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LGHL You’re Nuts: That Team Up North - Level of concern for The Game
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You’re Nuts: That Team Up North - Level of concern for The Game
Josh Dooley via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Photo by Jason Mowry/Getty Images
As always, there will be a lot at stake when the Buckeyes take on the Wolverines in late November.
From now until preseason camp starts in August, Land-Grant Holy Land will be writing articles around a different theme every week. This week is all about Ohio State’s rivals. Michigan is the defending national champions, but there has been a lot of change in Ann Arbor. What does that mean for the season, the Big Ten, and the Buckeyes? You can catch up on all of the Theme Week content here and all of our ”That Team Up North” articles here.
Everybody knows that one of the best parts of being a sports fan is debating and dissecting the most (and least) important questions in the sporting world with your friends. So, we’re bringing that to the pages of LGHL with our favorite head-to-head column: You’re Nuts.
In You’re Nuts, two LGHL staff members will take differing sides of one question and argue their opinions passionately. Then, in the end, it’s up to you to determine who’s right and who’s nuts.
This week is all about That Team Up North here at LGHL, which means that one should be prepared to read and listen to copious amounts of pure, venomous hate directed at the evil college football team in “the Mitten State.” Or maybe not... I mean, lobbing f-bombs and hate speech at the Wolverines might be considered petty (by this staff) after three straight ass-kickings of our beloved Buckeyes. But as for me, I am rather petty. So I will likely cook up something extremely distasteful for at least one podcast or written piece.
In all seriousness, that team up north is a formidable one. At least it was last year/season, when the Wolverines went 15-0 on their way to a national championship. And even though the Maize and Blue have been blatantly cheating for years, it pains me to say that their late-regular season and playoff victories were likely (possibly) hard-earned and legitimate.
But that was last season. Since then, the program up north has lost most of its coaching staff, as well as several players to the NFL Draft. In fact, the Wolverines nearly messed around and set a record by having 13 players selected in the 2024 draft, most of whom were taken on Day 3.
Of course, fans up north will tell you it’s quantity (over quality) that matters. Even if a majority of the 13 drafted players are destined for desk jobs and/or the UFL. But to those fans, I would say “Google Ohio State’s 2004 draft class.”
*Insert wink and finger gun meme
With that out of my system – and because TTUN is a completely different team this year – Gene and I decided to weigh in on just how dangerous the Maize and Blue can or will be in 2024. Or, asked in the form of a question: What/where/how high is our worry meter as it pertains to the Wolverines?
If 10 is equivalent to “sh*t, the Buckeyes are going to lose” and 1 to “the Wolverines should just refuse to show up like they did in 2020”, then my worry meter is somewhere around a 7.
On paper, Ohio State is the better team. But wasn’t that (also) the case in each of the past three years? Granted, last year might have been a debate or a tie, but you get my point. OSU has had the more talented team(s) recently and still lost. So that is my first concern. TTUN has just figured out a way since 2021, regardless of who is coaching.
The other, bigger concern I have is the Wolverines’ defense. While I’m not remotely impressed with their offense, the other side of the ball is an entirely different story. Led by the potential All-American trio of Mason Graham, Kenneth Grant, and Will Johnson, TTUN should once again boast an elite defensive unit. Even if there is a slight dropoff due to the losses of Kris Jenkins, Mike Sainristil, and others, The Game in November could turn into a slugfest. And in a low-scoring contest, all it takes is one or two plays to swing the outcome.
If not for recent history and the trio of current defenders above, my worry meter would likely only be at 3 or 4. Because I just think that Ohio State is the only team that can beat Ohio State. Plus, this year’s rivalry game is being played in Columbus, which should give the Buckeyes some sort of edge.
But there are obviously other factors to consider. So unless TTUN starts out 0-11, I’m sure that I will be a nervous wreck come Nov. 30.
My level of concern for this year’s edition of The Game is a solid eight. It isn’t because I think Michigan is a better team on paper or that I would pick the Wolverines to win if these two teams showed up to play each other next week, but there is just too much on the line this season for Ohio State to not come away victorious against its biggest rival this time around.
The first and most obvious stake here is that Ryan Day cannot afford to lose to Michigan four-straight times. It’s somewhat of a miracle he’s been able to keep his job after three losses in a row, but he had built up some leeway on the back of strong recruiting classes and an otherwise 56-5 record. However, it doesn’t matter what else is going on behind the scenes. Outside of winning a national title, I don’t think Day would be able to suffer a fourth-straight loss to Michigan and come back as Ohio State’s head coach in 2025.
Even without factoring in the failures of the last several seasons, the Buckeyes now come into this matchup with the far superior team on paper. The 2023 Wolverines were one of the most dominant teams in the country, but nearly all of the players that made that team great are now gone outside of Will Johnson, Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant — and I guess Donovan Edwards, who averaged 3.5 yards per carry outside an outlier performance in the national title game.
