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LGHL No Fall Weddings: Getting damn-near unreasonable with our Ohio State predictions
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- 0 Replies
No Fall Weddings: Getting damn-near unreasonable with our Ohio State predictions
Matt Tamanini via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Yes, we realize these are all really unlikely, but we think they are possible nonetheless.
Throughout the year, Matt Tamanini and Jami Jurich will be getting into all things Ohio State and college football on “No Fall Weddings.”
Listen to the episode and subscribe:
On this episode of the Land-Grant Podcast Network’s “No Fall Weddings,” Jami Jurich and Matt Tamanini celebrate LGHL’s “Unreasonable Expectations Week” by making predictions that they realize are incredibly unlikely, but still think are possible, nonetheless.
They each have one prediction for the team as a whole, and then one for an individual player. Jami makes a prediction about a unique back-to-back accomplishment, while Matt calls for a rare scoring accomplishment.
Then on the player side, they each are predicting especially successful campaigns for playmakers who have transferred into Ohio State’s offense.
While they admit that they are all obviously unreasonable, none of them is completely unfathomable. Take a listen and then let us know what you think in the comments.
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
Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Yes, we realize these are all really unlikely, but we think they are possible nonetheless.
Throughout the year, Matt Tamanini and Jami Jurich will be getting into all things Ohio State and college football on “No Fall Weddings.”
Listen to the episode and subscribe:
Subscribe: RSS | Apple | Spotify | iHeart Radio
On this episode of the Land-Grant Podcast Network’s “No Fall Weddings,” Jami Jurich and Matt Tamanini celebrate LGHL’s “Unreasonable Expectations Week” by making predictions that they realize are incredibly unlikely, but still think are possible, nonetheless.
They each have one prediction for the team as a whole, and then one for an individual player. Jami makes a prediction about a unique back-to-back accomplishment, while Matt calls for a rare scoring accomplishment.
Then on the player side, they each are predicting especially successful campaigns for playmakers who have transferred into Ohio State’s offense.
While they admit that they are all obviously unreasonable, none of them is completely unfathomable. Take a listen and then let us know what you think in the comments.
Connect with Jami Jurich:
Twitter: @JamiJurich
Connect with Matt Tamanini:
Online Portfolio: https://authory.com/MattTamanini
Theme music provided by audiio.com
Continue reading...
LGHL Burning Questions: Can Ohio State’s new defensive line measure up?
- News
- 0 Replies
Burning Questions: Can Ohio State’s new defensive line measure up?
Michael Citro 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 via Imagn Images
The Buckeyes need to reload their vaunted D-line after losing all four starters to the NFL.
From now until preseason camp starts in August, Land-Grant Holy Land will be writing articles around a different theme every week. This week is all about the most important questions yet unanswered for the season. You can catch up on all of the Theme Week content and our ”Burning Questions” articles here.
I recently wrote a piece on Ohio State’s red zone defense during our “Most Telling Stat” theme week, explaining how the 2024 team’s ability to get stops when backed up to the goal line — and how the reputation gained while doing it during the regular season — helped the Buckeyes win a national championship.
Not all of that success comes down to the defensive line. Linebackers like Cody Simon and Sonny Styles filled gaps, safeties Lathan Ransom and Caleb Downs were critical both in coverage and stuffing the run, and the cornerbacks had to be sharp on the condensed field.
But it’s safe to say the defensive line is the most critical part of that, with defensive ends setting the edge and the tackles getting penetration — or at least stalemates — at the line of scrimmage.
If Ohio State is going to compete in 2025, it will come down to not only replacing all four defensive line starters who were drafted by NFL teams this spring, but the backups will also need to step up to fill in for the previous key reserves who will take those starting spots.
To get a sense of how good the Buckeyes were on the defensive front, one can simply look at the 2025 NFL Draft. The Detroit Lions selected defensive tackle Tyleik Williams in the first round (No. 28 overall). Defensive end JT Tuimoloau went to Indianapolis in the second round (No. 45). Pittsburgh snapped up fellow edge rusher Jack Sawyer in the fourth round (No. 123), with the Rams claiming tackle Ty Hamilton in round five (No. 148).
