The Buckeye Weekly Podcast

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BREAKING: 4-Star Defensive Tackle Karlos May Commits To Ohio State Jul 18, 2026

Show notes

The Ohio State Buckeyes just landed the final - and biggest - piece to their elite 2027 defensive line recruiting class. Karlos May, a 4-star defensive tackle out of Birmingham, Alabama, just announced that he was committing to Larry Johnson's class over other finalists like Georgia, Auburn, and Florida State.
In this special bonus show - a breaking news episode of the Buckeyes TomOrrow Morning podcast, Juck Miletti, the Recruiting Insider at BuckeyeInsiders.com, joins host Tom Orr to break down the importance of May's commitment, how he fits in with the top-100 players already committed to the class, including DJ Jacobs, Markus Fakatou, and Wyatt Smith, and more.

Arch Manning or Bryce Underwood: Ranking Ohio State's Best Opposing QBs Jul 18, 2026

Show notes

Who is the best quarterback Ohio State will face during the 2026 season?
Tony Gerdeman and Tom Orr rank the opposing quarterbacks on the Buckeyes’ schedule, from the least proven options to a top three featuring Texas' Arch Manning and others.
The discussion includes Bryce Underwood’s potential sophomore leap at Michigan, Malik Washington’s promising freshman production at Maryland, Anthony Colandrea’s unpredictable playmaking ability, and what Illinois can expect from former Michigan State quarterback Katin Houser.
Tony and Tom also examine whether Josh Hoover can maintain Indiana’s recent standard at quarterback, debate whether Arch Manning belongs ahead of Maiava, and explain why Moore may enter the season as the most dangerous passer Ohio State is scheduled to face.
Which quarterback would you rank No. 1? Let us know in the comments.
0:00 — Introducing the opposing quarterback rankings
1:18 — Ranking Nos. 12 through 9
3:45 — No. 8
5:33 — No. 7
7:20 — No. 6
10:12 — No. 5
12:50 — No. 4
15:56 — No. 3
18:21 — No. 2
19:44 — No. 1
22:52 — Final thoughts on Ohio State’s challenging quarterback schedule
Subscribe to the Buckeye Weekly Podcast for daily Ohio State football news, analysis, rankings, and discussion.
Become a member and join the conversation at BuckeyeInsiders.com.

Is Ja'Kobi Jackson Being Overlooked? Jul 17, 2026

Show notes

Is Ja’Kobi Jackson being overlooked in Ohio State’s crowded running back room?
Tony Gerdeman and Tom Orr continue their running back expectations series by examining one of the Buckeyes’ most difficult players to project for the 2026 season.
Jackson appeared in only four games last year before an injury ended his season, but his previous work at Florida included productive performances against Georgia, Texas, and LSU. So which version of Jackson should Ohio State expect this fall?
Tony and Tom discuss whether Jackson can carve out a consistent role behind Bo Jackson and Isaiah West, how many carries may realistically be available, and why his value could extend beyond his rushing totals. They also explore his potential as a third-down back, pass protector, and receiving threat out of the backfield.
Could Jackson become this year's version of C.J. Donaldson? Might he finish third in snaps but fourth in carries? And is a 400-yard rushing season a fair expectation—or evidence that he is being overlooked?
Let us know your Ja’Kobi Jackson projections in the comments.
0:00 — Projecting Ja’Kobi Jackson’s 2026 season
0:36 — Why Jackson is so difficult to evaluate
2:17 — His productive stretch against top SEC defenses
4:43 — Could Jackson play more than his rushing totals suggest?
7:59 — His potential impact in the passing game
10:15 — Are Ohio State’s rushing projections getting too high?
Subscribe to the Buckeye Weekly Podcast for daily Ohio State football news, analysis, predictions, and discussion.
Join the conversation at BuckeyeInsiders.com.

