Happy Monday. I hope everyone had a Happy Easter, if you celebrate.

Devin McCuin Officially Joins Zone 6

UTSA transfer Wide Receiver was one of the more scrutinized transfers in this class. McCuin was the first transfer receiver that OSU has taken, and wasn’t necessarily the flashy name that fans tend to be enamored with. However, the tape doesn’t lie. McCuin is good. The 6ft tall speedster has been gaining recognition with every spring practice that is completed, partially because of his ability to stretch the field and take the top off of the defense. On Saturday following the Student Appreciation practice McCuin had his black stripe removed. McCuin is part of an insanely deep wide receiver group that is battling for the third starting spot and to enhance their place in the 2-deep. McCuin, Kyle Parker, Brock Boyd, and Chris Henry Jr. are all looking to join Jeremiah Smith and Brandon Inniss as the starting wide receivers.

James Smith Officially Becomes a Buckeye

For all of the scrutiny that the McCuin transfer garnered, James Smith received the same amount of praise. Smith comes in as the highest ranked member of the transfer portal class. Smith has shown some fire and swagger in spring ball, according to multiple folks that have attended practice sessions including Coach Slater. Listed at 6’2 and 314, he looks to help lighten the loss of Kayden McDonald to the draft. Smith has gone on record as saying he chose Ohio State for a “ new beginning” and also giving Caleb Downs props for selling him on Ohio State. I envision a scenario where Smith excels at OSU and ends up a first round pick, so losing his black stripe this early doesn’t surprise me.

LATEST PODCASTS:

• Spring Practice Report

• Black Stripe Alerts + OSU Practice Banter

• Back in the Building | Buckeyes Return + Program Updates

LATEST ARTICLES:

• The Opening Drive 4/4: Observations from Spring Practice Day 2

• The Opening Drive 4/1: Observations from Spring Practice

• The Opening Drive 3/30 (Lunchtime Edition): The History of The Black Stripe | Earned Not Given

LATEST FILM ROOM:

• FILM ROOM: Ian Moore vs. Purdue & Miami — What the Tape Shows

• FILM ROOM: What James Smith Brings to the Buckeyes’ Defensive Front

• FILM ROOM: Terry Moore’s Role in Ohio State’s 2026 Defense

Who Will Be Next?

With roughly 50 new Buckeyes on the roster this year, there will be a lot of removals in the last twelve days of spring ball. It seems that the transfer class is checking all of the boxes quicker than the freshman. However, I think the freshman are about to go on a run of stripe removals.

Here are my guesses for the next five freshmen to lose their black stripes:

S Blaine Bradford

CB Jay Timmons

OL Sam Greer

WR Chris Henry Jr.

LB Cincere Johnson

Here are my predictions for the next transfers to lose their stripe:

CB Dominic Kelly

RB Ja’Kobi Jackson

K Connor Hawkins

Buckeye Film Breakdown will return soon with some fresh content.

Day 2 down at the Woody had a clear plan—spend extended time with the offensive line and really lock in on the installation process. As a coach, there’s something different about watching elite teachers operate. It’s not just what they install, it’s how they install it.

I’m always studying how they break things down so players can truly grasp the information—how they layer concepts, how they build from individual to group to team, and how they eliminate gray area. Nothing is rushed, but nothing is wasted either. There’s a clear progression to everything they do, and you can feel the intentionality behind each period.

What really stood out was how every drill ties directly back to what shows up in team. The footwork, the communication, the aiming points—it’s all being reinforced in real time. There’s no separation between “drill work” and “game application.” It’s all connected.

And that’s where you see the value of elite coaching. The teaching is detailed, the expectations are clear, and the players are being held accountable to execute it the right way every rep. When you watch it unfold, it’s clean, it’s efficient, and it translates directly to performance when the ball is snapped.

For me, that’s the biggest takeaway—installation isn’t just about putting plays in. It’s about building understanding, creating consistency, and making sure what you teach shows up when it matters.

But enough of me nerding out over the details—let’s get into what you came here for.

Offensive Takeaways from Day 2

• Through two days, this is a Coach Arthur Smith offense through and through. From my perspective, Coach Ryan Day is still very involved, but it’s clear he’s allowing Coach Smith to run the show—and the players are responding to it.

• There’s a noticeable structure and intent to everything offensively. Personnel usage, formations, motions—it all ties together. Nothing feels random.

• Coach Tyler Bowen is a good football coach. Coach Day has done a great job surrounding him with a room full of guys who could run their own OL units. Bowen is coaching those guys HARD—and it shows.

• The offensive line group could legitimately be 9-deep with starting-level players. There’s real competition and depth across the board, and you can feel it in how they practice.

• Jake Cook and Carter Lowe have both taken noticeable steps forward. Cook, especially, is a high-energy, high-effort mauler—every rep, whether it’s indy, group, or team, is full speed.

• The tempo and physicality up front is different. There’s an edge to how that group is working, and it’s carrying over into team periods.

• Jakobi Jackson is someone we cannot sleep on. He had a day. While Qua Russaw lost his black stripe, Jackson took his ankles on a play in space. Broke multiple long runs and showed more explosiveness than I originally gave him credit for.

• The run game identity is starting to show itself more. You can see the vision of what they want to be—even if it’s still coming together.

• Staying in the backfield—there was a rep where a certain #1 WR (Brandon Inniss) lined up in the backfield and broke a long run on the first defense. Would not be surprised at all to see him used as a true satellite player in this offense.

• That versatility piece shows up across the board—multiple guys being used in different spots, creating matchup issues and forcing the defense to communicate.

• Brock Boyd is still playing out of his mind. The consistency, the confidence—he just keeps stacking days.

• Julian Sayin is in full command of the offense and continues to develop into a very good leader. The command, communication, and overall presence are trending the right way.

LATEST PODCASTS:

• Spring Practice Report

• Black Stripe Alerts + OSU Practice Banter

• Back in the Building | Buckeyes Return + Program Updates

LATEST ARTICLES:

• The Opening Drive 4/1: Observations from Spring Practice

• The Opening Drive 3/30 (Lunchtime Edition): The History of The Black Stripe | Earned Not Given

• The Opening Drive 3/27: The Buckeyes Add More NFL Experience and Pro Day Brings the NFL to Columbus

LATEST FILM ROOM:

• FILM ROOM: Ian Moore vs. Purdue & Miami — What the Tape Shows

• FILM ROOM: What James Smith Brings to the Buckeyes’ Defensive Front

• FILM ROOM: Terry Moore’s Role in Ohio State’s 2026 Defense

Defensive Takeaways from Day 2

• Dominic Kelly (Transfer CB from UGA) was the first guy who jumped out. Simply put—just a good football player. Shows up, does his job, plays fast, and doesn’t waste reps.

• Blaine Bradford and Jay Timmons—both freshman DBs—are going to see the field. That’s not projection, that’s based on how they’re moving right now. Confident, physical, and not thinking—just reacting.

