The Buckeye Weekly Podcast

Ohio State held another scrimmage on Saturday, and while there may not have been a flood of highlight-reel plays, there were still some important developments coming out of the day.

In this episode of The Buckeye Weekly Podcast, Tony Gerdeman and Tom Orr discuss the latest scrimmage intel, including where things appear to stand on the offensive line, how the defense responded after a rougher first scrimmage, and why the Buckeyes may simply be reaching that point in camp where everybody is ready to hit someone else.

The guys also discuss why Ian Moore now looks like the starting left tackle, why that likely means Austin Siereveld at right guard, what the defense did better the second time around, and why some banged-up players at this point in August are not necessarily cause for concern.

0:02 — Welcome to the Buckeye Weekly Podcast
0:13 — Getting scrimmage intel out to BuckeyeInsiders.com members
0:40 — What came out of Saturday’s scrimmage?
1:12 — Some Buckeyes are banged up, but there’s no major concern
2:00 — Why this is normal in the middle of August
3:10 — Don’t panic every time someone misses practice
3:42 — Ian Moore appears to have won the left tackle job
4:17 — Why Austin Siereveld now looks like the right guard
5:02 — Expecting an official offensive line answer from Ryan Day
6:48 — The defense bounced back after a rough first scrimmage
7:20 — Why Payton Pierce challenged the defense after Scrimmage No. 1
8:43 — Comparing Ohio State’s camp dynamic to Texas
9:30 — Why a more balanced scrimmage is good news for the defense
10:22 — Camp is getting chippy
11:03 — The Buckeyes are ready to hit somebody else
11:37 — Why this happens every year near the end of camp
12:32 — Ohio State’s physical camp and the light at the end of the tunnel
13:28 — Final thoughts on the scrimmage
13:57 — Ryan Day availability and BuckeyeInsiders.com
14:10 — Closing

Do you feel better about the defense after hearing how the second scrimmage went? And do you think the offensive line is now settled with Ian Moore at left tackle and Austin Siereveld at right guard? Let us know in the comments.

For more Ohio State football coverage, practice intel, scrimmage reports 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.

How many Buckeyes are actually going to play meaningful snaps on offense this season?

In this episode of The Buckeye Weekly Podcast, Tony Gerdeman and Tom Orr go position by position through the Ohio State offense and project how deep the rotation will go in games that are still in doubt.

The guys discuss why the Buckeyes could use four running backs, how many receivers might realistically crack the regular rotation, why the tight end room could be deeper than it was a year ago, and whether Ohio State might use a sixth offensive lineman like Josh Padilla in certain situations.

There’s also discussion about Bo Jackson, Isaiah West, Ja'Kobi Jackson, Legend Bey, Chris Henry Jr., Brock Boyd, Devin McCuin, Nate Roberts, Mason Williams, Hunter Welcing, Bennett Christian and several other players who could carve out meaningful roles as the season progresses.

0:01 — Welcome to the Buckeye Weekly Podcast
0:32 — How deep will Ohio State go on offense?
1:27 — Quarterback rotation: not much mystery here
1:41 — Running back depth gets interesting
2:25 — Could Ohio State regularly play four running backs?
3:01 — What Texas could tell us about the true rotation
4:06 — Wide receiver: how many guys will actually play?
4:34 — Six receivers feels like the starting point
5:26 — Jerquaden Guilford as a possible later-season riser
6:04 — The six receivers most likely to play early
6:33 — Tight end depth and multiple roles
7:34 — Why four tight ends is a reasonable expectation
8:19 — Offensive line: ideally, how many guys play?
8:58 — Could Josh Padilla become the sixth offensive lineman?
10:21 — Remembering Jim Tressel’s old-school OL rotations
11:00 — How a six-man offensive line package could work
11:28 — Final thoughts on Ohio State’s offensive depth
11:55 — Why the rotation could change as the season goes
12:10 — BuckeyeInsiders.com and closing

Which position group do you think is deepest on the Ohio State offense? And which player outside the projected starters do you expect to have the biggest role? Let us know in the comments.