(Side note: Simon and Ransom both went in the fourth round, which will require further replacements and could be noticeable in short-yardage situations, but this is a piece about the defensive line.)
Ohio State used mutliple players to spell the starters or to take over in the second half of lopsided games. A couple of those who could have helped in 2025 — defensive lineman Hero Kanu and outside rusher Mitchell Melton — have moved on through the transfer portal.
Ultimately, the new starters will need to become productive in their own right if the 2025 team is going to avoid slipping from its lofty defensive rankings from last year’s championship season.
The Buckeyes led the nation in scoring defense (12.9 points per game against) and total defense (254.6 yards allowed per game) and ranked third nationally in both rush defense (87.63 yards allowed per game) and pass defense (167 yards allowed per game). Ohio State compiled the second-most sacks (53) in the FBS a year ago.
Pressure on the quarterback came not only from edge rushers Tuimoloau (12.5) and Sawyer (9), but also up the middle from Hamilton (3.5) and Williams (2.5).
The replacements for the four starters seem to be set in stone, but key backups must be identified and they must produce. Caden Curry has flashed at defensive end in a backup role, providing 4.5 sacks over the last three seasons, and now he’ll be tasked with being on the field for a lot more snaps. Opposite from him will likely be Kenyatta Jackson, Jr., who has chipped in three sacks of his own from 2022-2024.
The bulk of the work will be theirs now, while Idaho State transfer Logan George and outside linebacker C.J. Hicks will push them and, when needed, spell them. North Carolina transfer Beau Atkinson is an unknown commodity who can help, while younger players like Zion Grady and veteran backups such as Joshua Mickens can also play a role.
Inside, Kayden McDonald and Eddrick Houston seem the logical starters at nose tackle and the 3-technique, respectively. Both players shone brightly at times during Ohio State’s 2024 season. However, there’s a big difference between spelling a tired starter or playing a worn-down team in the second half of blowouts and stepping up one’s game to provide consistent stability week in and week out from the first snap. There are a lot of questions beyond those two on the interior defensive line.
Tywone Malone, Jr., and Eric Mensah are two players who could break out in 2025. Will Smith, Jr., and Jason Moore are in the mix as well.
If Ohio State’s defensive replacements — especially on the line — can contribute at or near the level of those for whom they are taking over, and if Larry Johnson, Jr., can get as much out of his defensive linemen in Matt Patricia’s system as he did a year ago under Jim Knowles, the Buckeye defense should again be one of the best in America.
But, at least for now, that remains one of the most burning questions of this offseason.
Continue reading...
Michael Citro 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 via Imagn Images
The Buckeyes need to reload their vaunted D-line after losing all four starters to the NFL.
From now until preseason camp starts in August, Land-Grant Holy Land will be writing articles around a different theme every week. This week is all about the most important questions yet unanswered for the season. You can catch up on all of the Theme Week content and our ”Burning Questions” articles here.
I recently wrote a piece on Ohio State’s red zone defense during our “Most Telling Stat” theme week, explaining how the 2024 team’s ability to get stops when backed up to the goal line — and how the reputation gained while doing it during the regular season — helped the Buckeyes win a national championship.
Not all of that success comes down to the defensive line. Linebackers like Cody Simon and Sonny Styles filled gaps, safeties Lathan Ransom and Caleb Downs were critical both in coverage and stuffing the run, and the cornerbacks had to be sharp on the condensed field.
But it’s safe to say the defensive line is the most critical part of that, with defensive ends setting the edge and the tackles getting penetration — or at least stalemates — at the line of scrimmage.
If Ohio State is going to compete in 2025, it will come down to not only replacing all four defensive line starters who were drafted by NFL teams this spring, but the backups will also need to step up to fill in for the previous key reserves who will take those starting spots.
To get a sense of how good the Buckeyes were on the defensive front, one can simply look at the 2025 NFL Draft. The Detroit Lions selected defensive tackle Tyleik Williams in the first round (No. 28 overall). Defensive end JT Tuimoloau went to Indianapolis in the second round (No. 45). Pittsburgh snapped up fellow edge rusher Jack Sawyer in the fourth round (No. 123), with the Rams claiming tackle Ty Hamilton in round five (No. 148).