Ohio State, meanwhile, brought back virtually all of its best players outside of Marvin Harrison Jr., and brought in high-impact transfers in Caleb Downs, Quinshon Judkins and Will Howard to further supplement their already stellar talent. The Buckeyes are unquestionably the more talented football team based on the names on the back of the jerseys, but those players will have to actually turn those recruiting rankings and prior accolades into results on the field on Nov. 30.
With all that being said, why then am I so concerned about The Game? Well, outside of the monstrous expectations, I think some of the areas Ohio State has struggled in recent matchups could come back to haunt them again this time around.
The offensive line is the obvious weak link on either side of the ball for the Buckeyes, and Michigan, even with many of its best defensive players from last season off to the NFL, will be one of if not the best D-line Ohio State will play all year. On top of that, we don't quite know what Will Howard will look like in this offense. Poor quarterback play sunk the Bucks in the Big House last year, and while I think Howard will succeed with all of the talent around him, Ohio State cannot achieve its ultimate goals with another year of subpar play from the most important position on the field.
I’m also still not entirely convinced that Ryan Day fully gets it. The way he talks about the rivalry makes it seem like he understands the severity, but on the other hand, the way his teams have come into the last three matchups looking woefully unprepared has me second-guessing those words. I am not an Urban Meyer guy by any means, and he had more than his fair share of issues both on and off the field, but it is inarguable that he understood The Game and what it took to win it every single year. I’m still waiting to see that kind of mentality from the current head coach.
If this were just another game between two Big Ten teams, my level of concern would likely be around a three. But unlike a certain former Ohio State quarterback might think, this is not just some game. This is the biggest rivalry in all of sports, and the Buckeyes need to win it this year — there are no excuses. I’m cautiously optimistic the home team can get the job done this time around, but I am definitely concerned...
Continue reading...
Josh Dooley via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Photo by Jason Mowry/Getty Images
As always, there will be a lot at stake when the Buckeyes take on the Wolverines in late November.
From now until preseason camp starts in August, Land-Grant Holy Land will be writing articles around a different theme every week. This week is all about Ohio State’s rivals. Michigan is the defending national champions, but there has been a lot of change in Ann Arbor. What does that mean for the season, the Big Ten, and the Buckeyes? You can catch up on all of the Theme Week content here and all of our ”That Team Up North” articles here.
Everybody knows that one of the best parts of being a sports fan is debating and dissecting the most (and least) important questions in the sporting world with your friends. So, we’re bringing that to the pages of LGHL with our favorite head-to-head column: You’re Nuts.
In You’re Nuts, two LGHL staff members will take differing sides of one question and argue their opinions passionately. Then, in the end, it’s up to you to determine who’s right and who’s nuts.
This week’s topic: Level of concern for The Game
Josh’s Take
This week is all about That Team Up North here at LGHL, which means that one should be prepared to read and listen to copious amounts of pure, venomous hate directed at the evil college football team in “the Mitten State.” Or maybe not... I mean, lobbing f-bombs and hate speech at the Wolverines might be considered petty (by this staff) after three straight ass-kickings of our beloved Buckeyes. But as for me, I am rather petty. So I will likely cook up something extremely distasteful for at least one podcast or written piece.
In all seriousness, that team up north is a formidable one. At least it was last year/season, when the Wolverines went 15-0 on their way to a national championship. And even though the Maize and Blue have been blatantly cheating for years, it pains me to say that their late-regular season and playoff victories were likely (possibly) hard-earned and legitimate.
But that was last season. Since then, the program up north has lost most of its coaching staff, as well as several players to the NFL Draft. In fact, the Wolverines nearly messed around and set a record by having 13 players selected in the 2024 draft, most of whom were taken on Day 3.
Of course, fans up north will tell you it’s quantity (over quality) that matters. Even if a majority of the 13 drafted players are destined for desk jobs and/or the UFL. But to those fans, I would say “Google Ohio State’s 2004 draft class.”
*Insert wink and finger gun meme
With that out of my system – and because TTUN is a completely different team this year – Gene and I decided to weigh in on just how dangerous the Maize and Blue can or will be in 2024. Or, asked in the form of a question: What/where/how high is our worry meter as it pertains to the Wolverines?
If 10 is equivalent to “sh*t, the Buckeyes are going to lose” and 1 to “the Wolverines should just refuse to show up like they did in 2020”, then my worry meter is somewhere around a 7.
On paper, Ohio State is the better team. But wasn’t that (also) the case in each of the past three years? Granted, last year might have been a debate or a tie, but you get my point. OSU has had the more talented team(s) recently and still lost. So that is my first concern. TTUN has just figured out a way since 2021, regardless of who is coaching.
