and how it shows Ohio State is winning on culture and development — not luxury — especially with the major facilities upgrades Ross Bjork announced a couple of weeks ago.
Ohio State football news, Ohio State football, Marcus Fakatou, Ohio State facilities, Ohio State recruiting, Ryan Day, Larry Johnson, Buckeyes recruiting
What’s Inside:
The full story of Marcus Fakatou’s commitment and why he canceled other visits
His exact comments about facilities vs. culture and development
How Ohio State is using “lack of pizzazz” as a recruiting advantage
Larry Johnson’s elite development track record (and why it matters more than waterfalls)
What the upcoming facilities upgrades actually mean for long-term recruiting and retention
Why this puts Ohio State in a stronger position than most fans realize
Timestamps:
0:00 – Hook: Marcus Fakatou’s facilities comment and what it really means
2:05 – The commitment story and why he picked Ohio State over Georgia & Texas
4:10 – What Marcus actually said on The Austin & Birm Show
6:45 – Culture & development vs. luxury (Lamborghinis, motorcycles, yachts)
9:20 – Larry Johnson’s development pipeline and NFL production
12:40 – The major facilities upgrades Ross Bjork announced
15:10 – Why this recruiting win is different — and what it signals for the future
17:50 – Final takeaway: Building from strength, not patching holes
Ohio State isn’t trying to be something they’re not. They’re doubling down on who they are — and the results are showing up in recruiting. If you want honest, no-spin Buckeye analysis, subscribe and join the huddle.
Drop your take on Marcus’s decision in the comments. Do you think culture and development still beat flashy facilities in 2026? Let’s talk.
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The outrageous NIL number for David Gabriel Georges could force Bo Jackson into the transfer portal. Running backs, David Gabriel Georges, Bo Jackson, and the risky running back math behind Ohio State football’s biggest roster decision this offseason.
Ohio State football news: The outrageous NIL number for David Gabriel Georges could force Bo Jackson into the transfer portal. Running backs, David Gabriel Georges, Bo Jackson, and the risky running back math behind Ohio State football’s biggest roster decision.
In this episode of the Buckeye Huddle Podcast, JR breaks down the real danger in chasing David Gabriel Georges at the reported $6 million multi-year price tag. Bo Jackson’s camp was aggressive about money last cycle — those rumors were true and he got paid. Now the timeline creates a serious problem: Bo will be a junior in 2027, the exact year DGG would arrive.
JR explains why every team (including Georgia with Nate Frazier) is struggling to pay running backs right now, why losing a proven starter like Bo would be self-inflicted damage, and why Ohio State should never put itself in a position where it has to choose between elite high school talent and the guy who already delivered.
Key topics covered:
The $6M / $2M-per-year NIL speculation for David Gabriel Georges
Bo Jackson’s verified portal negotiations last cycle and the payday he received
The Georgia–Nate Frazier parallel and what it reveals about current RB market
DGG’s rare three-down traits and why he’s viewed as a true difference maker
The 2027 timeline problem for Bo Jackson
Carlos Locklyn’s relationships with both backs and the culture risk
Why this is a false choice created by poor upstream planning
How Ohio State can (and must) structure deals and relationships to keep both
Timestamps:
0:00 – Hook: If signing DGG costs us Bo Jackson…
2:10 – The $6 million NIL number and what it actually means
4:05 – Bo Jackson’s real portal rumors last cycle (they were true)
6:20 – Georgia almost lost Nate Frazier — the parallel nobody’s talking about
8:45 – Why David Gabriel Georges is different (scouting breakdown)
10:50 – The 2027 timeline problem for Bo Jackson
12:35 – Culture, Carlos Locklyn, and the relationship risk
14:40 – The false choice and the smarter path forward
17:10 – Final takeaway: Ohio State should never be in this position
Buckeye Huddle brings you clear, confident, honest Ohio State football analysis every Sunday through Thursday at 7 PM Eastern. No national media spin — just straight talk from someone who knows the program inside and out.
Watch the full episode, drop your take in the comments (Bo or DGG — who would you keep?), and subscribe for daily Buckeye football coverage.
Go Bucks.
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(00:00:00) Setting the Stage for Ohio State Football Analysis