Isaiah West Could Be Not-So-Secret Weapon This Season Jul 16, 2026

Show notes

Will Isaiah West emerge as Ohio State’s not-so-secret weapon in 2026?
Tony Gerdeman and Tom Orr revisit their expectations for the talented second-year running back after continuing to hear strong reviews about his potential inside the Ohio State football program.
West rushed for 312 yards and two touchdowns as a true freshman, but his role could grow considerably in an offense expected to place a greater emphasis on the running game under new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith.
How close is West to presumed starter Bo Jackson? Could the two running backs combine for 2,000 rushing yards? And might West’s size make him Ohio State’s primary short-yardage and goal-line option?
Tony and Tom discuss West’s projected carries, rushing yards and touchdowns, the value of keeping the Buckeyes’ running backs fresh, and why West could be much more than a traditional backup this season.
Let us know your Isaiah West projections in the comments.
0:00 — Will Isaiah West be Ohio State’s secret weapon?
1:09 — Why expectations for West have changed
2:42 — Revisiting the preseason projections
4:19 — Could West rush for more than 800 yards?
5:49 — West’s potential short-yardage role
7:51 — Projecting his 2026 touchdown total
9:07 — Could West produce his first 100-yard game?
11:09 — Why Ohio State will divide the carries
12:01 — Final Isaiah West projections
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Join the conversation at BuckeyeInsiders.com.

What Can Bo Jackson Do In Year Two? Jul 15, 2026

Show notes

Bo Jackson rushed for more than 1,000 yards as a true freshman at Ohio State. So what comes next in year two?
In this episode of the Buckeye Weekly Podcast, Tony Gerdeman and Tom Orr revisit their offseason expectations for Bo Jackson and discuss whether his projected numbers still make sense after spring ball. They break down possible rushing totals, yards per carry, touchdowns, carry distribution, and how Ohio State’s deep running back room could impact Jackson’s production.
They also discuss the role of Isaiah West, Ja'Kobi Jackson, Legend Bey, Carlos Locklyn, Arthur Smith, and whether a better offensive line could make the Buckeyes’ running game even more efficient this season.
00:00 — Intro
00:16 — Tom’s national championship confetti update
01:48 — The confetti story gets even stranger
02:25 — Revisiting Bo Jackson expectations from February
03:13 — Tony’s projected numbers for Bo Jackson
04:10 — Why the touchdown jump makes sense
05:50 — Carry totals, yards per game, and Ohio State’s RB history
08:09 — How Isaiah West, Ja'Kobi Jackson, and Legend Bey could impact carries
10:24 — Short-yardage carries and Bo Jackson’s yards-per-carry outlook
11:02 — Remembering what Bo Jackson already accomplished as a freshman
12:06 — How high is Bo Jackson’s ceiling in year two?
13:28 — Final prediction and listener question
What kind of season do you expect from Bo Jackson in year two? Drop your rushing yards, touchdowns, and yards-per-carry predictions in the comments.
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Visit BuckeyeInsiders.com to become a member and join the conversation.

Three BIGGEST Concerns for the Buckeye Cornerbacks Jul 14, 2026

Show notes

Ohio State’s cornerback room has a chance to be one of the strengths of the 2026 Buckeye defense — but are there still legitimate concerns?
Tony Gerdeman and Tom Orr discuss the biggest questions facing the Ohio State cornerbacks, including whether expectations are too high for Jermaine Matthews, Devin Sanchez, and Dominick Kelly; how the Buckeyes replace Davison Igbinosun’s physicality; and whether every cornerback room is bound to have a few rough moments over the course of a season.
They also discuss what the spring revealed about Devin Sanchez, how daily battles with Jeremiah Smith could help prepare the corners, why Dominick Kelly’s experience at Georgia matters, and how past great Ohio State corners have still had difficult matchups.
00:00 — Intro
00:11 — Tom asks what Tony is panicking about today
00:25 — Setting up the cornerback concerns
01:06 — Concern No. 1: Are expectations too high?
02:23 — Why the cornerback projection is fair, but not reckless
05:36 — Veteran depth and the value of insurance at corner
06:23 — Concern No. 2: Replacing Davison Igbinosun’s physicality
08:31 — Why practicing against Jeremiah Smith matters
09:53 — A challenging schedule for Ohio State’s cornerbacks
10:47 — Concern No. 3: Avoiding random bad games and big plays
12:07 — Why even great corners give up plays
13:28 — Final thoughts on the concern level
14:29 — BuckeyeInsiders.com and wrap-up
How concerned are you about Ohio State’s cornerbacks this season? Drop your thoughts in the comments.
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Visit BuckeyeInsiders.com to become a member and join the conversation.