The other, bigger concern I have is the Wolverines’ defense. While I’m not remotely impressed with their offense, the other side of the ball is an entirely different story. Led by the potential All-American trio of Mason Graham, Kenneth Grant, and Will Johnson, TTUN should once again boast an elite defensive unit. Even if there is a slight dropoff due to the losses of Kris Jenkins, Mike Sainristil, and others, The Game in November could turn into a slugfest. And in a low-scoring contest, all it takes is one or two plays to swing the outcome.
If not for recent history and the trio of current defenders above, my worry meter would likely only be at 3 or 4. Because I just think that Ohio State is the only team that can beat Ohio State. Plus, this year’s rivalry game is being played in Columbus, which should give the Buckeyes some sort of edge.
But there are obviously other factors to consider. So unless TTUN starts out 0-11, I’m sure that I will be a nervous wreck come Nov. 30.
Gene’s Take
My level of concern for this year’s edition of The Game is a solid eight. It isn’t because I think Michigan is a better team on paper or that I would pick the Wolverines to win if these two teams showed up to play each other next week, but there is just too much on the line this season for Ohio State to not come away victorious against its biggest rival this time around.
The first and most obvious stake here is that Ryan Day cannot afford to lose to Michigan four-straight times. It’s somewhat of a miracle he’s been able to keep his job after three losses in a row, but he had built up some leeway on the back of strong recruiting classes and an otherwise 56-5 record. However, it doesn’t matter what else is going on behind the scenes. Outside of winning a national title, I don’t think Day would be able to suffer a fourth-straight loss to Michigan and come back as Ohio State’s head coach in 2025.
Even without factoring in the failures of the last several seasons, the Buckeyes now come into this matchup with the far superior team on paper. The 2023 Wolverines were one of the most dominant teams in the country, but nearly all of the players that made that team great are now gone outside of Will Johnson, Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant — and I guess Donovan Edwards, who averaged 3.5 yards per carry outside an outlier performance in the national title game.
Ohio State, meanwhile, brought back virtually all of its best players outside of Marvin Harrison Jr., and brought in high-impact transfers in Caleb Downs, Quinshon Judkins and Will Howard to further supplement their already stellar talent. The Buckeyes are unquestionably the more talented football team based on the names on the back of the jerseys, but those players will have to actually turn those recruiting rankings and prior accolades into results on the field on Nov. 30.
With all that being said, why then am I so concerned about The Game? Well, outside of the monstrous expectations, I think some of the areas Ohio State has struggled in recent matchups could come back to haunt them again this time around.
The offensive line is the obvious weak link on either side of the ball for the Buckeyes, and Michigan, even with many of its best defensive players from last season off to the NFL, will be one of if not the best D-line Ohio State will play all year. On top of that, we don't quite know what Will Howard will look like in this offense. Poor quarterback play sunk the Bucks in the Big House last year, and while I think Howard will succeed with all of the talent around him, Ohio State cannot achieve its ultimate goals with another year of subpar play from the most important position on the field.
I’m also still not entirely convinced that Ryan Day fully gets it. The way he talks about the rivalry makes it seem like he understands the severity, but on the other hand, the way his teams have come into the last three matchups looking woefully unprepared has me second-guessing those words. I am not an Urban Meyer guy by any means, and he had more than his fair share of issues both on and off the field, but it is inarguable that he understood The Game and what it took to win it every single year. I’m still waiting to see that kind of mentality from the current head coach.
If this were just another game between two Big Ten teams, my level of concern would likely be around a three. But unlike a certain former Ohio State quarterback might think, this is not just some game. This is the biggest rivalry in all of sports, and the Buckeyes need to win it this year — there are no excuses. I’m cautiously optimistic the home team can get the job done this time around, but I am definitely concerned...
Continue reading...
LGHL All eyes on the running back battle between Ohio State and TTUN
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All eyes on the running back battle between Ohio State and TTUN
Megan.Husslein via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Photo by Nick Tre. Smith/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Looking at you, Tony Alford...
From now until preseason camp starts in August, Land-Grant Holy Land will be writing articles around a different theme every week. This week is all about Ohio State’s rivals. Michigan is the defending national champions, but there has been a lot of change in Ann Arbor. What does that mean for the season, the Big Ten, and the Buckeyes? You can catch up on all of the Theme Week content here and all of our ”That Team Up North” articles here.
There is a bit more fuel to the fire of the rivalry this year with a few traitors from Ohio State’s side. Mainly, I am talking about former Buckeye running back coach, Tony Alford, who has taken over the same position at TTUN. Even though he had one of the best RB duos at Ohio State, he still chose to leave for Ann Arbor.
Alford led the charge for recruiting Ole Miss RB Quinshon Judkins to transfer, and was only with him for a couple of weeks before he left Ohio State. Of course, both he and TreVeyon Henderson publicly commented that they respect Alford’s decision to do what is best for him and his family. But privately, that has to sting at least a little bit, right?
