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Three Overreactions to the Ohio State Offense After Two Days of Fall Camp Aug 09, 2026

Show notes

After two days of Ohio State fall camp, it’s time to overreact to what the Buckeyes are showing on offense.
Tony Gerdeman and Tom Orr break down three early takeaways, beginning with running back Isaiah West. Could West actually rush for 1,000 yards this season and turn Ohio State’s backfield into another true two-back attack alongside Bo Jackson?
They also discuss the early emergence of Devin McCuin, who has been one of the biggest standouts of camp. Is McCuin capable of becoming Ohio State’s clear No. 2 receiver — and could he even develop into an NFL first-round-caliber player? Plus, the Buckeyes’ tight end room looks deeper and more versatile than it did a year ago, despite losing two NFL Draft picks.
0:00 — Welcome to the Buckeye Weekly Podcast
0:36 — Time for three offensive overreactions
1:52 — Overreaction No. 1: Isaiah West will rush for 1,000 yards
2:45 — Why evaluating running backs this early is difficult
4:29 — What are the chances West leads Ohio State in rushing?
6:00 — Comparing West and Bo Jackson to the 2024 backfield
7:25 — Overreaction No. 2: Devin McCuin is a future first-round pick
9:20 — What would a 1,000-yard McCuin season mean for the offense?
10:01 — Could Ohio State’s offense have any real weakness?
10:35 — Why a true No. 2 receiver changes everything
12:37 — Does McCuin have NFL first-round size?
13:00 — Why the early camp buzz around McCuin is so strong
13:33 — Overreaction No. 3: The tight ends will be better than last year
16:09 — What the tight ends have shown through two practices
17:18 — How many touches will actually be available?
18:13 — Final thoughts on the offensive overreactions
Which offensive overreaction are you buying the most after two days of camp?
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BREAKING: 5-Star QB Christopher Vargas Commits to Ohio State Aug 08, 2026

Show notes

Ohio State has landed its quarterback for the 2028 recruiting class — and he’s one of the best in the country.
Five-star quarterback Christopher Vargas, the No. 1 quarterback in the 2028 class, has committed to the Buckeyes. Tony Gerdeman and Tom Orr react to the breaking news and discuss what Ohio State is getting in the 6-foot-4-plus standout from St. John’s Prep in Massachusetts.
They break down what stood out when Vargas camped at Ohio State, his arm talent and mobility, why Ryan Day continues to be such an attractive option for elite quarterbacks, and what Vargas’ commitment means for the future of the Buckeyes’ quarterback room.
Plus, with Vargas joining five-star wide receiver Jett Harrison and a growing collection of elite prospects, just how special could Ohio State’s 2028 recruiting class become?
0:00 — BREAKING: Christopher Vargas commits to Ohio State
0:25 — The No. 1 quarterback in 2028 picks the Buckeyes
1:10 — What stood out watching Vargas in person
2:21 — How much mobility does Vargas bring?
3:44 — Why Ohio State checks so many boxes for elite quarterbacks
4:46 — The future of Ohio State’s quarterback room
6:25 — Looking ahead to Vargas’ potential path to the starting job
7:00 — The offensive talent already committed in 2028
7:50 — Ohio State’s incredible start to the 2028 class
9:06 — Vargas can now become a lead recruiter
9:38 — More elite receivers Ohio State is pursuing
10:30 — Comparing Vargas’ timeline to previous quarterback commitments
10:37 — What this commitment means moving forward
BOOM! How big is Christopher Vargas’ commitment for Ohio State? Let us know in the comments.
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Three Overreactions on Defense After Two Days of Camp Aug 08, 2026

