The Buckeye Weekly Podcast

Ohio State is the preseason No. 1 team in the country, optimism is high, and there are plenty of reasons to believe the Buckeyes can have another huge season.

But what if we're wrong?

In this episode of The Buckeye Weekly Podcast, Tony Gerdeman and Tom Orr take a look at five areas where their preseason expectations for Ohio State could miss the mark. The discussion starts with the pass rush, where much of the optimism is still based on projection, and moves into tackling, short-yardage offense, expectations for Matt Patricia's defense, and just how much of an impact Arthur Smith can realistically have on the Buckeye offense.

Could Ohio State's defensive front struggle to generate enough pressure? Will the Buckeyes miss the elite tackling of Sonny Styles and Caleb Downs more than expected? Can they finally become dependable in short-yardage situations? And are expectations for both Patricia and Smith getting a little too high?

0:00 — Welcome to the Buckeye Weekly Podcast
0:43 — Five things we might be wrong about
1:09 — No. 1: Are we overestimating Ohio State's pass rush?
1:58 — So much of the defensive end production is still projection
3:37 — Could someone make an unexpected leap at defensive end?
4:10 — No. 2: Will Ohio State's tackling take a step backward?
5:19 — Replacing Sonny Styles and Caleb Downs as tacklers
6:50 — How Ohio State's difficult schedule magnifies mistakes
7:12 — No. 3: Can the Buckeyes actually convert in short yardage?
8:12 — Why “better” doesn't necessarily mean “good enough”
9:47 — Ohio State's long-running short-yardage challenge
10:16 — No. 4: Are expectations too high for Matt Patricia's defense?
11:04 — Why last year's defense is an unrealistic standard
12:43 — What would qualify as a disappointing defensive step back?
13:26 — Could there be games where the defense simply has no answers?
13:51 — No. 5: Are expectations too high for Arthur Smith's offense?
14:51 — Why college football no longer requires 40 points every week
15:43 — What Smith can realistically improve in Year One
16:49 — Final thoughts: Where are we wrong?
17:02 — BuckeyeInsiders.com and closing

Which Ohio State expectation do you think we're most likely to be wrong about this season? Let us know in the comments.

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

Which Ohio State defenders have seen their stock rise the most during fall camp?

In this episode of The Buckeye Weekly Podcast, Tony Gerdeman and Tom Orr break down five Buckeyes on defense who are standing out based on what they've seen and heard throughout camp.

The conversation starts with freshman nickel Jay Timmons, who has quickly gone from intriguing newcomer to a player getting extensive first-team work. The guys also discuss transfer linebacker Christian Alliegro, sophomore cornerback Devin Sanchez, linebacker Riley Pettijohn, middle linebacker Payton Pierce, and safety Earl Little Jr. as Ohio State's defensive depth chart continues to take shape.

How much can Timmons contribute immediately? Could Sanchez become Ohio State's top outside corner? How deep will the linebacker rotation go? And can Little thrive in the role previously occupied by Caleb Downs?

0:30 — Welcome to the Buckeye Weekly Podcast
0:38 — Stock Up on defense begins with Jay Timmons
1:14 — Why Timmons' first-team reps matter
1:44 — The remarkable history of freshman Ohio State nickelbacks
3:10 — Is Timmons already headed for the starting lineup?
4:19 — Stock Up: Christian Alliegro
4:45 — Why Alliegro has become a given at linebacker
5:35 — Alliegro's versatility in Matt Patricia's defense
6:51 — Stock Up: Devin Sanchez
7:39 — Could Sanchez be Ohio State's best outside corner?
8:38 — Expectations are soaring for Sanchez in Year Two
9:41 — Stock Up: Riley Pettijohn
10:15 — Pettijohn creating buzz throughout fall camp
10:53 — How Pettijohn fits into the linebacker rotation
12:04 — T.J. Alford remains very much in the mix
12:47 — Stock Up: Payton Pierce
13:30 — Why Pierce is clearly Ohio State's Mike linebacker
14:14 — The importance of the green dot and defensive communication
15:11 — Why Ohio State has so much confidence in Pierce
16:18 — Stock Up: Earl Little Jr.
16:56 — Little stepping into the Caleb Downs role
17:36 — Can Little match Downs' impact?
19:54 — A future Earl Little vs. Caleb Downs episode?
20:15 — Who did we miss?
20:35 — YouTube Hype and supporting the show
21:31 — BuckeyeInsiders.com and final thoughts

Which Buckeye defender has seen his stock rise the most during fall camp? And who did we leave off the list? 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 as well.