For more Ohio State football coverage, snap-count discussion, analytics, X’s and O’s, recruiting 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.

Bennett Christian is one of just three members of the 2022 Ohio State recruiting class to still be active members of the Buckeye football team this fall. Christian has had an eventful career, including a one-year suspension, and has only seven career catches. But in a time when thousands of players are entering the Transfer Portal every year, Christian has chosen to stick it out in Columbus. 

So what made him want to be a Buckeye for life? Which of the new faces in the tight end room are standing out? And what has new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith brought to the program this season?

In this special bonus episode, you'll hear the answers to those questions, and much more, directly from Ohio State 5th-year TE Bennett Christian. 

WRU Isn't Going Anywhere | The Time and Change Will Surely Show

Ohio State has produced an absurd collection of wide receivers over the years — and the pipeline doesn’t appear to be slowing down anytime soon.

On this episode of The Time and Change Will Surely Show, Tony Gerdeman and Juck Miletti take a trip through the past, present, and future of Ohio State’s wide receiver room.

The guys start by tackling the nearly impossible task of ranking the greatest receivers in Buckeye history. Tony unveils his formula-generated Top 20, while Juck puts himself through the considerably more painful process of actually ranking his personal Top 10.

Where do Jeremiah Smith, David Boston, Marvin Harrison Jr., Cris Carter, Garrett Wilson, Jaxon Smith-Njigba and the rest of Ohio State's greats belong? And which former Buckeye receiver might have been born a couple of decades too early?

Then Tony puts Juck through a different exercise: seven randomly assembled three-receiver sets from Ohio State history go head-to-head until Juck crowns his ultimate trio.

From there, the conversation turns to the 2026 Buckeyes. How deep will Ohio State go at receiver against Texas? How quickly can freshmen Chris Henry Jr. and Brock Boyd force their way onto the field? What should be expected from Devin McCuin and Brandon Inniss? And just how ridiculous could Jeremiah Smith's numbers become this season?

Finally, Tony and Juck look toward the future and Ohio State's pursuit of elite receivers in the 2027, 2028 and 2029 recruiting classes.

00:00 — Welcome to Time and Change
01:31 — Tony's formula for ranking Ohio State's greatest WRs
02:50 — What stands out about the Top 20?
03:34 — Is Santonio Holmes Ohio State's most underrated receiver?
04:52 — The case for Garrett Wilson
06:36 — Juck reveals his Top 10 Ohio State receivers
08:03 — Michael Jenkins, Chris Olave and Jaxon Smith-Njigba
08:47 — Terry Glenn, Cris Carter and Garrett Wilson
10:16 — Marvin Harrison Jr., David Boston and Jeremiah Smith
12:44 — Why David Boston ranks ahead of Marvin Harrison Jr.
14:16 — The Ohio State receiver who was born too early
16:36 — Building the ultimate three-WR lineup
17:57 — Garrett Wilson, Terry Glenn and Anthony Gonzalez enter the competition
19:04 — Jeremiah Smith, Michael Jenkins and Parris Campbell
19:41 — Santonio Holmes, Ted Ginn Jr. and Devin Smith
20:10 — Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Carnell Tate and Emeka Egbuka
20:45 — Marvin Harrison Jr., Joey Galloway and Curtis Samuel
21:27 — Juck crowns his ultimate Ohio State WR trio
22:49 — How deep will Ohio State go at receiver against Texas?
24:23 — Could the Buckeyes regularly play six or seven receivers?
26:01 — Brock Boyd's freshman expectations
28:31 — Are Chris Henry Jr.'s projections way too low?
30:13 — Ohio State's all-time freshman receiving numbers
32:08 — How big can Jeremiah Smith's 2026 season become?
33:19 — Can Jeremiah Smith break Jaxon Smith-Njigba's records?
35:21 — What should Ohio State expect from Devin McCuin?
38:06 — Brandon Inniss' role and production
41:29 — Philip Bell, Dez Jones, and Ohio State's WR depth
42:04 — Looking ahead to Ohio State's 2027 WR recruiting class
43:40 — Could 2028 be another monster receiver haul?
47:47 — The danger of projecting recruiting classes years ahead
49:27 — Austin Miller and Ohio State's 2029 WR class
50:46 — More future Ohio State receiver targets to know
53:41 — Final thoughts on Ohio State's incredible WR tradition

