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LGHL Initial 2026 class rankings show Ohio is loaded with in-state targets
- News
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Initial 2026 class rankings show Ohio is loaded with in-state targets
Caleb Houser via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Barbara Perenic/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK
Ohio State will look to lock down their borders with how much talent resides within their own backyard.
Stop me if you’ve heard this before, but Brian Hartline is the best receivers coach in the country and it’s not particularly close. Both in on-field development and in his recruiting efforts, you’d be hard-pressed to find an assistant that pulls more weight than he does right now. The success his position group is having over the last several years is more than you can ask for, and it’s a trend that shows no sign of slowing down considering the elite talent he is bringing in year after year.
Though it’s early, the Buckeyes have already landed the commitment of in-state product, Christ Henry Jr. for their 2026 class, and on Wednesday he received one of the highest honors you can have for his position.
A 6-foot-5, 185 pound athlete, Henry Jr. is the son of the late Chris Henry Sr. and has the lineage that proves he destined for stardom on the football field. Thanks to 247Sports releasing the rankings for his class, Henry Jr. was named the No. 8 player nationally and the top receiver in the country. Also slotted as the top-ranked player in Ohio for 2026, the Buckeyes clearly are getting an elite talent once again for Hartline’s room, and considering how talented he is already, it’s scary to think how good he will be three years from now when he’s ready to step foot on campus.
At any rate, the beat goes on for the Buckeyes, Hartline, and the receiver position. The ability to land the nation’s best receiver in any given cycle has belonged to Ohio State more times than not, and 2026 is just the next year in line to make that the case.
Keeping in the 2026 class, the 247Sports rankings update not only gave the Buckeyes another No. 1 receiver commit, but it also proved that this class is going to be one of the deeper classes Ohio has seen for some time now. Home to four of the top 100 players in the country, the staff has always made their home state recruiting grounds the top priority. In this class, it will only be heightened as several positions of importance regardless of year are available.
Starting on the offensive line, 6-foot-5, 265 pound offensive tackle target Maxwell Riley was listed as the No. 14 player nationally, the third ranked offensive tackle, and the second best player in Ohio for 2026. An Avon Lake product, Riley already holds an offer from the Buckeyes, as well as from many other schools including Florida State, Michigan, Wisconsin, Penn State, Tennessee, and more.
The Buckeyes, though early, do hold the lone Crystal Ball prediction, and though there’s plenty of time to go in this recruitment, Ohio State being all over this one early and often bodes well for their chances of keeping him at home for his college career.
Next on the list, another top offensive tackle made the top 100 for 247Sports. 6-foot-8 290 pound Sam Greer already has incredible size for just a high school sophomore, so it’s easy to see why he was listed as the No. 78 player nationally and the 12th best offensive tackle for his cycle. Also the third ranked athlete in Ohio, Greer is another in-state native the Buckeyes have already extended an offer to.
With Michigan, Florida, Miami, and Purdue also on his offer list, Greer is due for a domino effect of several other programs to come calling, and the hope here is that position coach Justin Frye locks it down early with both Greer and the aforementioned Riley. If he can, that would be an incredible duo that means two of the nation’s top tackles are staying in-state. A feat that would be more than ideal, it’s a major focus for this staff.
Last but not least, the Buckeyes have one more in-state top 100 target they’ll certainly be paying close attention thanks to quarterback Nathan Bernhard. The 6-foot-5, 210 pound Ashland product fits the build of any elite pocket passer, and though Ohio State has yet to offer, Ryan Day does pretty darn well with his recruiting efforts. If the plan in 2025 was to go in-state and 2026 once again presented the same potential, this staff would surely have little to no issue making that happen.
As of right now, Ohio State has offered multiple signal callers in the 2026 class, with Julian Lewis being the most talked about, but Bernhard checks in as No. 80 player nationally and the eighth best QB in the country and is right in their backyard. Simply put, it always helps to have top talent right in Ohio.
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
Barbara Perenic/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK
Ohio State will look to lock down their borders with how much talent resides within their own backyard.
Stop me if you’ve heard this before, but Brian Hartline is the best receivers coach in the country and it’s not particularly close. Both in on-field development and in his recruiting efforts, you’d be hard-pressed to find an assistant that pulls more weight than he does right now. The success his position group is having over the last several years is more than you can ask for, and it’s a trend that shows no sign of slowing down considering the elite talent he is bringing in year after year.
Though it’s early, the Buckeyes have already landed the commitment of in-state product, Christ Henry Jr. for their 2026 class, and on Wednesday he received one of the highest honors you can have for his position.
