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LGHL Laurinaitis, Locklyn bring the juice as they hype up Ohio State’s linebackers, running backs
- News
- 0 Replies
Laurinaitis, Locklyn bring the juice as they hype up Ohio State’s linebackers, running backs
Matt Tamanini via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
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 to the Land-Grant Podcast Network for all of your Ohio State needs
Matt Tamanini, Land-Grant Holy Land
Subscribe: RSS | Apple | Spotify | iHeart Radio
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25564102/1726787282.jpg "COLLEGE FOOTBALL: OCT 14 Ohio State at Purdue")
Photo by Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Donovan Jackson enters his senior season as the leader of the Ohio State offensive line
Brett Ludwiczak, Land-Grant Holy Land
NCAA issues suspension and show-cause penalty to Jim Harbaugh for Michigan recruiting violations
Kari Anderson and Nick Bromberg, Yahoo! Sports
Ohio State social media reacts to Jim Harbaugh’s suspension, show-cause
John Leuzzi, USA Today Network
What do you still want to know about the Buckeyes during preseason camp?
Matt Tamanini, Land-Grant Holy Land
Iron Sharpens Iron:
Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith leads group of 10 ‘Iron Buckeyes’ in 2024 offseason
Patrick Murphy, Bucknuts
Ohio State Wide Receiver Emeka Egbuka Named to Biletnikoff Award Watch List
Chase Brown, Eleven Warriors
Buckeyes freshman safety Jaylen McClain sheds black stripe
Spencer Holbrook, Lettermen Row
Quick Hits: Carlos Locklyn Expresses Confidence in Ohio State’s Running Back Room, TreVeyon Henderson Calls Quinshon Judkins a “Great Back”
Chase Brown, Dan Hope, Garrick Hodge, and Andy Anders, Eleven Warriors
Key camp takeaways from Carlos Locklyn, Ohio State running backs (paywall)
Bill Landis, Dotting the Eyes
True freshman RBs James Peoples, Sam Williams-Dixon ready to step up in 2024
Andy Backstrom, Lettermen Row
Quick hits: James Laurinaitis Calls Cody Simon the “Unquestioned Leader” of Ohio State’s Linebacker Room, C.J. Hicks Wants to Generate More Sacks and Tackles for Loss This Year
Chase Brown, Dan Hope, Garrick Hodge, and Andy Anders, Eleven Warriors
Ohio State LB coach James Laurinaitis on competition between Styles, Hicks | Thoughts on Simon, Powers, Reese
Dave Biddle, Bucknuts
With blitzing his calling card, OSU LB C.J. Hicks is ready to blossom
Bill Rabinowitz, The Columbus Dispatch
Styles on going from safety to Will: ‘Playing linebacker is a mindset’
Steve Helwagen, Bucknuts
Can Ohio State re-open former Florida pipeline with top-ranked 2026 athlete?
Caleb Houser, Land-Grant Holy Land
Artistic Swimming: Hunter, Remati Earn Silver for Team USA
Ohio State Athletics
Sure looks synchronized to me:
Ok, how about some moresynchronized artistic swimming?
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
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 to the Land-Grant Podcast Network for all of your Ohio State needs
Matt Tamanini, Land-Grant Holy Land
Subscribe: RSS | Apple | Spotify | iHeart Radio
Today’s Player to Watch
Donovan Jackson enters his senior season as the leader of the Ohio State offensive line
Brett Ludwiczak, Land-Grant Holy Land
On the Gridiron
NCAA issues suspension and show-cause penalty to Jim Harbaugh for Michigan recruiting violations
Kari Anderson and Nick Bromberg, Yahoo! Sports
Ohio State social media reacts to Jim Harbaugh’s suspension, show-cause
John Leuzzi, USA Today Network
What do you still want to know about the Buckeyes during preseason camp?
Matt Tamanini, Land-Grant Holy Land
Iron Sharpens Iron:
Iron Sharpens Iron
@Jermiah_Smith1 x @DaveIgbinosun pic.twitter.com/x5Okmkevh2
— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) August 7, 2024
Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith leads group of 10 ‘Iron Buckeyes’ in 2024 offseason
Patrick Murphy, Bucknuts
Ohio State Wide Receiver Emeka Egbuka Named to Biletnikoff Award Watch List
Chase Brown, Eleven Warriors
Buckeyes freshman safety Jaylen McClain sheds black stripe
Spencer Holbrook, Lettermen Row
Quick Hits: Carlos Locklyn Expresses Confidence in Ohio State’s Running Back Room, TreVeyon Henderson Calls Quinshon Judkins a “Great Back”
Chase Brown, Dan Hope, Garrick Hodge, and Andy Anders, Eleven Warriors
Key camp takeaways from Carlos Locklyn, Ohio State running backs (paywall)
Bill Landis, Dotting the Eyes
True freshman RBs James Peoples, Sam Williams-Dixon ready to step up in 2024
Andy Backstrom, Lettermen Row
Quick hits: James Laurinaitis Calls Cody Simon the “Unquestioned Leader” of Ohio State’s Linebacker Room, C.J. Hicks Wants to Generate More Sacks and Tackles for Loss This Year
Chase Brown, Dan Hope, Garrick Hodge, and Andy Anders, Eleven Warriors
Ohio State LB coach James Laurinaitis on competition between Styles, Hicks | Thoughts on Simon, Powers, Reese
Dave Biddle, Bucknuts
With blitzing his calling card, OSU LB C.J. Hicks is ready to blossom
Bill Rabinowitz, The Columbus Dispatch
Styles on going from safety to Will: ‘Playing linebacker is a mindset’
Steve Helwagen, Bucknuts
Can Ohio State re-open former Florida pipeline with top-ranked 2026 athlete?