• The young DB group as a whole doesn’t look young. There’s a level of confidence and understanding already that allows them to compete early.

• Peyton Pierce has solidified himself as a leader on this defense—and this team. His presence carries weight. He’s vocal, he’s active pre-snap, and he sets the tone with how he practices.

• In talking with a staffer, Beau Atkinson has made a strong impression on new defensive ends coach Joe Kim. He’s taken real steps forward this offseason, and it’s showing up on the field.

• The defensive line group continues to stand out. There’s depth, size, and versatility—and more importantly, guys are playing with intent.

• There’s a noticeable emphasis on pass rush detail. You can tell there’s been an investment in developing that group, and it’s going to show up this fall.

• Communication defensively is ahead of schedule. Pre-snap checks, alignment, and adjustments were clean for this point in the spring.

• The defense is playing with an edge and urgency. Flying around, finishing plays, and competing every rep.

• There’s clear buy-in to the system and coaching. Guys understand what’s being asked and are executing it with confidence.

• You can see the carryover from teaching periods to team—especially in coverage and disguise. What’s being installed is showing up on the field.

• As crazy as it sounds, this defense has a chance to be better than last season’s unit. The combination of leadership, depth, and emerging young talent gives this group a very high ceiling.

• The number of players sticking around after practice to get extra work in—with coaches or teammates—was impressive, especially on the defensive side. Easily 20 guys stayed after post-practice stretch to get additional drill work in. That kind of buy-in matters.

• Coach Matt Patricia is thriving at OSU. The way he interacts with players stands out—he connects, he teaches, and he’s clearly a players’ coach.

• Earl Little Jr. has it. Made multiple high-level plays, including an almost one-handed interception you can find on his Twitter. Seeing it live was different.

Buckeye Film Breakdown will return soon with some fresh content.

Read more

Before I dive in to your opening drive I just want to give his flowers for providing us with awesome observations from practice on Tuesday. I’m looking forward to recording our episode where we get to hear his thoughts out loud!

More Black Stripes Removed!

It’s no secret that we, here at Buckeye Film Breakdown, are huge Brock Boyd fans. We’ve discussed at nauseam how insanely under-ranked he was by the recruiting services. We’ve heard nothing but good during winter workouts, and now he is the first freshman to lose his black stripe! The Southlake Carroll wide receiver joins some pretty solid company, by losing his black stripe in just 6 practices. That makes him the third fastest Buckeye freshman receiver to do so. Jeremiah Smith lost his in just 4 practices and Carnell Tate lost his in 5 practices. This isn’t an indication that Boyd is being well-positioned for playing time, especially given the depth that Zone 6 seems to have, but if I were a betting man I’d put my money on Boyd seeing the field plenty.

Brock Boyd wasn’t the only black stripe removal that Coach Slater got to see on Tuesday. Linebacker Christian Alliegro also shed his black stripe. I don’t think this surprises anyone. Going back to the What Christian Alliegro Brings to the Buckeyes 2026 Defense film room that Coach did the indicators are there that he has the potential to be special. Alliegro is setting himself up to be a vital part of Matt Patricia’s second Ohio State defense, due to multiple factors including position versatility.

A “Legend”ary Start Hits a Pause

Ryan Day gave a noteworthy nugget on Tuesday. The running back room which is already down the perceived top 2 guys has suffered another setback. Legend Bey has been garnering praise since he arrived on campus, and that praise grew louder each practice that occurred this spring. However, Coach Day did state on Tuesday that Bey has missed a few practices due to an injury. Depending on how long the injury keeps Bey out of action, the running back room is down to 3 scholarship backs and a walk-on legacy. Reps are vital to Bey as his transitions to running back from quarterback, so let’s wish him a speedy recovery!

LATEST PODCASTS:

• Black Stripe Alerts + OSU Practice Banter

• Back in the Building | Buckeyes Return + Program Updates

• Week Two | Back From Break and Back to Work

• LATEST ARTICLES:

• The Opening Drive 4/1: Observations from Spring Practice

• The Opening Drive 3/30 (Lunchtime Edition): The History of The Black Stripe | Earned Not Given

• The Opening Drive 3/27: The Buckeyes Add More NFL Experience and Pro Day Brings the NFL to Columbus

LATEST FILM ROOM:

• FILM ROOM: Ian Moore vs. Purdue & Miami — What the Tape Shows

• FILM ROOM: What James Smith Brings to the Buckeyes’ Defensive Front

• FILM ROOM: Terry Moore’s Role in Ohio State’s 2026 Defense

Block O Recipient Guesses

As spring ball already approaches the halfway point, I began wondering how the spring game will look. But there’s normally one matter of business that gets resolved before the game and that’s the awarding of the Block O jersey. This year will be the seventh year of the Block O jersey, and there’s no shortage of possible recipients this year. I’m going to list 5 possible recipients, let’s see if I can get it right this year.

WR Brandon Inniss

WR David Adolph

OL Luke Montgomery

TE Bennett Christian

OL Carson Hinzman

Full disclosure, Kenyatta Jackson would’ve easily made this list but with the number change to 2 already on the record, I can’t see him changing numbers again.

Jeremy’s Memorabilia Item of the Day

Today we have a signed mini helmet for you. A Brandon Inniss signed mini helmet for just $80 BUY IT HERE

Buckeye Film Breakdown will return soon with some fresh content.

Before we get into it, I want to touch on why I make the trip down for Spring Practice. I go as a coach first—always—but I also go to learn from the best. When you’re around one of the top staffs in the country, you’d be doing yourself a disservice not to study how they operate. Every rep, every period, every detail is filtered through one question: what can I take back and use to better support the student-athletes I coach?

And there were a ton of little nuggets throughout the day—especially some specific drills that tie multiple facets of the game into one rep. The kind of work that maximizes time, demands execution, and translates directly to the high school level.

The organization, the tempo, the clarity—it’s all high level, and there’s something to pull from everywhere you look.

But for me, today, it came down to one thing: the attention to detail during the defensive formation recognition and communication period.

That stretch of practice can turn into a grind if you’re not intentional. It’s easy for players to lose focus. It’s easy for coaches to go through the motions. But when it’s paired with the offense lining up, breaking the huddle, and working through their checks and pre-snap reads, it changes everything. Now it’s not just a walkthrough—it’s competitive, it’s mental strain, it’s real football.

It forces players to stay locked in—and just as important, it forces every coach on the field to stay locked in too.

Offensive Takeaways from the Woody

• Julian Sayin looks to be in full command of the offense. There are going to be natural hiccups learning something new, but from a leadership and ownership standpoint—no question he’s taking control of the unit.

• Jeremiah Smith — short and simple: he’s the best player in the country. Different level.

• Zone 6 (WR Room) is deep. This is not a one- or two-guy show. There’s real production across the board, and this group is going to require a rotation to maximize it.

