The Buckeye Weekly Podcast

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Breaking Down the Depth Chart on Defense So Far Aug 17, 2026

Show notes

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.

Bonus Episode: Is Ryan Day Expecting A Rebuilding Year On Defense? Aug 17, 2026

Show notes

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.

Bonus Episode: Ryan Day On How "5 For 5" Will Change Everything For Freshmen Aug 17, 2026

Show notes

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.

Bonus Episode: What Still Has Ryan Day Concerned About Ohio State's Offense? Aug 17, 2026

Show notes

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.

Freshmen on the Rise: End of the Redshirt Rule Impacting the Buckeyes Aug 16, 2026

Show notes

Could this be the biggest year ever for Ohio State freshmen?
With the traditional redshirt rule effectively gone, Tony Gerdeman and Tom Orr discuss how the new “five years to play five” setup could completely change the way the Buckeyes use young players.
Instead of worrying about burning a redshirt year, Ohio State can now get its best freshmen onto the field immediately — especially on special teams. Tony and Tom explain why that matters, how special teams can become a proving ground for bigger offensive and defensive roles, and why more freshmen may have meaningful opportunities than ever before.
They also discuss several first-year Buckeyes already generating buzz, including Jay Timmons, Legend Bey, Chris Henry Jr., Jerquaden Guilford, Khary Wilder, Dre Quinn, and Ohio State’s young defensive tackles.
0:00 — Welcome from Ohio State
0:35 — Why the redshirt change is such a big deal
1:25 — Special teams finally come without a redshirt penalty
2:45 — How special teams can lead to offensive and defensive snaps
4:18 — More games mean more opportunities for freshmen
6:02 — Chris Henry Jr. and Jerquaden Guilford on special teams
7:04 — Jay Timmons continues to generate major buzz
8:10 — Why Timmons looks so advanced for a freshman
8:58 — The NFL bloodlines behind Timmons’ football instincts
10:04 — Legend Bey’s role and return-game potential
11:04 — Why Ohio State may be more aggressive on kickoff returns
12:12 — Which other freshmen could play early?
13:27 — Freshman defensive tackles showing different strengths
14:09 — Final thoughts on Ohio State’s freshman class
Bye bye redshirt rule.
Which Ohio State freshman do you think will make the biggest impact this season?
Subscribe to the Buckeye Weekly Podcast, give the video a thumbs up, and turn on notifications so you don’t miss our continuing coverage of Ohio State fall camp.
For more practice intel, recruiting coverage, and Buckeye football discussion, join us at BuckeyeInsiders.com.

Bonus Episode: Arthur Smith Bringing New Approach To Ohio State Offense Aug 16, 2026

Show notes

New Ohio State offensive coordinator Arthur Smith has spent nearly two decades in the NFL, including a head coaching stint with the Atlanta Falcons and also serving as the offensive coordinator for the Tennessee Titans and Pittsburgh Steelers.
So what has the adjustment to college coaching been like? What is it like coaching a young quarterback like Julian Sayin after working with veterans like Russell Wilson and Aaron Rodgers? And how challenging is it to ensure your best player is getting the ball as much as possible when that player is a wide receiver?
In this special bonus episode, you'll hear the answers to those questions and many more directly from Arthur Smith.

Bonus Episode: How Matt Patricia Is Adjusting To A New-Look Buckeye Defense Aug 16, 2026

Show notes

Matt Patricia's first season as Ohio State Defensive Coordinator could not have gone much better. The Buckeyes finished with one of the most statistically-dominate defenses in not only Buckeye football history, but all of college football.
Now, comes the hard part. Gone are SAF Caleb Downs, LBs Sonny Styles and Arvell Reese, DT Kayden McDonald and a handful of other stars who are now playing on Sundays. So what does Patricia have planned to get his rebuilt defense ready for the season?
In this special bonus episode, you'll hear directly from Patricia about more than a dozen different topics, including how they'll replace those stars, and the benefits of adding some of the veteran transfers they brought in.

Three Freshman Standouts from Saturday's CLOSED Scrimmage Aug 15, 2026

Show notes

The Buckeyes held their first scrimmage of fall camp on Saturday. The practice was closed, but we have some intel on what went down, particularly with a trio of freshman standouts. If you want even more, you can find us at BuckeyeInsiders.com where we are talking about the day's action and so much more.

