The Buckeye Weekly Podcast

In this episode of the Buckeye Weekly Podcast, hosts Tom Orr and Tony Gerdeman discuss Michigan's appearance Thursday at Big Ten Media Days and what they want to learn about the Wolverines under new head coach Kyle Whittingham and players Bryce Underwood, Jordan Marshall, and Trey Pierce.

In this episode of the Buckeye Weekly Podcast, hosts Tony Gerdeman and Tom Orr share their thoughts following Ryan Day's 45-minute chat session at Big Ten Media Days. Day discussed the offensive line and how things will go there, what position group he'll be watching closely, the difficulty of the schedule, the toughest player on the team, and much more.

In this episode of the Buckeye Weekly Podcast, hosts Tony Gerdeman and Tom Orr discuss some major individual matchups for the Buckeyes this season. Tony has Tom blind-rank five matchups in terms of which will be the most impactful for Ohio State this season.

In this audio-only edition of the Buckeye Weekly Podcast, hosts Tony Gerdeman and Tom Orr share their reaction to speaking with Illinois head coach Bret Bielema about the state of college football, being a Big Ten spokesman, growing up, living with failure, and much more.

In this audio-only episode of the Buckeye Weekly Podcast, hosts Tom Orr and Tony Gerdeman recap their thoughts following a conversation with new Penn State head coach Matt Campbell. Campbell talked about life at Penn State and the lessons he has learned as a head coach. What has been the hardest lesson? The fellas discuss this as well as the problem with expectations that coul hinder the Penn State football program.

In this audio-only episode of the Buckeye Weekly Podcast, hosts Tony Gerdeman and Tom Orr discuss what they learned from USC head coach Lincoln Riley. Riley shared interesting thoughts on the value of high school recruiting -- particularly quarterbacks, a potential renewed rivalry with Ohio State, embracing expectations, being in alignment throughout the program, and more.

In this instant reaction episode of the Buckeye Weekly Podcast, hosts Tony Gerdeman and Tom Orr discuss what Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti had to say about the Protect College Sports Act, how close it is, the SEC breaking away, the possibility of the Big Ten doing the same, and much more.

In this episode of the Buckeye Weekly Podcast, Tony Gerdeman gives Tom Orr five Buckeye predictions that could define the season. They then discuss each of the predictions and the likelihood that they happen.

Ohio State has the best wide receiver in college football—but does it have a proven No. 2?

Tony Gerdeman and Tom Orr wrap up their positional concerns series by examining the three biggest questions facing the Buckeyes’ wide receiver room heading into the 2026 season.

Jeremiah Smith is the unquestioned star, but Ohio State must determine who will emerge behind him. Can Brandon Inniss finally take the next step? Will UTSA transfer Devin McCuin or LSU transfer Kyle Parker become dependable options? And could one of the talented freshmen force his way into the rotation?

Tony and Tom also discuss Ohio State’s expected move toward a quicker passing game, the importance of producing more yards after the catch, and whether the Buckeyes have enough proven playmakers to replace Carnell Tate.

They also explore what a successful freshman season should realistically look like—and why relying on a freshman can be either a warning sign or a sign that the player is simply too talented to keep off the field.

Are these concerns significant enough to limit Ohio State’s offense, or will the Buckeyes find their answers early in the season? Let us know in the comments.

0:00 — Introducing Ohio State’s wide receiver concerns
0:30 — Concern No. 1: Is there a true No. 2 receiver?
1:40 — Replacing Carnell Tate, Quincy Porter, and Mylan Graham
3:26 — Evaluating Devin McCuin and Kyle Parker
4:16 — Concern No. 2: Adapting to a quicker passing game
5:36 — Why yards after the catch must improve
7:02 — How the new approach could affect Julian Sayin
8:00 — Concern No. 3: Will Ohio State rely on a freshman?
8:57 — What a good true freshman season actually looks like
11:08 — The good and bad reasons for playing freshmen
12:22 — Final thoughts on the Buckeyes’ wide receiver room

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

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

Is tight end actually a concern for Ohio State in the supposed “Year of the Tight End”?

Tony Gerdeman and Tom Orr examine the biggest questions surrounding the Buckeyes’ tight end room, beginning with the most familiar concern of all: can they consistently run block?

Nate Roberts, Northwestern transfer Hunter Welcing, and Ohio transfer Mason Williams are expected to lead the group, but Ohio State still has to determine which players it can trust in critical short-yardage situations and how quickly the coaching staff can identify its best combinations.

Tony and Tom also discuss whether the room contains a legitimate receiving weapon, why Roberts could become a surprise fan favorite, and whether any of Ohio State’s current tight ends can develop into the kind of NFL prospect the Buckeyes had last season.

They also explore how uncertainty at wide receiver could lead to more two- and three-tight-end formations and whether Ohio State has enough quality depth to make that approach work.

Are the concerns justified, or will 2026 truly become the Year of the Tight End? Let us know in the comments.

0:00 — Introducing Ohio State’s tight end concerns
0:32 — Can the Buckeyes’ tight ends run block?
1:57 — Evaluating Nate Roberts, Hunter Welcing, and Mason Williams
3:14 — How quickly can Ohio State identify its best blocker?
3:45 — Is there a legitimate receiving threat in the room?
5:48 — Why Nate Roberts could become a fan favorite
7:28 — Does Ohio State have an exceptional tight end?
9:08 — Who has the best NFL potential?
10:26 — Could Ohio State use more two- and three-tight-end sets?
11:20 — Do the Buckeyes have enough depth for 13 personnel?
13:00 — Final thoughts on the Year of the Tight End

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

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