Which Ohio State offensive players have seen their stock rise the most during fall camp?

In this episode of The Buckeye Weekly Podcast, Tony Gerdeman and Tom Orr go through five Buckeyes on offense who are standing out based on what they've seen and heard throughout camp. The discussion starts in the backfield, where Bo Jackson has generated increasingly positive reviews after an interesting start to camp, and then moves to freshman receiver Chris Henry Jr., whose early performance may be changing expectations for how quickly he can contribute.

The guys also discuss Julian Sayin's command of Arthur Smith's offense, why Ian Moore continues to strengthen his case along the offensive line, and why Devin McCuin may be emerging as a much bigger factor in the passing game than expected.

Whose stock has risen the most for you during Ohio State's fall camp? Let us know in the comments.

0:00 — Welcome to the Buckeye Weekly Podcast
0:11 — It's time to talk Buckeye “stonks”
0:28 — Stock Up No. 1: Bo Jackson
1:09 — How much has Bo Jackson's trajectory changed?
1:35 — What Ryan Day wants to see from Jackson at the second level
2:20 — Isaiah West's stock remains high
2:42 — Stock Up No. 2: Chris Henry Jr.
3:10 — Are expectations already changing for the freshman receiver?
4:28 — Why Chris Henry Jr. looks ready to play against Texas
4:52 — Revisiting preseason statistical expectations for Henry
5:12 — Could Henry approach 500 receiving yards?
6:21 — How that would compare to Ohio State freshman history
7:04 — A reminder: plenty of other Buckeyes are having good camps
7:25 — Stock Up No. 3: Julian Sayin
8:23 — Arthur Smith appears comfortable putting more on Sayin's plate
9:26 — Stock Up No. 4: Ian Moore
10:20 — Why Moore's upside matters in the offensive line competition
10:59 — What Ohio State's continued evaluation of Moore tells us
12:08 — Even if Moore doesn't start, his stock is rising
12:25 — Stock Up No. 5: Devin McCuin
13:14 — Why McCuin has changed expectations during fall camp
13:44 — McCuin taking advantage of his opportunity
15:05 — The downfield element that has stood out with McCuin
15:29 — Final thoughts and BuckeyeInsiders.com

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 with the Buckeye whose stock has risen the most in your eyes.

Is Linebacker Depth a PLUS?

Ohio State may have more options at linebacker than expected — and that could become a major advantage for Matt Patricia's defense in 2026.

In this episode of The Buckeye Weekly Podcast, Tony Gerdeman and Tom Orr break down the Buckeyes' linebacker room and what Ryan Day had to say about the group's progress during fall camp. Peyton Pierce appears locked in as a centerpiece, while Christian Alliegro brings experience and versatility after arriving through the transfer portal.

But the real intrigue may be behind them. T.J. Alford and Riley Pettijohn are both pushing for meaningful roles, Ohio State could use more three-linebacker looks this season, and Qua Russaw gives the defense another unique option as an edge-rushing weapon.

So just how deep can this linebacker rotation go — and could that depth become one of the strengths of the defense?

