The Buckeye Weekly Podcast

Ohio State freshman nickel Jay Timmons has already lost his black stripe and appears to be running with the first-team defense during fall camp.

Tony Gerdeman and Tom Orr discuss what that means, how Timmons compares to Devin Sanchez at this time last year, and why the history of true freshman nickelbacks at Ohio State is so impressive.

They look back at the freshman nickel lineage of Antoine Winfield, Nate Clements, Donte Whitner, and Malcolm Jenkins, what kind of production would be realistic for Timmons this season, and how Ohio State’s defensive personnel could change depending on whether the Buckeyes use more nickel or more three-linebacker looks.

00:30 — Intro
00:37 — Fruit Stripe Gum, Skittle Brau, and pre-show chaos
01:03 — BuckeyeInsiders.com and the setup for Jay Timmons
01:48 — Devin Sanchez last year vs. Jay Timmons this year
03:05 — Why Timmons may be on track to start at nickel
04:53 — Why a true freshman nickel changes the defense
06:15 — The exclusive freshman nickel club at Ohio State
07:30 — Why that club is so impressive
09:02 — Antoine Winfield’s freshman numbers
10:34 — Malcolm Jenkins’ freshman production
12:19 — Donte Whitner’s freshman stat line
13:08 — What would count as a strong freshman season?
14:08 — Projecting Jay Timmons’ realistic numbers
15:29 — Comparing recent young Ohio State defensive backs
16:07 — Jordan Hancock and Grayson Littleton comparisons
17:37 — Final thoughts and listener question

What kind of freshman season do you expect from Jay Timmons? Drop your predictions in the comments.

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Visit BuckeyeInsiders.com to become a member and join the conversation.

What questions are still unanswered for the Ohio State defense after the first week of fall camp?

Tony Gerdeman and Tom Orr take stock of what they’ve seen and heard so far and break down three major areas where the Buckeyes are still sorting through personnel, roles, and rotations.

The first question comes at defensive end, where Kenyatta Jackson and Beau Atkinson appear to be leading the way, but the pecking order behind them is still unsettled. Zion Grady, Epi Sitanilei, and Qua Russaw are all in the mix, and the answer may depend on down, distance, and situation.

At linebacker, the biggest mystery may be Riley Pettijohn. Ohio State has already worked him at Sam, Will, and Mike as the staff tries to determine where he fits best. Tony and Tom discuss how Pettijohn compares with T.J. Alford, Christian Alliegro, and Payton Pierce—and whether Ohio State could end up using more three-linebacker looks this season.

Finally, they look at the nickel and safety spots, where true freshman Jay Timmons continues to make a strong impression. If Timmons really is Ohio State’s starting nickel, what does that mean for the rest of the secondary—and how often will the Buckeyes even need to be in nickel against the changing offensive trends in college football?

Which defensive question do you most want answered next? Let us know in the comments.

0:29 — Welcome to Buckeye Weekly
1:12 — Three unanswered questions for the Buckeye defense
1:34 — Who is the next defensive end after Kenyatta Jackson and Beau Atkinson?
2:03 — Zion Grady, Epi Sitanilei, and Qua Russaw in the rotation
3:08 — How soon will Ohio State settle the defensive end pecking order?
5:00 — Where does Riley Pettijohn fit in the defense?
6:13 — Sorting through Ohio State’s loaded linebacker room
8:13 — Can Pettijohn and T.J. Alford both find major roles?
9:14 — How much will Ohio State actually use the nickel?
10:06 — Why Jay Timmons could play a major role early
11:30 — What Timmons’ rise means for the safety room
13:14 — Final thoughts on the unanswered defensive questions

Subscribe to the Buckeye Weekly Podcast for daily Ohio State football news, camp updates, analysis, and discussion.

Become a member and join the conversation at BuckeyeInsiders.com.

One of the most unique and bizarre days on the annual Ohio State football calendar is here: hotel check-in day.

The entire Ohio State football team is arriving to check in to the team hotel for the duration of fall camp. 

This has turned into an annual event for Ohio State media and fans. Join the team from BuckeyeInsiders.com for a look at this year’s team arrival.

What questions are still unanswered for the Ohio State offense after the first week of fall camp?

Tony Gerdeman and Tom Orr take stock of what they saw during the first three open practices, what they’ve heard from the closed practice, and which offensive storylines still need clarity as the Buckeyes move deeper into camp.

The first question is at quarterback, where Tavien St. Clair is the clear backup to Julian Sayin but still needs to show more consistency. Tony and Tom discuss why evaluating a second-team quarterback can be tricky when he is often working behind a backup offensive line against defenders who may be part of the first-team rotation.

They also dive into the offensive line battle involving Ian Moore, Josh Padilla, and Austin Siereveld. Is the best combination Moore at left tackle and Siereveld at right guard, or Siereveld at left tackle with Padilla inside? And could there be another combination involving Phillip Daniels?