(00:01:05) Kevin Noon's Top Three Position Groups

(00:01:17) Quarterback Confidence: Julian Sainz Leads the Way

(00:08:05) Safety: A Deep and Experienced Secondary

(00:12:14) Wide Receiver: Depth and Potential

(00:17:04) Wrapping Up and Future Content

(00:17:48) Buckeye Huddle Promotion

Which 2026 football season position groups earn the most fan confidence? Kevin Noon from Buckeye Huddle breaks down the roster expectations.
This conversation provides a detailed look at the upcoming 2026 football season, specifically focusing on which position groups are drawing the most optimism from the fanbase. Whether you are a die-hard follower of Ohio State football or just tracking roster development, this analysis offers clarity on where the team stands heading into the future.
Kevin Noon joins the Buckeye Huddle podcast to discuss these evaluations and share his perspective on the current trajectory of the team. We look at the specific areas where fans feel secure and why those units are generating excitement. By the end of this discussion, you will have a better understanding of the strengths projected for the 2026 football season and the potential impact of these position groups.
Ohio State football news: Kevin Noon joins JR on The Buckeye Huddle to break down his top 3 position groups he's most confident in heading into the 2026 season. Julian Sayin, Jalen McClain, Jeremiah Smith, safety room depth, and more.
Kevin Noon shares strong confidence in the Ohio State quarterback room led by Heisman finalist Julian Sayin, the safety position featuring Jalen McClain, Earl Little Jr., and transfers, plus the wide receiver group anchored by Jeremiah Smith. Buckeye football discussion on 2026 outlook, roster depth, and key returning talent.
Timestamps:
00:00 - Intro & Kevin Noon Welcome
01:17 - #1 Most Confident: Quarterback (Julian Sayin)
07:57 - #2 Most Confident: Safety (Jalen McClain & Room)
12:12 - #3 Most Confident: Wide Receiver (Jeremiah Smith)
17:48 - Other Strong Groups: RB, Corner, OL
18:52 - Jet Harrison Commitment & Outro
Buckeye Huddle delivers honest Ohio State football analysis, recruiting updates, and position breakdowns all season long. 
If you're a Buckeyes fan looking for real talk on the 2026 roster strengths, this is the episode for you.
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Beyond the roster talk, we catch up on what Kevin Noon has been doing during the offseason. This is essential listening for anyone who wants to stay ahead of the curve regarding Ohio State football developments.
Subscribe for weekly Buckeye Huddle breakdowns, and let us know in the comments which position group you are most excited to see in action next season.
Join this channel to get access to perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2kfc69aD-JmkPNPtFqcGcQ/joinCheck out BuckeyeHuddle.com to get all of the best Ohio State Buckeyes coverage. Our team of contributors will have you up-to-the-minute with recruiting, team coverage and so much more. Join the fastest growing community in all of BuckeyeNation at BuckeyeHuddle.comJoin Now: https://buckeyehuddle.com/community/account/upgrades/🏈👕SHOP Ohio State gear on Fanatics: http://fanatics.93n6tx.net/WDk33JOhio State Gear at Homage - https://homage.sjv.io/09YoMMFind Ohio State Football Tickets: https://seatgeek.pxf.io/7abjoQGet Ohio State stuff on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3T51uJ2🎤Podcasting equipment: https://amzn.to/3TEN9Dk🎙Podcasting mics: https://amzn.to/3Tyz8Hk🎥Video equipment: https://amzn.to/3TGM0Lt

Jeff Okudah analyzes Ohio State football secondary stars Devin Sanchez and Jermaine Matthews Jr. See why expectations are high.
Former NFL cornerback Jeff Okudah recently returned to Columbus to evaluate the current Ohio State secondary talent. This breakdown covers his professional assessment of two rising defensive backs who are poised to make an immediate impact this season. If you follow Buckeyes football, this perspective from a former elite recruit and first-round pick provides professional insight into their development.
Okudah specifically highlights Devin Sanchez as a player set for a special year, noting his unique traits on the field. Additionally, he projects a tremendous season for Jermaine Matthews Jr. based on his progression. Whether you are tracking the future of the Ohio State secondary or just want expert opinions on the roster, this analysis connects the dots between college production and NFL potential.
Subscribe for weekly Ohio State football breakdowns and let us know in the comments which defensive player you are most excited to watch this season.
Ohio State football news: Jeff Okudah was back in Columbus and gave major endorsements to Devin Sanchez and Jermaine Matthews Jr. — but JR explains why he thinks Okudah missed the most important piece of the 2026 secondary: Jaylen McClain.
In this episode JR breaks down Okudah’s comments on the two boundary corners, why those endorsements carry real weight, and why Jaylen McClain is quietly becoming the anchor that holds Matt Patricia’s secondary together.
Buckeye Huddle Podcast with JR
Timestamps:
00:00 – Jeff Okudah Back in Columbus & His Endorsements of Devin Sanchez + Jermaine Matthews Jr.
02:20 – Devin Sanchez: Freshman Struggles, Growth Since Spring & Why Okudah Sees a Special Year
08:47 – Jermaine Matthews Jr.’s Veteran Role & the Boundary Pairing Okudah Highlighted
09:49 – The Player Jeff Okudah Missed: Jaylen McClain
10:10 – McClain’s Elite Reliability, Versatility & 2025 Film (Tackling, Snaps & Special Teams)
14:17 – McClain’s New Role as Veteran Leader Without Caleb Downs
17:20 – Why McClain Is the Anchor That Makes Sanchez & Matthews Better
19:46 – Final Thoughts: What This Secondary Can Become in 2026
Drop your thoughts in the comments:
• Will Devin Sanchez finish as an All-American in year two?
• Is Jaylen McClain the most underrated player on this defense?
Buckeye Huddle is your daily source for Ohio State football and basketball. New episodes Sunday through Thursday at 7pm ET.
JR is also the host of The Big Ten Huddle — subscribe there for more Big Ten coverage.
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https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2kfc69aD-JmkPNPtFqcGcQ/join
Check out BuckeyeHuddle.com to get all of the best Ohio State Buckeyes coverage. Our team of contributors will have you up-to-the-minute with recruiting, team coverage and so much more. Join the fastest growing community in all of BuckeyeNation at BuckeyeHuddle.com
Join Now: https://buckeyehuddle.com/community/account/upgrades/

🏈👕SHOP Ohio State gear on Fanatics: http://fanatics.93n6tx.net/WDk33J
Ohio State Gear at Homage - https://homage.sjv.io/09YoMM
Find Ohio State Football Tickets: https://seatgeek.pxf.io/7abjoQ
Get Ohio State stuff on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3T51uJ2
🎤Podcasting equipment: https://amzn.to/3TEN9Dk
🎙Podcasting mics: https://amzn.to/3Tyz8Hk
🎥Video equipment: https://amzn.to/3TGM0Lt