Ohio State Is Changing Another Michigan Week Tradition Aug 15, 2026

Show notes

Ohio State is moving Senior Day from the final home game of the season to the home opener against Ball State, marking a major change to a long-running Ohio State tradition.
Tony Gerdeman and Tom Orr discuss why the Buckeyes may be making the move, how it fits with other recent changes to Michigan Week, and whether Ohio State is trying to make rivalry week feel more like a normal game week.
They also break down the rest of Ohio State’s announced game themes, including Jim Tressel’s Ring of Honor recognition, the helmet stripe game, Hall of Fame weekend, Homecoming, Military Appreciation Day, and where the Buckeyes may wear their alternate uniforms this season.
00:02 — Intro
00:12 — Ohio State announces game themes and real news
00:27 — Senior Day moving to the home opener
01:35 — Why the move may be about normalizing Michigan Week
03:15 — Is Bryce Underwood right about treating rivalry week like any other week?
04:15 — Other examples of early Senior Days
05:46 — Why this is unusual, but not unprecedented
08:14 — Jim Tressel, Ball State, and the rest of Ohio State’s themes
10:44 — Predicting alternate uniform games
12:16 — End zone possibilities and final thoughts
13:20 — BuckeyeInsiders.com and wrap-up
What do you think of Ohio State moving Senior Day away from Michigan Week? Smart move, or a tradition that should have stayed untouched? Drop your thoughts in the comments.
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Breaking Down the Depth Chart on Offense So Far Aug 14, 2026

Show notes

Ohio State is well into fall camp, and the Buckeyes’ offensive depth chart is beginning to take shape.
Tony Gerdeman and Tom Orr go position by position through the Ohio State offense to break down where things currently stand, from Julian Sayin and the quarterback room to a potentially fascinating battle between Bo Jackson and Isaiah West at running back.
They also discuss how Ohio State could use freshman Legend Bey, Devin McCuin’s rise at wide receiver, where Kyle Parker fits once healthy, how Chris Henry Jr. and Brock Boyd could get onto the field, and the incredible depth the Buckeyes appear to have at tight end.
Then it’s time to sort through the offensive line. Is Ohio State settling in on Ian Moore, Luke Montgomery, Carson Hinzman, Austin Siereveld and Phillip Daniels as its starting five? And which linemen would be the first off the bench if Ohio State needs to make a change?
Plus, Tony and Tom take a look at the early kicking competition.
0:00 — Breaking down Ohio State’s offensive depth chart
0:19 — Quarterback: Julian Sayin, Tavien St. Clair and the battle for No. 3
1:12 — Running back: Bo Jackson vs. Isaiah West
1:37 — Is Isaiah West going to start the opener?
2:08 — Where does Legend Bey fit?
2:59 — Ja’Kobi Jackson vs. Legend Bey for different roles
3:43 — Why Legend Bey may be his own category
4:34 — Wide receiver: The clear top three
5:16 — Where does Kyle Parker fit after returning?
6:05 — Brock Boyd, Chris Henry Jr. and the second-team receivers
6:52 — Moving Jeremiah Smith around the formation
8:03 — Can Phillip Bell and a seventh receiver find snaps?
8:35 — How deep will Cortez Hankton’s receiver rotation go?
9:08 — Tight end: Four or five potential co-starters?
10:00 — How Ohio State could divide the tight end snaps
11:14 — Projecting Ohio State’s starting offensive line
11:38 — Is the starting five becoming clear?
12:24 — Breaking down the second-team offensive line
13:26 — Austin Siereveld’s versatility changes the depth chart
14:24 — Don’t forget about Vashon Washington
14:37 — The kicking competition
15:12 — Marcello Diomede shows off his leg
15:33 — Connor Hawkins remains the No. 1 kicker
16:10 — Final thoughts
Projected Offensive Line
LT — Ian Moore
LG — Luke Montgomery
C — Carson Hinzman
RG — Austin Siereveld
RT — Phillip Daniels
How would you set Ohio State’s offensive depth chart right now? And who do you think should start at running back — Bo Jackson or Isaiah West?
Let us know in the comments.
Subscribe to the Buckeye Weekly Podcast, hit the thumbs up, and turn on notifications so you don’t miss our continuing coverage from Ohio State fall camp.
For practice intel, camp observations, and year-round Ohio State football discussion, join us at BuckeyeInsiders.com.

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