Episodes

  • What Kind of Runner Does Julian Sayin Need to Be?

    What Kind of Runner Does Julian Sayin Need to Be?
    Apr 29 2026
    Buckeye Weekly Podcast: What Will More QB Run Look Like for Ohio State in 2026?

    On this episode of the Buckeye Weekly Podcast, hosts Tony Gerdeman and Tom Orr answer a listener question about what “more QB run” should look like for Ohio State this year, focusing on Julian Sayin. They discuss the importance of quarterbacks contributing on the ground—especially rushing for at least one touchdown—and how even a few timely scrambles or option pulls can extend drives, help in short-yardage and goal-line situations, and force defenses to account for the quarterback. They compare recent Ohio State quarterback rushing production (including sack-adjusted stats) to players like CJ Stroud, Kyle McCord, and Will Howard, reference examples like Dwayne Haskins, and debate realistic season highs, single-game rushing yard projections, touchdown totals, and a 200-yard season benchmark.

    00:00 Welcome and Listener Questions
    00:41 What More QB Run Means
    02:27 Touchdowns and the Threat Factor
    04:20 Strategic Use vs Texas
    05:49 Last Season Rushing Context
    06:49 Comparing QBs and Carry Limits
    09:30 Haskins Example and Attempt Targets
    11:04 Over Unders and Predictions
    14:05 Wrap Up and Subscribe
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    17 mins
  • Ohio State Football: Can the 2026 Defense Be Elite Despite Departures?

    Ohio State Football: Can the 2026 Defense Be Elite Despite Departures?
    Apr 28 2026
    Can Ohio State’s Defense Still Be Elite After Losing NFL Draft Stars? | Buckeye Weekly Podcast

    On the Buckeye Weekly Podcast, Tony Gerdeman and Tom Orr kick off “listener question season” by answering whether Ohio State’s defense can make its own mark after major NFL Draft departures from last year’s historic unit. They discuss the challenge of matching a program-best standard while noting Ohio State recently lost eight defensive starters to the draft and then seven more, yet still has the talent and coaching continuity to remain near last year’s level. They highlight how unexpected breakouts (like Arvell Reese and Kayden McDonald) can happen again, point to potential risers such as Kenyatta Jackson, and emphasize the transfer portal’s role in replacing starters with experienced players, including additions like Qua Russaw, James Smith, John Walker, Christian Alliegro, and Earl Little. They also expect schematic adjustments and possibly more aggressive, higher-variance play in 2026.

    00:00 Listener Question Season
    01:00 Can This Defense Match 2025
    02:31 Next Breakout Stars
    04:04 Portal Depth and Projection
    06:51 Roster Management Reality
    08:33 New Scheme and Creativity
    10:57 Final Take and Wrap Up
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    14 mins
  • Ohio State Football: Legend Bey, Riley Pettijohn Injury Updates

    Ohio State Football: Legend Bey, Riley Pettijohn Injury Updates
    Apr 25 2026
    Ohio State Injury Updates + Ryan Day on Mental Health | Buckeye Weekly Podcast

    On the Buckeye Weekly podcast, Tony Gerdeman and Tom Orr discuss Ryan Day’s update that Ohio State players who missed spring with various injuries and procedures (including issues like labrums and meniscus) are expected to be healed in time to have full summers, emphasizing how crucial summer work is for preparing for fall camp, especially for offensive linemen and running backs. They note spring is the right time to be cautious and get nagging issues cleaned up, while also highlighting the need for a mental break after spring ball. The conversation shifts to Day’s children’s mental health initiatives with Nina Day through the Kids Mental Health Foundation, including an event in New Hampshire focused on improving access, reducing stigma, and building resiliency, with encouragement for philanthropy and broader national expansion.

    00:00 Welcome and Big Update
    00:27 Spring Injuries Healing Timeline
    01:33 Summer Work Matters Most
    02:11 O Line and RBs Getting Reps
    04:28 Legend Bay Development Plan
    06:29 Recovery and Avoiding Lingering Issues
    07:17 Mental Breaks and Player Wellness
    09:07 Kids Mental Health Foundation Event
    10:07 Access and Ending the Stigma
    13:57 Wrap Up and Subscribe
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    16 mins
  • How Ohio State's NFL Draft Success Leads To Recruiting Wins

    How Ohio State's NFL Draft Success Leads To Recruiting Wins
    Apr 24 2026
    Buckeyes Go 4 in Round 1 of the 2026 NFL Draft + Ryan Day on Being “NFL Ready”