A 6-foot-5, 185 pound athlete, Henry Jr. is the son of the late Chris Henry Sr. and has the lineage that proves he destined for stardom on the football field. Thanks to 247Sports releasing the rankings for his class, Henry Jr. was named the No. 8 player nationally and the top receiver in the country. Also slotted as the top-ranked player in Ohio for 2026, the Buckeyes clearly are getting an elite talent once again for Hartline’s room, and considering how talented he is already, it’s scary to think how good he will be three years from now when he’s ready to step foot on campus.
At any rate, the beat goes on for the Buckeyes, Hartline, and the receiver position. The ability to land the nation’s best receiver in any given cycle has belonged to Ohio State more times than not, and 2026 is just the next year in line to make that the case.
2026 in-state class is loaded with talent
Keeping in the 2026 class, the 247Sports rankings update not only gave the Buckeyes another No. 1 receiver commit, but it also proved that this class is going to be one of the deeper classes Ohio has seen for some time now. Home to four of the top 100 players in the country, the staff has always made their home state recruiting grounds the top priority. In this class, it will only be heightened as several positions of importance regardless of year are available.
Starting on the offensive line, 6-foot-5, 265 pound offensive tackle target Maxwell Riley was listed as the No. 14 player nationally, the third ranked offensive tackle, and the second best player in Ohio for 2026. An Avon Lake product, Riley already holds an offer from the Buckeyes, as well as from many other schools including Florida State, Michigan, Wisconsin, Penn State, Tennessee, and more.
The Buckeyes, though early, do hold the lone Crystal Ball prediction, and though there’s plenty of time to go in this recruitment, Ohio State being all over this one early and often bodes well for their chances of keeping him at home for his college career.
Next on the list, another top offensive tackle made the top 100 for 247Sports. 6-foot-8 290 pound Sam Greer already has incredible size for just a high school sophomore, so it’s easy to see why he was listed as the No. 78 player nationally and the 12th best offensive tackle for his cycle. Also the third ranked athlete in Ohio, Greer is another in-state native the Buckeyes have already extended an offer to.
With Michigan, Florida, Miami, and Purdue also on his offer list, Greer is due for a domino effect of several other programs to come calling, and the hope here is that position coach Justin Frye locks it down early with both Greer and the aforementioned Riley. If he can, that would be an incredible duo that means two of the nation’s top tackles are staying in-state. A feat that would be more than ideal, it’s a major focus for this staff.
Last but not least, the Buckeyes have one more in-state top 100 target they’ll certainly be paying close attention thanks to quarterback Nathan Bernhard. The 6-foot-5, 210 pound Ashland product fits the build of any elite pocket passer, and though Ohio State has yet to offer, Ryan Day does pretty darn well with his recruiting efforts. If the plan in 2025 was to go in-state and 2026 once again presented the same potential, this staff would surely have little to no issue making that happen.
As of right now, Ohio State has offered multiple signal callers in the 2026 class, with Julian Lewis being the most talked about, but Bernhard checks in as No. 80 player nationally and the eighth best QB in the country and is right in their backyard. Simply put, it always helps to have top talent right in Ohio.
Continue reading...
LGHL Why is this News? All the articles and tweets Buckeye fans need for August 17, 2023
- News
- 0 Replies
Why is this News? All the articles and tweets Buckeye fans need for August 17, 2023
Matt Tamanini via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
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
Ohio State Football Countdown: 16
Gene Ross, Land-Grant Holy Land
Coach Bailey & TEs Talk Fall Camp
Ohio State Athletics
Videos: Ohio State tight end interviews with Bailey, Stover, Royer, Scott
Patrick Murphy, Bucknuts
‘Gold’ tight ends give Keenan Bailey plenty of depth for Buckeyes
Spencer Holbrook, Lettermen Row
On and Off the Field, Ohio State Tight End Gee Scott Feels Je’s “The Best Version of Himself”
Andy Anders, Eleven Warriors
Who will be OSU’s center? Hinzman and Cutler are staking their claims
Bill Rabinowitz, The Columbus Dispatch
Two Buckeyes have black stripes removed
Patrick Murphy, Bucknuts
Dallan Hayden deserves at least a piece of the RB pie in 2023
Josh Dooley, Land-Grant Holy Land
Key camp takeaways from Justin Frye, Ohio State offensive line
Bill Landis, Dotting the Eyes
Ohio State’s cornerbacks are motivated, confident heading into 2023 season
Patrick Murphy, Bucknuts
Four Buckeyes pushing in training camp to make bigger impact
Austin Ward, Dotting the Eyes
With resurgent summer, dialed in Victor Cutler Jr. coming into his own at Ohio State (paywall)
Andy Backstrom, Lettermen Row
Which position battle is most interesting heading into Ohio State’s 2023 season?