Show notes

After two days of Ohio State fall camp, it’s time for some defensive overreactions.
Tony Gerdeman and Tom Orr take an early look at what the Buckeyes are showing on defense and ask whether Christian Alliegro could be headed for a massive role at linebacker, whether Jermaine Mathews might be Ohio State’s starting nickel, and whether freshman Jay Timmons could force his way into the starting conversation sooner than expected.
They also discuss Riley Pettijohn’s cross-training, T.J. Alford’s role, the possibility of a deeper linebacker rotation, how Ohio State is searching for its best five defensive backs, and what Matt Patricia may be trying to build in the secondary.
0:00 — Welcome to the Buckeye Weekly Podcast
0:32 — Three defensive overreactions after two days of camp
0:52 — Overreaction No. 1: Christian Alliegro may never leave the field
2:07 — Why Alliegro’s versatility matters
3:09 — Riley Pettijohn and T.J. Alford in the linebacker rotation
4:26 — How many linebackers could realistically play?
5:37 — Is a four-man linebacker rotation too much?
6:44 — Overreaction No. 2: Jermaine Mathews could be the starting nickel
8:42 — Finding Ohio State’s best five defensive backs
10:37 — Overreaction 2.5: Could Jay Timmons actually start at nickel?
11:33 — Why Timmons is one of the most intriguing freshmen in camp
12:44 — The Antoine Winfield comparison
13:14 — More realistic freshman nickel comparisons
14:24 — Final thoughts and Buckeye Insiders
Which defensive overreaction are you buying the most after two days of camp?
Subscribe to the Buckeye Weekly Podcast, give the video a thumbs up, and turn on notifications so you don’t miss the latest from Ohio State fall camp.
For more Buckeye football coverage and discussion, join us at BuckeyeInsiders.com.

Devin McCuin Puts On a Show Day 2 Aug 07, 2026

Show notes

Ohio State’s second practice of fall camp produced a couple of major offensive standouts, with wide receiver Devin McCuin and running back Isaiah West continuing to make strong impressions.
Tony Gerdeman and Juck Miletti break down what they saw on Day Two, including McCuin’s big-play ability and growing case to become Ohio State’s clear No. 2 receiver. They also discuss another impressive day from West, who is making the Buckeyes’ running back competition look increasingly interesting.
The conversation also covers Jeremiah Smith, Chris Henry Jr., Brock Boyd, the latest offensive line combinations, Ohio State’s tight ends, Kenyatta Jackson’s changing role, Beau Atkinson’s development, Riley Pettijohn, and freshman defensive back Jay Timmons getting first-team nickel reps.
0:00 — Welcome to Day Two of Ohio State fall camp
0:20 — Devin McCuin steals the show
1:27 — Is McCuin becoming the clear No. 2 receiver?
2:16 — McCuin’s competitiveness and ability downfield
3:01 — Jeremiah Smith somehow looks even better
3:33 — Brock Boyd, Chris Henry Jr. and the receiver rotation
3:50 — Ohio State changes up the offensive line
4:22 — Max Riley working at center
4:59 — James Smith causing problems up front
5:50 — Isaiah West impresses again
6:42 — Could West actually lead Ohio State in rushing?
7:28 — Bo Jackson’s status and the running back rotation
8:21 — Ohio State’s tight ends bring serious intensity
8:56 — Depth and versatility at tight end
9:33 — Kenyatta Jackson’s expanded role
10:15 — Why Jackson still has first-round potential
10:45 — Defensive tackle observations
11:04 — Riley Pettijohn getting work at multiple linebacker spots
11:28 — Jay Timmons works with the first-team nickel defense
11:58 — Why the buzz around Timmons keeps growing
13:30 — Dominick Kelly, Jermaine Matthews and Ohio State’s cornerback rotation
14:12 — How the Buckeyes could use their defensive backs in passing situations
15:08 — Ohio State emphasizing forced turnovers
15:59 — Favour Akih looks bigger
16:25 — Kenyatta Jackson praises Bo Atkinson’s offseason work
16:44 — Final thoughts and more Buckeye Insiders coverage
Who impressed you most from Day Two of Ohio State fall camp: Devin McCuin or Isaiah West? Let us know in the comments.
Subscribe to the Buckeye Weekly Podcast, give the video a thumbs up, and turn on notifications so you don’t miss any of our fall camp coverage.
For more Ohio State football coverage, practice reports, and discussion, join us at BuckeyeInsiders.com.