• Devin McCuin, Kyle Parker, Brandon Inniss, Chris Henry Jr. all made explosive plays throughout practice—against both first- and second-group defenses. The juice in that room is real.

• Staying with the receivers, Brandon Inniss showed true leadership. While competing directly with Kyle Parker, he was actively coaching him up and celebrating his wins. That’s what a room-changer looks like.

• Devin McCuin is a legitimate deep threat this offense needs. Multiple times during team periods he got on top of the defense—but the QB didn’t find him. That’s explosive production waiting to happen.

• Brock Boyd is going to play. Period. Contested catches, route-running, consistent wins vs DBs—I texted Jeremy and Jake about an hour into practice saying he’d be the first freshman to lose his Black Stripe… and he did.

• At tight end, Hunter Welcing flashed in the red zone. Made multiple contested catches in the end zone—reliable target in tight space.

• Up front, there were a lot of different offensive line combinations. Looked like Philip Daniels was limited for a stretch, which slid Ian Moore to Left Tackle and Austin Siereveld over to Right Tackle.

• Running back room is still finding its footing. You can see the pieces, but the consistency and identity aren’t fully there yet.

• Scheme-wise, this offense is leaning into a more under center, pro-style approach. Heavy doses of 11 and 12 personnel, with structure, movement, and intent behind it.

LATEST PODCASTS:

• Black Stripe Alerts + OSU Practice Banter

• Back in the Building | Buckeyes Return + Program Updates

• Week Two | Back From Break and Back to Work

• LATEST ARTICLES:

• The Opening Drive 3/30 (Lunchtime Edition): The History of The Black Stripe | Earned Not Given

• The Opening Drive 3/27: The Buckeyes Add More NFL Experience and Pro Day Brings the NFL to Columbus

• The Opening Drive 3/24: Jaxon Smith-Njigba Gets Paid and a Huge 2028 Visit Looms

LATEST FILM ROOM:

• FILM ROOM: Ian Moore vs. Purdue & Miami — What the Tape Shows

• FILM ROOM: What James Smith Brings to the Buckeyes’ Defensive Front

• FILM ROOM: Terry Moore’s Role in Ohio State’s 2026 Defense

Defensive Takeaways from the Woody

• The first thing that stood out — Coach Matt Patricia as a teacher. There was a period where he was breaking down the differences between Cover 1 Rat and Cover 1 Robber, along with the disguises tied to each. The energy he had when guys were able to echo his language and ask real football questions—that’s what it’s about. I may have been the only coach still locked into that period, but it was probably my favorite. Just a coach and his guys, talking ball.

• On first glance, I love the depth of the defensive line. There are bodies… and there are dudes.

• Beau Atkinson and Kenyatta Jackson Jr. were rolling with the first group at DE. There was a lot of positive buzz around Beau from a staffer I spoke with.

• Kenyatta Jackson Jr. and Eddrick Houston are absolute units. Physically, they look the part right now.

• The addition of pass rush specialist Joe Kim is going to pay dividends. You can already see the intent and detail in how they’re working edge guys.

• Cincere Johnson is up next. I don’t know when he’ll lose his Black Stripe or how much he’ll play this season—but he is a grown man. Brought physicality and had a few big hits today.

• Earl Little Jr. looks like the move safety in this defense—very similar usage to Caleb Downs. With Leroy Rokerand Jaylen McClain alongside him, that group got a lot of praise from people around the program.

• Terry Moore has real range. Covers ground and shows the ability to impact the ball.

• Cam Calhoun rotated in at corner when Jermaine Mathews Jr. bumped inside to nickel. There’s a lot to like there—definitely a name to keep an eye on.

• Dominic Kelly and Blaine Bradford were two additional guys who flashed. Both showed up in different periods.

• Scheme-wise, there was a heavy dose of Cover 3 (with disguise) mixed with 1 Rat. Clear emphasis on communication and post-snap picture change.

• When they got into their Penny Front, Christian Alliegro moved out to the edge—and looked very comfortable doing it.

I will be heading back to practice on Thursday hoping to spend some more time with the offensive line.

Buckeye Film Breakdown will return soon with some fresh content.

Then we shift forward. With Coach Slate heading in…

Read more

The Meaning Behind the Stripe

At Ohio State Buckeyes football, nothing is given — everything is earned.

The Black Stripe is one of the most powerful traditions in college football because it immediately establishes who you are in the program — and who you are not yet. When a player arrives in Columbus, they don’t get a clean helmet. Instead, a black stripe runs down the center — a visible, daily reminder:

You haven’t earned it yet.

It strips away recruiting rankings, social media hype, and outside noise. Five-star, three-star, walk-on — it doesn’t matter. Everyone starts the same.

It’s not about talent.
It’s not about projection.
It’s about proving — through consistent, physical, detailed work — that you belong in that locker room.

Origins of the Tradition

The tradition was introduced in 2012 by Urban Meyer when he took over the program and immediately went to work on rebuilding the culture.

Meyer understood that talent alone wouldn’t restore the standard — ownership would. He needed something visible, something simple, and something that would carry weight every single day.

So he created a system that:

• Demanded daily accountability

• Eliminated entitlement at the door

• Forced young players to earn trust before recognition

The Black Stripe became that system:

• Newcomers wear it

• Veterans don’t

• The only way to remove it is through earned respect inside the building

It wasn’t about punishment — it was about process. And over time, it became one of the most respected internal standards in college football.

LATEST PODCASTS:

• Back in the Building | Buckeyes Return + Program Updates

• Week Two | Back From Break and Back to Work

• Spring Ball Day 1 Recap

LATEST ARTICLES:

• The Opening Drive 3/27: The Buckeyes Add More NFL Experience and Pro Day Brings the NFL to Columbus

• The Opening Drive 3/24: Jaxon Smith-Njigba Gets Paid and a Huge 2028 Visit Looms

• The Opening Drive: Back To Work

LATEST FILM ROOM:

• FILM ROOM: Ian Moore vs. Purdue & Miami — What the Tape Shows

• FILM ROOM: What James Smith Brings to the Buckeyes’ Defensive Front

• FILM ROOM: Terry Moore’s Role in Ohio State’s 2026 Defense

What It Takes to Lose the Stripe

There’s no schedule for it.
No coach pulls you aside and tells you you’re close.
No checklist gets handed out.

Because in that building, if you have to ask — you haven’t earned it yet.

Losing the Black Stripe happens when a player:

• Executes their job without hesitation or mental errors

• Competes with relentless effort, rep after rep

• Shows toughness — physically and mentally

• Earns the trust of teammates, not just coaches

And that last part matters most.

You’re no longer trying to belong… you do.

The Standard in Columbus

From Urban Meyer to Ryan Day, the standard hasn’t changed — it’s only been reinforced.

Because the Black Stripe isn’t just about freshmen.
It’s a daily reminder to everyone in the program:

Veterans may not wear the stripe, but they’re held to an even higher expectation:

• Lead

• Produce

• Be accountable

And for young players, it sets the tone early:

There is no shortcut.
There is no entitlement.
There is only work.