Brett Ludwiczak and Matt Tamanini, Land-Grant Holy Land
Ohio State football places five players in 247Sports’ Top 100 for 2023 season
Raymond Lucas Jr., 247Sports
Ohio State commit Juni Mobley impresses Trey Burke in Kingdom League
Adam Jardy, The Columbus Dispatch
Wrestling: Buckeyes Earn Medals at U20 World Championships
Ohio State Athletics
Huh... well this is certainly something...
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
Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
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
Counting Down to Kickoff
Ohio State Football Countdown: 16
Gene Ross, Land-Grant Holy Land
On the Gridiron
Coach Bailey & TEs Talk Fall Camp
Ohio State Athletics
Videos: Ohio State tight end interviews with Bailey, Stover, Royer, Scott
Patrick Murphy, Bucknuts
‘Gold’ tight ends give Keenan Bailey plenty of depth for Buckeyes
Spencer Holbrook, Lettermen Row
On and Off the Field, Ohio State Tight End Gee Scott Feels Je’s “The Best Version of Himself”
Andy Anders, Eleven Warriors
Who will be OSU’s center? Hinzman and Cutler are staking their claims
Bill Rabinowitz, The Columbus Dispatch
Two Buckeyes have black stripes removed
Patrick Murphy, Bucknuts
Dallan Hayden deserves at least a piece of the RB pie in 2023
Josh Dooley, Land-Grant Holy Land
Key camp takeaways from Justin Frye, Ohio State offensive line
Bill Landis, Dotting the Eyes
Ohio State’s cornerbacks are motivated, confident heading into 2023 season
Patrick Murphy, Bucknuts
Four Buckeyes pushing in training camp to make bigger impact
Austin Ward, Dotting the Eyes
With resurgent summer, dialed in Victor Cutler Jr. coming into his own at Ohio State (paywall)
Andy Backstrom, Lettermen Row
Which position battle is most interesting heading into Ohio State’s 2023 season?
Brett Ludwiczak and Matt Tamanini, Land-Grant Holy Land
Ohio State football places five players in 247Sports’ Top 100 for 2023 season
Raymond Lucas Jr., 247Sports
On the Hardwood
Ohio State commit Juni Mobley impresses Trey Burke in Kingdom League
Adam Jardy, The Columbus Dispatch
Outside the Shoe and Schott
Wrestling: Buckeyes Earn Medals at U20 World Championships
Ohio State Athletics
And now for something completely different...
Huh... well this is certainly something...
Continue reading...
LGHL Ohio State Football Countdown: 16
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Ohio State Football Countdown: 16
Gene Ross via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Photo by Joe Robbins/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
One play or big moment per day as we count down to the start of Ohio State’s 2023 football season.
As we count down to the start of the 2023 season, we will be looking back at one play or big moment in Ohio State history over the past decade or so that corresponds to the remaining days left until Buckeyes take the field against Indiana on Sept. 2. There are 16 days remaining.
Usually these plays have focused on the receiver making the play — and in this case the wideout on the receiving end is a pretty good one! — but this play by CJ Stroud was simply too good to not be the focus of today’s countdown. We don’t have to talk about how this one ended, but Stroud had a fantastic game overall, passing for 348 yards and four touchdowns against one of the nation’s best defenses. If not for some injuries and a huge missed targeting/hit on a defenseless receiver call, Ohio State likely wins this one largely on the back of the performance by its star quarterback.
Continue reading...
Gene Ross via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Photo by Joe Robbins/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
One play or big moment per day as we count down to the start of Ohio State’s 2023 football season.
As we count down to the start of the 2023 season, we will be looking back at one play or big moment in Ohio State history over the past decade or so that corresponds to the remaining days left until Buckeyes take the field against Indiana on Sept. 2. There are 16 days remaining.
Play of the Day: CJ Stroud’s 16-yard TD pass vs. Georgia (2022)
Usually these plays have focused on the receiver making the play — and in this case the wideout on the receiving end is a pretty good one! — but this play by CJ Stroud was simply too good to not be the focus of today’s countdown. We don’t have to talk about how this one ended, but Stroud had a fantastic game overall, passing for 348 yards and four touchdowns against one of the nation’s best defenses. If not for some injuries and a huge missed targeting/hit on a defenseless receiver call, Ohio State likely wins this one largely on the back of the performance by its star quarterback.
Players to Wear the #16 (since 2010):
- Zach Domicone (2008-12)
- Evan Spencer (2011-12)
- Cam Burrows (2013-15)
- J.T. Barrett (2013-17)
- Keandre Jones (2016-18)
- Cade Stover (2019-21)
- Ryan Watts (2020)
- Mason Maggs (2022-present)
Continue reading...