Caleb Houser, Land-Grant Holy Land
Outside the Shoe and Schott
Artistic Swimming: Hunter, Remati Earn Silver for Team USA
Ohio State Athletics
Sure looks synchronized to me:
And now for something completely different...
Ok, how about some more
Continue reading...
LGHL Tegra Tshabola is on tap to become Ohio State’s 2024 breakout player
- News
- 0 Replies
Tegra Tshabola is on tap to become Ohio State’s 2024 breakout player
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 Ben Jackson/Getty Images
The homegrown Ohio product has not seen the field often for Ohio State but offers tantalizing potential
Every day from now until the start of the season, Land-Grant Holy Land is highlighting Ohio State football players that you should be watching this season. Check out all of our ”Player to Watch” articles to get ready for the season opener against Akron.
The 2024 Ohio State Buckeyes are inarguably one of the most talented teams in all of college football. That being said, Ryan Day’s squad is not without questions/question marks. At tight end, linebacker, and especially along the offensive line. The latter is especially concerning when one considers that the Buckeyes actually return four of five starters along said OL.
Generally speaking, teams returning 80% of a(ny) starting unit are more confident than not and look forward to running it back with a core group that is older, wiser, and more experienced. However, I’m not sure that is the case with or for OSU. Sure, the left side seems like a decent foundation from which Justin Frye and the Buckeyes can build, but we’re not talking about an (almost entirely intact) OL group that lit the world on fire last season. Even with Donovan Jackson and Josh Simmons. If anything, I would argue that the entire unit significantly regressed from 2022 to 2023 and failed to show much improvement late in the year.
Now, folks opposed to my argument would likely point out that Jackson, Josh Fryar, and Matt Jones (all) earned All-Big Ten recognition, while Simmons finished with a higher pass block grade than any of them. Those same folks might also bring up the fact that Ohio State quarterbacks were “only” sacked 23 times last season, with four of those coming in the team’s disastrous Cotton Bowl performance... When guys were playing out of position and/or for the first time in a meaningful moment. But I watched the games. I watched that group struggle against teams with a pulse.
Fortunately, the upcoming 2024 season presents an opportunity for OSU’s big men to communicate better, execute more consistently, and change the narrative surrounding their collective performance. Something(s) I think they can and will do, but only if Frye pushes the right buttons and comes up with the best alignment/cohesive five-man unit.
Simmons, Jackson, Fryar, and Alabama transfer Seth McLaughlin appear to be locks for the starting group, leaving one open spot, which I believe should go to the Buckeyes’ highest-rated OL recruit (per 247Sports) since 2021: Tegra Tshabola.
Ohio’s top-rated offensive lineman in the 2022 recruiting class, Tshabola boasts ideal measurables and seems capable of playing tackle or guard, making him hypothetically interchangeable with Fryar on the right side. However, despite his massive build and assumed positional versatility, he has not earned or been given reps at either position. Or any position, for that matter.
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25546979/usa_today_21184656.jpg)
Doral Chenoweth / USA TODAY NETWORK
The third-year player from West Chester (OH) has played just 84 total snaps in Columbus, almost all during “garbage time”. Last season, Tshabola finished eighth in snaps among Ohio State’s offensive linemen, behind the team’s starters, Enokk Vimahi, and then true-freshman Luke Montgomery. But I have a hunch that Tshabola’s place in the pecking order will change and/or improve drastically in 2024, thanks in part to a new and possibly improved approach.
While none of the OSU coaches have seemingly ever had a negative thing to say about Tshabola, his performance, or his approach, their past praise was not what I would describe as effusive. But this spring, Frye specifically has been very complimentary of Tshabola, touting the latter’s new “nobody cares” mantra; which is not rooted in apathy but rather a desire to ignore or eliminate excuses and negativity.
As for Tshabola’s fit or role along the Buckeyes’ OL in 2024, I believe that he is or should be the team’s first choice to replace Jones at right guard. There, Tshabola would presumably be sandwiched between McLaughlin and Fryar, giving the former a greater margin for error — due to the experience of his running mates. And at 6-foot-6, nearly 330 pounds, Tshabola would give Ohio State a massive mauler on the interior, as opposed to the smaller albeit quicker and likely more athletic Montgomery.
OSU and its coaches might prefer a quicker, more athletic guard, but it never hurts to have a guy out there who is just bigger than every other player on the field. Especially if the Buckeyes plan to really pound the rock. If that turns out to be the case, then Montgomery, while uber-talented, probably needs to continue adding weight to his 305-pound frame. Tshabola, on the other hand, is already built and assembled to toss around opposing defensive linemen.
So keep an eye on Tegra Tshabola as summer winds down and fall approaches, as he could be the missing piece of Ohio State’s OL puzzle. At the very least, he should be a swing piece on either side. But I fully believe that his ceiling is much, much higher.
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 Ben Jackson/Getty Images
The homegrown Ohio product has not seen the field often for Ohio State but offers tantalizing potential
Every day from now until the start of the season, Land-Grant Holy Land is highlighting Ohio State football players that you should be watching this season. Check out all of our ”Player to Watch” articles to get ready for the season opener against Akron.
The 2024 Ohio State Buckeyes are inarguably one of the most talented teams in all of college football. That being said, Ryan Day’s squad is not without questions/question marks. At tight end, linebacker, and especially along the offensive line. The latter is especially concerning when one considers that the Buckeyes actually return four of five starters along said OL.
Generally speaking, teams returning 80% of a(ny) starting unit are more confident than not and look forward to running it back with a core group that is older, wiser, and more experienced. However, I’m not sure that is the case with or for OSU. Sure, the left side seems like a decent foundation from which Justin Frye and the Buckeyes can build, but we’re not talking about an (almost entirely intact) OL group that lit the world on fire last season. Even with Donovan Jackson and Josh Simmons. If anything, I would argue that the entire unit significantly regressed from 2022 to 2023 and failed to show much improvement late in the year.