Standouts From Ohio State Fall Camp Day One Aug 06, 2026

Show notes

Ohio State opened fall camp, and Tony Gerdeman and Juck Miletti were on campus for the Buckeyes’ first practice to break down the biggest takeaways.
They discuss the absence of freshman running back Legend Bey, a strong day from Isaiah West, the early look at Ohio State’s running back rotation, Devin McCuin’s encouraging start, Chris Henry Jr.’s growing role, and the first-team linebacker combination.
The conversation also covers Devin Sanchez’s confidence entering Year Two, the early offensive line configuration, buzz around Jay Timmons, Beau Atkinson’s physical development, freshman defensive linemen to watch, and more observations from Day One of fall camp.
0:00 — Welcome from Ohio State fall camp
0:29 — Where was Legend Bey?
1:19 — A second early issue for the freshman running back
1:37 — Isaiah West continues to generate buzz
2:21 — What Ryan Day and Peyton Pierce said about West
3:11 — Could West and Bo Jackson become a true one-two punch?
4:14 — How close could the running back split be?
5:01 — Ja’Kobi Jackson and Ohio State’s running back depth
5:19 — Devin McCuin stands out on Day One
6:17 — Could McCuin become Ohio State’s No. 2 receiver?
7:39 — How deep could the wide receiver rotation go?
8:05 — Chris Henry Jr. impresses
9:11 — Why Henry could become impossible to keep off the field
9:43 — Ohio State’s first-team linebacker group
10:42 — Where Riley Pettijohn fits into the rotation
11:24 — Jermaine Mathews with the twos and questions at nickel
12:53 — Devin Sanchez looks ready for a huge season
13:38 — Sanchez’s confidence entering Year Two
14:37 — Replacing Davison Igbinosun’s physicality and swagger
15:50 — Sanchez emerging as a leader
16:37 — Ohio State’s first-team offensive line
17:20 — The options involving Austin Siereveld
18:21 — Jay Timmons continues to generate buzz
19:46 — How Timmons could get on the field
20:08 — Joe Kim’s role with the defensive line
21:04 — Dre Quinn looks bigger
21:10 — Beau Atkinson looks ready for a bigger role
22:38 — Could Kenyatta Jackson shift into the Caden Curry role?
22:57 — Damari Simeon’s development
23:58 — More defensive line observations
24:43 — Khary Wilder looks the part
25:25 — Why Wilder is sticking with No. 34
25:48 — Iron Buckeyes and the Block O
26:52 — Final thoughts from Day One
27:26 — Supporting Buckeye Insiders
27:37 — Wrap-up
What stood out most to you from the first day of Ohio State fall camp? Let us know in the comments.
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Which Freshmen Will Have Major Roles This Season? Aug 06, 2026

Show notes

Which Ohio State freshmen are ready to become major contributors during the 2026 season?
Tony Gerdeman and Juck Miletti examine the Buckeyes’ incoming freshmen and predict which players will join the 100 Snap Club. They look back at recent Ohio State classes, explain why 100 snaps is such a meaningful benchmark for a true freshman, and compare this year’s group with the loaded 2021 class that helped build the 2024 national championship team.
The discussion includes Sam Greer’s opportunity on the offensive line, the expectations for Chris Henry Jr. and Brock Boyd at receiver, Legend Bey’s potential role at running back, Khary Wilder’s upside at defensive end, and several young defensive backs who could force their way onto the field.
0:00 — Welcome to the Buckeye Weekly Podcast
0:18 — Why the 100 Snap Club matters
0:51 — Recent trends for Ohio State freshmen
2:47 — Comparing recent classes with the loaded 2021 group
5:02 — What the best freshman classes have in common
5:57 — Freshmen who reached 100 snaps under Ryan Day
6:58 — Can offensive lineman Sam Greer get there?
9:15 — Tight end Nick Lautar’s chances
9:29 — Chris Henry Jr., Brock Boyd and the freshman receivers
10:31 — Could Jerquaden Guilford also reach 100 snaps?
11:42 — How Cortez Hankton’s rotation could affect the receivers
12:18 — Legend Bey and the freshman running backs
13:59 — Quarterback Luke Fahey’s outlook
14:13 — Freshman defensive tackles to watch
15:22 — How Ohio State may divide the defensive tackle snaps
16:38 — Why all three defensive tackles could fall short
17:33 — Khary Wilder’s path to immediate playing time
19:04 — Could Wilder approach Chase Young’s freshman total?
20:13 — Freshman linebacker projections
21:16 — Why 100 snaps is rare for Ohio State linebackers
22:18 — Jay Timmons and the backup nickel role
23:09 — Why Ohio State wants Timmons on the field
24:36 — What makes Timmons such an unusual cornerback prospect
26:01 — Jordan Thomas’ path into the cornerback rotation
27:25 — Blaine Bradford and the safety depth chart
29:02 — How transfer retention could affect freshman playing time
30:52 — Final predictions for the 100 Snap Club
31:13 — What matching the 2021 class could mean
Which Ohio State freshmen do you think will play at least 100 snaps this season? Let us know in the comments.
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Which Positions Won't Live Up To The Hype? Aug 05, 2026