LS Morrow Evans (Official Thread)
- By pnuts34
- Buckeye Football
- 7 Replies
247
Twitter
HudL
Class: 2024
Height: 6-foot-1
Weight: 215lbs
Position: Long Snapper
School: Belaire(TX) Episcopal
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HudL
Class: 2024
Height: 6-foot-1
Weight: 215lbs
Position: Long Snapper
School: Belaire(TX) Episcopal
Login to view embedded media
LGHL Why is this News? All the articles and tweets Buckeye fans need for August 16, 2023
- News
- 0 Replies
Why is this News? All the articles and tweets Buckeye fans need for August 16, 2023
Matt Tamanini 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
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
Ohio State Football Countdown: 18
Gene Ross, Land-Grant Holy Land
OSU guard Vimahi shares how one can help Hawaii wildfire victims
Bill Rabinowitz, The Columbus Dispatch
Coach Frye + OL Talk Fall Camp
Ohio State Athletics
Lessons Learned from Justin Frye about state of Ohio State O-Line halfway through camp (Paywall)
Andy Backstrom, Lettermen Row
Buckeyes closer to settling offensive line competitions
Joey Kaufman, The Columbus Dispatch
Frye on Buckeyes’ O-line | Why is Simmons standing out at LT?
Dave Biddle, Bucknuts
‘Physical’ Carson Hinzman building toward starting center role for Buckeyes (Paywall)
Spencer Holbrook, Lettermen Row
Four Buckeyes named to 2023 Lombardi Award watch list
Patrick Murphy, Bucknuts
Ohio State Linebacker Tommy Eichenberg and Defensive End J.T. Tuimoloau Among 86 Players on Bednarik Award Watch List
Chase Brown, Eleven Warriors
Linebacker Cody Simon is back and better than ever, looking to make an impact in 2023
Jami Jurich, Land-Grant Holy Land
Projecting Ohio State’s defensive two-deep midway through camp
Bill Landis, Dotting the Eyes
Women’s Soccer: McNamara, Jones and Dudukovich Named B1G Players to Watch
Ohio State Athletics
Women’s Ice Hockey: USA vs. Canada Series to Feature 11 Buckeyes
Ohio State Athletics
Wrestling: Mendez Advances to Finals at U20 World Championships
Ohio State Athletics
Did not see this one coming:
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
Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK
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
Counting Down to Kickoff
Ohio State Football Countdown: 18
Gene Ross, Land-Grant Holy Land
T-Minus @MarvHarrisonJr days until kickoffpic.twitter.com/1fskUg0i3r
— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) August 15, 2023
On the Gridiron
OSU guard Vimahi shares how one can help Hawaii wildfire victims
Bill Rabinowitz, The Columbus Dispatch
Coach Frye + OL Talk Fall Camp
Ohio State Athletics
Lessons Learned from Justin Frye about state of Ohio State O-Line halfway through camp (Paywall)
Andy Backstrom, Lettermen Row
Buckeyes closer to settling offensive line competitions
Joey Kaufman, The Columbus Dispatch
Frye on Buckeyes’ O-line | Why is Simmons standing out at LT?
Dave Biddle, Bucknuts
‘Physical’ Carson Hinzman building toward starting center role for Buckeyes (Paywall)
Spencer Holbrook, Lettermen Row
Four Buckeyes named to 2023 Lombardi Award watch list
Patrick Murphy, Bucknuts
Ohio State Linebacker Tommy Eichenberg and Defensive End J.T. Tuimoloau Among 86 Players on Bednarik Award Watch List
Chase Brown, Eleven Warriors
Linebacker Cody Simon is back and better than ever, looking to make an impact in 2023
Jami Jurich, Land-Grant Holy Land
Projecting Ohio State’s defensive two-deep midway through camp
Bill Landis, Dotting the Eyes
Outside the Shoe and Schott
Women’s Soccer: McNamara, Jones and Dudukovich Named B1G Players to Watch
Ohio State Athletics
Women’s Ice Hockey: USA vs. Canada Series to Feature 11 Buckeyes
Ohio State Athletics
Wrestling: Mendez Advances to Finals at U20 World Championships
Ohio State Athletics
And now for something completely different...
Did not see this one coming:
Continue reading...
LGHL Player to Watch: Dallan Hayden deserves at least a piece of the RB pie in 2023
- News
- 0 Replies
Player to Watch: Dallan Hayden deserves at least a piece of the RB pie in 2023
Josh Dooley via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Joseph Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports
As injuries impacted the Ohio State RB room in 2022, Hayden was given opportunities and excelled against multiple Big Ten opponents. Will this lead to consistent carries in 2023, or will Hayden take a back seat to now-healthy vets?
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 Indiana.
Dallan Hayden began his Ohio State career as somewhat of an afterthought. That might be putting it harshly, but entering the Buckeyes’ 2022 fall camp at least, the true freshman from Memphis was not expected to play much or contribute in any significant way. Previous statements are in no way meant to ‘dump on’ Hayden or even question his talent and/or potential because both appear to be vast.