Now, folks opposed to my argument would likely point out that Jackson, Josh Fryar, and Matt Jones (all) earned All-Big Ten recognition, while Simmons finished with a higher pass block grade than any of them. Those same folks might also bring up the fact that Ohio State quarterbacks were “only” sacked 23 times last season, with four of those coming in the team’s disastrous Cotton Bowl performance... When guys were playing out of position and/or for the first time in a meaningful moment. But I watched the games. I watched that group struggle against teams with a pulse.
Fortunately, the upcoming 2024 season presents an opportunity for OSU’s big men to communicate better, execute more consistently, and change the narrative surrounding their collective performance. Something(s) I think they can and will do, but only if Frye pushes the right buttons and comes up with the best alignment/cohesive five-man unit.
Simmons, Jackson, Fryar, and Alabama transfer Seth McLaughlin appear to be locks for the starting group, leaving one open spot, which I believe should go to the Buckeyes’ highest-rated OL recruit (per 247Sports) since 2021: Tegra Tshabola.
Ohio’s top-rated offensive lineman in the 2022 recruiting class, Tshabola boasts ideal measurables and seems capable of playing tackle or guard, making him hypothetically interchangeable with Fryar on the right side. However, despite his massive build and assumed positional versatility, he has not earned or been given reps at either position. Or any position, for that matter.
The third-year player from West Chester (OH) has played just 84 total snaps in Columbus, almost all during “garbage time”. Last season, Tshabola finished eighth in snaps among Ohio State’s offensive linemen, behind the team’s starters, Enokk Vimahi, and then true-freshman Luke Montgomery. But I have a hunch that Tshabola’s place in the pecking order will change and/or improve drastically in 2024, thanks in part to a new and possibly improved approach.
While none of the OSU coaches have seemingly ever had a negative thing to say about Tshabola, his performance, or his approach, their past praise was not what I would describe as effusive. But this spring, Frye specifically has been very complimentary of Tshabola, touting the latter’s new “nobody cares” mantra; which is not rooted in apathy but rather a desire to ignore or eliminate excuses and negativity.
As for Tshabola’s fit or role along the Buckeyes’ OL in 2024, I believe that he is or should be the team’s first choice to replace Jones at right guard. There, Tshabola would presumably be sandwiched between McLaughlin and Fryar, giving the former a greater margin for error — due to the experience of his running mates. And at 6-foot-6, nearly 330 pounds, Tshabola would give Ohio State a massive mauler on the interior, as opposed to the smaller albeit quicker and likely more athletic Montgomery.
OSU and its coaches might prefer a quicker, more athletic guard, but it never hurts to have a guy out there who is just bigger than every other player on the field. Especially if the Buckeyes plan to really pound the rock. If that turns out to be the case, then Montgomery, while uber-talented, probably needs to continue adding weight to his 305-pound frame. Tshabola, on the other hand, is already built and assembled to toss around opposing defensive linemen.
So keep an eye on Tegra Tshabola as summer winds down and fall approaches, as he could be the missing piece of Ohio State’s OL puzzle. At the very least, he should be a swing piece on either side. But I fully believe that his ceiling is much, much higher.
Continue reading...
LGHL I-80 Football Show: How successful can USC and Washington be in year one in the Big Ten?
- News
- 0 Replies
I-80 Football Show: How successful can USC and Washington be in year one in the Big Ten?
JordanW330 via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images
Jordan and Dante continue previewing the 2024 Big Ten Conference by looking at the mid-tier contenders.
Welcome to a new episode of Land-Grant Podcast Network’s I-80 Football Show. On this show, we travel down I-80 to talk all things Big Ten Football. After every week of action, we will catch you up on all the conference’s games and look ahead at the matchups, storylines, and players you should be paying attention to for the next week. My name is Jordan Williams, and I am joined by my co-host Dante Morgan.
Rutgers, we’re ready to get hurt again. After believing in Minnesota and Illinois to rise and conquer the Big Ten West just to be left heartbroken when those teams underachieve, Jordan is ready to put his faith in Rutgers.
With an upgrade at quarterback, a small one but an upgrade nonetheless, another strong defense, and Kyle Monagai to lead the rushing attack, Rutgers should be in a position to capitalize on a weak schedule, and dare we say flirt with double-digit wins?
Wisconsin struggled in year one under Luke Fickell and there are still question marks on the Phil Longo hire but the Badgers should bounce back in year two of the Fickell tenure. Wisconsin is having to replace stud running back Braelon Allen and is hoping that transfer quarterback Tyler Van Dyke can live up to his promise, but they have a very talented defense and are bringing back three starters on the offensive line.
Luke Fickell is one of the best coaches in the country, Wisconsin could be a tough team to beat in 2024, the only thing getting in their way is the football scheduling gods.
USC and Washington are entering the Big Ten in a precarious position. Washington was in the national championship game, but is replacing almost every starter from its national title run and its head coach after Kalen Deboer headed to Alabama to replace Nick Saban.
Lincoln Riley and USC are coming off a 7-5 regular season after losing five of its last six games to end the 2023 season. Riley is losing star quarterback Caleb Williams and is breaking in an entirely new defensive staff. There has been a lot of hype around USC in the Riley tenure, but 2024 looks like it may be too much to overcome while facing tougher competition in the Big Ten.
Follow the show on YouTube: @JordanW330
Follow the podcast on Instagram: @I80FootballShow
Connect with us on Twitter: Jordan: @JordanW330 and Dante: @DanteM10216
Continue reading...