Who are your Top 5 wide receivers in Ohio State history? Drop your rankings in the comments — or give us your Buckeye WR Mount Rushmore if picking five is too painful.

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Ohio State named seven captains for the 2026 season and awarded senior receiver Brandon Inniss with the Block O jersey.

In this episode of the Buckeye Weekly Podcast, BuckeyeInsiders.com's Tony Gerdeman and Tom Orr react to the news and discuss why these players were chosen.

Which Ohio State players are going to become much bigger storylines once the season gets rolling?

In this episode of The Buckeye Weekly Podcast, Tony Gerdeman and Tom Orr look ahead and identify five Buckeyes they expect fans to be talking about a lot more by October.

The discussion starts with freshman running back Legend Bey, who has already flashed enough in camp to make the coaches want to find ways to get him involved. The guys also talk about linebacker Riley Pettijohn, offensive lineman Josh Padilla, freshman receiver Brock Boyd, and cornerback Jermaine Mathews Jr. as players whose roles or reputations could look very different a month or two into the season.

There’s also discussion about the depth at wide receiver, whether players like Philip Bell, Dez Jones and Kyle Parker could emerge, and why some veterans may be getting overlooked simply because fans already think they know who they are.

0:01 — Welcome to the Buckeye Weekly Podcast
0:10 — Spy vs. Spy and the season getting very close
1:30 — Five Buckeyes we'll be talking about more by October
2:21 — No. 1: Legend Bey
3:32 — How Ohio State can expand Bay's role as the season goes
4:47 — What Bay still needs to prove
5:14 — No. 2: Riley Pettijohn
6:33 — Why Pettijohn appears to be gaining ground at linebacker
7:22 — What Christian Alliegro's comments may reveal about the rotation
8:11 — No. 3: Josh Padilla
9:25 — Why Padilla could become crucial depth on the offensive line
10:03 — Could Ohio State use Padilla as a sixth offensive lineman?
10:53 — No. 4: Brock Boyd
11:57 — Why the buzz around Boyd cooled despite a strong camp
12:46 — Other receivers who could emerge: Philip Bell and Des Jones
13:40 — Kyle Parker remains an interesting name to watch
14:08 — No. 5: Jermaine Mathews Jr.
14:45 — Why Mathews may be underrated entering the season
15:31 — The Davison Igbinosun comparison
16:39 — Why fans sometimes remember the negatives more than the full season
17:38 — Who else could we be talking about more by October?
18:08 — Final thoughts and BuckeyeInsiders.com

Which Buckeye do you think will become a much bigger storyline by October? Let us know in the comments.

For more Ohio State football coverage, fall camp intel, X's and O's 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.

What MUST Happen In Saturday's Scrimmage

Ohio State is reaching the point in fall camp where questions have to become answers.

In this episode of The Buckeye Weekly Podcast, Tony Gerdeman and Tom Orr break down what absolutely needs to happen in Saturday’s scrimmage before the Buckeyes begin turning their attention toward game preparation.

The offensive line needs to confirm its starting five. The defense needs to push back after the offense had a strong showing in the previous scrimmage. Rotations and personnel packages need to become clearer. And for the freshmen fighting for playing time, this is another major opportunity to prove they can be trusted.