0:00 — Welcome to the Buckeye Weekly Podcast
0:17 — Breaking down Ohio State's linebacker room
0:41 — What Ryan Day said about the young linebackers
1:03 — T.J. Alford and Riley Pettijohn earning opportunities
1:48 — How close are the young linebackers to being ready?
2:29 — Finding the best role for Riley Pettijohn
3:16 — Mike, Will and Sam linebacker roles explained
3:55 — Peyton Pierce and Christian Alliegro atop the depth chart
4:14 — Where does Qua Russaw fit?
4:47 — Russaw's role in Ohio State's Okie front
5:24 — Why Russaw is more pass rusher than off-ball linebacker
5:57 — Christian Alliegro's versatility at Will and Sam
6:34 — Could Riley Pettijohn handle some of the same responsibilities?
6:56 — Ryan Day expects to rotate more linebackers
7:11 — Why Ohio State may need four linebackers playing regularly
8:03 — Could a fifth linebacker earn meaningful snaps?
8:30 — A freshman linebacker getting opportunities in a package
8:48 — Final thoughts and BuckeyeInsiders.com

How deep do you think Ohio State should go at linebacker this season? And which player outside the projected starters are you most interested in seeing? Let us know in the comments.

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

The Buckeyes Are No. 1

What Does It Mean?

Ohio State is officially the No. 1 team in the preseason AP Top 25, earning 40 first-place votes and opening the 2026 season atop both the AP and Coaches polls.

In this episode of The Buckeye Weekly Podcast, Tony Gerdeman and Tom Orr discuss what Ohio State's No. 1 ranking actually means, whether it says more about the Buckeyes or the rest of college football, and just how wide open the national championship race could be this season.

The guys also look at the surprising distribution of first-place votes, the SEC getting shut out of the No. 1 spot in the AP voting, Clemson disappearing from the preseason Top 25, and the absolutely brutal schedule awaiting Ohio State — including several highly ranked opponents both at home and on the road.

0:00 — Welcome to the Buckeye Weekly Podcast
0:11 — Ohio State is No. 1 in the nation
0:25 — The Buckeyes dominate the first-place voting
1:14 — Does No. 1 say more about Ohio State or everyone else?
2:08 — Ohio State's remarkable run of preseason expectations
2:41 — A look through the AP Top 25
3:28 — Clemson's notable absence from the preseason poll
3:48 — Has Clemson finally lost the benefit of the doubt?
4:35 — Is the SEC losing its benefit of the doubt too?
5:18 — Nine SEC teams ranked, but zero first-place votes
6:46 — Indiana and Oregon now getting national respect
7:19 — Big Ten vs. SEC representation in the Top 25
7:37 — Ohio State's brutal schedule comes into focus
8:17 — The problem with Ohio State's schedule every year
8:45 — Celebrating the Buckeyes' preseason national championship
9:05 — Final thoughts and BuckeyeInsiders.com

How much stock do you put into preseason rankings? And do you think Ohio State deserves to open the year at No. 1? Let us know in the comments.

For more Ohio State football coverage, fall camp 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 as well.

Ohio State's offensive line competition is still taking shape, but Ryan Day sounds increasingly comfortable with what the Buckeyes have up front.

In this episode of The Buckeye Weekly Podcast, Tony Gerdeman and Tom Orr break down the latest developments along the offensive line following Ohio State's recent practices and scrimmage. 

With Austin Siereveld temporarily sidelined, Ian Moore and Josh Padilla have received valuable opportunities to state their cases for starting roles, while the Buckeyes continue to evaluate different combinations.

The guys discuss why Siereveld's absence may actually help Ohio State evaluate the competition, how much depth the Buckeyes appear to have, why versatility could be one of the line's biggest strengths, and what Ryan Day's confidence says about the group as the season approaches.

0:00 — Welcome to the Buckeye Weekly Podcast
0:23 — The biggest storyline in Ohio State fall camp?
0:38 — A very unique way to introduce an offensive line
1:32 — The latest on Ohio State's projected starting five
1:53 — Austin Siereveld's absence and expected return
2:09 — Ian Moore and Josh Padilla getting major opportunities
2:43 — Why the current situation helps Ohio State evaluate the competition
4:24 — How 2024's offensive line adversity helped the Buckeyes
5:01 — Ian Moore vs. Josh Padilla on more equal footing
5:30 — Gabe VanSickle, Jake Cook and Ohio State's growing depth
5:49 — Ryan Day's revealing comment about the offensive line
6:14 — Why Day's confidence is significant
6:31 — Comparing this group to Ohio State's concerns in 2023
7:18 — Remembering the Josh Fryar and Zen Michalski tackle situation
7:55 — How deep is Ohio State's offensive line?
8:50 — Austin Siereveld's four-position versatility
9:17 — Josh Padilla's ability to play center
9:37 — How many offensive linemen does Ohio State really need?
9:47 — The Buckeyes started nine different linemen in 2024
10:05 — Could Siereveld play center too?
10:11 — Final thoughts: competition remains, but concern does not

For even more Ohio State football coverage, practice intel and discussion throughout fall camp, 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 with your projected starting five on the offensive line.

