Bucknuts Morning 5: An Ohio State athletics podcast

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Offseason activity update | Ohio corner grabs spotlight Feb 19, 2026

Show notes

It's Thursday, your favorite day of the week because Garrick Hodge and Mark Porter are back.

OK, that might be a stretch but these dudes are pretty special!

Garrick and Mark introduce you to several new prospects registering on Ohio State's recruiting radar. We have video to back it up.

Garrick also clues you in on a big project we are working on that will - can you believe it? - improve our recruiting coverage.

Spend 5ish with us this a.m., 'Nutters!

Ranking the 10 most-important players on defense for OSU in 2026 Feb 18, 2026

Show notes

Who are the 10 most-important players on defense for Ohio State in 2026? Not necessarily the best, but the most important when it comes to the Buckeyes' success. And yes, those things can be very much intertwined. Dave Biddle and Matt Baxendell take a stab at answering that question on today's show and more.

That is coming your way on the Wednesday 5ish.

Early '27 in-out vibes | Huge visit weekend shaping up Feb 17, 2026

Show notes

It's time to really shift our focus. The '26 talent acquisition phase is complete. Transfers and recruits are set.

So ... now what?

We are on to '27! Sure, we have to wait for the portal to open again but recruiting is full steam ahead.

Garrick Thomas is here to let you know who Ohio State is focused on that is likely to commit ... and who is not.

Mark Porter is here to offer wisdom as well dive deep on visitors, targets and expectations overall for the class.

Spend 5ish with us this a.m., 'Nutters!

Spring ball on horizon for Buckeyes | Where does Presidents' Day rank among holidays? Feb 16, 2026

Show notes

Spring practice kicks off three weeks from tomorrow for Ohio State. What are some of the biggest storylines were are looking forward to? Dave Biddle and Dan Rubin delve into that on today's show.

Also, as far as American holidays are concerned, where does Presidents' Day rank? It's got to be No. 1, right? OK, perhaps we are joking.

That and much more is coming your way on the Monday 5ish.

Bucknuts Happy Hour: The top 5ish returning Buckeyes in 2026 Feb 14, 2026

Show notes

On this edition of the Bucknuts Happy Hour, Patrick Murphy takes a look at the top-5 (or so) Ohio State players returning in 2026.

Did Buckeyes check all necessary boxes this offseason? Feb 13, 2026

Show notes

Typically, college football programs didn't know what their full rosters would look like until the beginning of summer. For example, Ohio State added defensive end Beau Atkinson via the portal in June last year. Not that Atkinson was a huge addition, but he's just one of many examples across the country.

Well, due to the one-time transfer portal window in January, teams now know what their rosters will look like before they even enter spring ball. Ohio State also made some key additions to its coaching staff. So, with spring ball less than a month away, do we feel like the Buckeyes checked all the necessary boxes during the whirlwind "offseason?"

That is the main topic of discussion on the Friday the 13th 5ish with Jonah Booker and Dave Biddle.

Streets maps package deal? | Roster additions continue Feb 12, 2026

Show notes

Ohio State has secured a commitment from North Carolina linebacker Quentin Cypher. How about his running mate?

Meet Rashad Streets, the other half of Raleigh (N.C.) Millbrook's star defensive duo. Your Buckeyes want both in Columbus.

We dive deep on Streets and the chances he rooms with a high school teammate as a college freshman.

That's not all.

The Buckeyes have added yet another kicker. We explore the team's recent fascination with improving special teams.

Also: Who's coming to visit in the weeks ahead?

Garrick Hodge and Mark Porter here. You should be, too!

Spend 5ish with us this a.m., 'Nutters!

How big of a jump will Buckeyes' offense make in 2026? | New hoops coach if OSU misses Big Dance? Feb 11, 2026

Show notes

Ohio State finished with the No. 26 total offense in college football in 2025. Not bad by any means. But with eight starters returning, including quarterback Julian Sayin, wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, running back Bo Jackson and a veteran offensive line, how much will the Buckeyes improve on that side of the ball? Can they be a top-10 offense nationally? Perhaps top-five?

Also, if Ohio State's men's basketball team misses the NCAA Tournament again, is it time for a new head coach to lead the program? The Buckeyes have what appears to be a must-win game at home against USC this evening.

Dave Biddle and Steve Helwagen opine on those topics and more on the Wednesday 5ish.

Ohio State's 'new' culture | Book of Eli Feb 10, 2026

Show notes

We've often referred to the current state of college football as 'professional.'

It's no longer a consideration ... it's a fact. Ohio State general manager Mark Pantoni recently joined former NBA scribe Adrian Wojnarowski's podcast and the result was truly enlightening.

We dive deep on the details, discuss Ohio State's continued interest in ELITE prospect Jalen Brewster and introduce you to Class of 2027 safety commitment Eli Johnson.

Spend 5ish with us this a.m., 'Nutters!

Did Buckeyes reload enough on defense this offseason? Feb 09, 2026

Show notes

Ohio State had the No. 1 defense in the country in 2025, but the Buckeyes are losing eight starters off of that unit, including four players who are projected as first-round picks. We have no doubt OSU will still be very good defensively in 2026, but can the Buckeyes maintain their pace from last year? Or should we expect a small step backward? Dave Biddle and Dan Rubin delve into that and more on the Monday 5ish.

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