JordanW330 via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images
Jordan and Dante continue previewing the 2024 Big Ten Conference by looking at the mid-tier contenders.
Welcome to a new episode of Land-Grant Podcast Network’s I-80 Football Show. On this show, we travel down I-80 to talk all things Big Ten Football. After every week of action, we will catch you up on all the conference’s games and look ahead at the matchups, storylines, and players you should be paying attention to for the next week. My name is Jordan Williams, and I am joined by my co-host Dante Morgan.
Rutgers, we’re ready to get hurt again. After believing in Minnesota and Illinois to rise and conquer the Big Ten West just to be left heartbroken when those teams underachieve, Jordan is ready to put his faith in Rutgers.
With an upgrade at quarterback, a small one but an upgrade nonetheless, another strong defense, and Kyle Monagai to lead the rushing attack, Rutgers should be in a position to capitalize on a weak schedule, and dare we say flirt with double-digit wins?
Wisconsin struggled in year one under Luke Fickell and there are still question marks on the Phil Longo hire but the Badgers should bounce back in year two of the Fickell tenure. Wisconsin is having to replace stud running back Braelon Allen and is hoping that transfer quarterback Tyler Van Dyke can live up to his promise, but they have a very talented defense and are bringing back three starters on the offensive line.
Luke Fickell is one of the best coaches in the country, Wisconsin could be a tough team to beat in 2024, the only thing getting in their way is the football scheduling gods.
USC and Washington are entering the Big Ten in a precarious position. Washington was in the national championship game, but is replacing almost every starter from its national title run and its head coach after Kalen Deboer headed to Alabama to replace Nick Saban.
Lincoln Riley and USC are coming off a 7-5 regular season after losing five of its last six games to end the 2023 season. Riley is losing star quarterback Caleb Williams and is breaking in an entirely new defensive staff. There has been a lot of hype around USC in the Riley tenure, but 2024 looks like it may be too much to overcome while facing tougher competition in the Big Ten.
Follow the show on YouTube: @JordanW330
Follow the podcast on Instagram: @I80FootballShow
Connect with us on Twitter: Jordan: @JordanW330 and Dante: @DanteM10216
Continue reading...
LGHL Introducing Ohio State’s Jaloni Cambridge and how she could make an instant impact
- News
- 0 Replies
Introducing Ohio State’s Jaloni Cambridge and how she could make an instant impact
ThomasCostello via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Photo by Brian Spurlock/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
The path Cambridge took to Columbus and what her future holds
On April 5, Florida’s Montverde Academy saw itself in a tough position. With 3.9 seconds remaining in the high school national semifinal, the No. 4 seeded back-to-back defending high school national champions were down 78-77. Seconds away from ending an incredible dynasty run of success at the top level of high school basketball.
Enter Jaloni Cambridge.
Catching a lobbing pass on the wing, Cambridge turned on the jets. The senior sped directly towards the basket before pulling up and hitting a running jump shot, securing Montverde Academy a spot in the national championship game.
It was just another day for Cambridge, leading her team with 33 points in that dramatic semifinal. That performance followed a triple-double of 19 points, 14 rebounds and 12 assists in the quarterfinal. All culminating in a third straight title on the back of a 17-point, nine-assist game by Cambridge in the title game.
That final high school tournament for Cambridge was especially exciting for Ohio State women’s basketball fans. After the guard committed to head coach Kevin McGuff’s side in December of 2023, the future of basketball in scarlet and gray hit a new level of hype.
After signing on March 1, the No. 2 overall prospect Cambridge already made program history becoming the highest ranked recruit in school history.
What Cambridge brings to Ohio State not only fills a hole left by now-WNBA player Jacy Sheldon’s departure but keeps the Buckeyes in the conversation at the top of the Big Ten.
Cambridge’s ability is clear in the countless highlight reels, but how she fits into the team isn’t clear until she’s on it. This summer, Cambridge joined the Buckeyes for summer practice and the guard is as advertised.
“I think with her just her speed and quickness and ability to make plays, she makes everybody around her better,” said Coach McGuff. “And so her teammates really love playing with her.”
On the court, not many in the conference will compete with Cambridge for quickest but what makes Cambridge so dangerous is the ability to stay poised in that speed.
The freshman point guard gets to spots before defenders and sees plays develop on the court. When it comes time to make a decision on the offensive half of the court, Cambridge can go one of many directions.
First, Cambridge can score. The quickness means charging into the paint and moving around defenders, but that skill combined with three-level shooting ability keeps opponents guessing. Will Cambridge go to the hoop? Take a three? Pull up for a midrange jumper? Cambridge has the ability to hit them all.
Then there’s finding teammates. Cambridge was the No. 1 point guard in the 2024 class for a reason. The guard averaged 6.6 assists per game as a high school senior, playing with other top prospects. Now Cambridge has a team including stars like guard Chance Gray and forwards Cotie McMahon and Taylor Thierry.
There’s also a returning teammate who Cambridge knows well — her sister Kennedy Cambridge. After transferring to Ohio State before the 2023-24 season, Kennedy became one of the reasons Jaloni will play a majority of her games in Columbus, Ohio this season.
Cambridge is the youngest of nine siblings, all playing basketball in the footsteps of their dad, and former Alabama A&M legend, Desmond Cambridge.
Jaloni and Kennedy reunite after playing three seasons together at the Ensworth School in Tennessee, with the youngest Cambridge transferring to Montverde Academy for her final high school season.
Playing on the varsity team as an eighth grader, Jaloni played alongside her now-Ohio State teammate Kennedy for two state championships in Tennessee. It’s a partnership that was a determining factor in Cambridge to choosing Ohio State in the first place.