Breaking Down the Depth Chart on Defense...So Far

Ohio State is more than a week into fall camp, and the Buckeyes' defensive depth chart is beginning to take shape.

In this episode of The Buckeye Weekly Podcast, Tony Gerdeman and Tom Orr go position by position through the Ohio State defense and break down what they've seen and heard so far. How deep will the Buckeyes go at defensive tackle? Has Beau Atkinson grabbed a starting job at defensive end? Where does Alabama transfer Qua Russaw fit into Matt Patricia's defense? And which young players are already forcing their way into the rotation?

The guys also discuss the linebacker pecking order, the emergence of freshman Jay Timmons at nickel, Ohio State's increasingly competitive cornerback room, the Earl Little–Jaylen McClain safety tandem, and what we know about the return game.

Where do you agree or disagree with our projected depth chart? Let us know in the comments.

0:00 — Welcome to the Buckeye Weekly Podcast
0:44 — Breaking down Ohio State's defensive depth chart
1:03 — Defensive tackle rotation and Matt Patricia's committee approach
2:03 — How much will Eddrick Houston and James Smith play together?
3:17 — Defensive end depth chart: Kenyatta Jackson and Beau Atkinson
4:16 — Beau Atkinson's rise during fall camp
4:57 — Where Qua Russaw fits into the defense
5:49 — Russaw's unique role as a pass rusher
7:31 — Why Ohio State could be the perfect fit for Russaw
8:09 — Linebacker depth chart begins to take shape
9:12 — Payton Pierce, Christian Alliegro and the battle for the third LB spot
10:04 — Who backs up the Sam linebacker?
11:18 — Could Russaw handle some linebacker responsibilities?
11:54 — Nickel: Is freshman Jay Timmons already the starter?
12:45 — Who would be the backup nickel?
13:49 — Cornerback depth chart and the battle behind the starters
15:01 — Safety depth chart: Earl Little and Jaylen McClain
16:08 — Why expectations are rising for Earl Little
16:51 — Ohio State's safety depth behind the starters
17:23 — Punter appears settled
17:49 — Punt and kickoff return possibilities
19:08 — Final thoughts on the defensive depth chart

For more Ohio State football coverage, recruiting intel, practice 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 with your thoughts on how Ohio State's defensive depth chart will shake out this season. On the podcast side, a five-star rating and review is always appreciated.

This is another bonus episode, featuring some of the most interesting things we heard over the weekend from Ohio State head coach Ryan Day. 

This episode focuses on the defense. The Buckeyes are replacing eight starters on that side of the ball, including SAF Caleb Downs, LBs Sonny Styles and Arvell Reese, and DT Kayden McDonald. 

So is it fair to expect Matt Patricia's defense to take a step back this year? And how is the quest to replace that talented duo of linebackers going so far?

In this episode, you'll hear the answers to those questions and more directly from the head coach of the Buckeyes.

There was a lot to learn from our conversation with Ohio State head coach Ryan Day on Saturday, following the first scrimmage of fall camp for the Buckeyes. 

In this special bonus episode, you'll get updates on how the new "5 to play 5" rule is completely changing the game for every freshman on the Ohio State roster, what went into the decision to move Senior Day up to the first weekend of the season, and much more.

Ohio State head coach Ryan Day met with the media following the ninth practice of the Buckeyes' 2026 preseason camp, and had a lot of interesting things to say about the OSU offense. 

From the impact of new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith to the growth of second-year starting QB Julian Sayin, the latest on the young but talented running back room, and the race to identify the starting offensive line, Day had a lot to say. 

In this special bonus episode, you'll get a chance to hear about all of it, directly from Day.