Can the 2026 Defense Top the 2024 Defense? Jul 13, 2026

Show notes

Can Ohio State’s 2026 defense be even better than the Buckeyes’ 2024 national championship defense?
Tony Gerdeman and Tom Orr compare the two defenses position by position, including the defensive line, linebackers, cornerbacks, safeties, and special teams. They discuss why the 2024 defense sets such a high bar with players like J.T. Tuimoloau, Jack Sawyer, Tyleik Williams, Ty Hamilton, Cody Simon, Sonny Styles, Caleb Downs, Lathan Ransom, Jordan Hancock, Denzel Burke, and Davison Igbinosun.
They also look at where the 2026 Buckeyes could have an edge, including the cornerback room, the potential of the linebacker group, the return game, and whether a full-time special teams coordinator could make a major difference.
00:00 — Intro
00:10 — Comparing this year’s Buckeyes to a national championship team
00:44 — Tony sets up the 2026 vs. 2024 defense debate
00:54 — BuckeyeInsiders.com update
01:27 — Why this comparison is different from asking who can win it all
02:02 — Defensive line comparison
03:12 — Why the 2024 defensive line gets the edge for now
04:38 — Linebacker comparison
05:59 — Could the 2026 linebackers eventually catch the 2024 group?
07:32 — Cornerback comparison
08:55 — Why the 2026 cornerback room may have the edge
10:30 — Safety and nickel comparison
12:19 — Why the 2026 safeties could still be one of the nation’s best groups
13:40 — Special teams comparison
16:10 — Why 2026 special teams could be better
18:04 — Final position-by-position thoughts
19:23 — Listener question and wrap-up
Can Ohio State’s 2026 defense top the 2024 national championship defense? Drop your position-by-position picks 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.

Could the 2026 Ohio State Offense Be Better Than the 2024 Offense? Jul 12, 2026

Show notes

Could the 2026 Ohio State offense actually be better than the 2024 national championship offense?
Tony Gerdeman and Tom Orr compare the Buckeyes’ 2026 offense to the 2024 title team position by position, including Julian Sayin vs. Will Howard, the current running back room vs. TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins, Jeremiah Smith’s growth, the wide receiver and tight end groups, and whether the 2026 offensive line could eventually match or exceed the 2024 version.
They also discuss how much championship bias impacts the comparison, how roster-building has changed in the NIL and transfer portal era, and why the 2026 Buckeyes may not need to be better than 2024 at every spot to still compete for a national title.
00:00 — Intro
00:11 — Tom courts disaster with coffee and a white shirt
00:42 — Comparing the 2026 offense to the 2024 national champions
02:12 — How NIL and the portal have changed roster depth
04:26 — Ohio State’s recent recruiting success in Alabama
06:11 — Quarterback comparison: Julian Sayin vs. Will Howard
07:26 — What Sayin needs to do better than Howard
09:49 — Running back comparison: 2026 depth vs. 2024 star power
10:55 — Why Henderson and Judkins set such a high bar
13:02 — Receiver and tight end comparison
14:27 — Offensive line comparison and injury questions
15:51 — Could the 2026 offensive line be better for most of the season?
17:56 — Final thoughts and listener questions
19:44 — BuckeyeInsiders.com update and wrap-up
Could the 2026 Ohio State offense be better than the 2024 national championship offense? Drop your position-by-position picks 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.