The Newest Members of the Brotherhood:

Kyle Parker, WR & Earl Little Jr., DB

Clip of the Day

With Kyle Parker losing his Black Stripe, it naturally raises questions about how players like him and Brandon Inniss will be utilized in the slot within an Arthur Smith offense.

In Pittsburgh last season, Calvin Austin III emerged as the primary slot target — a player with a skill set that mirrors both Inniss and Parker: toughness, quickness, and the ability to win in tight spaces.

In the clip below, Austin (second receiver from the top) is working a follow concept paired with the tight end. The design creates a natural rub against man coverage, allowing him to come clean across the middle.

Sound familiar?

It should.

The Buckeyes used this exact concept to spring Inniss for a touchdown against Michigan.

Expect that to carry over.

Same concepts — but with more:

Pre-snap motion

Formation variation

Intentional movement

And ultimately…

More production out of the slot.

Buckeye Film Breakdown will return soon with some fresh content.

Ryan Day Goes Back to the NFL Ranks to Add Depth to His Staff

Ohio State, under Ryan Day, has recently found success with going to the NFL ranks to fill open coaching vacancies. This week has seen one new addition become official and another seem to be on the brink of occurring, and both come from the NFL ranks. OSU added Joe Kim to the staff this week. Kim brings with him 32 years of coaching experience. He is considered to be a pass rushing “guru.” Kim began his coaching career in 1992 with the Cleveland Browns. He has spent time with 11 NFL clubs with job titles fluctuating between skill development and pass rush consultant. Kim was on the Patriots staff with current OSU defensive coordinator Matt Patricia. One interesting note about Kim is that he is a highly regarded teacher of taekwondo. This background allows him to teach his players body leverage and attacking weak points. At OSU, he will be working with an extremely talented yet young group of pass rushers. Kenyatta Jackson Jr. and Beau Atkinson being the only two players in that room who saw meaningful minutes for the Buckeyes last season.

OSU is also rumored to be hiring former Pittsburgh Steelers quality control coach Jason Brooks. It is presumed that he will be working with the front seven of the defensive unit, when the hire is made official. Brooks has spent the last three seasons in Pittsburgh, and also had two stints with the Baltimore Ravens. Brooks is connected to the OSU staff via new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith. Brooks was originally an offensive analyst with the Ravens before finding his groove on the defensive side of the football.

LATEST PODCASTS:

• Back in the Building | Buckeyes Return + Program Updates

• Week Two | Back From Break and Back to Work

• Spring Ball Day 1 Recap

LATEST ARTICLES:

• The Opening Drive 3/24: Jaxon Smith-Njigba Gets Paid and a Huge 2028 Visit Looms

• The Opening Drive: Back To Work

• The Opening Drive: Growth Through the Fire

LATEST FILM ROOM:

• FILM ROOM: Ian Moore vs. Purdue & Miami — What the Tape Shows

• FILM ROOM: What James Smith Brings to the Buckeyes’ Defensive Front

• FILM ROOM: Terry Moore’s Role in Ohio State’s 2026 Defense

The NFL Visits Columbus for Pro Day

It’s no secret that this draft has the potential to be epic for the Buckeyes, with many mock drafts having four Buckeyes going in the top 10 picks. On Wednesday seventeen former Buckeyes went through some portion of the pro day grind. Pro day, much like the NFL combine, is not what it used to be. In the past players who didn’t participate in the measurable drills would do so at their pro day. Now we are seeing players not do those drills at either event. I understand the injury concern, but as someone who loves the draft process almost as much as recruiting I can’t say that I love it. While all eyes were on Arvell Reese, Sonny Styles, Caleb Downs, and Carnell Tate, pro day did allow Kayden McDonald, Max Klare, and IGB to garner attention too. All 32 NFL clubs were represented at the WHAC with five teams having both their GM and head coach present. Those teams were the Steelers, Bills, Giants, Jets, and Commanders. The Giants, Jets, and Commanders all hold top 10 picks while the Steelers and Bills pick in the 20’s. Wednesday also gave the NFL a chance to see Buckeye QB’s Julian Sayin and Tavien St. Clair show off while throwing passes to Tate, Max Klare, and Will Kacmarek. While OSU does not release any official results from testing for us to share there honestly weren’t a lot of measurable drills completed. The draft prospects will spend the next month visiting and interviewing with teams. The NFL draft begins on Thursday April 23rd with the first round. Rounds 2 and 3 will be Friday the 24th, followed by rounds 4 through 7 on Saturday the 25th.

Jeremy’s Memorabilia Item of the Day

I don’t have a single item for you today, instead I have the chance to get your item signed by 15 former and current Buckeyes! On Saturday and Sunday at the Great Northern Mall in North Olmstead the following members of the 2025 team will be signing autographs:

Caden Curry

Kayden Mcdonald

Tywone Malone Jr.

Devin Sanchez

Luke Montgomery

Lorenzo Styles Jr.

Sonny Styles

Jaylen McClain

Payton Pierce

Carson Hinzman

Phillip Daniels

David Adolph

Isaiah West

Will Smith Jr.

Brandon Inniss

Get your autograph tickets here

Buckeye Film Breakdown will return soon with some fresh content.

This is one of those windows where everything intersects. You’ve got Gold Pants being handed out, reinforcing the standard and what it means to win here. You’ve got Pro Day approaching, where the next wave of NFL Buckeyes steps into the spotlight and the standard gets evaluated at th…

Read more

So what does the tape say? Going back to his reps against Purdue an…

Read more

JSN Gets Rewarded

The fact that we only got Jaxon Smith-Njigba for essentially one season will always be one of the biggest travesties in Ohio State fandom. Yes, he played a few games his freshman year and we all know about the questionable hit that derailed his junior campaign. But, his sophomore season was really the only season we truly got to experience him as a Buckeye.

Headed into that 2021 season all of the attention was on Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson, as it should have been. Yet it was JSN who led the team in most statistical categories sans touchdowns. His stat line that season was 95 catches for 1,606 yards, and 9 touchdowns. But, the true coming out party was the Rose Bowl against Utah. With Olave and Wilson sitting out, most fans were skeptical of what the Buckeye passing attack would look like. However, CJ Stroud and JSN had other plans. Stroud would throw for 573 yards. Smith-Njigba would re-write the Rose Bowl record books to the tune of 15 catches and 347 yards, along with 3 touchdowns. That showing would create a ton of hype for him headed into his junior season. However, an injury in the Notre Dame game of 2022 would derail his junior season, and he would eventually shut it down to prepare for the NFL.

That injury most likely slid him down the draft boards a little bit to the 20th pick. He was still the first receiver taken that draft. This past season was his true breakout NFL campaign, capped off by being named Offensive Player of the Year and winning a Super Bowl.

