The Opening Drive 2/23: Ranking My Top 5 Favorite Buckeyes

Inside the mind of a hardcore Buckeye fan

Feb 23, 2026

What’s up BFB Fam? Before we dive into this Opening Drive, I just want to take a moment to remind us that it’s ok to not be ok. Mental health is real, and it has hit the community that we all love, again. The football world was stunned this past weekend by the death of Rondale Moore. Moore will be best remembered by OSU fans for shredding the defense in the 2018 upset of the Buckeyes. At the time Moore was in his freshman season and torched the Buckeyes for 12 catches, 170 yards, and 2 touchdowns. If you ever need someone to talk to, please don’t hesitate to contact the National Suicide Awareness Hotline by calling or texting 988.

I always enjoy hearing favorite player lists, and the logic behind them. So, I want to share mine and hope to hear yours in the comments! I think these lists are very insightful into each of our heads, and often create great debates. I’m not talking who we think are the best ever, just our favorites.

Jeremy’s Fab Five

#1 Eddie George

Anyone that knows me knows that this one is a given, but also closer than you’d think. Eddie George was the face of the OSU program when I first remember paying attention to OSU football. One of my core memories as a Buckeye fan is the 1995 Notre Dame game and Eddie running wild. Eddie and Ray Lewis also provided some of the best “rivalries” in the NFL too. While we never say never, I’m sad that up until now we’ve not gotten to see Eddie coach at OSU in any capacity.

#1B Mike Doss

Eddie might’ve been the first Buckeye I remember cheering for, but Mike Doss was the first jersey I owned. That jersey would be worn every Saturday during the 2002 season. Seeing an Ohio kid come back to play his senior season hit home with me. That 2002 season was special, and Doss was a vital part of that. He is also one of the most down to earth players I’ve ever spent time around.

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#3 Caleb Downs

This might be recency bias, but Downs makes the list for multiple reasons. Downs was a class act during his recruitment, even if he did go to Alabama. But that made it very easy to cheer for him that freshman season. For those of you that didn’t listen to Coach Slater and I during our Coach and Couch Potato tenure, when we started the podcast Downs had just entered the portal and I jokingly began a speak it into existence campaign. I will also never forget the night Downs became a Buckeye. I was driving to Fort Wayne to surprise my son , and my phone started going nuts while I was driving and couldn’t check it.

#4 Bobby Carpenter

While he ended up being a star, Carpenter was sort of the forgotten guy in that linebacker room. AJ Hawk was the stud and Anthony Schlegel was one of the first transfers I ever remember OSU getting. Carpenter also will forever be linked to the “arrival” of James Laurinaitis, as it was his injury that led to 3’s being thrust into action. I also remember Carpenter being one of the first linebackers to put his hand on the ground in pass rush situations, and I thought that was the greatest thing ever.

#5 Cardale Jones

Those of you who know me personally are probably surprised he isn’t higher. I’ve said it numerous times, and I’ll say it again here. I don’t think that OSU wins the 2014 natty with Braxton Miller or Jt Barrett at QB. As my OSU fandom grew, and the more I paid attention to recruiting, I considered myself a de-facto Glenville Tarblooder fan. So needless to say I knew who Cardale was before he got to Columbus via Fork Union Military Academy. I think the rise from we didn’t come to play school to ambassador of the program is one of the coolest stories ever. I also don’t think there is a better ambassador for the program, and hopefully Jones and The Foundation will soon find their rightful spot back at the head of OSU’s NIL table.

Jeremy’s Memorabilia Find of the Day

Today’s find comes to us from the Official OSU Team Shop. This coin celebrating Archie Griffin, and the celebration that was held for him during the Akron game this past season, is a limited edition of 5,000. It features Archie on one side, and the dueling helmets of OSU and Akron on the other. Regularly priced at $50, get it now for $29.95. BUY IT HERE

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