That partnership gives Cambridge an advantage at the college level. Already knowing the ins and outs of one of your teammates. Add that to the hard work that earned her MaxPrep’s National Player of the Year award for the 23-24 high school season and its a competitive advantage for the Big Ten side.
Even so, like any young prospect, adjusting to the college game is a process. Although Cambridge’s ceiling isn’t visible to the naked eye, coach McGuff’s approach is natural for someone in her position.
“I don’t want to over overhype it because we haven’t played a game yet,” said McGuff. “And I don’t want to put undue pressure on her because but I do see a bright, bright future ahead for her.”
When Ohio State does start to play this fall, there’s a strong possibility that Cambridge is a big piece of the puzzle.
For the last four years, McGuff’s had the luxury of a veteran side who are game tested. Following the Buckeyes’ early exit in the second round of the NCAA Tournament, six upperclassmen left the program, with five exhausting NCAA eligibility.
Cambridge’s experience playing with and against the best in high school basketball, plus history with Team USA’s youth system and countless showcases like the McDonald’s All-American Game and Nike Hoops Summit under her belt, makes her the likely starting pick.
Ohio State plays a system that mirrors the type of player Cambridge is on the court. The Scarlet & Gray like to run on offense and pressure on defense. Cambridge, who also averaged three steals per game, can do everything needed to help Ohio State continue to excel in the NCAA.
Now, fans hope Cambridge and Buckeyes are building a side that can do what the program has never done before — winning a national title of their own.
Continue reading...
ThomasCostello via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Photo by Brian Spurlock/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
The path Cambridge took to Columbus and what her future holds
On April 5, Florida’s Montverde Academy saw itself in a tough position. With 3.9 seconds remaining in the high school national semifinal, the No. 4 seeded back-to-back defending high school national champions were down 78-77. Seconds away from ending an incredible dynasty run of success at the top level of high school basketball.
Enter Jaloni Cambridge.
Catching a lobbing pass on the wing, Cambridge turned on the jets. The senior sped directly towards the basket before pulling up and hitting a running jump shot, securing Montverde Academy a spot in the national championship game.
It was just another day for Cambridge, leading her team with 33 points in that dramatic semifinal. That performance followed a triple-double of 19 points, 14 rebounds and 12 assists in the quarterfinal. All culminating in a third straight title on the back of a 17-point, nine-assist game by Cambridge in the title game.
That final high school tournament for Cambridge was especially exciting for Ohio State women’s basketball fans. After the guard committed to head coach Kevin McGuff’s side in December of 2023, the future of basketball in scarlet and gray hit a new level of hype.
After signing on March 1, the No. 2 overall prospect Cambridge already made program history becoming the highest ranked recruit in school history.
What Cambridge brings to Ohio State not only fills a hole left by now-WNBA player Jacy Sheldon’s departure but keeps the Buckeyes in the conversation at the top of the Big Ten.
Cambridge’s ability is clear in the countless highlight reels, but how she fits into the team isn’t clear until she’s on it. This summer, Cambridge joined the Buckeyes for summer practice and the guard is as advertised.
“I think with her just her speed and quickness and ability to make plays, she makes everybody around her better,” said Coach McGuff. “And so her teammates really love playing with her.”
On the court, not many in the conference will compete with Cambridge for quickest but what makes Cambridge so dangerous is the ability to stay poised in that speed.
The freshman point guard gets to spots before defenders and sees plays develop on the court. When it comes time to make a decision on the offensive half of the court, Cambridge can go one of many directions.
First, Cambridge can score. The quickness means charging into the paint and moving around defenders, but that skill combined with three-level shooting ability keeps opponents guessing. Will Cambridge go to the hoop? Take a three? Pull up for a midrange jumper? Cambridge has the ability to hit them all.
Then there’s finding teammates. Cambridge was the No. 1 point guard in the 2024 class for a reason. The guard averaged 6.6 assists per game as a high school senior, playing with other top prospects. Now Cambridge has a team including stars like guard Chance Gray and forwards Cotie McMahon and Taylor Thierry.
There’s also a returning teammate who Cambridge knows well — her sister Kennedy Cambridge. After transferring to Ohio State before the 2023-24 season, Kennedy became one of the reasons Jaloni will play a majority of her games in Columbus, Ohio this season.
Cambridge is the youngest of nine siblings, all playing basketball in the footsteps of their dad, and former Alabama A&M legend, Desmond Cambridge.
Jaloni and Kennedy reunite after playing three seasons together at the Ensworth School in Tennessee, with the youngest Cambridge transferring to Montverde Academy for her final high school season.
Playing on the varsity team as an eighth grader, Jaloni played alongside her now-Ohio State teammate Kennedy for two state championships in Tennessee. It’s a partnership that was a determining factor in Cambridge to choosing Ohio State in the first place.
That partnership gives Cambridge an advantage at the college level. Already knowing the ins and outs of one of your teammates. Add that to the hard work that earned her MaxPrep’s National Player of the Year award for the 23-24 high school season and its a competitive advantage for the Big Ten side.
5️ Jaloni Cambridge CALLED GAME
The Ohio State commit put uppoints against no. 1 LuHi and Montverde is championship bound
#ChipotleNationals pic.twitter.com/k4N7sSuCnd
— SportsCenter NEXT (@SCNext) April 5, 2024
Even so, like any young prospect, adjusting to the college game is a process. Although Cambridge’s ceiling isn’t visible to the naked eye, coach McGuff’s approach is natural for someone in her position.
“I don’t want to over overhype it because we haven’t played a game yet,” said McGuff. “And I don’t want to put undue pressure on her because but I do see a bright, bright future ahead for her.”
When Ohio State does start to play this fall, there’s a strong possibility that Cambridge is a big piece of the puzzle.