Show notes

Ohio State has plenty of talent entering the 2026 season, but which position groups are most likely to fall short of expectations?
Tony Gerdeman and Tom Orr examine the Buckeyes’ most vulnerable rooms, beginning with wide receiver. Jeremiah Smith is a proven superstar, but can Devin McCuin, Kyle Parker, Brandon Inniss, or one of Ohio State’s talented freshmen provide the kind of secondary production Buckeye fans have come to expect?
They also discuss the uncertainty at cornerback, the challenge of replacing Sonny Styles and Arvell Reese at linebacker, and how Ohio State will adjust in the secondary without Caleb Downs. The Buckeyes have plenty of possible answers, but many of them remain unproven.
0:00 — Welcome to the Buckeye Weekly Podcast
0:28 — Which position group could disappoint?
1:02 — Wide receiver concerns beyond Jeremiah Smith
2:26 — Why replacing Carnell Tate matters so much
3:38 — Cortez Hankton’s first major test at Ohio State
4:08 — Concerns about production from the veteran receivers
4:35 — Cornerback uncertainty and depth questions
6:37 — How portal losses changed the cornerback room
7:42 — Linebackers replacing Sonny Styles and Arvell Reese
9:24 — Resetting expectations for the linebacker room
10:05 — Questions throughout Ohio State’s defense
11:22 — Replacing Caleb Downs in the secondary
13:02 — How nickel concerns could affect cornerback depth
13:20 — Ohio State’s many potential solutions
13:59 — Finding the best fit at nickel
14:34 — Final thoughts and reasons for optimism
15:05 — Supporting Buckeye Weekly and BuckeyeInsiders.com
Which Ohio State position group is most likely to fall short of the preseason hype? Let us know in the comments.
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BONUS: Time and Change - The Michigan Rivalry: Past. Present. Future. Aug 05, 2026

Show notes

Tony Gerdeman and Juck Miletti take a deep dive into the greatest rivalry in college football. The guys share their personal memories of growing up with Ohio State vs. Michigan, rank the biggest Wolverine Killers and Buckeye Killers, discuss Bryce Underwood and Michigan's 2026 outlook, and examine whether the Wolverines are positioned for long-term success under Kyle Whittingham.
0:00 – Welcome to The Time and Change Will Surely Show
0:45 – Growing up with The Game: Tony and Juck's rivalry memories
4:28 – Juck explains his "Wolverine Killer" ranking formula
5:20 – No. 5: Texas' best
6:47 – Tony begins his "Buckeye Killers" list
8:36 – No. 4: Missouri's best
10:27 – Tony's No. 4: The running wounded
12:25 – No. 3: Spin and win
14:38 – Tony's No. 3: Died trying
16:56 – No. 2: Joseph Thomas
19:31 – Tony's No. 2: Timmay
20:45 – No. 1: There can be only one
23:55 – Tony's No. 1: Ditto
26:43 – Honorable mentions from both lists
29:01 – Present day: Michigan's 2026 outlook
30:11 – Bryce Underwood's development and Kyle Whittingham's comments
33:39 – Can Michigan's running backs carry the offense?
36:36 – Breaking down Michigan's receivers and offensive line
38:14 – Evaluating Michigan's defensive front
40:34 – Concerns about the Wolverines' secondary and linebackers
43:52 – Michigan's schedule and biggest swing games
44:45 – Looking ahead: Recruiting under Kyle Whittingham
51:17 – Is Michigan's recruiting momentum slowing?
55:22 – The long-term future of the Wolverines
57:02 – Final thoughts and predictions
If you enjoy the show, please like, subscribe, and leave a comment with your own lists:
Who are your Top 5 Wolverine Killers?
Who are your Top 5 Buckeye Killers?
How do you see Michigan's future under Kyle Whittingham?
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Five Buckeyes With Most To Gain In Fall Camp On Defense Aug 04, 2026

