The Buckeye Weekly Podcast

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What MUST Happen In Saturday's Scrimmage Aug 22, 2026

Show notes

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 Camp Tells Us About the Arthur Smith Offense Aug 21, 2026

Show notes

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.

The Latest From Ohio State Practice: What BTN Showed Us Aug 21, 2026

Show notes

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.

Four Buckeyes Who Have Become More Important Than Expected Aug 20, 2026

Show notes

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.

Five Things We Might Have Wrong Aug 20, 2026

Show notes

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.

Stock Up: Five Buckeyes On Defense Trending Up Aug 19, 2026

Show notes

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.

Stock Up for Five Buckeyes on Offense Aug 18, 2026

Show notes

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 Ohio State's Linebacker Depth a Plus? Aug 18, 2026

Show notes

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? Aug 17, 2026

Show notes

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.

The LATEST on the Ohio State Offensive Line Aug 17, 2026

Show notes

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.

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