Finally, they discuss Kyle Parker, who has yet to fully participate in fall camp because of injury. With Devin McCuin flashing early and freshmen like Chris Henry Jr. and Brock Boyd pushing for roles, Parker will need to get healthy and make his case in a crowded receiver room.

Which offensive question do you most want answered next? Let us know in the comments.

0:30 — Welcome to Buckeye Weekly
1:03 — The biggest unanswered questions after Week 1
1:28 — What does Ohio State have in backup QB Tavien St. Clairr?
2:51 — Why evaluating the backup quarterback can be difficult
4:55 — How the second-team offensive line affects Sinclair
6:12 — Ian Moore vs. Josh Padilla for the best five up front
7:04 — Why the offensive line competition is still wide open
8:50 — The good news: Ohio State has legitimate options
9:49 — When will Kyle Parker get back on the field?
10:43 — Why Parker needs to re-enter the receiver competition soon
12:26 — What Parker could bring to the offense once healthy
14:12 — Final thoughts on the offense after one week of camp

Subscribe to the Buckeye Weekly Podcast for daily Ohio State football news, camp updates, analysis, and discussion.

Become a member and join the conversation at BuckeyeInsiders.com.

A number of players stood out during Ohio State’s closed practice on Sunday, and BuckeyeInsiders.com's Tony Gerdeman and Tom Orr break down what they heard from inside the Woody Hayes Athletic Center.

The biggest development may be true freshman nickel Jay Timmons continuing to work with the first-team defense. Tony and Tom discuss why that matters, what it says about the freshman's place on the depth chart, and why a true freshman getting this many early reps with the ones is a significant sign.

They also talk about freshman running back Legend Bey, whose quickness, balance, and ability to make defenders miss continue to stand out. Bey may still have plenty to learn, but his ability with the ball in his hands could make it difficult for Ohio State to keep him off the field.

On defense, Beau Atkinson appears to be making a strong push at defensive end after an underwhelming first season with the Buckeyes. Could the veteran become the steady presence Ohio State needs opposite Kenyatta Jackson?

Tony and Tom discuss these three standouts, but you can find much more about Sunday's practice at BuckeyeInsiders.com. 

0:01 — Welcome to Buckeye Weekly
0:09 — The proper way to “power pause” Tom
1:43 — Three standouts from Sunday’s closed practice
2:42 — Jay Timmons continues working with the ones
4:51 — Why Timmons’ early rise matters
6:10 — Legend Bey keeps flashing in the backfield
7:35 — What makes Bay so difficult to tackle
9:06 — The trait that keeps standing out with Legend Bay
9:47 — Beau Atkinson making a move at defensive end
10:55 — Why Atkinson looks different this year
12:52 — What improved defensive end depth would mean for Ohio State

Subscribe to the Buckeye Weekly Podcast for daily Ohio State football news, analysis, camp updates, and discussion.

Become a member and join the conversation at BuckeyeInsiders.com.

Julian Sayin was a Heisman finalist, earned a spot in the Big Ten Championship, and a top-2 seed in the College Football Playoff as a first-year starter for Ohio State in 2025, but he is aiming much higher in 2026. 

Following the third Ohio State practice of fall camp, Sayin met with the media to discuss some big physical changes he made to prepare for his second season as a starter, the growth of sophomore RB Isaiah West, some of the Buckeyes' talented true freshmen, and his relationship with star WR Jeremiah Smith. 

In this special bonus episode, you'll hear directly from Sayin about all of those topics and more.

Today's episode is presented by Jeff Ruby's Columbus, the award-winning, upscale steakhouse in Downtown Columbus, named one of the Top 50 steakhouses in America by Food Network. Just go to JeffRuby.com/Columbus to check out the menu and make a reservation today.

The Ohio State Buckeyes opened their 2026 fall camp schedule with three practices Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. After the first one, the Buckeyes' head coach, Ryan Day, met with the media to discuss which positional battles he's watching most closely, how the new eligibility rules are changing the approach to every freshman's season, the emergence of RB Isaiah West, and much more. 

Today's episode is presented by Jeff Ruby's Columbus, the award-winning, upscale steakhouse in Downtown Columbus, named one of the Top 50 steakhouses in America by Food Network. Just go to JeffRuby.com/Columbus to check out the menu and make a reservation today.

After two days of Ohio State fall camp, it’s time to overreact to what the Buckeyes are showing on offense.

Tony Gerdeman and Tom Orr break down three early takeaways, beginning with running back Isaiah West. Could West actually rush for 1,000 yards this season and turn Ohio State’s backfield into another true two-back attack alongside Bo Jackson?

They also discuss the early emergence of Devin McCuin, who has been one of the biggest standouts of camp. Is McCuin capable of becoming Ohio State’s clear No. 2 receiver — and could he even develop into an NFL first-round-caliber player? Plus, the Buckeyes’ tight end room looks deeper and more versatile than it did a year ago, despite losing two NFL Draft picks.