Today, he became the highest paid wide receiver in the NFL. He signed a 4-year extension worth 168.6 million dollars, according to Adam Schefter. Couple that with the recent contract extensions signed by Garrett Wilson ( 3 years/130 million) and Terry McLaurin ( 3 years/97 million) and OSU is truly proving it is Wide Receiver U. The final numbers will be very fun to monitor once Chris Olave, Marvin Harrison Jr., and Emeka Egbuka all sign their next deals.

LATEST PODCASTS:

• Week Two | Back From Break and Back to Work

• Spring Ball Day 1 Recap

• Spring Ball Has Officially Arrived

LATEST ARTICLES:

• The Opening Drive: Back To Work

• The Opening Drive: Growth Through the Fire

• The Opening Drive 3/14 : Iron Buckeyes

LATEST FILM ROOM:

• FILM ROOM: What James Smith Brings to the Buckeyes’ Defensive Front

• FILM ROOM: Terry Moore’s Role in Ohio State’s 2026 Defense

• FILM ROOM: What Christian Alliegro Brings to the Buckeyes 2026 Defense

Ya’all Got Any More of Them Harrison Brothers?

My rule of thumb when discussing recruiting is to never get too excited, let alone when the player is a full class ahead of the current class. However, the Rivals 300 for the class of 2028 has been released, and a familiar name is at the top. Wide receiver Jett Harrison came in at number 1 in the first edition. The junior-to-be hauled in 20 touchdowns this past season. The bigger news, with regards to Harrison, is that he is slated to visit Ohio State this weekend according to recruiting guru Steve Wiltfong.

Harrison currently holds offers from Ohio State, Oregon, Tennessee, Duke, Va Tech, Syracuse, Penn State, and Boston College.

Jeremy’s Memorabilia Find of the Day

Today’s memorabilia item of the day comes from College Traditions. A bobblehead commemorating the 50-year anniversary of Archie Griffins Heisman. Normally $79.99, it is currently on sale for $49.99. BUY IT HERE

Buckeye Film Breakdown will return soon with some fresh content.

Back to Work

After a brief break, the Buckeyes are back in the building — and now, things start to change.

Because the pads are coming on.

Up to this point, it’s been install, alignment, assignment. But when the pads come on, the game speeds up. The physicality shows up. The evaluation becomes real. You find out quickly who can translate what they’ve learned in meetings to what’s required on the field.

This is where spring ball takes a turn.

It’s no longer about just knowing your job — it’s about executing it with leverage, technique, and toughness. It’s about finishing plays. Competing through contact. Straining when it’s not clean.

And after a few days away, the expectation is simple — come back ready to go. Because in a program like Ohio State, momentum doesn’t pause.

It gets tested.

Pads on means the truth comes out.

And now, we get to see who’s ready for it.

Leroy Roker… Starting Safety?

There are always a few moments early in spring ball that tell you more than the depth chart ever will.

One of those moments came when Ryan Day called on Leroy Roker to break down the team at the end of the first practice.

That matters.

That’s not random. That’s not by accident. That’s a signal.

Roker wasn’t a heavily hyped recruit coming into the program. He didn’t arrive with the spotlight or the expectations that follow five-star names. But what he’s done is exactly what this program is built on — he’s stayed, developed, and earned trust.

And in a program like Ohio State, trust is currency.

You don’t get handed the opportunity to lead the team out of practice unless you’ve shown something behind the scenes — in the weight room, in meetings, in how you carry yourself day to day.

That’s development.

That’s growth.

And now, it sounds like that development is about to get tested.

Early reports suggest Roker is stepping into an “Iron Sharpens Iron” battle with transfer safety Terry Moore. That’s exactly what you want this time of year — competition between players who have different paths but the same goal.

Roker — the player who stayed, worked, and developed.
Moore — the player brought in to raise the level of the room.

That’s how good programs operate.

And now with pads coming on, that battle becomes real.

Because it’s one thing to earn trust in the offseason.

It’s another thing to hold onto it when the competition turns up.

That’s where we find out if development turns into production.

And for Leroy Roker, it feels like that moment is here.

LATEST PODCASTS:

• Week Two | Back From Break and Back to Work

• Spring Ball Day 1 Recap

• Spring Ball Has Officially Arrived

LATEST ARTICLES:

• The Opening Drive: Growth Through the Fire

• The Opening Drive 3/14 : Iron Buckeyes

• The Opening Drive 3/13 : The OSU Coaching Staff and Their Salaries

LATEST FILM ROOM:

• FILM ROOM: What James Smith Brings to the Buckeyes’ Defensive Front

• FILM ROOM: Terry Moore’s Role in Ohio State’s 2026 Defense

• FILM ROOM: What Christian Alliegro Brings to the Buckeyes 2026 Defense

A New Game, Same Standard

On a personal note, this spring has been different for me.

I stepped into a new role as the Head Coach of a local high school girls flag football team, and I’ll be honest — it’s been a completely different world. Same game at its core, but a different pace, different spacing, and different ways you have to teach it.

And that’s been the best part.

It’s forced me to grow. To see the game through a different lens. To strip things down, rebuild them, and find new ways to communicate concepts that I’ve coached for years. You realize quickly — it’s not about what you know, it’s about what you can teach and connect.

And these young ladies?

They’ve been unbelievable.

They’ve bought in. They’ve competed. They’ve learned. And most importantly, they’ve earned.

Because this past week, they went out and secured the first two wins in program history.

That matters.

Not because of the scoreboard — but because of what it represents. Work. Belief. Growth. A group stepping into something new and choosing to compete the right way.

And for me, it’s been a reminder of why we do this.

New game. New challenges.

Same joy.

Buckeye Film Breakdown will return soon with some fresh content.

Today we’re gonna talk about what this second week actually looks like, what the staff is z…

Read more

When evaluating a player like Jermaine Mathews Jr., it’s easy to start with the numbers. In today’s game, metrics like PFF grades, completion percentages, and coverage data are readily available — and they can provide value.

But they don’t always tell the full story.

Especially at the cornerback position.

The reality is this: corners live in a world where they are constantly isolated, constantly tested, and often asked to execute within the structure of the defense rather than for the sake of individual production. A missed leverage call, a late rotation, or a scheme-specific responsibility can show up as a negative grade — even when the player is doing exactly what he’s coached to do.

That’s why context matters.

In this Opening Drive, we’re going to evaluate both — what the numbers say and what the tape shows.

Because Mathews wasn’t a rotational piece in 2025 — he was a starter who logged 695 snaps, aligned predominantly as a wide corner (413 snaps) while also seeing meaningful time in the slot (185 snaps), and was targeted 44 times throughout the season. When you play that much at corner, there are going to be ups and downs. That’s part of the position.

His overall PFF defense grade of 62.2 tells one version of the story. His coverage grade of 63.1, a 63.6% reception rate allowed, and 281 yards surrendered on those 44 targets tell another. The 10.0 yards per reception and 99 yards after the catch are areas that deserve attention on film.