Show notes

Which Ohio State defenders have the most to gain during fall camp?
Tony Gerdeman and Tom Orr continue their fall camp preview series by identifying five Buckeyes who could dramatically improve their roles, secure starting jobs, or force their way into the defensive rotation before the 2026 season begins.
The discussion starts at defensive end, where Zion Grady has an opportunity to establish himself opposite Kenyatta Jackson. But he is not alone. Beau Atkinson, Epi Sitanilei, and Qua Russaw are also fighting for meaningful snaps in a position group still searching for answers.
Tony and Tom then turn to linebacker, where Riley Pettijohn, T.J. Alford, and Christian Alliegro all have significant opportunities. Can Pettijohn make up for missing the spring? Could Alford build on the ground he gained? And will Alliegro prove he can be a dependable three-down linebacker?
In the secondary, Leroy Roker has a chance to force Ohio State to find a role for him, while Dominick Kelly could establish himself as the Buckeyes’ third cornerback. Cameron Calhoun also enters camp with an opportunity to use his experience to climb the depth chart.
Which Ohio State defender has the most to gain in fall camp? Let us know in the comments.
0:00 — Fall camp is almost here
0:28 — Which defenders have the most to gain?
1:11 — Zion Grady’s opportunity at defensive end
2:39 — Beau Atkinson and the battle opposite Kenyatta Jackson
4:08 — Riley Pettijohn’s chance at linebacker
5:57 — T.J. Alford and Christian Alliegro enter the competition
8:05 — Why the third linebacker role matters
9:18 — Leroy Roker’s opportunity in the secondary
10:26 — Could Roker earn a regular rotational role?
11:21 — Dominick Kelly and the third cornerback job
13:09 — Cameron Calhoun’s chance to make a move
15:06 — Why the opening days of camp matter so much
15:34 — Final thoughts before fall camp begins
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Five Buckeyes On Offense With the Most to Gain In Fall Camp Aug 03, 2026

Show notes

Which Ohio State offensive players have the most to gain during fall camp?
Tony Gerdeman and Tom Orr identify five Buckeyes with major opportunities to improve their roles, win starting jobs, or force their way onto the field before the 2026 season begins.
The discussion starts along the offensive line, where Ian Moore could either emerge as Ohio State’s starting left tackle or remain outside the starting five. Josh Padilla also has an opportunity to win the right guard job and potentially allow Austin Siereveld to remain at left tackle.
Tony and Tom then turn to a wide receiver room searching for answers behind Jeremiah Smith. Can Devin McCuin establish himself as Ohio State’s starting Z receiver? Could Chris Henry Jr., Brock Boyd, Kyle Parker, or Brandon Inniss make a major move during camp?
They also examine Isaiah West’s opportunity to secure a significant role behind Bo Jackson and explain why Turbo Rogers may be one of the most overlooked players on the entire offense.
Which Buckeye has the most to gain in fall camp? Let us know in the comments.
0:03 — Fall camp is officially here
0:34 — Which offensive players have the most to gain?
1:13 — Ian Moore’s opportunity at left tackle
2:00 — Josh Padilla and the right guard competition
3:25 — How Austin Siereveld affects the offensive line equation
4:43 — Devin McCuin’s chance to win the Z receiver job
6:20 — What Ohio State needs from McCuin
8:39 — Could Chris Henry Jr. force his way onto the field?
9:30 — Brandon Inniss, Kyle Parker, and the wide receiver competition
11:12 — Isaiah West’s opportunity in the running back rotation
12:25 — Why Turbo Rogers has so much to gain
14:07 — Can Rogers climb the running back depth chart?
15:11 — Final thoughts on Ohio State’s offensive opportunities
Subscribe to the Buckeye Weekly Podcast for daily Ohio State football news, analysis, predictions, and discussion.
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