Over the past few years, one of the main focuses of the rivalry game has been on the runnin back group. TTUN had Blake Corum and Donovan Edwards, which was arguably the best duo in the Big Ten before Corum went pro following last season. Now, the Wolverines will have Edwards and a question mark at the No. 2 position.
Currently, the Buckeyes have the edge with two very experienced backs in Judkins and Henderson. This is going to be absolutely critical for The Game, as we have seen in the past how first-year starters may let their nerves take over when it comes to the rivalry matchup.
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25541616/1937878970.jpg "2024 CFP National Championship - Michigan v Washington")
Photo by Jamie Schwaberow/Getty Images
Edwards was notorious for his performance against the Buckeyes in 2022, when he rushed for 216 yards and scored two touchdowns. Last season, he only had 31 yards against Ohio State thanks to the Blake Corum show. While Edwards had a dip in performance overall in 2023, rushing for 497 yards on 119 carries versus the 991 yards he had in 2022, I definitely expect him to bounce back for his senior season.
Henderson was limited to 60 yards against the Wolverines last year on 19 carries, as the Bucks really struggled to get any offense going. However, I do not see that being a problem this year. Either way, Judkins or Henderson is going to be making an impact in the rivalry game, if not both of them. With the likely rotation of them, they will both be able to stay fresh.
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25541641/2147779097.jpg "COLLEGE FOOTBALL: APR 13 Ohio State Spring Game")
Photo by Jason Mowry/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Lastly, I am extremely excited to see Buckeye running backs coach Carlos Locklyn prepare for this game. From what we’ve seen from him so far, I am a huge fan. He is very passionate about his job and previously had built relationships with both Judkins and Henderson in the recruiting process.
He knows what this rivalry means to this program, and is well aware where his predecessor went following his departure. While there may not be any personal bad blood, the fact of it remains: Alford left to go coach at the one school that was unacceptable to go. Now, the rivalry might be all the better for it.
Continue reading...
Megan.Husslein via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Photo by Nick Tre. Smith/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Looking at you, Tony Alford...
From now until preseason camp starts in August, Land-Grant Holy Land will be writing articles around a different theme every week. This week is all about Ohio State’s rivals. Michigan is the defending national champions, but there has been a lot of change in Ann Arbor. What does that mean for the season, the Big Ten, and the Buckeyes? You can catch up on all of the Theme Week content here and all of our ”That Team Up North” articles here.
There is a bit more fuel to the fire of the rivalry this year with a few traitors from Ohio State’s side. Mainly, I am talking about former Buckeye running back coach, Tony Alford, who has taken over the same position at TTUN. Even though he had one of the best RB duos at Ohio State, he still chose to leave for Ann Arbor.
Alford led the charge for recruiting Ole Miss RB Quinshon Judkins to transfer, and was only with him for a couple of weeks before he left Ohio State. Of course, both he and TreVeyon Henderson publicly commented that they respect Alford’s decision to do what is best for him and his family. But privately, that has to sting at least a little bit, right?
Over the past few years, one of the main focuses of the rivalry game has been on the runnin back group. TTUN had Blake Corum and Donovan Edwards, which was arguably the best duo in the Big Ten before Corum went pro following last season. Now, the Wolverines will have Edwards and a question mark at the No. 2 position.
Currently, the Buckeyes have the edge with two very experienced backs in Judkins and Henderson. This is going to be absolutely critical for The Game, as we have seen in the past how first-year starters may let their nerves take over when it comes to the rivalry matchup.
Edwards was notorious for his performance against the Buckeyes in 2022, when he rushed for 216 yards and scored two touchdowns. Last season, he only had 31 yards against Ohio State thanks to the Blake Corum show. While Edwards had a dip in performance overall in 2023, rushing for 497 yards on 119 carries versus the 991 yards he had in 2022, I definitely expect him to bounce back for his senior season.
Henderson was limited to 60 yards against the Wolverines last year on 19 carries, as the Bucks really struggled to get any offense going. However, I do not see that being a problem this year. Either way, Judkins or Henderson is going to be making an impact in the rivalry game, if not both of them. With the likely rotation of them, they will both be able to stay fresh.
Lastly, I am extremely excited to see Buckeye running backs coach Carlos Locklyn prepare for this game. From what we’ve seen from him so far, I am a huge fan. He is very passionate about his job and previously had built relationships with both Judkins and Henderson in the recruiting process.
He knows what this rivalry means to this program, and is well aware where his predecessor went following his departure. While there may not be any personal bad blood, the fact of it remains: Alford left to go coach at the one school that was unacceptable to go. Now, the rivalry might be all the better for it.
Continue reading...
LGHL Buckeyes in Indy for Big Ten Media Days, Carmen’s Crew knocks off Dayton alums
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Buckeyes in Indy for Big Ten Media Days, Carmen’s Crew knocks off Dayton alums
Matt Tamanini via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Photo by James Black/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
All the Buckeye news thats fit to re-print.