But context demands acknowledgment of the trajectory. In 2023, Mathews graded out at an elite 85.9. In 2024, that number dropped to 70.0. In 2025, it settled at 62.2 — a three-year regression that raises legitimate questions, but also one that was happening while he absorbed a significant workload at a program competing for a national championship.

That volume is not nothing.

And development at that level — even imperfect development — carries value.

For this defense to reach its full potential in 2026, the expectation shifts. The Buckeyes don’t need him to just hold up — they need him to impact the game at a higher level, similar to what we’ve seen from players like Denzel Burke and Davison Igbinosun in recent years.

That means:

• Eliminating explosives

• Winning key matchups on the perimeter

• Turning tight coverage into takeaways

His best individual game grade of the season came against Texas (78.0), with strong outings against Purdue (72.0) and Penn State (66.9) mixed in. The floor — a 36.5 against Rutgers — is the kind of tape that keeps coaches and analysts up at night.

That’s the next step.

That’s where the film comes in.

Because when you turn the tape on, you start to see the traits, the competitiveness, and the growth that numbers alone can’t capture.

Clip 1 — @ Purdue | Man Coverage Discipline

Patricia’s defense generally lines up in some form of Cover 1 or Cover 3 with a single high safety and that structural identity is what makes corners like Mathews so important to how this unit functions. Patricia ran a high rate of single high coverages in 2025, deploying Cover 1 and Cover 3 to allow Caleb Downs to slide into the box and affect the run game which means the corners on the perimeter are often on an island, without help over the top. That context matters when evaluating what you’re about to see.

This clip against Purdue is, in my opinion, one of the cleaner reps Mathews played all season — and it’s a direct product of that schematic reality. When you’re a corner playing off the back end of a Cover 3 or dropped into a Cover 1 Rat look, the instinct to reach or grab when a receiver gains outside leverage is real. Mathews doesn’t do that here.

Watch his eyes.

The Purdue receiver works outside leverage on him, trying to create separation on the boundary. Mathews never panics. He never stabs. He tracks the near hip — exactly what you coach — and continues closing space with discipline through the rep. No false steps. No reach. Just patient, controlled technique.

That’s the type of rep that doesn’t always show up in a 63.1 coverage grade, but it’s exactly the kind of football that tells you the foundation is there. Patricia’s scheme asks these defensive backs to shift between man, zone, and match coverage while keeping the quarterback guessing and winning those individual battles in man coverage, even when they don’t result in a pass breakup, is what keeps a defense like this from getting exposed.

LATEST PODCASTS:

• Spring Ball Day 1 Recap

• Spring Ball Has Officially Arrived

• Position Reviews (DB): Who is next in line at Defensive Back?

LATEST ARTICLES:

• The Opening Drive 3/14 : Iron Buckeyes

• The Opening Drive 3/13 : The OSU Coaching Staff and Their Salaries

LATEST FILM ROOM:

• FILM ROOM: Terry Moore’s Role in Ohio State’s 2026 Defense

• FILM ROOM: What Christian Alliegro Brings to the Buckeyes 2026 Defense

• FILM ROOM: Scouting New Ohio State TE Hunter Welcing and How He Fits the 2026 Offense

Clip 2 — vs. Penn State | Slot Versatility & Recovery

Mathews logged 185 of his 695 snaps in the slot in 2025 — a number that speaks directly to his value beyond just the boundary corner role. That versatility isn’t accidental. It’s a reflection of both his skillset and his mentality. By all accounts, Mathews has been vocal about his willingness to do whatever the defense needs — and that attitude is exactly what makes a player like him useful in a scheme as multifaceted as Patricia’s.

How that shakes out in 2026 will be one of the more interesting storylines of spring ball. With the transfer additions now in the mix at corner, Mathews may find himself kicking inside more frequently than he did last year — or the competition may push him back to his natural home on the boundary. Either way, the ability to play both spots at a high level is a real asset.

This clip against Penn State puts that versatility on display.

The Buckeyes are again in a Cover 1 Rat look here, with Lorenzo Styles as the underneath rat player — sitting in the throwing lane, reading the quarterback’s eyes, and taking away the quick game. That structure gives Mathews a clear assignment: maintain outside leverage through the route with Styles providing the inside bracket underneath.

At the top of the route is where it gets interesting. That’s the moment Mathews loses his outside leverage — not on the release, but at the break point, when the receiver works back to the outside and Jermaine finds himself slightly out of position. That’s the rep. But again, watch the response.

He doesn’t panic. He doesn’t lunge. He gets back to the hip, reasserts his position, and puts himself back in the play. Given that the scheme is asking him to maintain outside with inside help — and he momentarily loses that leverage at the top — the recovery is the story here. He understands his responsibility within the structure, corrects in real time, and finishes the rep competitively.

Clip 3 — vs. Texas | Zone Recognition & Pattern Match

This rep against Texas — his best-graded game of the season at 78.0 — is a masterclass in zone coverage processing. And it’s a different kind of rep than what we’ve seen in the first two clips. Where those showcased Mathews’ man coverage discipline and recovery ability, this one shows something equally important: his ability to read routes and react within the structure of Cover 3.

The Buckeyes are in Cover 3 here. Mathews has a defined zone, and the play design is working against him — or at least trying to. The offense is using a curl route underneath to hold him, with the intent of getting him to commit to that first threat and open up the deeper crossing route coming over the top behind him.

Mathews doesn’t bite.

Watch his eyes through the progression. He’s patient with the curl — he sees it, he respects it — but he never fully breaks down on it. The moment he recognizes the deeper over route developing behind the curl, he disengages and sinks underneath it, getting himself in position to contest what is a much more dangerous throw.

That’s pattern matching. That’s a corner who isn’t just running his landmark and playing his spot — he’s actually processing route combinations in real time and prioritizing threats accordingly. In Cover 3, that’s the entire job. Your landmark gets you in the right area, but your eyes and your processing ability determine whether you’re actually useful when the ball comes out.

For a player whose overall grade dipped to 62.2 in 2025, this rep is an important data point. The tools are there. The processing is there. The Texas game — his best individual performance of the season — showed what Mathews looks like when it’s all clicking together.

The 2026 challenge is making that the standard, not the ceiling.

Buckeye Film Breakdown will return soon with some fresh content.

Turn on the ta…

Read more

Before we dive into today’s Opening Drive, a quick programming note. The crazy high winds that rolled through Central Ohio today knocked out power for part of our crew, which unfortunately hindered our ability to record and recap Day 2 of spring practice.

So don’t worry — once power is restored for my counterparts, we’ll be back on the mic breaking down everything we saw from the Buckeyes’ second day of spring ball. And while we’re at it, expect a full breakdown on James Smith, the defensive line transfer from Alabama Crimson Tide, in the coming days as well.

Now, let’s get into today’s Opening Drive.