For the last four years, McGuff’s had the luxury of a veteran side who are game tested. Following the Buckeyes’ early exit in the second round of the NCAA Tournament, six upperclassmen left the program, with five exhausting NCAA eligibility.
Cambridge’s experience playing with and against the best in high school basketball, plus history with Team USA’s youth system and countless showcases like the McDonald’s All-American Game and Nike Hoops Summit under her belt, makes her the likely starting pick.
Ohio State plays a system that mirrors the type of player Cambridge is on the court. The Scarlet & Gray like to run on offense and pressure on defense. Cambridge, who also averaged three steals per game, can do everything needed to help Ohio State continue to excel in the NCAA.
Now, fans hope Cambridge and Buckeyes are building a side that can do what the program has never done before — winning a national title of their own.
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LGHL Saturday’s commitment for four-star safety looms large for Ohio State’s plans in 2025 class
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Saturday’s commitment for four-star safety looms large for Ohio State’s plans in 2025 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
Messiah Delhomme | 247Sports
Four-star safety Messiah Delhomme is set to announce this weekend.
The Buckeyes continue to put solid work days in the book as they prepare for the 2024 campaign, and hearing from more staffers on Wednesday, this team is really taking shape. It’s been known how talented this roster is for months, and seeing the on-field production further helps the case that this team group competes for it all if they stay healthy.
Knowing the quarterback spot is the one that’s being watched the closest, it does look as if the cream is rising to the top as it gets farther along in camp. It’s never an easy decision to navigate a room this talented, but with Will Howard looking the part as of late, it does seem as if he’ll be the likely choice in the end — potentially even soon.
At every other spot, especially on defense, this squad is clicking, and is poised to show off all that they have to offer in just a few short weeks. It’s going to be tough staying patient until the first game, but when the time comes it’s going to be as fun as it gets to see a revamped roster that’s hungry to right the wrongs of the last few seasons.
Ohio State currently has a solid stable of safety commits in their 2025 class. Three at the position in the fold thus far, the most notable and highest-ranked safety commit for the Buckeyes is Faheem Delane, but both Cody Haddad and DeShawn Stewart are no slouches of their own.
A great haul even if the staff stands pat, the Buckeyes don’t look to be totally done adding to the back end of their defense. A decision coming this weekend should give insight into the numbers Ohio State is looking at taking specifically at the safety position.
In most years, when Ohio is home to the top-ranked safety in the country who is also a Buckeye legacy, one would think it would be fairly easy commitment to land for Ohio State. Trey McNutt choosing Oregon over the Buckeyes last weekend shows the recruiting world in 2024. Hard to complain, Ohio State’s top-ranked class has the three aforementioned players they’re thrilled to have, and those commits soften the blow that McNutt chose to head elsewhere.
Looking ahead, it’s been a plan all along that McNutt would visit the Buckeyes this fall after not taking an official visit this summer, but maybe the Oregon pledge changes his plans. At any rate, Ohio State would take McNutt in a hurry, but if he’s indeed out, the focus has been on Virginia native, Messiah Delhomme for a while now.
Set to announce his college plans on Saturday, Ohio State is one of those finalists and will be battling down the stretch to see where he lands. The No. 192 player nationally and 16th best safety in the class per the 247Sports Composite, a fourth safety may not be needed, but in today’s world of roster management it doesn’t hurt to stockpile top talent, especially when the defensive scheme for the Buckeyes relies so heavily on that safety spot.
Maryland, Virginia Tech, and Ohio State are the schools he will decide between, and knowing his plans in the next couple of days should determine whether the Buckeyes are done and set at the position or if they’ll continue trying to pursue other options, including the potential to get McNutt back on campus this fall even if that’s a stretch.
Continue reading...
Caleb Houser via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Messiah Delhomme | 247Sports
Four-star safety Messiah Delhomme is set to announce this weekend.
The Buckeyes continue to put solid work days in the book as they prepare for the 2024 campaign, and hearing from more staffers on Wednesday, this team is really taking shape. It’s been known how talented this roster is for months, and seeing the on-field production further helps the case that this team group competes for it all if they stay healthy.
Knowing the quarterback spot is the one that’s being watched the closest, it does look as if the cream is rising to the top as it gets farther along in camp. It’s never an easy decision to navigate a room this talented, but with Will Howard looking the part as of late, it does seem as if he’ll be the likely choice in the end — potentially even soon.
At every other spot, especially on defense, this squad is clicking, and is poised to show off all that they have to offer in just a few short weeks. It’s going to be tough staying patient until the first game, but when the time comes it’s going to be as fun as it gets to see a revamped roster that’s hungry to right the wrongs of the last few seasons.
2025 safety target set for Saturday decision date
Ohio State currently has a solid stable of safety commits in their 2025 class. Three at the position in the fold thus far, the most notable and highest-ranked safety commit for the Buckeyes is Faheem Delane, but both Cody Haddad and DeShawn Stewart are no slouches of their own.
A great haul even if the staff stands pat, the Buckeyes don’t look to be totally done adding to the back end of their defense. A decision coming this weekend should give insight into the numbers Ohio State is looking at taking specifically at the safety position.
In most years, when Ohio is home to the top-ranked safety in the country who is also a Buckeye legacy, one would think it would be fairly easy commitment to land for Ohio State. Trey McNutt choosing Oregon over the Buckeyes last weekend shows the recruiting world in 2024. Hard to complain, Ohio State’s top-ranked class has the three aforementioned players they’re thrilled to have, and those commits soften the blow that McNutt chose to head elsewhere.
Looking ahead, it’s been a plan all along that McNutt would visit the Buckeyes this fall after not taking an official visit this summer, but maybe the Oregon pledge changes his plans. At any rate, Ohio State would take McNutt in a hurry, but if he’s indeed out, the focus has been on Virginia native, Messiah Delhomme for a while now.
