The Buckeye Weekly Podcast

Ohio State opened the season with a 56-3 win over Ball State that did not require a Hail Mary at any point. 

BuckeyeInsider.com's Tom Orr and Tony Gerdeman give their instant reactions following the Buckeyes' win, talking about some standout performances, a concerning offensive line, a new tempo of offense, a deep defense, and much more.

You can find even more at BuckeyeInsiders.com.

The transfer portal has completely changed college football, but transfers have been impacting Ohio State football for much longer than you might think.

On this episode of The Time and Change Will Surely Show, Tony Gerdeman and Juck Miletti look at the past, present, and future of Ohio State transfers.

Tony unveils his ranking of the 10 most impactful transfers in Buckeye history, including Justin Fields, Will Howard, Caleb Downs, Quinshon Judkins, Davison Igbinosun, Julian Sayin and more. But who deserves the No. 1 spot? Is it Downs, or should the quarterback who led Ohio State to a national championship get the nod?

Then Tony and Juck turn their attention to Ohio State's newest group of transfers. Could James Smith become a star on the defensive line? Is Devin McEwen capable of becoming one of the Buckeyes' next great receivers? What should we expect from Earl Little, Christian Alliegro, Beau Atkinson and the rest of the newcomers?

Finally, they look ahead to the next transfer cycle. If Julian Sayin heads to the NFL, will Ohio State have to find another starting quarterback in the portal? And with major decisions looming along the offensive line, could the Buckeyes once again be shopping for veteran help up front?

00:00 — Welcome to Time and Change
01:02 — Tony's Top 10 most impactful Ohio State transfers
02:34 — Josh Simmons, Seth McLaughlin and Jonah Jackson
03:34 — Where does Julian Sayin belong?
04:39 — Tony reveals his Top 5
05:44 — Caleb Downs vs. Will Howard for No. 1
07:57 — Why Will Howard has an argument for the top spot
09:52 — Where does Justin Fields rank?
10:14 — Fields and the history of Ohio State transfers
12:15 — What would Sayin need to do to reach No. 1?
14:35 — Which 2026 transfers could eventually crack the Top 10?
15:15 — Why James Smith could become a star
17:49 — Does Ohio State need a star at defensive tackle?
20:28 — Earl Little's changing role in the Buckeye defense
22:48 — Is Devin McEwen a potential first-round talent?
26:01 — Qua Russaw's specialized role as a pass rusher
28:11 — What should Ohio State expect from Christian Alliegro?
29:32 — Could Devin McCuin become OSU's best transfer WR ever?
30:18 — Don't forget about Beau Atkinson
33:27 — Looking ahead: Will Ohio State need a transfer QB in 2027?
36:00 — The timing problem with Sayin's NFL decision
37:44 — Ryan Day's complicated history recruiting quarterbacks
39:05 — How the Tavien St. Clair conversation has changed
40:42 — Why OSU may need a proven starting quarterback
42:47 — The changing reality of quarterback development
44:00 — Could Ohio State need transfer offensive linemen next year?
45:33 — Would three new starters on the interior be too much?
47:07 — Final thoughts and the all-time transfer debate

Who is the most impactful transfer in Ohio State history? Caleb Downs? Will Howard? Justin Fields? Someone else entirely? Drop your Top 5 in the comments.

For more Ohio State football coverage, recruiting discussion, analysis, and insider conversation, check out BuckeyeInsiders.com.

The Time and Change Will Surely Show
Hosted by Tony Gerdeman and Juck Miletti

Ohio State is finally back on the field, and while the Buckeyes are expected to handle Ball State comfortably, there will still be plenty worth watching in the season opener.

In this episode of The Buckeye Weekly Podcast, Tony Gerdeman and Tom Orr break down what they’ll be looking for when Ohio State takes the field against Ball State — not just on the scoreboard, but in the details that could tell us something about the Buckeyes before next week’s trip to Texas.

On offense, the guys discuss what a successful debut should look like for Julian Sayin, whether the offensive line operates cleanly, how explosive Bo Jackson looks at the second level, and whether Ohio State can take advantage of whatever Ball State gives them without communication issues or missed assignments.