BONUS: Time and Change - The Best Freshman Seasons In Ohio State History and Who Could Be Next Jul 11, 2026

Show notes

Who had the greatest true freshman season in Ohio State football history?
Tony Gerdeman and Juck Miletti rank the Top 10 true freshman seasons ever by a Buckeye, led by Jeremiah Smith's incredible 2024 campaign. Along the way they debate Andy Katzenmoyer, Maurice Clarett, Orlando Pace, Ted Ginn Jr., the Bosa brothers, J.K. Dobbins and more before turning their attention to the current Buckeyes.
Which members of Ohio State's 2026 freshman class could make a championship-level impact? Could Chris Henry Jr., Legend Bey, Brock Boyd, Jay Timmons or Khari Wilder become the next freshman stars? Finally, the guys look ahead to the 2027 recruiting class and discuss the long-term outlook for one of Ohio State's most talented groups in recent memory, including the pursuit of David GabrielGeorges.
Who would make your Top 10 list?
Subscribe to Buckeye Insiders for more Ohio State football coverage, recruiting, history, and analysis.
0:00 Welcome to The Time and Change Will Surely Show
0:49 The show's format: Past, Present and Future
1:17 Ranking the greatest true freshman seasons in Ohio State history
1:48 Jeremiah Smith claims the No. 1 spot
2:36 When did everyone realize Jeremiah Smith was different?
4:19 Ryan Day's "Watch this" moment and spring practice memories
7:02 No. 2: Andy Katzenmoyer's legendary 1996 season
9:26 No. 3: Orlando Pace changes left tackle forever
11:08 Maurice Clarett's unforgettable freshman championship run
13:09 Joey Bosa vs. Nick Bosa debate
14:44 J.K. Dobbins' explosive freshman campaign
15:41 Marcus Marek, Korey Stringer and the offensive line legends
17:49 Ted Ginn Jr.'s game-breaking freshman season
20:54 Juck's personal Top 10 list
23:51 Cris Carter's place among Ohio State greats
25:28 Which 2026 freshmen could make the biggest impact?
26:54 Chris Henry Jr. vs. Legend Bey
29:58 Why Legend Bey could be a perfect fit immediately
30:38 David Boston and Michael Wiley set the standard in 1996
32:53 Jay Timmons, Khari Wilder and the defensive freshmen to watch
36:34 Looking ahead to Ohio State's loaded 2027 recruiting class
40:34 The future of the Buckeye defensive line
42:22 Where does Jamier Brown fit?
44:09 David Gabriel-Georges' potential impact
48:22 Why Ohio State's 2027 class is already a major success
50:59 Is David Gabriel-Georges a "must-get" recruit?
53:52 The latest recruiting prediction discussion
55:15 Final thoughts and outro

Running Back Concerns for the Buckeyes? Jul 10, 2026

Show notes

Ohio State may have one of the deepest running back rooms in the country, but are there still reasons for concern?
Tony Gerdeman and Tom Orr discuss the Buckeyes’ running back situation, including the injury histories throughout the room, how Carlos Locklyn can manage a deep group, whether the backs can get into a rhythm while sharing carries, and who Ohio State can trust in short-yardage situations.
The discussion includes Bo Jackson, Isaiah West, Ja'Kobi Jackson, Legend Bey, Turbo Rogers, Favour Akih, and comparisons to past Buckeye running back rotations featuring TreVeyon Henderson, Quinshon Judkins, J.K. Dobbins, Mike Weber, Trey Sermon, Chip Trayanum, Dallan Hayden, and others.
00:00 — Intro from the Schottenstein Center
00:18 — BuckeyeInsiders.com is live
01:04 — Concern No. 1: Running back health
02:14 — Why depth helps protect against injuries
03:40 — What happens if Ohio State has to go deep down the depth chart?
05:22 — Concern No. 2: Can the backs get into a groove?
05:55 — Lessons from past running back rotations
07:54 — Why this rotation cannot just be a set batting order
09:54 — Why communication and buy-in matter
11:20 — Could anyone get 20 carries in a game?
12:49 — Fresh legs vs. rhythm in the backfield
13:08 — Concern No. 3: Short-yardage answers
14:05 — Who can become Ohio State’s goal-line option?
16:10 — Final thoughts and listener questions
16:33 — BuckeyeInsiders.com and wrap-up
What is your biggest concern with Ohio State’s running back room this season? 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.

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