Look, we get it. Your days are busy and you don’t have time to read all of the stories and tweets from the three dozen websites dedicated to covering Ohio State athletics, or the 237 Buckeye beat writers churning out hot takes and #content on a daily basis. But that’s ok, that’s what your friends at Land-Grant Holy Land are here for.
Monday through Friday, we’ll be collecting all of the articles, tweets, features, interviews, videos, podcasts, memes, photos, and whatever else we stumble across on the interwebz and putting them in our daily “Why is this News?” article. That way, you’ll have a one-stop shop for all of the most important Buckeye news, jokes, and analysis.
You’re welcome!
Subscribe: RSS | Apple | Spotify | Google Podcasts | iHeart Radio
What to know, how to follow Ohio State at 2024 Big Ten Media Days
Patrick Murphy, Bucknuts
Four dominant storylines for Buckeyes at Big Ten Media Days (paywall)
Austin Ward, Dotting the Eyes
What we plan to learn about Ohio State at Big Ten Media Days (paywall)
Andy Backstrom, Lettermen Row
What we likely won’t hear from Buckeyes at Big Ten Media Days (paywall)
Spencer Holbrook, Lettermen Row
Where OSU is picked in USA TODAY Sports Network Big Ten preseason poll
Joey Kaufman, The Columbus Dispatch
Ohio State picked as runaway 2024 Big Ten favorite in 14th annual cleveland.com Preseason Big Ten Football Poll
Stephen Means, cleveland.com
Ohio State trending for 2026 four-star cornerback
Dan Hessler, Land-Grant Holy Land
Netflix to release ‘Sign Stealer’ documentary on Michigan football, Connor Stalions
Angelique S. Chengelis, The Detroit News
Ohio State’s Carmen’s Crew beats Dayton’s Red Scare again in TBT
Adam Jardy, The Columbus Dispatch
Man, I’ve missed Andre Wesson!
Ohio State announces updates to nearly-complete 2024-25 non-conference schedule
Patrick Murphy, Bucknuts
Ohio State to host Pitt, welcome Doug Gottlieb to Value City Arena in 2024-25
Adam Jardy, The Columbus Dispatch
Bond With Jake Diebler, Plans for Expanded Role Kept Devin Royal at Ohio State
Any Anders, Eleven Warriors
Follow Ohio State Athletics all Olympics long with our official “Buckeyes in Paris” page!
Ohio State Athletics
Two days until I finally see this movie!
Continue reading...
Matt Tamanini via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Photo by James Black/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
All the Buckeye news thats fit to re-print.
Look, we get it. Your days are busy and you don’t have time to read all of the stories and tweets from the three dozen websites dedicated to covering Ohio State athletics, or the 237 Buckeye beat writers churning out hot takes and #content on a daily basis. But that’s ok, that’s what your friends at Land-Grant Holy Land are here for.
Monday through Friday, we’ll be collecting all of the articles, tweets, features, interviews, videos, podcasts, memes, photos, and whatever else we stumble across on the interwebz and putting them in our daily “Why is this News?” article. That way, you’ll have a one-stop shop for all of the most important Buckeye news, jokes, and analysis.
You’re welcome!
For your Earholes...
Subscribe: RSS | Apple | Spotify | Google Podcasts | iHeart Radio
On the Gridiron
What to know, how to follow Ohio State at 2024 Big Ten Media Days
Patrick Murphy, Bucknuts
Four dominant storylines for Buckeyes at Big Ten Media Days (paywall)
Austin Ward, Dotting the Eyes
What we plan to learn about Ohio State at Big Ten Media Days (paywall)
Andy Backstrom, Lettermen Row
What we likely won’t hear from Buckeyes at Big Ten Media Days (paywall)
Spencer Holbrook, Lettermen Row
Tomorrow we'll have full coverage of all the things going on in Indy for Big Ten Football Media Day
Follow along here on social and at https://t.co/erSyx4aeCW | @OhioStateFB | #GoBucks pic.twitter.com/b8S20zsw8X
— Ohio State Buckeyes (@OhioStAthletics) July 22, 2024
Where OSU is picked in USA TODAY Sports Network Big Ten preseason poll
Joey Kaufman, The Columbus Dispatch
Ohio State picked as runaway 2024 Big Ten favorite in 14th annual cleveland.com Preseason Big Ten Football Poll
Stephen Means, cleveland.com
Ohio State trending for 2026 four-star cornerback
Dan Hessler, Land-Grant Holy Land
Netflix to release ‘Sign Stealer’ documentary on Michigan football, Connor Stalions
Angelique S. Chengelis, The Detroit News
On the Hardwood
Ohio State’s Carmen’s Crew beats Dayton’s Red Scare again in TBT
Adam Jardy, The Columbus Dispatch
Man, I’ve missed Andre Wesson!