Defensively, the focus turns to rotations and personnel: which defensive tackles play together, how deep Ohio State goes at defensive end and linebacker, where Riley Pettijohn and T.J. Alford line up, and whether the Buckeyes tackle and get off blocks the way they should.

There’s also plenty of special-teams discussion, including whether Connor Hawkins might get an early chance at a long field goal, plus Tony and Tom reveal that they somehow arrived independently at the exact same score prediction.

0:00 — Welcome to the Buckeye Weekly Podcast
1:02 — What does a successful game look like for Ohio State?
2:06 — Clean offense and a clean injury report
3:15 — What Tony wants to see from the Buckeye offense
4:05 — Bo Jackson, Julian Sayin and offensive efficiency
5:08 — What would actually be concerning against Ball State?
6:01 — Why Ohio State should be able to take whatever Ball State gives them
7:23 — What we’ll be watching on defense
8:02 — Defensive line and linebacker rotations
8:34 — Riley Pettijohn, T.J. Alford and Christian Alliegro
9:11 — Tackling, block destruction and defensive fundamentals
10:40 — Could Connor Hawkins attempt a 54-yard field goal?
11:43 — Why Ohio State may use this game to work on specific things
13:34 — Getting the kicking game ready before Texas
14:41 — Tony’s score prediction: Ohio State 52, Ball State 3
15:14 — Tom somehow predicts the exact same score
15:45 — How long will the starters play?
16:16 — How many backups and young players could get meaningful reps?
17:00 — What the second-team offense can show us

What are you most interested in watching against Ball State? Is it the offensive line, the young linebackers, the freshmen, the kicking game, or something else? Let us know in the comments.

For more Ohio State football coverage, practice intel, game previews and postgame coverage, visit BuckeyeInsiders.com and join us on The Insiders Board.

If you enjoy the show, make sure to like the video, subscribe to the channel, and leave a comment. A five-star rating and review on the podcast side is always appreciated.

The Ohio State offensive line returns four starters in 2026, including three players on the interior who played crucial roles in the Buckeyes' run to the 2024 national championship. So what do Luke Montgomery, Carson Hinzman, and Austin Siereveld bring to this year's offensive line? 

In this special bonus episode, you'll hear directly from Montgomery about his view of the veteran core of the offensive line, why this year's offense should be fun to play in, what he's expecting from freshman RB phenom Legend Bey, and much more.

What makes Ohio State different from other programs?

In this episode of The Buckeye Weekly Podcast, Tony Gerdeman and Tom Orr react to comments from Earl Little Jr., Ryan Day, and Carson Hinzman about the culture, chemistry, and “brotherhood” inside the Ohio State football program.

Little, who has experienced multiple major programs during his college career, explained why the chemistry at Ohio State feels different — particularly in an era where NIL, playing time, and individual interests can easily pull a locker room apart.

The guys discuss how Ohio State has approached NIL and roster building, why Ryan Day places such an emphasis on cultural fit in the transfer portal, and how the Buckeyes have been able to maintain a common set of goals despite bringing in 51 new players.

There’s also a discussion about Maurice Clarett and Jim Tressel, why Clarett continues to have a presence around the program, and how his experiences — both good and bad — can be valuable to current Buckeyes like Jeremiah Smith.

0:00 — Welcome to the Buckeye Weekly Podcast
0:17 — Earl Little gives a glimpse into Ohio State’s brotherhood
0:49 — Why Little says the chemistry at Ohio State is different
1:56 — Winning makes it easier to stay focused on common goals
2:57 — Why Ryan Day loves the 2012 Ohio State team
3:07 — Ohio State’s approach to NIL and roster building
4:59 — Carson Hinzman, locker-room culture, and the transfer portal
5:36 — Why Ohio State’s transfer additions have fit so well
6:04 — Earl Little calls the culture “enlightening” and “empowering”
6:46 — Indiana as an example of culture and talent evaluation
7:23 — Jim Tressel and Maurice Clarett return to the spotlight
8:34 — Why Ryan Day keeps Maurice Clarett around the program
9:38 — Clarett’s unique connection to Jeremiah Smith
10:43 — Clarett as a cautionary tale and success story
11:00 — Ryan Day’s role in maintaining Ohio State’s culture
11:42 — Final thoughts on Ohio State’s brotherhood
12:04 — BuckeyeInsiders.com and closing

Do you think Ohio State’s culture gives the Buckeyes a real advantage in the current era of college football? Let us know in the comments.