Set to announce his college plans on Saturday, Ohio State is one of those finalists and will be battling down the stretch to see where he lands. The No. 192 player nationally and 16th best safety in the class per the 247Sports Composite, a fourth safety may not be needed, but in today’s world of roster management it doesn’t hurt to stockpile top talent, especially when the defensive scheme for the Buckeyes relies so heavily on that safety spot.
Maryland, Virginia Tech, and Ohio State are the schools he will decide between, and knowing his plans in the next couple of days should determine whether the Buckeyes are done and set at the position or if they’ll continue trying to pursue other options, including the potential to get McNutt back on campus this fall even if that’s a stretch.
Continue reading...
LGHL Can Ohio State re-open former Florida pipeline with top-ranked 2026 athlete?
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Can Ohio State re-open former Florida pipeline with top-ranked 2026 athlete?
Caleb Houser via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Justice Fitzpatrick | 247Sports
Ohio State has offered, but can they get in the mix for Justice Fitzpatrick?
Fort Lauderdale’s St. Thomas Aquinas in Florida is one of the more well-known prep football programs in the country year after year, and a school that has national status each season. Ohio State is no stranger to this South Florida powerhouse, but it has been a while since the Buckeyes were able to profit off of their recruiting pipeline.
The same school that gave Ohio State Joey and Nick Bosa and Damon Arnette, the Buckeyes were also fortunate to land Trevon Grimes from STA before he elected to return closer to home. Again, it has been a few cycles now since Ohio State landed a player with St. Thomas Aquinas ties, and that’s not for a lack of trying.
Top targets such as Jordan Battle are the first to come to mind when it came down to Ohio State and Alabama on National Signing Day in 2019, but there’s plenty of other names that the Buckeyes have been after, further proving this school as one of the more impressive recruiting grounds the country has to offer. Ohio State would love to re-open the pipeline that has been kind to the program in the past, but less so as of late.
Knowing the talent St. Thomas Aquinas produces each recruiting class, Ohio State isn’t going to stop looking around any time soon. With a staff that dominates in the state of Florida on the recruiting trail, it makes sense to keep trying their luck at STA, and in the 2026 class there’s already one player the Buckeyes have offered.
Four-star athlete Justice Fitzpatrick was offered way back in January 2023, so the Buckeyes have been in on this prospect for some time now. A 6-foot-1, 185 pound two-way player, Fitzpatrick is currently the No. 35 player nationally and the third-best cornerback in the 2026 class per the 247Sports Composite. Lining up at receiver for St. Thomas Aquinas as well, Fitzpatrick is as polished as they come — though he most likely translates to the defensive side of the ball at the next level.
With 30 offers to his name from the likes of Alabama, Auburn, Florida State, Georgia, LSU, Oregon, USC, and plenty more notable programs, Fitzpatrick is going to be pursued by seemingly every top school in the country. Ohio State is banking on the fact that they were one of the first to throw their name into the mix, but getting him to campus is the goal moving forward if they are to have a real chance.
From watching just a glimpse of his film, the athleticism is clearly there, but it’s the football IQ that really takes precedence. Regardless of the coverage, Fitzpatrick does his job and does it well. Whether it’s a man coverage look where he’s locked in on the outside receiver or in cover three and four where he can’t be beat deep, Justice is in the right spots. His footwork and ability to flip his hips and run tells you the cross-training and playing receiver definitely helps him as a defensive player.
Set for what should be another strong campaign as just a high school junior this fall, the recruiting process should really start to ramp up. Even with all those offers under his belt already, the 2026 cycle soon becoming the primary one has to correlate with Fitzpatrick getting more into the thick of things with who to visit and who is considered a top school.
Ohio State is likely to make the cut as they tend to do for most top players they offer, but if the Buckeyes want any chance at getting back in at St. Thomas Aquinas for the foreseeable future, it likely starts with paying close attention to Fitzpatrick and the rest of the players the prestigious prep power has to offer.
Continue reading...
Caleb Houser via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Justice Fitzpatrick | 247Sports
Ohio State has offered, but can they get in the mix for Justice Fitzpatrick?
Fort Lauderdale’s St. Thomas Aquinas in Florida is one of the more well-known prep football programs in the country year after year, and a school that has national status each season. Ohio State is no stranger to this South Florida powerhouse, but it has been a while since the Buckeyes were able to profit off of their recruiting pipeline.
The same school that gave Ohio State Joey and Nick Bosa and Damon Arnette, the Buckeyes were also fortunate to land Trevon Grimes from STA before he elected to return closer to home. Again, it has been a few cycles now since Ohio State landed a player with St. Thomas Aquinas ties, and that’s not for a lack of trying.
Top targets such as Jordan Battle are the first to come to mind when it came down to Ohio State and Alabama on National Signing Day in 2019, but there’s plenty of other names that the Buckeyes have been after, further proving this school as one of the more impressive recruiting grounds the country has to offer. Ohio State would love to re-open the pipeline that has been kind to the program in the past, but less so as of late.
Knowing the talent St. Thomas Aquinas produces each recruiting class, Ohio State isn’t going to stop looking around any time soon. With a staff that dominates in the state of Florida on the recruiting trail, it makes sense to keep trying their luck at STA, and in the 2026 class there’s already one player the Buckeyes have offered.
Four-star athlete Justice Fitzpatrick was offered way back in January 2023, so the Buckeyes have been in on this prospect for some time now. A 6-foot-1, 185 pound two-way player, Fitzpatrick is currently the No. 35 player nationally and the third-best cornerback in the 2026 class per the 247Sports Composite. Lining up at receiver for St. Thomas Aquinas as well, Fitzpatrick is as polished as they come — though he most likely translates to the defensive side of the ball at the next level.