GAME! ANDRE WESSON!
O-H
Your @OhioStateHoops alumni move on!pic.twitter.com/nwOFOVcIqw
— Caren’s Crew - THE Ohio State’s TBT Team (@CarmensCrew) July 23, 2024
Ohio State announces updates to nearly-complete 2024-25 non-conference schedule
Patrick Murphy, Bucknuts
Ohio State to host Pitt, welcome Doug Gottlieb to Value City Arena in 2024-25
Adam Jardy, The Columbus Dispatch
The non conference schedule is here
We’ll haveneutral site games this season with a potential third game to be announced later
Secure your spot in the Schott to support #Team126 nowhttps://t.co/cWfzdYeknK pic.twitter.com/hEMNt401Vd
— Ohio State Hoops (@OhioStateHoops) July 22, 2024
Bond With Jake Diebler, Plans for Expanded Role Kept Devin Royal at Ohio State
Any Anders, Eleven Warriors
Outside the Shoe and Schott
Follow Ohio State Athletics all Olympics long with our official “Buckeyes in Paris” page!
Ohio State Athletics
And now for something completely different...
Two days until I finally see this movie!
@VancityReynolds @ShawnLevyDirect @deadpoolmovie @DafneKeen #DeadpoolandWolverine @Madonna #likeaprayer pic.twitter.com/l3Z3N82ufw
— Hugh Jackman (@RealHughJackman) July 23, 2024
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LGHL Ohio State Recruiting: Buckeyes shouldn’t have to look far for defensive backs in 2026 class
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Ohio State Recruiting: Buckeyes shouldn’t have to look far for defensive backs in 2026 class
Caleb Houser via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK
The Buckeyes look poised to keep two of their best in-state kids at home in the next cycle.
If he’s not already, a big season from Ohio State’s cornerbacks this year should further cement Tim Walton as one of the better position coaches in the country. From the on-field development the past year and the recent stretch of elite recruiting, OG Walt has been absolutely crushing it for the Buckeyes, and there’s plenty more to come.
The 2025 class being a major example of his success, Walton currently has Devin Sanchez and Na’eem Offord committed — the No. 1 and No. 2 cornerbacks in the country, respectively. An incredible haul for any recruiting class, Ohio State is fortunate to have Walton heading this position group with all the tools he brings to the table.
Looking back at 2024, Walton was able to reel in Aaron Scott Jr., Bryce West, and Miles Lockhart in another top-ranked class. Looking at Scott and West specifically, the two being in-state products is what catches the attention most. Not needing to go more national last cycle, Walton prioritized his backyard like the staff does every year, and it resulted in commitments from a pair of top-70 national players.
Taking a look at 2026, it’s shaping up to be very much like the 2024 class.
Ohio is home to both Victor Singleton and Elbert Hill, and so again rather than having to look national in this upcoming cycle, the Buckeyes really don’t have to go far from home —just like they did in 2024. With the 2025 class providing those high-profile national talents, it works out in Ohio State’s favor that two of the top five cornerbacks in the country are once again right inside their own state borders. The only matter now is making sure they stay home.
On Monday, we saw Ohio State land the 247Sports Crystal Ball prediction in their favor for Singleton. The No. 50 player nationally and fourth-best cornerback in the class per 247Sports, Singleton was offered by Ohio State this past June and is quickly seeing his efforts pay off. Having been to campus multiple times, making the short trek south from Toledo, Singleton is rising up the ranks and is a guy this staff isn’t going to let leave the state lines without a real fight.
His in-state counterpart, Hill is no slouch of his own, currently slotted as the No. 51 player nationally and fifth-best cornerback per 247Sports. Put those two together and you have no reason to look elsewhere when your own high school recruiting ground is producing that much talent just a couple hours away from campus, and at schools the staff has recruited time and time again over the years.
Walton was able to lock down elite talent in 2024 thanks to his own roots in-state. In this current 2025 class, it is much more of a national approach, and because of his recruiting chops, Ohio State is dealing.
Next in the sights is the class to come. The efforts will still need to be there, but one would think similarly to 2024, the Buckeyes should have more success in continuing to load up an elite stable of cornerbacks thanks to not only national names, but national names that are from Ohio. That bodes well for Ohio State for years to come.
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Caleb Houser via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
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Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK
The Buckeyes look poised to keep two of their best in-state kids at home in the next cycle.
If he’s not already, a big season from Ohio State’s cornerbacks this year should further cement Tim Walton as one of the better position coaches in the country. From the on-field development the past year and the recent stretch of elite recruiting, OG Walt has been absolutely crushing it for the Buckeyes, and there’s plenty more to come.
The 2025 class being a major example of his success, Walton currently has Devin Sanchez and Na’eem Offord committed — the No. 1 and No. 2 cornerbacks in the country, respectively. An incredible haul for any recruiting class, Ohio State is fortunate to have Walton heading this position group with all the tools he brings to the table.
