The Buckeye Weekly Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Who Will Wear the Block O This Year? Aug 14, 2026

Show notes

The Buckeyes will soon be naming this year's Block O recipient. Who will it be this year?
In this episode of the Buckeye Weekly Podcast, hosts Tony Gerdeman and Tom Orr go through the possibilities, position by position, landing on a pair of names to watch.

Which Freshman Will Lose His Black Stripe Next? Aug 14, 2026

Show notes

Three Ohio State true freshmen have lost their black stripes so far this year. Who will be the fourth?
In this episode of the Buckeye Weekly Podcast, hosts Tom Orr and Tony Gerdeman revisit their initial black stripe draft and throw it all out the window because Tony's victory was so decisive and quick.
Who do you think the next Buckeye to lose his black stripe will be? Throw your answers in the comment section.

Is Bryce Underwood Correct About the Ohio State Rivalry? Aug 13, 2026

Show notes

Is Bryce Underwood Correct?
Is Ohio State really “just another game” for Michigan quarterback Bryce Underwood?
Tony Gerdeman and Tom Orr discuss recent comments from Michigan head coach Kyle Whittingham and quarterback Bryce Underwood about the Ohio State rivalry, including whether hatred is necessary in The Game, how coaches and players should talk about rivalry week, and why comments like these can take on a life of their own once they hit social media.
They also discuss Ryan Day, Julian Sayin, the difference between a “cloud” and a “crown” after The Game, why rivalry comments are often performative, and somehow work in Fruit Stripe Gum, Skittle Brow, Rod Smart, the XFL, and the 2001 Las Vegas Outlaws.
00:00 — Intro
00:10 — Michigan Thursday and rivalry comments
00:28 — Kyle Whittingham’s comments about not hating Ohio State
02:19 — Why Whittingham’s answer was reasonable
05:14 — Performative rivalry hatred and Ryan Day
06:40 — Bryce Underwood says Ohio State is “just another game”
08:07 — Why Underwood’s answer raised eyebrows
10:28 — What quarterbacks should say about The Game
12:07 — Coaches, players, and reading between the lines
14:01 — How social media turns comments into outrage
15:54 — Rod Smart, “He Hate Me,” and the XFL
17:15 — More 2001 XFL memories
18:07 — BuckeyeInsiders.com and wrap-up
Is Bryce Underwood right, or is Ohio State never “just another game” for Michigan? Drop your thoughts in the comments.
Subscribe to Buckeye Weekly for daily Ohio State football talk, recruiting coverage, analysis, and more.
Visit BuckeyeInsiders.com to become a member and join the conversation.

Freshman Jay Timmons Could Join VERY Exclusive Club Aug 13, 2026

Show notes

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.
Subscribe to Buckeye Weekly for daily Ohio State football talk, recruiting coverage, analysis, and more.
Visit BuckeyeInsiders.com to become a member and join the conversation.

3 Unanswered Questions for the Defense After One Week of Camp Aug 11, 2026

Show notes

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.

BONUS: Ohio State Hotel Check-in Day 2026 Aug 11, 2026

Show notes

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.

Unanswered Questions After the First Week of Fall Camp on Offense Aug 10, 2026

Show notes

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.

Three Standouts From Sunday's CLOSED Practice Aug 09, 2026

Show notes

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.

Bonus: How Ohio State QB Julian Sayin Made Big Changes For The 2026 Season Aug 09, 2026

Show notes

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.

Bonus: 9 Things Ryan Day Had To Say About Ohio State Fall Camp Aug 09, 2026

Show notes

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.

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