    On the Buckeye Weekly Podcast, Tony Gerdeman and Tom Orr discuss Ohio State’s 2026 NFL Draft first-round results and what Ryan Day said in a Zoom about the Buckeyes being “pro ready.” They react to four first-round picks—Carnell Tate going fourth overall to the Titans (a surprise as the first Buckeye taken), Arvell Reese to the Giants, Sonny Styles to the Commanders, and Caleb Downs to the Cowboys—and explain how Ohio State’s day-to-day competition, media pressure, and NFL-style schemes help players transition seamlessly to the league. They highlight Reese’s upside and versatility, Styles’ maturity and community involvement, and Downs as a near “sure shot” despite size concerns. The hosts also connect Ohio State’s draft success to recruiting momentum and note the program’s historic draft production by position.

    00:00 Draft Night Kickoff
    00:46 Buckeyes Go Pro Ready
    03:43 Arvell Reese Breakdown
    04:57 Sonny Styles Spotlight
    08:02 Carnell Tate Surprise
    08:41 Caleb Downs Steal
    13:05 Recruiting Impact Angle
    13:43 NFL Style Development
    17:23 Position Dominance Stats
    18:24 Quarterback History Talk
    19:24 Wrap Up And Thanks
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    22 mins
  • Drafting Big Ten Players To Add To Ohio State

    Drafting Big Ten Players To Add To Ohio State
    Apr 23 2026
    Buckeye Weekly Draft Day: Which Big Ten Stars Would We Add to Ohio State in 2026?

    On NFL Draft day, Buckeye Weekly hosts Tony Gerdeman and Tom do a hypothetical “draft” where Ohio State can add any Big Ten players to the 2026 roster. They target some of the Big Ten's best, as well as some new faces as well.

    00:00 Welcome and Draft Day Setup
    01:10 Rules and Draft Strategy
    03:15 Pick One
    06:19 Pick Two
    08:33 Interior Line Luxury Picks
    11:39 More Targets and O Line Ideas
    13:24 Freshmen and Tight End Options
    16:18 Wrap Up and Viewer Picks
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    19 mins
  • Which New Buckeyes Surprised Us Most This Spring?

    Which New Buckeyes Surprised Us Most This Spring?
    Apr 22 2026
    Which New Buckeyes Surprised Us Most This Spring? | Buckeye Weekly Podcast

    On the Buckeye Weekly podcast, Tony Gerdeman and Tom discuss which new Ohio State players surprised them most during spring practice, focusing on one true freshman and one transfer each. They highlight freshman wide receiver Brock Boyd for losing his black stripe extremely early and flashing as a versatile playmaker, and Tony notes freshman center Mason Wilhelm as an unexpected early contributor with the twos and threes, with mentions of freshman tackle Sam Greer and running back Favour Akih also looking more ready than expected. For transfers, Tom points to defensive back Earl Little for immediate impact, based on an early black stripe removal and strong reviews from teammates and coaches despite missing late spring due to a knee procedure. They also discuss transfer corner Dominick Kelly pushing for a rotation role and Alabama defensive line transfers James Smith and Qua Russaw carving out roles, with Russaw drawing praise for holding up vs. the run.

    00:00 Welcome and Setup
    00:57 Freshman Surprise Brock Boyd
    04:11 Underrated Center Mason Wilhelm
    06:09 Sam Greer and RB Favour Akih
    08:50 Transfer Standout Earl Little
    11:57 Dominick Kelly and Bama DL Adds
    15:51 Wrap Up and Subscribe
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    18 mins
  • Michigan Monday: Is Bryce Underwood's Job In Jeopardy?

    Michigan Monday: Is Bryce Underwood's Job In Jeopardy?
    Apr 20 2026
    In this episode of the Buckeye Weekly Podcast, hosts Tony Gerdeman and Tom Orr share their thoughts after watching the 2026 Michigan Spring Game. They discuss quarterback Bryce Underwood's underwhelming performance, the possibility of a quarterback battle with freshman Tommy Carr, a pair of very talented running backs, some new names defensively, and more.
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    22 mins
  • 10 Things We Learned Rewatching The 2026 Ohio State Spring Game

    10 Things We Learned Rewatching The 2026 Ohio State Spring Game
    Apr 20 2026
    In this episode of the Buckeye Weekly Podcast, hosts Tony Gerdeman and Tom Orr recap what they learned from rewatching the Ohio State spring game. Thoughts on Jeremiah Smith, Chris Henry, Jr., a handful of transfers and true freshmen and much, much else.
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    30 mins