Looking back at 2024, Walton was able to reel in Aaron Scott Jr., Bryce West, and Miles Lockhart in another top-ranked class. Looking at Scott and West specifically, the two being in-state products is what catches the attention most. Not needing to go more national last cycle, Walton prioritized his backyard like the staff does every year, and it resulted in commitments from a pair of top-70 national players.
Taking a look at 2026, it’s shaping up to be very much like the 2024 class.
Ohio is home to both Victor Singleton and Elbert Hill, and so again rather than having to look national in this upcoming cycle, the Buckeyes really don’t have to go far from home —just like they did in 2024. With the 2025 class providing those high-profile national talents, it works out in Ohio State’s favor that two of the top five cornerbacks in the country are once again right inside their own state borders. The only matter now is making sure they stay home.
On Monday, we saw Ohio State land the 247Sports Crystal Ball prediction in their favor for Singleton. The No. 50 player nationally and fourth-best cornerback in the class per 247Sports, Singleton was offered by Ohio State this past June and is quickly seeing his efforts pay off. Having been to campus multiple times, making the short trek south from Toledo, Singleton is rising up the ranks and is a guy this staff isn’t going to let leave the state lines without a real fight.
His in-state counterpart, Hill is no slouch of his own, currently slotted as the No. 51 player nationally and fifth-best cornerback per 247Sports. Put those two together and you have no reason to look elsewhere when your own high school recruiting ground is producing that much talent just a couple hours away from campus, and at schools the staff has recruited time and time again over the years.
Walton was able to lock down elite talent in 2024 thanks to his own roots in-state. In this current 2025 class, it is much more of a national approach, and because of his recruiting chops, Ohio State is dealing.
Next in the sights is the class to come. The efforts will still need to be there, but one would think similarly to 2024, the Buckeyes should have more success in continuing to load up an elite stable of cornerbacks thanks to not only national names, but national names that are from Ohio. That bodes well for Ohio State for years to come.
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LGHL Ohio State trending for 2026 four-star cornerback
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Ohio State trending for 2026 four-star cornerback
Dan Hessler via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
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2026 four-star cornerback Victor Singleton | via Mick Walker - @MickWalker247, 247Sports
The Ohio State men’s basketball team is also making headlines as it is set to host two of the nation’s top recruits in the 2025 class.
Ohio State has had a busy summer. The team has been hard at work hitting the recruiting trail and hosting recruits on campus for both official and unofficial visits, all while holding team practices with the current roster of Buckeyes ahead of a season with lofty expectations.
The hard work has paid off, as Ohio State sits atop the 247Sports Class rankings for the 2025 class with 24 verbal commitments. The Buckeyes were also picked to finish first in the Big Ten for the upcoming season by Cleveland.com. Ohio State was the overwhelming pick with 21 first place votes, with newcomer Oregon predicted to finish in second with six votes.
All this being said, things have slowed down a bit for the Buckeyes when it comes to recruiting. This is understandable as the upcoming season quickly approaches. However, that does not mean the Buckeyes are not making headlines.
Ohio State received good news Monday as 247Sports Ohio State insider Bill Kurelic placed a Crystal Ball prediction in favor of the Buckeyes for 2026 four-star corner back Victor Singleton (Toledo, OH / Central Catholic). Singleton visited with Ohio State back in June for a summer camp, and impressed the coaching staff enough to leave with an official scholarship offer.
Singleton is also no stranger to Ohio State, as he is one of the top recruits from Ohio. Ryan Day and the Ohio State coaching staff has made it a priority to keep the state’s best talents at home, and Singleton fits that prototype perfectly.
The Buckeyes are not alone in their pursuit of Singleton either, and a commitment from him is not a guarantee with a lot of his recruitment still in play. Singleton holds offers from other in-state schools like Akron, Toledo, Cincinnati and Kent State, but he is also garnering national attention. He holds offers from the likes of Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan State, Missouri, Penn State, Purdue, Tennessee and Wisconsin.
Ohio State will need to get him back on campus to secure a commitment from him, and based off of how quick the relationship between he and the coaching staff has taken off, this shouldn’t be difficult to pull off — especially considering his close proximity.
Singleton is the No. 112 overall prospect in the 247Sports Composite Rankings for the 2026 class, and is also the No. 10 CB. He is the No. 3 recruit from Ohio.
Jake Diebler and the Ohio State men’s basketball team have been busy this offseason as well, adding to the roster using both the transfer portal and traditional recruiting. The Buckeyes have recently been playing host to a handful of the nation’s top prospects, and the work is already paying dividends.
Ohio State earned its first commitment in the 2025 earlier this month when four-star shooting guard Dorian Jones pledged to the Buckeyes. But the program is not finished there. Diebler and the staff will continue to host recruits, and on Monday they learned they will soon host two blue-chip prospects from Missouri.