The Standard in the Woody

Every offseason inside the Woody Hayes Athletic Center, the tone for the upcoming season begins to take shape long before a ball is ever snapped. One of the clearest indicators of that tone is the announcement of the program’s Iron Buckeyes — players recognized by strength coach Mickey Marotti and the strength staff for their discipline, toughness, and leadership throughout winter workouts.

This year’s group includes Jeremiah Smith, Jaylen McClain, Garrett Stover, and Brandon Inniss. The Iron Buckeye recognition has always been about more than numbers in the weight room — it’s about the players who show up every day ready to strain, compete, and elevate the standard for everyone around them.

Jeremiah Smith — Talent Matching the Work

When you talk about Jeremiah Smith, the conversation usually starts with talent. But earning Iron Buckeye honors tells you something equally important — the best player in the building is still working like he has something to prove.

Smith has already established himself as one of the most dominant receivers in the country, but inside the Woody, reputation doesn’t carry weight unless the work matches it. This recognition confirms what the staff already believes: the standard player in the program is also willing to lead by example when it comes to preparation, conditioning, and daily competition.

And when the most talented player in the room attacks the offseason like that, the entire offense benefits.

Jaylen McClain — Preparing for a Bigger Role

In a defensive system that demands communication, discipline, and versatility from the safety position, Jaylen McClain earning Iron Buckeye honors speaks volumes.

Safeties are often the quarterbacks of the defense — they see the entire picture, make the checks, and ensure everyone is aligned. McClain’s recognition reflects the consistency he’s bringing to the room. More importantly, he’s working like someone who understands that a larger role may be coming.

The offseason is where players position themselves for those opportunities, and McClain is clearly approaching his preparation with that mindset. Iron Buckeye honors for a safety usually mean one thing: the staff believes the voice carries — and that the player is ready to step forward when his number is called.

LATEST PODCASTS:

• Spring Ball Day 1 Recap

• Spring Ball Has Officially Arrived

• Position Reviews (DB): Who is next in line at Defensive Back?

LATEST ARTICLES:

• The Opening Drive 3/9 : Spring Ball is Here and 2027 Recruiting Updates

• The Opening Drive 3/7 (Weekend Edition): The Buckeyes Add Another Piece to the Offensive Staff.

• The Opening Drive 2/27: Day 1 of the NFL Combine is in the Books and Sonny Styles is a Certified Freak.

LATEST FILM ROOM:

• FILM ROOM: Terry Moore’s Role in Ohio State’s 2026 Defense

• FILM ROOM: What Christian Alliegro Brings to the Buckeyes 2026 Defense

• FILM ROOM: Scouting New Ohio State TE Hunter Welcing and How He Fits the 2026 Offense

Garrett Stover — Development in Year Three

Linebacker Garrett Stover entering his third year in the program and earning Iron Buckeye status is exactly what development inside a program like Ohio State is supposed to look like.

Players arrive with potential. The expectation is that, over time, that potential is shaped through discipline, work habits, and daily accountability. Stover’s recognition suggests that process is unfolding the right way. In a linebacker room that values toughness and preparation, he’s clearly putting in the type of work that earns the trust of the strength staff and coaching staff alike.

It’s a reminder that the development curve at Ohio State isn’t always immediate — but when it shows up, it usually means the player is ready to compete for meaningful snaps.

Brandon Inniss — Respect Earned Inside the Building

And then there’s Brandon Inniss.

Outside the building, there have been questions. Many across Buckeye Nation have wondered when the former five-star receiver’s production will fully match the expectations that followed him to Columbus.

But inside the Woody, the conversation has always sounded different.

Inniss has earned the respect of his teammates and coaches through his approach to the game — blocking on the perimeter, finishing plays, competing on special teams, and showing up every day ready to work. That respect ultimately led to him being named a team captain, and now he adds Iron Buckeye to the résumé.

That combination tells you everything you need to know about how he’s viewed internally.

Because inside this program, titles like captain and Iron Buckeye aren’t handed out based on recruiting rankings or public perception.

They’re earned through the work.

And Brandon Inniss has clearly earned it.

Buckeye Film Breakdown will return soon with some fresh content.

With spring ball starting, it’s always intriguing to see the contract details leak out for the OSU coaching staff. I say leak like they’re the nuclear launch codes, but a quick Freedom of Information Act ( FOIA) can acquire the information, due to OSU being a public institution. The bulk of the coaching staff are on two-year deals, which is the standard at Ohio State. The sole one year contract belongs to Defensive Line Coach Larry Johnson. Let’s take a look at the contracts for the staff.

The Offensive Staff

Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith

Smith signed a 2-year contract which ends in 2028. His 2026 salary is 1.5 million dollars. IF Smith fulfills year two, which unfortunately isn’t a given especially if the Buckeye offense has success, his 2027 salary will carry a $500,000 raise and go up to 2 million dollars.

Co-Offensive Coordinator and Tight Ends Coach Keenan Bailey

Coach Kee was the big winner on the offensive side of the staff. His new contract will pay him 1 million dollars, a $350,00 raise from the 2025 salary of $650,000.

Passing Game Coordinator and Quarterbacks Coach Billy Fessler

Coach Fessler also recieved a rather substantial bump from his 2025 salary. His new 2-year deal will pay him $750,000. His new salary is a raise of $275,000 from his 2025 rate.

Run Game Coordinator and Offensive Line Coach Tyler Bowen

Despite the criticisms of the offensive line in the last two games of the season, Coach Bowen did get a small raise. He goes from $900,00 to $1,000,000 for 2026. It shouldn’t be long before someone does a FOIA request for the staff reviews, and I’ll be very intrigued to see this one.

Running Back’s Coach Carlos Locklyn

Coach Lock is not only the lowest paid member of the offensive staff, but in my opinion he is the most underpaid staff member by far. I know he is still in the prove-it stage at Ohio State, despite the success of Trey and Quinshon during the Natty season. Coach Lock received a $50,000 raise for 2026, bringing his salary to $700,000.

Wide Receiver’s Coach Cortez Hankton

I have to give Coach Hank his flowers. He took a pay cut to come to OSU. Last year he made $1,00,000 at LSU. His OSU deal is paying him $900,000. While he was not going to be retained at LSU, he had options on his next gig and chose the Buckeyes.

LATEST PODCASTS:

• Spring Ball Day 1 Recap

• Spring Ball Has Officially Arrived

• Position Reviews (DB): Who is next in line at Defensive Back?

LATEST ARTICLES:

• The Opening Drive 3/9 : Spring Ball is Here and 2027 Recruiting Updates

• The Opening Drive 3/7 (Weekend Edition): The Buckeyes Add Another Piece to the Offensive Staff.

• The Opening Drive 2/27: Day 1 of the NFL Combine is in the Books and Sonny Styles is a Certified Freak.