(Side note: Simon and Ransom both went in the fourth round, which will require further replacements and could be noticeable in short-yardage situations, but this is a piece about the defensive line.)
Ohio State used mutliple players to spell the starters or to take over in the second half of lopsided games. A couple of those who could have helped in 2025 — defensive lineman Hero Kanu and outside rusher Mitchell Melton — have moved on through the transfer portal.
Ultimately, the new starters will need to become productive in their own right if the 2025 team is going to avoid slipping from its lofty defensive rankings from last year’s championship season.
The Buckeyes led the nation in scoring defense (12.9 points per game against) and total defense (254.6 yards allowed per game) and ranked third nationally in both rush defense (87.63 yards allowed per game) and pass defense (167 yards allowed per game). Ohio State compiled the second-most sacks (53) in the FBS a year ago.
Pressure on the quarterback came not only from edge rushers Tuimoloau (12.5) and Sawyer (9), but also up the middle from Hamilton (3.5) and Williams (2.5).
The replacements for the four starters seem to be set in stone, but key backups must be identified and they must produce. Caden Curry has flashed at defensive end in a backup role, providing 4.5 sacks over the last three seasons, and now he’ll be tasked with being on the field for a lot more snaps. Opposite from him will likely be Kenyatta Jackson, Jr., who has chipped in three sacks of his own from 2022-2024.
The bulk of the work will be theirs now, while Idaho State transfer Logan George and outside linebacker C.J. Hicks will push them and, when needed, spell them. North Carolina transfer Beau Atkinson is an unknown commodity who can help, while younger players like Zion Grady and veteran backups such as Joshua Mickens can also play a role.
Inside, Kayden McDonald and Eddrick Houston seem the logical starters at nose tackle and the 3-technique, respectively. Both players shone brightly at times during Ohio State’s 2024 season. However, there’s a big difference between spelling a tired starter or playing a worn-down team in the second half of blowouts and stepping up one’s game to provide consistent stability week in and week out from the first snap. There are a lot of questions beyond those two on the interior defensive line.
Tywone Malone, Jr., and Eric Mensah are two players who could break out in 2025. Will Smith, Jr., and Jason Moore are in the mix as well.
If Ohio State’s defensive replacements — especially on the line — can contribute at or near the level of those for whom they are taking over, and if Larry Johnson, Jr., can get as much out of his defensive linemen in Matt Patricia’s system as he did a year ago under Jim Knowles, the Buckeye defense should again be one of the best in America.
But, at least for now, that remains one of the most burning questions of this offseason.
Continue reading...
LGHL You’re Nuts: Which high school recruit should Ohio State be prioritizing?
- News
- 0 Replies
You’re Nuts: Which high school recruit should Ohio State be prioritizing?
justingolba via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Tony Tribble for The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK
The Buckeyes have two commits in the 2026 class.
The temperatures in Columbus are scratching triple digits, the NBA Finals are over, and summer workouts are underway for the Ohio State men’s basketball program.
Earlier this week, Bruce Thornton, John Mobley Jr., and Devin Royal had their first media availability since the season ended in Indianapolis on March 12. Jake Diebler spoke to the press last week for the first time since the season ended as well.
We’re halfway through the offseason. Hang in there, we’ll be back soon.
Last week, Connor and Justin debated which former Buckeye who is not currently on Carmen’s Crew roster should suit up for the Ohio State alumni team this summer. Connor went with Duane Washington Jr., while Justin picked former Big Ten Player of the Year Keita Bates-Diop.
In a landslide win, 81% of the readers sided with Justin and his choice of KBD.
Connor- 95
Diebler and his staff have been grinding on the recruiting trail lately, offering several 2026 and 2027 players, including multiple in-state recruits. Right now Ohio State has commits from four-star guard Marcus Johnson and three-star forward Alex Smith in the 2026 class.
The Buckeyes probably won’t go beyond three in that class, but that still means they could add one more player. On top of that, the 2027 class is completely empty for now.
This week, we’re talking about which potential Buckeyes Diebler and his staff should prioritize as we head into the scorching hot late summer months.