For more Ohio State football coverage, practice intel, recruiting discussion and more, visit BuckeyeInsiders.com and join us on The Insiders Board.

If you enjoy the show, make sure to like the video, subscribe to the channel, and leave a comment. A five-star rating and review on the podcast side is always appreciated.

There have been few training camp stories more remarkable this season than the emergence of true freshman CB Jay Timmons as the clear-cut, no-doubt day-one starter at the nickel position for Ohio State this fall. 

Timmons' father played in the NFL, and he was a 5-star prospect coming out of high school, but it's still very surprising to see a true freshman take hold of a starting job right out of the gate in fall camp, and never let it go. So how was he able to do that?

In this special bonus episode, you'll hear the answer to that and much more directly from another guy who knows a thing or two about playing early as a cornerback at Ohio State; sophomore standout Devin Sanchez.

The Buckeye Weekly Bold Predictions live show kept rolling with more viewer questions, more wild predictions, and plenty of discussion about Ohio State’s season opener and the season ahead.

In this episode of The Buckeye Weekly Podcast, Tony Gerdeman and Tom Orr debate whether Luke Fahey could be the second quarterback into the game, which Buckeyes they’re most excited to watch, how much Legend Bay might show in his debut, and whether freshmen like Brock Boyd can make an immediate impact.

The guys also get into Ohio State’s offensive line depth, the greatest transfers in Buckeye history, how much the backup offense will actually run, whether Chris Henry Jr. and the tight ends could have big games, and how long Ryan Day might leave the starters on the field against Ball State.

Later, the conversation widens to college football as a whole, including possible dark-horse teams, top-10 teams that could disappoint, Texas, Penn State, Michigan-Oklahoma, and whether Steve Sarkisian is the SEC’s version of James Franklin.

0:00 — Welcome to the Buckeye Weekly Podcast
0:54 — Could Luke Fahey be the second quarterback into the game?
1:33 — Why Tavien St. Clair may still get the first backup reps
2:29 — Which Buckeye are we most excited to watch?
3:46 — What should fans expect from Legend Bey?
4:31 — Payton Pierce, Earl Little and Jay Timmons among the players to watch
5:10 — Could Brock Boyd outperform Mylan Graham in Week One?
5:25 — Should Ohio State use Sam Greer as an extra offensive lineman?
6:47 — Who is the greatest transfer in Ohio State history?
8:49 — Where does Julian Sayin already rank?
9:35 — Will Howard vs. Caleb Downs for No. 1
10:51 — First play of the game: pass?
11:38 — BuckeyeInsiders.com community and all-day chat
12:44 — Why Ohio State’s offensive linemen are great interviews
13:00 — Seth McLaughlin and Josh Simmons in the transfer discussion
14:00 — Could Connor Hawkins become an all-time transfer hero?
15:42 — More BuckeyeInsiders discussion
16:45 — Tony’s “inherently bold” predictions
17:15 — Jeremiah Smith catching a ball with his feet?
18:04 — Do the Buckeyes win the title without Will Howard?
19:19 — Caleb Downs’ impact on the championship run
20:32 — How do you get a one-point safety on the first pass of the game?
21:15 — One-footed catch from Jeremiah Smith?
22:10 — Is the Oregon game headed for a 3:30 kickoff?
22:18 — What Ohio State’s season pins might tell us
23:19 — Could Maryland or Northwestern be night games?
24:05 — Dark-horse teams and top-10 teams that could disappoint
26:23 — Penn State as a potential playoff sleeper
27:25 — Could Texas spiral with a brutal schedule?
29:13 — UCLA and Cal
29:56 — Is Steve Sarkisian the SEC’s James Franklin?
31:18 — Could LSU collapse?
32:36 — Early thoughts on Michigan vs. Oklahoma
34:49 — Chris Henry Jr. blocking a kick?
34:58 — Julian Sayin rushing for 20+ yards and a touchdown
35:20 — Final thoughts and BuckeyeInsiders.com

What’s your boldest prediction for Ohio State’s opener? And which Buckeye are you most excited to watch in Week One? Let us know in the comments.