0:00 — Welcome to the Buckeye Weekly Podcast
0:36 — Time for three offensive overreactions
1:52 — Overreaction No. 1: Isaiah West will rush for 1,000 yards
2:45 — Why evaluating running backs this early is difficult
4:29 — What are the chances West leads Ohio State in rushing?
6:00 — Comparing West and Bo Jackson to the 2024 backfield
7:25 — Overreaction No. 2: Devin McCuin is a future first-round pick
9:20 — What would a 1,000-yard McCuin season mean for the offense?
10:01 — Could Ohio State’s offense have any real weakness?
10:35 — Why a true No. 2 receiver changes everything
12:37 — Does McCuin have NFL first-round size?
13:00 — Why the early camp buzz around McCuin is so strong
13:33 — Overreaction No. 3: The tight ends will be better than last year
16:09 — What the tight ends have shown through two practices
17:18 — How many touches will actually be available?
18:13 — Final thoughts on the offensive overreactions

Which offensive overreaction are you buying the most after two days of camp?

Subscribe to the Buckeye Weekly Podcast, give the video a thumbs up, and turn on notifications so you don’t miss the latest from Ohio State fall camp.

For more Buckeye football coverage, practice observations, and discussion, join us at BuckeyeInsiders.com.

Ohio State has landed its quarterback for the 2028 recruiting class — and he’s one of the best in the country.

Five-star quarterback Christopher Vargas, the No. 1 quarterback in the 2028 class, has committed to the Buckeyes. Tony Gerdeman and Tom Orr react to the breaking news and discuss what Ohio State is getting in the 6-foot-4-plus standout from St. John’s Prep in Massachusetts.

They break down what stood out when Vargas camped at Ohio State, his arm talent and mobility, why Ryan Day continues to be such an attractive option for elite quarterbacks, and what Vargas’ commitment means for the future of the Buckeyes’ quarterback room.

Plus, with Vargas joining five-star wide receiver Jett Harrison and a growing collection of elite prospects, just how special could Ohio State’s 2028 recruiting class become?

0:00 — BREAKING: Christopher Vargas commits to Ohio State
0:25 — The No. 1 quarterback in 2028 picks the Buckeyes
1:10 — What stood out watching Vargas in person
2:21 — How much mobility does Vargas bring?
3:44 — Why Ohio State checks so many boxes for elite quarterbacks
4:46 — The future of Ohio State’s quarterback room
6:25 — Looking ahead to Vargas’ potential path to the starting job
7:00 — The offensive talent already committed in 2028
7:50 — Ohio State’s incredible start to the 2028 class
9:06 — Vargas can now become a lead recruiter
9:38 — More elite receivers Ohio State is pursuing
10:30 — Comparing Vargas’ timeline to previous quarterback commitments
10:37 — What this commitment means moving forward

BOOM! How big is Christopher Vargas’ commitment for Ohio State? Let us know in the comments.

Subscribe to the Buckeye Weekly Podcast, give the video a thumbs up, and turn on notifications so you don’t miss any breaking Ohio State recruiting news.

For more Buckeye football and recruiting coverage, join us at BuckeyeInsiders.com.

After two days of Ohio State fall camp, it’s time for some defensive overreactions.

Tony Gerdeman and Tom Orr take an early look at what the Buckeyes are showing on defense and ask whether Christian Alliegro could be headed for a massive role at linebacker, whether Jermaine Mathews might be Ohio State’s starting nickel, and whether freshman Jay Timmons could force his way into the starting conversation sooner than expected.

They also discuss Riley Pettijohn’s cross-training, T.J. Alford’s role, the possibility of a deeper linebacker rotation, how Ohio State is searching for its best five defensive backs, and what Matt Patricia may be trying to build in the secondary.

0:00 — Welcome to the Buckeye Weekly Podcast
0:32 — Three defensive overreactions after two days of camp
0:52 — Overreaction No. 1: Christian Alliegro may never leave the field
2:07 — Why Alliegro’s versatility matters
3:09 — Riley Pettijohn and T.J. Alford in the linebacker rotation
4:26 — How many linebackers could realistically play?
5:37 — Is a four-man linebacker rotation too much?
6:44 — Overreaction No. 2: Jermaine Mathews could be the starting nickel
8:42 — Finding Ohio State’s best five defensive backs
10:37 — Overreaction 2.5: Could Jay Timmons actually start at nickel?
11:33 — Why Timmons is one of the most intriguing freshmen in camp
12:44 — The Antoine Winfield comparison
13:14 — More realistic freshman nickel comparisons
14:24 — Final thoughts and Buckeye Insiders

Which defensive overreaction are you buying the most after two days of camp?

Subscribe to the Buckeye Weekly Podcast, give the video a thumbs up, and turn on notifications so you don’t miss the latest from Ohio State fall camp.

For more Buckeye football coverage and discussion, join us at BuckeyeInsiders.com.