Yes, Jason Singleton is the son of that Jason Singleton, and he’s one of the fastest rising recruits in the nation. Two months ago, Singleton wasn’t even rated by 247Sports. Fast forward to now, and he’s the No. 93 recruit and a four-star prospect in the 2026 class.
Singleton, whose father was a 1,000-point scorer at Ohio State from 1995-1999, finally received the Ohio State scholarship offer he’d been waiting for earlier this month. While family ties may give the Buckeyes a little bit of a heads-up, they aren’t the only program Singleton has visited. He’s recently taken tripe to Yale and Nebraska as well as Ohio State, and also has offers from Dayton, Creighton, DePaul, and several others.
Hand up, Singleton doesn’t fit perfectly into Ohio State’s backcourt plans at the moment. John Mobley and Taison Chatman each have two more years of eligibility after this season (years that could possibly overlap with Singleton), Marcus Johnson is already in the 2026 recruiting class, and that’s all before we even consider the possibility that the Buckeyes bring in a guard or two via the portal.
However, as quickly as you can add players, you can also lose players, and having a few good guards on the roster next year should not prevent Diebler from going after a player who is rapidly rising up the recruiting ranks. Singleton is 6-foot-4, and has grown two inches in the last year. He’ll be a combo guard at the college level, if not a small forward.
The legacy aspect is just the cherry on top of it all. Imagine what the fans will say if Singleton heads to a Big Ten foe like Nebraska and turns into a star.
“Diebler had Singleton right in his backyard — Jason Singleton’s son — and let him go to Nebraska?” You can just hear it now.
Jake Diebler allegedly talks to Singleton every day. This doesn’t seem too difficult, and if the coaching staff continues to push for it, I think we could see another Jason Singleton donning the scarlet and gray very soon.
It is very simple in my mind. Adding Anthony Thompson to this class makes it a top five group in the country and one of the best in the last two decades for Ohio State men’s basketball.
Thompson, who is a rising senior at Western Reserve Academy in Hudson, Ohio, is currently ranked as the top prospect in the state of Ohio, the No. 3 ranked small forward, and the No. 11 overall player in the class of 2026, according to the 247 Sports composite rankings.
Thompson is 6-foot-7, 185 pounds and still has a year of high school ball to grow and get stronger, but he is as skilled as anyone.
Here is what 247Sports Director of Scouting Adam Finkelstein had to say of Thompson:
“A skilled lefty forward with extreme shot-making potential, and length to match, Thompson is a tremendously gifted offensively prospect,” Finkelstein said. “The southpaw leans back into a high release that is virtually unblocked and allows him to make tough shots with very little separation. He’s capable of making both threes and pull-ups in bunches, and is already a potential shooter.”
He added, “He also has good positional size, measuring in at over 6-foot-7 with shoes on and then a massive 7-foot-2-plus wingspan. The overlap of that length and shooting ability is very rare, especially for such a young player. While his core competency is his ability to make jumpers, we’re gradually starting to see him put more pressure on the rim. He has a terrific right hand in the paint and also the ability to decelerate and maneuver the paint with euros and long strides.”
The class already consists of Marcus Johnson and Alex Smith, and adding Thompson would give them two top 25 overall recruits — both of them being from Northeast Ohio. This would be a class with two possible one and dones and three guys ready to contribute immediately.
Continue reading...
justingolba via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Tony Tribble for The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK
The Buckeyes have two commits in the 2026 class.
The temperatures in Columbus are scratching triple digits, the NBA Finals are over, and summer workouts are underway for the Ohio State men’s basketball program.
Earlier this week, Bruce Thornton, John Mobley Jr., and Devin Royal had their first media availability since the season ended in Indianapolis on March 12. Jake Diebler spoke to the press last week for the first time since the season ended as well.
We’re halfway through the offseason. Hang in there, we’ll be back soon.
Last week, Connor and Justin debated which former Buckeye who is not currently on Carmen’s Crew roster should suit up for the Ohio State alumni team this summer. Connor went with Duane Washington Jr., while Justin picked former Big Ten Player of the Year Keita Bates-Diop.