For more Ohio State football coverage, practice intel, game-week discussion and live shows, visit BuckeyeInsiders.com and join us on The Insiders Board.

If you enjoy the show, make sure to like the video, subscribe to the channel, and leave a comment. A five-star rating and review on the podcast side is always appreciated.

Ohio State’s season opener is here, and the questions are getting a lot more specific.

In this episode of The Buckeye Weekly Podcast, Tony Gerdeman and Tom Orr break out the viewer Q&A portion of the Bold Predictions live show and tackle a wide range of topics heading into the Buckeyes’ opener against Ball State.

The guys discuss bold predictions for Bo Jackson, Chris Henry Jr., Legend Bay, Jay Timmons, and Julian Sayin, while also getting into how much of the offense Ohio State’s backups should run, how long the starters might stay in, what the offensive line rotation could look like, and whether the Buckeyes should save certain wrinkles for Texas.

There’s also discussion about Ryan Day’s confidence level, Arthur Smith’s offense, Ohio State’s depth, and just how bold a bold prediction really has to be.

0:00 — Welcome to the Buckeye Weekly Podcast
0:59 — Viewer bold predictions begin
1:04 — Julian Sayin avoiding an early interception
1:55 — Tom as the resident pickle eater?
3:06 — Bo Jackson with two 50-yard runs
4:17 — Chris Henry Jr. with 75 yards and a touchdown
5:53 — Three Ohio State quarterbacks throwing TD passes
6:23 — Legend Bey throwing a touchdown pass?
7:40 — The legendary 220/220 bold prediction
9:01 — Should Ohio State put Legend Bay trick plays on film?
9:56 — Arthur Smith vs. Will Muschamp
11:29 — Has Ryan Day looked more confident this preseason?
12:43 — Why Ohio State is sticking with Phil Daniels at right tackle
14:17 — Jay Timmons with an interception AND a strip sack?
16:15 — Julian Sayin rushing touchdown on a naked bootleg
17:24 — Who is the greatest transfer in Ohio State history?
18:20 — Will the second-team offense run the full system?
19:19 — How long will the starters play against Ball State?
20:36 — Two tight end touchdowns?
21:45 — When would Ohio State pull the starters in a blowout?
23:00 — Legend Bey scoring on a jet sweep
23:59 — Final thoughts

What’s your boldest prediction for Ohio State’s opener? Drop it in the comments.
For more Ohio State football coverage, practice intel, predictions and discussion, visit BuckeyeInsiders.com and join us on The Insiders Board.

If you enjoy the show, make sure to like the video, subscribe to the channel, and leave a comment. A five-star rating and review on the podcast side is always appreciated.

In this bonus episode, you'll get to hear directly from Ohio State center Carson Hinzman, who will be starting for the Buckeyes for the fourth season in a row. In addition to being one of only three fifth-year players who have spent their entire careers as Buckeyes, Hinzman is also one of the most entertaining interviews on this year's team. 

He discusses his expectations for this year's offensive line, what it would mean to win the Joe Moore Award, what he's seen from the team's running backs, the growth of Julian Sayin, and much more.

Ohio State hosts Ball State on Saturday at 12:30 pm to kick off the season. Before the game gets here, however, there must first be a Bold Predictions episode of the Buckeye Weekly Podcast.

Hosts Tony Gerdeman and Tom Orr are back once again to compete to see whose boldness will reign supreme. There are bold predicitons about Jeremiah Smith, Legend Bey, Devin McCuin, Jay Timmons, Christian Alliegro, and more.

For even more Buckeye coverage, come find us over at BuckeyeInsiders.com.