But facts is facts. He was a true freshman, added relatively late to OSU’s recruiting class, projected to sit and learn behind (at least) TreVeyon Henderson, Miyan Williams, and Evan Pryor.
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24850115/usa_today_20164486.jpg)
Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK
But then injuries happened. A whole lot of them, in fact. Pryor went down with an ACL before the season and Henderson was banged up throughout, as was Williams. Running back went from a position of great strength for the Buckeyes, to a big, fat question mark.
Massive credit goes to Henderson and Williams, as ‘thunder and lightning’ attempted to battle and play through their various ailments for some time. However, both were clearly compromised, and Ohio State’s running game suffered as a result. Things became so bleak that Chip Trayanum and Xavier Johnson – a former linebacker and a current wide receiver – were thrown into the mix at certain points.
But no matter where Ryan Day and OSU turned, there was simply no replacing a healthy version of the team’s dynamic duo. That is, one could argue, until the Buckeyes featured Hayden (or he was forced into serious action) against Indiana and Maryland.
I am choosing to ignore Hayden’s performances against Toledo and Michigan State (for now) because he was not a starter and/or primary ball carrier in either of those games. Yes, he led Ohio State in both yards and carries against Toledo, but he was the third RB to enter the game. And then he was the clear backup to Henderson at Michigan State. It was not until the Indiana game that Hayden was truly featured as a 1A or 1B back.
And oh, did he produce. With Henderson out of commission against the Hoosiers, Hayden toted the rock 19 times for 102 yards and a score. Now, it should be pointed out that Williams and (Xavier) Johnson averaged 9.8 and 71.0 yards per carry in this same game, but Hayden still deserves plenty of credit for his performance. Then, with Henderson back but terribly ineffective and Williams on the shelf against Maryland, it was Hayden who kinda/sorta/maybe saved the Buckeyes’ bacon.
OSU actually trailed the Terps at halftime, and Henderson was just dreadful in this one, likely due to injury. He carried the call 11 times for 19 yards, which led to Hayden getting the nod in the second half. And frankly, the true freshman carried Ohio State’s offense. Because not only were Henderson and Williams out, but C.J. Stroud was also having a bit of a rough go in College Park.
Hayden proceeded to run roughshod over Maryland, to the tune of 146 yards and three TDs, on 26 second half carries (27 total)! The Scarlet and Gray escaped with a 43-30 victory, but without Hayden, they may have suffered a brutal upset.
So where does that leave Hayden heading into the 2023 season? Well, pretty much where he was heading into the 2022 season: Third or fourth on the RB depth chart, with no clear path to significant playing time... despite single-handedly carrying the Buckeyes to at least one victory as a true freshman.
But unfortunately, talent can get buried in Columbus. Such is the result of bringing in multiple four and five-star recruits at every position. That being said, there are several reasons as to why I believe Hayden will continue to play a role for OSU in 2023 and beyond.
First and foremost, the kid can play. While Hayden’s 2022 totals (553 yards, 5.0 YPC, 5 TD) might look ‘pedestrian’ by Ohio State standards, keep in mind that he was a true freshman forced into action rather suddenly. And if you remove garbage time stats and/or games in which Hayden played a minor role, then his numbers look much better. At least in terms of efficiency.
There were basically four games in which Hayden was featured or used as part of a legitimate rotation (10+ carries) and not to simply grind clock (behind a reserve OL). In those four games – against Toledo, Michigan State, Indiana, and Maryland – he averaged 19.25 carries and 106.5 yards. Those are big boy numbers against primarily Big Ten teams.
Are they Heisman numbers? No. Are they better than those of Williams or Henderson? Also no. But they are deserving of something, namely a seat at the OSU RB table.
Beyond Hayden’s own talent and/or ability is the fact that RBs get beat up. I mean, duh, Buckeye Nation saw this firsthand last season. However, the 2022 campaign was no anomaly. It was the norm. Expected, even. Things only seemed worse because Ohio State lacked proven depth.
But guess what? Guys are going to banged up this season, too. So it’s a good thing that Hayden and others are still in the mix. At least the Buckeyes should have plenty of options.
Lastly, I would not be surprised if OSU leans on their running game a bit more in 2023. Especially with Kyle McCord, who is thus far unproven, presumably taking over at quarterback. To do so, Hayden and others will need to be prominently involved. Henderson and Williams cannot carry the load all by themselves. Nor should they be forced to. To maximize the running game and its potential, Ryan Day and Brian Hartline need fresh, explosive runners. And Hayden has already proven that he can be one of those.
Dallan Hayden may or may not be ‘the guy’ at any point during this upcoming 2023 season. But it certainly cannot be ruled out. And if he does take center stage, Ohio State fans should be brimming with confidence that he can replicate his previous success and possibly even carry the Buckeyes to a victory or two.