With 30 offers to his name from the likes of Alabama, Auburn, Florida State, Georgia, LSU, Oregon, USC, and plenty more notable programs, Fitzpatrick is going to be pursued by seemingly every top school in the country. Ohio State is banking on the fact that they were one of the first to throw their name into the mix, but getting him to campus is the goal moving forward if they are to have a real chance.
From watching just a glimpse of his film, the athleticism is clearly there, but it’s the football IQ that really takes precedence. Regardless of the coverage, Fitzpatrick does his job and does it well. Whether it’s a man coverage look where he’s locked in on the outside receiver or in cover three and four where he can’t be beat deep, Justice is in the right spots. His footwork and ability to flip his hips and run tells you the cross-training and playing receiver definitely helps him as a defensive player.
Set for what should be another strong campaign as just a high school junior this fall, the recruiting process should really start to ramp up. Even with all those offers under his belt already, the 2026 cycle soon becoming the primary one has to correlate with Fitzpatrick getting more into the thick of things with who to visit and who is considered a top school.
Ohio State is likely to make the cut as they tend to do for most top players they offer, but if the Buckeyes want any chance at getting back in at St. Thomas Aquinas for the foreseeable future, it likely starts with paying close attention to Fitzpatrick and the rest of the players the prestigious prep power has to offer.
Continue reading...
Florida International University (FIU) Panthers (Official Thread)
- By ScriptOhio
- College Football
- 1 Replies
'Pitbull Stadium' comes to Miami as recording sensation, FIU agree to wide-ranging five-year, $6 million deal
The international recording artist will pay $1.2 million per year to FIU for the stadium naming rights
www.cbssports.com
'Pitbull Stadium' comes to Miami as recording sensation, FIU agree to wide-ranging five-year, $6 million deal
The international recording artist will pay $1.2 million per year to FIU for the stadium naming rights
FIU has reached an agreement with recording artist Pitbull for naming rights to its football stadium in Miami. Pitbull will pay the university $1.2 million per year over the next five years as the venue will be called "Pitbull Stadium." He will also have an option to renew the agreement for an additional five years.
This is believed to be the first naming rights agreement of its kind between a musician and a football stadium. Pitbull is often associated with the city of Miami -- going as far as nicknaming himself "Mr. 305" in reference to the Miami area code -- which makes a partnership between him and the only FBS team to play in Miami city limits a logical one.
FIU has been searching for relevance in the highly competitive market since adopting an FBS football program in 2005. In 20 years, the Panthers have only four seasons where they finished above .500. However, coach Mike MacIntyre has been creative in finding ways to bring any level of excitement to the program. Last season, the Panthers released universally beloved "Miami Vice" inspired uniforms, which they donned in their game against UTEP. The program is 8-16 in two seasons under MacIntyre.
As part of the deal, Pitbull will create an anthem for FIU athletics, post on social media about FIU 12 times per year and appear at one fundraising event. In return, Pitbull will get fee-free use of the stadium for 10 days per year with a number of tickets put aside for FIU students. He also gets the right to designate a performer at halftime or postgame of a home game if he wishes.
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OK, is it a good deal or bad deal?
LGHL No Fall Weddings: Breaking down Ohio State’s schedule and predicting CFP teams
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No Fall Weddings: Breaking down Ohio State’s schedule and predicting CFP teams
Matt Tamanini via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Robert Goddin-USA TODAY Sports
Is Michigan or Penn State the Big Ten’s third CFP entrant?
Every week during the college football season, Matt Tamanini and Jami Jurich will be getting into all things Ohio State, previewing the weekend’s slate, unveiling their individual CFP rankings, and picking Heisman contenders on “No Fall Weddings.”
Listen to the episode and subscribe:
On the first episode of “No Fall Weddings” of the 2024 college football season, Jami Jurich and Matt Tamanini take stock of how things are looking for the Ohio State Buckeyes after a pretty quiet summer and an encouraging first four preseason practices. Unsurprisingly, both have the Bucks atop the Big Ten this season, but as they discuss the rest of the conference and their College Football Playoff predictions, they begin to differ elsewhere.
Jami and Matt both run through the 12 teams that they expect to make the CFP this season and wrap up the show with recommendations of non-college football things to watch this week.
Connect with Jami Jurich:
Twitter: @JamiJurich
Connect with Matt Tamanini:
Online Portfolio: https://authory.com/MattTamanini
Theme music provided by audiio.com
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
Robert Goddin-USA TODAY Sports
Is Michigan or Penn State the Big Ten’s third CFP entrant?
Every week during the college football season, Matt Tamanini and Jami Jurich will be getting into all things Ohio State, previewing the weekend’s slate, unveiling their individual CFP rankings, and picking Heisman contenders on “No Fall Weddings.”
Listen to the episode and subscribe:
Subscribe: RSS | Apple | Spotify | iHeart Radio
On the first episode of “No Fall Weddings” of the 2024 college football season, Jami Jurich and Matt Tamanini take stock of how things are looking for the Ohio State Buckeyes after a pretty quiet summer and an encouraging first four preseason practices. Unsurprisingly, both have the Bucks atop the Big Ten this season, but as they discuss the rest of the conference and their College Football Playoff predictions, they begin to differ elsewhere.
Jami and Matt both run through the 12 teams that they expect to make the CFP this season and wrap up the show with recommendations of non-college football things to watch this week.
Connect with Jami Jurich:
Twitter: @JamiJurich
Connect with Matt Tamanini:
Online Portfolio: https://authory.com/MattTamanini
Theme music provided by audiio.com
Continue reading...