In a landslide win, 81% of the readers sided with Justin and his choice of KBD.
After 210 weeks:
Connor- 95
Justin- 89
Other- 20
(There have been six ties)
Diebler and his staff have been grinding on the recruiting trail lately, offering several 2026 and 2027 players, including multiple in-state recruits. Right now Ohio State has commits from four-star guard Marcus Johnson and three-star forward Alex Smith in the 2026 class.
The Buckeyes probably won’t go beyond three in that class, but that still means they could add one more player. On top of that, the 2027 class is completely empty for now.
This week, we’re talking about which potential Buckeyes Diebler and his staff should prioritize as we head into the scorching hot late summer months.
This week’s question: Which high school recruit should Ohio State be prioritizing?
Connor: Jason Singleton
Yes, Jason Singleton is the son of that Jason Singleton, and he’s one of the fastest rising recruits in the nation. Two months ago, Singleton wasn’t even rated by 247Sports. Fast forward to now, and he’s the No. 93 recruit and a four-star prospect in the 2026 class.
Singleton, whose father was a 1,000-point scorer at Ohio State from 1995-1999, finally received the Ohio State scholarship offer he’d been waiting for earlier this month. While family ties may give the Buckeyes a little bit of a heads-up, they aren’t the only program Singleton has visited. He’s recently taken tripe to Yale and Nebraska as well as Ohio State, and also has offers from Dayton, Creighton, DePaul, and several others.
Hand up, Singleton doesn’t fit perfectly into Ohio State’s backcourt plans at the moment. John Mobley and Taison Chatman each have two more years of eligibility after this season (years that could possibly overlap with Singleton), Marcus Johnson is already in the 2026 recruiting class, and that’s all before we even consider the possibility that the Buckeyes bring in a guard or two via the portal.
However, as quickly as you can add players, you can also lose players, and having a few good guards on the roster next year should not prevent Diebler from going after a player who is rapidly rising up the recruiting ranks. Singleton is 6-foot-4, and has grown two inches in the last year. He’ll be a combo guard at the college level, if not a small forward.
The legacy aspect is just the cherry on top of it all. Imagine what the fans will say if Singleton heads to a Big Ten foe like Nebraska and turns into a star.
“Diebler had Singleton right in his backyard — Jason Singleton’s son — and let him go to Nebraska?” You can just hear it now.
Jake Diebler allegedly talks to Singleton every day. This doesn’t seem too difficult, and if the coaching staff continues to push for it, I think we could see another Jason Singleton donning the scarlet and gray very soon.
Justin: Anthony Thompson
It is very simple in my mind. Adding Anthony Thompson to this class makes it a top five group in the country and one of the best in the last two decades for Ohio State men’s basketball.
Thompson, who is a rising senior at Western Reserve Academy in Hudson, Ohio, is currently ranked as the top prospect in the state of Ohio, the No. 3 ranked small forward, and the No. 11 overall player in the class of 2026, according to the 247 Sports composite rankings.
Thompson is 6-foot-7, 185 pounds and still has a year of high school ball to grow and get stronger, but he is as skilled as anyone.
Here is what 247Sports Director of Scouting Adam Finkelstein had to say of Thompson:
“A skilled lefty forward with extreme shot-making potential, and length to match, Thompson is a tremendously gifted offensively prospect,” Finkelstein said. “The southpaw leans back into a high release that is virtually unblocked and allows him to make tough shots with very little separation. He’s capable of making both threes and pull-ups in bunches, and is already a potential shooter.”
He added, “He also has good positional size, measuring in at over 6-foot-7 with shoes on and then a massive 7-foot-2-plus wingspan. The overlap of that length and shooting ability is very rare, especially for such a young player. While his core competency is his ability to make jumpers, we’re gradually starting to see him put more pressure on the rim. He has a terrific right hand in the paint and also the ability to decelerate and maneuver the paint with euros and long strides.”
The class already consists of Marcus Johnson and Alex Smith, and adding Thompson would give them two top 25 overall recruits — both of them being from Northeast Ohio. This would be a class with two possible one and dones and three guys ready to contribute immediately.
Continue reading...