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
Joseph Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports
As injuries impacted the Ohio State RB room in 2022, Hayden was given opportunities and excelled against multiple Big Ten opponents. Will this lead to consistent carries in 2023, or will Hayden take a back seat to now-healthy vets?
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 Indiana.
Dallan Hayden began his Ohio State career as somewhat of an afterthought. That might be putting it harshly, but entering the Buckeyes’ 2022 fall camp at least, the true freshman from Memphis was not expected to play much or contribute in any significant way. Previous statements are in no way meant to ‘dump on’ Hayden or even question his talent and/or potential because both appear to be vast.
But facts is facts. He was a true freshman, added relatively late to OSU’s recruiting class, projected to sit and learn behind (at least) TreVeyon Henderson, Miyan Williams, and Evan Pryor.
But then injuries happened. A whole lot of them, in fact. Pryor went down with an ACL before the season and Henderson was banged up throughout, as was Williams. Running back went from a position of great strength for the Buckeyes, to a big, fat question mark.
Massive credit goes to Henderson and Williams, as ‘thunder and lightning’ attempted to battle and play through their various ailments for some time. However, both were clearly compromised, and Ohio State’s running game suffered as a result. Things became so bleak that Chip Trayanum and Xavier Johnson – a former linebacker and a current wide receiver – were thrown into the mix at certain points.
But no matter where Ryan Day and OSU turned, there was simply no replacing a healthy version of the team’s dynamic duo. That is, one could argue, until the Buckeyes featured Hayden (or he was forced into serious action) against Indiana and Maryland.
I am choosing to ignore Hayden’s performances against Toledo and Michigan State (for now) because he was not a starter and/or primary ball carrier in either of those games. Yes, he led Ohio State in both yards and carries against Toledo, but he was the third RB to enter the game. And then he was the clear backup to Henderson at Michigan State. It was not until the Indiana game that Hayden was truly featured as a 1A or 1B back.
And oh, did he produce. With Henderson out of commission against the Hoosiers, Hayden toted the rock 19 times for 102 yards and a score. Now, it should be pointed out that Williams and (Xavier) Johnson averaged 9.8 and 71.0 yards per carry in this same game, but Hayden still deserves plenty of credit for his performance. Then, with Henderson back but terribly ineffective and Williams on the shelf against Maryland, it was Hayden who kinda/sorta/maybe saved the Buckeyes’ bacon.
OSU actually trailed the Terps at halftime, and Henderson was just dreadful in this one, likely due to injury. He carried the call 11 times for 19 yards, which led to Hayden getting the nod in the second half. And frankly, the true freshman carried Ohio State’s offense. Because not only were Henderson and Williams out, but C.J. Stroud was also having a bit of a rough go in College Park.
Hayden proceeded to run roughshod over Maryland, to the tune of 146 yards and three TDs, on 26 second half carries (27 total)! The Scarlet and Gray escaped with a 43-30 victory, but without Hayden, they may have suffered a brutal upset.
So where does that leave Hayden heading into the 2023 season? Well, pretty much where he was heading into the 2022 season: Third or fourth on the RB depth chart, with no clear path to significant playing time... despite single-handedly carrying the Buckeyes to at least one victory as a true freshman.
But unfortunately, talent can get buried in Columbus. Such is the result of bringing in multiple four and five-star recruits at every position. That being said, there are several reasons as to why I believe Hayden will continue to play a role for OSU in 2023 and beyond.
First and foremost, the kid can play. While Hayden’s 2022 totals (553 yards, 5.0 YPC, 5 TD) might look ‘pedestrian’ by Ohio State standards, keep in mind that he was a true freshman forced into action rather suddenly. And if you remove garbage time stats and/or games in which Hayden played a minor role, then his numbers look much better. At least in terms of efficiency.
There were basically four games in which Hayden was featured or used as part of a legitimate rotation (10+ carries) and not to simply grind clock (behind a reserve OL). In those four games – against Toledo, Michigan State, Indiana, and Maryland – he averaged 19.25 carries and 106.5 yards. Those are big boy numbers against primarily Big Ten teams.
Are they Heisman numbers? No. Are they better than those of Williams or Henderson? Also no. But they are deserving of something, namely a seat at the OSU RB table.
Beyond Hayden’s own talent and/or ability is the fact that RBs get beat up. I mean, duh, Buckeye Nation saw this firsthand last season. However, the 2022 campaign was no anomaly. It was the norm. Expected, even. Things only seemed worse because Ohio State lacked proven depth.
But guess what? Guys are going to banged up this season, too. So it’s a good thing that Hayden and others are still in the mix. At least the Buckeyes should have plenty of options.