The guys discuss Ian Moore and Austin Siereveld, the defense’s response under Matt Patricia, which players still need to cement spots in the rotation, and why freshmen like Legend Bey, Jay Timmons, Chris Henry Jr. and Simeon Caldwell have to keep giving the coaches reasons to put them on the field.

0:00 — Welcome to the Buckeye Weekly Podcast
0:10 — What absolutely MUST happen Saturday?
0:29 — Camp is reaching decision time
1:10 — No. 1: Ohio State must settle the offensive line
1:38 — Ian Moore at left tackle and Austin Siereveld at right guard?
2:22 — Why this scrimmage has to provide confirmation
3:14 — No. 2: The defense needs to stop the offense
4:17 — Was the last scrimmage great offense or a defensive red flag?
5:50 — No. 3: The rotations need to be solidified
6:22 — Which defenders have earned meaningful snaps?
7:20 — Why Ohio State needs answers now
8:22 — Packages, personnel groupings and getting everyone reps
9:11 — Preparing certain looks for Ball State and Texas
9:47 — No. 4: Legend Bey has to protect the football
10:25 — What freshmen must do to stay on the field
11:12 — Coaches are always looking for reasons not to play freshmen
11:47 — Trust is everything for young players
11:57 — Final thoughts and BuckeyeInsiders.com

What do you think Ohio State most needs to accomplish in Saturday’s scrimmage? Let us know in the comments.

For more Ohio State football coverage, practice intel, recruiting, basketball and X’s and O’s analysis, 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.

What to Expect from Arthur Smith's Offense

Ohio State's offense is going to look different in 2026 — and fall camp is beginning to show us how.

In this episode of The Buckeye Weekly Podcast, Tony Gerdeman and Tom Orr break down what they've learned so far about Arthur Smith's offense and how it could change the way the Buckeyes operate this season.

The guys discuss Ohio State's increased use of under-center formations, how that could affect the running game and play action, why Julian Sayin is being given more responsibility at the line of scrimmage, and how Smith's belief that “cadence is a weapon” could help solve some of the timing issues Ohio State dealt with last season.

They also get into the evolution of the passing game from spring to fall camp, the importance of yards after the catch, the return of more downfield shots, and how players like Devin McCuin could fit into the offense as Smith continues to put the pieces together.

0:00 — Welcome to the Buckeye Weekly Podcast
0:29 — What we've learned about Arthur Smith's offense
0:44 — Ohio State is going under center much more often
1:53 — How under center changes the running game
2:39 — More downhill runs and building play action off the ground game
3:15 — Why the pistol helped solve some of the same problems
3:46 — Play action and longer-developing throws
4:10 — Julian Sayin getting two plays at the line of scrimmage
5:12 — Why Ohio State's entire operation has to move faster
6:06 — Arthur Smith's experience as a play caller matters
7:16 — “Cadence is a weapon”
7:42 — Why predictable snap timing hurt Ohio State last year
8:11 — Expect tempo at times, but not a true up-tempo offense
8:57 — The passing game opening up more in fall camp
9:31 — Devin McCuin's role as a potential downfield threat
10:31 — How much offensive depth could Ohio State use?
10:49 — Running back, tight end and receiver rotations
11:25 — Final thoughts on what we've learned about Smith's offense
11:36 — More X's and O's coverage at BuckeyeInsiders.com

What are you most interested in seeing from Arthur Smith's Ohio State offense this season? Let us know in the comments.

For more Ohio State football coverage, practice intel, scheme discussion and fall camp updates, 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.

Big Ten Network Visits Ohio State Practice — What Did We Learn?

The Big Ten Network made its annual preseason stop at Ohio State practice on Thursday, giving viewers another look at the Buckeyes as fall camp continues.

In this episode of The Buckeye Weekly Podcast, Tony Gerdeman and Tom Orr break down what stood out from BTN’s visit, what the practice footage may have confirmed about the offensive line, and what Ryan Day, Matt Patricia and Arthur Smith had to say about where things stand with just a couple of weeks before the season opener.