Both four-star combo guard Davion Hannah (Branson, MO / Link Academy) and four-star center John Clark will soon take an official visit with the Buckeyes.
The two teammates were offered by the Buckeyes earlier this summer, with Clark receiving his scholarship offer in May and Hannah receiving his in June. The duo and Ohio State have kept in contact, and the relationship they have built with the coaching staff is strong enough for them to decide to use an official visit on them.
Neither Hannah nor Clark have mentioned being a package deal, but the only finalist the two share is Ohio State, and that is something that could potentially work in favor of the Buckeyes.
Hannah is the No. 29 overall prospect in the 247Sports Composite Rankings and the No. 4 combo guard. He is also the No. 3 player from Missouri. Clark is the No. 46 overall prospect and No. 5 center. He is the No. 6 player from Missouri.
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Dan Hessler via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
2026 four-star cornerback Victor Singleton | via Mick Walker - @MickWalker247, 247Sports
The Ohio State men’s basketball team is also making headlines as it is set to host two of the nation’s top recruits in the 2025 class.
Ohio State has had a busy summer. The team has been hard at work hitting the recruiting trail and hosting recruits on campus for both official and unofficial visits, all while holding team practices with the current roster of Buckeyes ahead of a season with lofty expectations.
The hard work has paid off, as Ohio State sits atop the 247Sports Class rankings for the 2025 class with 24 verbal commitments. The Buckeyes were also picked to finish first in the Big Ten for the upcoming season by Cleveland.com. Ohio State was the overwhelming pick with 21 first place votes, with newcomer Oregon predicted to finish in second with six votes.
All this being said, things have slowed down a bit for the Buckeyes when it comes to recruiting. This is understandable as the upcoming season quickly approaches. However, that does not mean the Buckeyes are not making headlines.
Ohio State receives Crystal Ball for 2026 CB
Ohio State received good news Monday as 247Sports Ohio State insider Bill Kurelic placed a Crystal Ball prediction in favor of the Buckeyes for 2026 four-star corner back Victor Singleton (Toledo, OH / Central Catholic). Singleton visited with Ohio State back in June for a summer camp, and impressed the coaching staff enough to leave with an official scholarship offer.
Singleton is also no stranger to Ohio State, as he is one of the top recruits from Ohio. Ryan Day and the Ohio State coaching staff has made it a priority to keep the state’s best talents at home, and Singleton fits that prototype perfectly.
The Buckeyes are not alone in their pursuit of Singleton either, and a commitment from him is not a guarantee with a lot of his recruitment still in play. Singleton holds offers from other in-state schools like Akron, Toledo, Cincinnati and Kent State, but he is also garnering national attention. He holds offers from the likes of Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan State, Missouri, Penn State, Purdue, Tennessee and Wisconsin.
Ohio State will need to get him back on campus to secure a commitment from him, and based off of how quick the relationship between he and the coaching staff has taken off, this shouldn’t be difficult to pull off — especially considering his close proximity.
Singleton is the No. 112 overall prospect in the 247Sports Composite Rankings for the 2026 class, and is also the No. 10 CB. He is the No. 3 recruit from Ohio.
Missouri teammates to soon visit with Ohio State men’s basketball
Jake Diebler and the Ohio State men’s basketball team have been busy this offseason as well, adding to the roster using both the transfer portal and traditional recruiting. The Buckeyes have recently been playing host to a handful of the nation’s top prospects, and the work is already paying dividends.
Ohio State earned its first commitment in the 2025 earlier this month when four-star shooting guard Dorian Jones pledged to the Buckeyes. But the program is not finished there. Diebler and the staff will continue to host recruits, and on Monday they learned they will soon host two blue-chip prospects from Missouri.
Both four-star combo guard Davion Hannah (Branson, MO / Link Academy) and four-star center John Clark will soon take an official visit with the Buckeyes.
4️ John Clark sets his first four official visits and he breaks down the totality of his recruitment | READ: https://t.co/QNM7FQgNMT pic.twitter.com/8GfMoZ8c9J
— Jamie Shaw (@JamieShaw5) July 22, 2024
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— Jamie Shaw (@JamieShaw5) July 22, 2024
The two teammates were offered by the Buckeyes earlier this summer, with Clark receiving his scholarship offer in May and Hannah receiving his in June. The duo and Ohio State have kept in contact, and the relationship they have built with the coaching staff is strong enough for them to decide to use an official visit on them.
Neither Hannah nor Clark have mentioned being a package deal, but the only finalist the two share is Ohio State, and that is something that could potentially work in favor of the Buckeyes.
Hannah is the No. 29 overall prospect in the 247Sports Composite Rankings and the No. 4 combo guard. He is also the No. 3 player from Missouri. Clark is the No. 46 overall prospect and No. 5 center. He is the No. 6 player from Missouri.
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