Lastly, I would not be surprised if OSU leans on their running game a bit more in 2023. Especially with Kyle McCord, who is thus far unproven, presumably taking over at quarterback. To do so, Hayden and others will need to be prominently involved. Henderson and Williams cannot carry the load all by themselves. Nor should they be forced to. To maximize the running game and its potential, Ryan Day and Brian Hartline need fresh, explosive runners. And Hayden has already proven that he can be one of those.
Dallan Hayden may or may not be ‘the guy’ at any point during this upcoming 2023 season. But it certainly cannot be ruled out. And if he does take center stage, Ohio State fans should be brimming with confidence that he can replicate his previous success and possibly even carry the Buckeyes to a victory or two.
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LGHL You’re Nuts: Which position battle is most interesting heading into Ohio State’s 2023 season?
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You’re Nuts: Which position battle is most interesting heading into Ohio State’s 2023 season?
Brett Ludwiczak via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images
Your (almost) daily dose of good-natured, Ohio State banter.
We are now just a few weeks away from the start of the college football season. Ohio State is in the midst of their preseason camp as they prepare for their first game of the season against Indiana on September 2. Even though the Buckeyes just checked at the third spot in the first AP Top-25 rankings of the 2023 season, there are still a number of questions that Ohio State fans are itching for answers heading into the opener.
Unlike the NFL, it can be a lot harder to get a read on some of the position battles in college football. Even though NFL preseason games are rather meaningless, you can at least get an idea on who is making moves on the depth chart depending on how much they are used and also how they perform when their numbers are called. Also, NFL preseason camps have a lot more open practices than you’ll see from a college football team, so it’s easier to see who is trending up.
Today we want to know what position battle you are most interested in heading into Ohio State’s season. This year there certainly aren’t any shortages of questions still remaining to be answered for the Buckeyes. Who is going to replace C.J. Stroud at quarterback? What will the offensive line look like? Has anyone stepped up in the secondary to claim a starting spot? What will usage at running back look like? These are all questions that Ryan Day and his staff are working towards finding answers for.
Not only will Ohio State have to break in a new starter at quarterback after C.J. Stroud moved on to the NFL, but they’ll also have to find three new starters on the offensive line. Along with Stroud, Paris Johnson Jr., Dawand Jones, and Luke Wypler are currently all in NFL training camps. There are a couple of obvious choices for starting spots on the line, as left guard Donovan Jackson and right guard Matthew Jones will be looked at as the leaders of the line because of their experience.
After Jackson and Jones, things get a little tougher to get a read on. Ohio State was active in the transfer portal when it comes to the offensive line, bringing in Josh Simmons from San Diego State, and Vic Cutler from UL-Monroe during the offseason. There have been great reviews on what Simmons has done since arriving in Columbus, while Cutler will be very important because of his ability to play multiple spots on the line.
It sounds like Carson Hinzmann is the favorite to take over at the center position. Hinzmann has earned the inside track to the starting position with his performance in spring ball and preseason camp. While it’s impossible to create an atmosphere like what Hinzmann will see in an actual college football game, the coaching staff needs to make sure he is ready for the pressures that come with playing center. Doing it in practice is one thing, doing it in an atmosphere like South Bend at the end of September is a whole different animal.
Luckily for Ohio State, they have one of the best offensive line coaches in the country, as well as some highly-rated talent. There’s not a question about if the Buckeyes have offensive linemen that can protect Kyle McCord or Devin Brown, it’s just how they are going to fit best on the offensive line to fully maximize not only the winner of the starting quarterback battle but also to open up holes for TreVeyon Henderson and Miyan Williams.
Honestly, Brett stole my answer. Not only is it an incredibly important position group, but with so many 2022 starters now off to the next level and a ton of unproven guys in the mix, there is a lot of intrigue on the offensive line. But, since that has been claimed, I’m going to jump over to the other side of the ball and go with the safeties.
While the cornerbacks were likely the biggest issue on the defense last year, the entire secondary was suspect, so it is interesting to see that there is likely going to be a whole lot of turnover at the safety position. Throughout the spring we kept hearing about how good Josh Proctor looked after being the Game 1 starter last season, only to be benched by halftime. The assumption was also that Cam Martinez would be a starter in the Nickle/Slot position as well, given all of his years in the system.
However, on the first day of fall camp, those two guys were not running with returning strong safety starter Lathan Ransom and the 1s. Instead, it was 18-year-old sophomore Sonny Styles at Nickle and Syracuse transfer Ja’Had Carter at free safety. I imagine that Martinez and Kye Stokes will get a decent amount of run as well, but having a physical freak like Styles on the field alongside a transfer that has never played a regular-season game for the Buckeyes is pretty compelling stuff.
For much of the 2022 season, Ransom was an all-conference-level safety, but as the season wore on, his productivity and reliability waned. Healthy and energized, it appears that he will be the cornerstone of a potentially game-changing unit that has the ability to imbue the defense with an incredibly solid backbone that it hasn’t had in recent years.