LATEST FILM ROOM:

• FILM ROOM: Terry Moore’s Role in Ohio State’s 2026 Defense

• FILM ROOM: What Christian Alliegro Brings to the Buckeyes 2026 Defense

• FILM ROOM: Scouting New Ohio State TE Hunter Welcing and How He Fits the 2026 Offense

The Defensive and Special Teams Staff

Defensive Coordinator Matt Patricia

Coach Patricia was the big winner, as far as raises go, on the entire staff this off-season. I don’t think a single Buckeye fan has an issue with it either. He signed a new 2-year deal, which goes to 2029 due to when it was signed. The new contract comes with a raise of $1,250,000, and brings his annual salary to $3,750,000.

Asst. Head Coach/Asst. Defensive Coordinator/Secondary Coach Tim Walton

OG Walt is on the 2nd year of a 3-year deal. With that, he did not receive a salary bump. He will make $1,800,00 for the season. Each of those job titles brought an increase when they were awarded.

Linebackers Coach James Laurinaitis

3’s got a raise of $400,000 to bring his annual salary to $900,000. I anticipate this will continue to go up, and the list of job titles will grow soon.

Passing Game Coordinator and Safeties Coach Matt Guerrieri

Coach G received an increase of $100,000 heading into the 2026 season. That brings his salary to $1,000,000. Coach G is another candidate for additional job titles and responsibilities as his star continues to shine.

Defensive Line Coach and Associate Head Coach Larry Johnson

Coach Johnson is the sole one-year contract on the staff and he has earned that right. His $200,00 raise takes his salary to $1,600,000. Obviously Coach J gets what ever he wants, as long as he wants to coach.

Special Teams Coordinator Robby Discher

Discher joined the Buckeyes from conference foe Illinois. He will be paid $400,000, which is what he made with the Illini.

All in all, the Assistant Coaches will make $15.3 Million next season. In addition to the Assistants, Coach Day will make $12.5 million. Not too shabby for coaching ball!

Buckeye Film Breakdown will return soon with some fresh content.

Read more

Read more

We’ve made it….sort of. Spring ball kicks off on Tuesday for the Buckeyes. The back to back losses to Indiana and Miami are in the past. The conversation now pivots to navigating one of the toughest schedules in college football this fall. But, before we can get there Ryan Day and his staff will begin looking at their roster to see who will step up and fill the holes created by the departures of several key contributors. Here are a few of the things I’ll be excited to see play out this spring.

Which Running Back Not Named Bo or Isaiah Will Seize the Opportunity?

Bo Jackson and Isaiah West will both miss spring practice, due to shoulder surgeries. I don’t know that I see this as a negative. Yes, there are things both need to work on but I also don’t know that spring ball is where those things will be improved. I think the chance for Turbo Rogers, Ja’Kobi Jackson, Legend Bey, and Favour Akih to get all of the reps will only help Coach Lock and the Lock Boys. This also eliminates the chance for a fluke injury for West or Jackson. While I don’t anticipate Akih having any sort of meaningful role this season, I do think Jackson and Rogers could find roles, and Bey could be used in any number of ways.

What Does the Offense Look Like?

Obviously, we won’t see much during spring. But it will be intriguing to hear from our guy Coach Slater when he’s able to attend practice. I don’t foresee Coach Arthur Smith showing a ton. I do think we will get some ideas of possible run schemes and base formations though. Do we see more Julian Sayin under center?

Who Gets the Bulk of the Reps at Linebacker?

Losing Arvell and Sonny stings, there’s zero doubt about that. Coach Laurinaitis didn’t bring Christian Alliegro here to sit the bench. I don’t think you see him immediately run with the 1’s though. As we’ve seen before with Will Howard, for example, Ryan Day and company like to make transfers “earn” their spots. Is Payton Pierce the de facto second linebacker, or does Riley Pettijohn prove too good to keep off the field?

Who Loses Their Black Stripe First?

Anyone that has followed Coach and I since we began podcasting knows that guys losing their black stripes is one of my favorite things to monitor. A player losing their black stripe early is normally a pretty solid precursor of things to come. Will it be a transfer that loses theirs first, or will one of the twenty-seven incoming freshman have the honor? I think this year we see the first black stripe removal be that of a defender. I’m torn between two guys, Cincere Johnson and Jay Timmons. I think these two not only have the best chance at early playing time, but will want to prove they mean business and come out with energy and drive.

LATEST PODCASTS:

• Position Reviews (DB): Who is next in line at Defensive Back?

• Position Reviews (LB): Who is going to replace Sonny and Arvell?

• Position Reviews (OL): Will Experience Equal Success? The Matt Patricia Extension is Also Official!

• Position Reviews (WR): What Will Zone 6 Look Like in 2026?

LATEST ARTICLES:

• The Opening Drive 3/7 (Weekend Edition): The Buckeyes Add Another Piece to the Offensive Staff.

• The Opening Drive 2/27: Day 1 of the NFL Combine is in the Books and Sonny Styles is a Certified Freak.

• The Opening Drive 2/25: When The Joy Of Coaching Returns

LATEST FILM ROOM:

• FILM ROOM: Terry Moore’s Role in Ohio State’s 2026 Defense

• FILM ROOM: What Christian Alliegro Brings to the Buckeyes 2026 Defense

• FILM ROOM: Scouting New Ohio State TE Hunter Welcing and How He Fits the 2026 Offense

The 2027 Recruiting Class Continues to Gain Momentum

This time of year isn’t the most active for commitments, but is a very busy time with regards to visits and offers. Here are some updates on the class of 2027.

-The Buckeyes recently offered fast rising 4-star Edge Wyatt Smith from St. Thomas Aquinas.

-Composite 5-star Florida Linebacker Kaden Henderson included the Buckeyes in his final 5 schools, along with Notre Dame, Miami, Alabama, and Texas A&M.

-Massilon Washington 4-Star Athlete (CB most likely) Deontay Malone will be taking a spring visit.

-Georgia native, and Georgia Commit Kelsey Adams has scheduled an official visit to OSU for June 20th.

-Current Buckeye commitment Kellen Wymer got a massive bump in the 247Sports rankings, as they have him as the #44 recruit in the country. He’s #82 in the composite.

-California DT Kasi Currie will take an unofficial visit and April and also scheduled an official visit for May.

-Nashville, TN Wide Receiver Kesean Bowman included the Buckeyes in his final 5 schools along with Alabama, Miami, Tennessee, and Vanderbilt.

-Missouri Linebacker Prince Goldsby was offered.

-The Buckeyes offered Michigan native, Edge Myles Smith.

An underrated aspect of spring ball is seeing which recruits show up on campus, and how often. It’s the old adage “watch what they do, not what they say” playing out in real time.

Jeremy’s Memorabilia Item of the Day:

I’m shocked that this item is still available, as it hit the market back in December. Today I give you a Panini trading care of Carnell Tate depicting his iconic endzone pose after torching the team up north for a touchdown. This particular card is autographed and number out of 99 copies. Get it Here . Priced at $44.99, this is a steal for a soon to be top 10 draft pick.

Buckeye Film Breakdown will return soon with some fresh content.