The guys discuss why Ian Moore at left tackle and Austin Siereveld at right guard continues to look like the direction Ohio State is heading, why Matt Patricia expects more of a platoon approach on defense this year, what the Buckeyes still need to sort out in the secondary and defensive packages, and why the offensive line continues to inspire confidence entering the season.

There’s also discussion about Ohio State’s young running backs, the defensive front rotation, and what Kenyatta Jackson’s comments about the offensive line may say about how different this offense looks under Arthur Smith.

0:00 — Welcome to the Buckeye Weekly Podcast
0:06 — Setting expectations for the Big Ten Network camp tour
1:11 — Remembering past BTN practice coverage
1:40 — What did we actually learn from Thursday’s practice?
1:53 — Ian Moore at left tackle and Austin Siereveld at right guard
2:40 — Why the offensive line picture keeps pointing the same direction
3:46 — Matt Patricia on why this defense is taking longer to sort out
4:51 — Why Ohio State may need more packages and personnel combinations
6:53 — Patricia expects a more “platoon” approach on defense
7:29 — What Ohio State still needs to figure out in the secondary
8:26 — Ryan Day’s priorities entering the next scrimmage
8:52 — Young running backs and whether another player can emerge
9:21 — Defensive front rotation and who joins Kenyatta Jackson and Beau Atkinson
10:24 — What Luke Montgomery, Carson Hinzman and Kenyatta Jackson said
10:50 — Jackson says the offensive line is “night and day” from last year
11:24 — Why the offensive line may be ready to answer last year’s criticism
12:16 — How much could Arthur Smith change the physicality up front?
13:35 — Ryan Day pushes back on the narrative from last year’s postseason
13:54 — Why running the ball in the fourth quarter remains the standard
14:24 — Final thoughts on BTN’s visit and the upcoming scrimmage

What stood out most to you from Big Ten Network’s look at Ohio State practice? Let us know in the comments.

For more Ohio State football coverage, practice intel and fall camp 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.

Every fall camp produces a few players who become more important than anyone expected a few months earlier — and Ohio State has several of them right now.

In this episode of The Buckeye Weekly Podcast, Tony Gerdeman and Tom Orr discuss four Buckeyes whose roles have grown significantly during camp. The list starts with freshman nickel Jay Timmons, who has gone from promising newcomer to a player getting first-team reps and looking like a major piece of the defense.

The guys also break down the rise of defensive end Beau Atkinson, freshman safety Simeon Caldwell, and transfer kicker Marcello Diomede, who may give Ohio State a long-range field-goal option it simply has not had in years.

0:01 — Welcome to the Buckeye Weekly Podcast
0:08 — The usual campus noise follows the show
0:51 — Four Buckeyes who have become more important than expected
1:16 — Jay Timmons' role has changed dramatically
2:04 — How Timmons went from freshman depth to first-team nickel
2:57 — Why the nickel role is such a big jump in responsibility
3:25 — Beau Atkinson's emergence at defensive end
4:35 — How Atkinson worked his way back into a major role
5:54 — Where Atkinson could fit in the defensive line rotation
6:50 — Freshman safety Simeon Caldwell enters the conversation
7:34 — Why Caldwell's role is becoming more intriguing
8:23 — Caldwell's unique safety/linebacker skill set
9:29 — Marcello Diomede gives Ohio State another kicking option
10:19 — Could Diomede become the long-field-goal specialist?
11:00 — Ohio State hasn't made a 50-yard field goal since 2019
11:42 — How a long-range kicker could steal points in close games
12:49 — When was the last time Ohio State had two 50-yard kickers?
13:09 — Final thoughts on the unexpected contributors
14:03 — BuckeyeInsiders.com and closing

Which Buckeye has become more important than you expected during fall camp? Let us know in the comments.

For more Ohio State football coverage, practice intel and fall camp 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, leave a comment, and Hype the video if that option is available to you. A five-star rating and review on the podcast side is always appreciated.