So, while — I believe — the starters are essentially set, the way that this camp has worked out at the safety position has been very interesting and very exciting for me.
Continue reading...
Brett Ludwiczak via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images
Your (almost) daily dose of good-natured, Ohio State banter.
We are now just a few weeks away from the start of the college football season. Ohio State is in the midst of their preseason camp as they prepare for their first game of the season against Indiana on September 2. Even though the Buckeyes just checked at the third spot in the first AP Top-25 rankings of the 2023 season, there are still a number of questions that Ohio State fans are itching for answers heading into the opener.
Unlike the NFL, it can be a lot harder to get a read on some of the position battles in college football. Even though NFL preseason games are rather meaningless, you can at least get an idea on who is making moves on the depth chart depending on how much they are used and also how they perform when their numbers are called. Also, NFL preseason camps have a lot more open practices than you’ll see from a college football team, so it’s easier to see who is trending up.
Today we want to know what position battle you are most interested in heading into Ohio State’s season. This year there certainly aren’t any shortages of questions still remaining to be answered for the Buckeyes. Who is going to replace C.J. Stroud at quarterback? What will the offensive line look like? Has anyone stepped up in the secondary to claim a starting spot? What will usage at running back look like? These are all questions that Ryan Day and his staff are working towards finding answers for.
Today’s question: What position battle is most interesting heading into Ohio State’s 2023 season?
We’d love to hear your choices. Either respond to us on Twitter at @Landgrant33 or leave your choice in the comments.
Brett’s answer: Offensive line
Not only will Ohio State have to break in a new starter at quarterback after C.J. Stroud moved on to the NFL, but they’ll also have to find three new starters on the offensive line. Along with Stroud, Paris Johnson Jr., Dawand Jones, and Luke Wypler are currently all in NFL training camps. There are a couple of obvious choices for starting spots on the line, as left guard Donovan Jackson and right guard Matthew Jones will be looked at as the leaders of the line because of their experience.
After Jackson and Jones, things get a little tougher to get a read on. Ohio State was active in the transfer portal when it comes to the offensive line, bringing in Josh Simmons from San Diego State, and Vic Cutler from UL-Monroe during the offseason. There have been great reviews on what Simmons has done since arriving in Columbus, while Cutler will be very important because of his ability to play multiple spots on the line.
It sounds like Carson Hinzmann is the favorite to take over at the center position. Hinzmann has earned the inside track to the starting position with his performance in spring ball and preseason camp. While it’s impossible to create an atmosphere like what Hinzmann will see in an actual college football game, the coaching staff needs to make sure he is ready for the pressures that come with playing center. Doing it in practice is one thing, doing it in an atmosphere like South Bend at the end of September is a whole different animal.
Luckily for Ohio State, they have one of the best offensive line coaches in the country, as well as some highly-rated talent. There’s not a question about if the Buckeyes have offensive linemen that can protect Kyle McCord or Devin Brown, it’s just how they are going to fit best on the offensive line to fully maximize not only the winner of the starting quarterback battle but also to open up holes for TreVeyon Henderson and Miyan Williams.
Matt’s answer: Safeties
Honestly, Brett stole my answer. Not only is it an incredibly important position group, but with so many 2022 starters now off to the next level and a ton of unproven guys in the mix, there is a lot of intrigue on the offensive line. But, since that has been claimed, I’m going to jump over to the other side of the ball and go with the safeties.
While the cornerbacks were likely the biggest issue on the defense last year, the entire secondary was suspect, so it is interesting to see that there is likely going to be a whole lot of turnover at the safety position. Throughout the spring we kept hearing about how good Josh Proctor looked after being the Game 1 starter last season, only to be benched by halftime. The assumption was also that Cam Martinez would be a starter in the Nickle/Slot position as well, given all of his years in the system.
However, on the first day of fall camp, those two guys were not running with returning strong safety starter Lathan Ransom and the 1s. Instead, it was 18-year-old sophomore Sonny Styles at Nickle and Syracuse transfer Ja’Had Carter at free safety. I imagine that Martinez and Kye Stokes will get a decent amount of run as well, but having a physical freak like Styles on the field alongside a transfer that has never played a regular-season game for the Buckeyes is pretty compelling stuff.
For much of the 2022 season, Ransom was an all-conference-level safety, but as the season wore on, his productivity and reliability waned. Healthy and energized, it appears that he will be the cornerstone of a potentially game-changing unit that has the ability to imbue the defense with an incredibly solid backbone that it hasn’t had in recent years.
So, while — I believe — the starters are essentially set, the way that this camp has worked out at the safety position has been very interesting and very exciting for me.
Continue reading...
