Ummm

Christian Alliegro Lining Up Mostly on the Edge This Spring As He Prepares to Play Similar Role to Arvell Reese in Ohio State’s Defense​

Christian Alliegro’s usage in practice through the first half of his first spring as a Buckeye suggests he could be the Arvell Reese of Ohio State’s 2026 defense – at least in terms of the role he’ll play.

Viewed as a presumptive starter at linebacker alongside Payton Pierce since he transferred to Ohio State from Wisconsin in January, Alliegro said he’s lined up primarily as an edge rusher and Sam linebacker in his first seven practices as a Buckeye.

“We've been doing a lot of edge stuff right now, so I'm kind of playing like that Sam position to the field,” Alliegro told reporters in his first interview session as a Buckeye following Ohio State’s seventh practice of the spring on Thursday. “I think next week we'll go more down to like a (four down linemen, two linebacker scheme), but right now we're kind of like a one-backer Sam, so I've been working a lot on the edge right now.”

As one of Ohio State’s top two linebackers last season alongside Sonny Styles, Reese lined up on the edge for just over half of his snaps (327 of 651), according to Pro Football Focus. Now expected to primarily play edge rusher in the NFL as a projected top-five draft pick, Reese was a dynamic force for Ohio State’s defense in his hybrid linebacker/edge role last season, earning consensus All-American honors as he recorded 69 total tackles with 10 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks and two pass breakups.

Alliegro said Ohio State defensive coordinator Matt Patricia and linebackers coach James Laurinaitis have talked to him about playing a similar role as Reese since they were recruiting him out of the transfer portal. Alliegro didn’t line up on the edge frequently at Wisconsin, playing just 32 snaps there last season according to PFF, but he believes it’s a role that fits his game well.

“My length, my ability to set the edge, my ability to pass rush in different ways,” Alliegro said when asked why he thinks playing on the edge suits him well.

That said, Patricia has been intentional about having him focus on playing on the edge first before taking on other roles, recognizing that Alliegro is still acclimating to playing in Ohio State’s defense.

“If they're just getting into the program where maybe they're an older player and things are going to go fast, what you try to really do is like, ‘Hey, let me just teach you this one thing first. Let me see how you handle that. Let you get a little bit of confidence with that first.’ Then ‘Let me teach you this next thing,’ and then you build it that way,” Patricia said last week when asked about Alliegro. “I think if you throw all of it at them at once, sometimes you're kind of like just doing a bunch of different things, but you're not real confident in one thing. I think the key is to get them confident in one thing first, so they know that like, ‘Hey, I know I can do this.’ And then build from there. And certainly the linebacker position, you have to do that because there is so much that kind of goes on there.”
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Better Know a Buckeye: Blaine Bradford’s Do-It-All Ability At Safety Could Allow Him to Become a Swiss Army Knife for Ohio State’s Defense​

Scouting Report​

With quickness and speed to make plays in an opponent's backfield and the range and versatility to defend the secondary as a safety, Bradford can truly do it all while spearheading the defensive backfield.

While he is at his best going downhill, the 6-1, 209-pound safety has the awareness to be a big-time playmaker wherever he is on the field. With already elite size, Bradford could line up wherever Matt Patricia feels he could utilize him on any given play, whether it's at either deep safety position or in the box.

His combination of quickness and his powerful, truck-stick ability makes him an intimidating defender in the secondary. Bradford can both shed blocks near the line of scrimmage and make tackles in space when needed.

Depth Chart Outlook​

The top four safeties on Ohio State’s depth chart in 2026 are expected to be Jaylen McClain, Earl Little Jr., Terry Moore and Leroy Roker III, with Moore and Roker competing for a starting spot alongside McClain and Little. That said, Bradford has the skill set, star power and size to make a name for himself immediately and be McClain's backup at strong safety.

Even with four players likely ahead of him on the depth chart in his first season as a Buckeye, Bradford could still see some playing time and be a playmaker on special teams as a freshman, setting him up for a chance to compete for a starting job as a sophomore.

Past the Days of Visualizing It On a Scooter, Payton Pierce is Ready to Live Lifelong Dream As Ohio State’s Mike Linebacker in 2026​

Pierce is the heir apparent at Mike linebacker for Ohio State. He’s gone from childhood dreamer to star at Lovejoy High School to scooter to a highly effective role player to now being the focal point of the Buckeyes’ second-level defenders for a unit replacing two soon-to-be first-round NFL draft picks in Sonny Styles and Arvell Reese.

“You saw it with Payton when you recruited him,” linebackers coach James Laurinaitis said. “You knew what he was about. Tough, instinctual. I actually started recruiting him when I was at Notre Dame. That's when I had awareness of Payton, and we actually had him come up to South Bend. And then I took the job, came back home, and it was one of the first phone calls I made was just trying to get them on campus.

“And the reason being was you knew how instinctual and tough he was, and he was a throwback Mike linebacker. And the thing that's great about Peyton is he's so competitive – and he's a perfectionist and all those things as you should be as a Mike – he's been trying to nip at the heels over and over. And honestly, I think he has pushed the guys in front of him because of how hard he practices. He earned the respect of everybody right away freshman year with how physical he was in the box, and now it's fun to kind of see him find his voice even more.”

Pierce produced as Ohio State’s third linebacker in 2025. Rotating in behind Reese and Styles, he collected 43 tackles with 1.5 tackles for loss in just 262 snaps. That’s one tackle every 6.1 snaps, the highest rate of any contributor to last year’s Silver Bullets. He made big plays in a few big moments, too, grabbing an interception in the Buckeyes’ win at Illinois and forcing a fumble in the College Football Playoff quarterfinals against Miami to stop a long Hurricane drive.

“I feel like I was able to have a lot of production for the limited amount of snaps I had,” Pierce said. “I don't remember exactly how many tackles per play I had, but I feel like I did a good job. Obviously, there's a lot of plays I wish I could redo and do it again, but I feel like I had some good amount of production and I was seeing things pretty well out there for – it's hard running out there for a play, then having to run off for three and then come back out there, not really getting a groove. But our coaches do a great job. And Laurinaitis does a great job of making everything real simple for all the linebackers so we can play fast.”

The Mike linebacker in Ohio State’s defense also wears the green dot for in-helmet communication with coaches, relaying important calls and information to the rest of the defense. It’s one of many ways Pierce will have to embrace new leadership responsibilities in his third year of college football.

Pierce does feel he’s a natural leader, however. That’s part of the “throwback” middle linebacker style Laurinaitis spoke to, and probably something that reminds the two-time Butkus Award winner of himself when he was at Ohio State.

“I've gotten to step up a lot more, be more vocal,” Pierce said. “I mean, I've considered myself a leader since I was really young. I was a two-time captain on my high school team. And I felt like there was opportunities, even in my freshman year, I could lead the freshman guys and stuff like that. So I feel like I've done a good job of leading up until now. Obviously, my leadership role has stepped up even more with the whole team. And I've learned from the best, Sonny and Cody (Simon) and Arvell.”

Laurinaitis agreed that Pierce has always been a natural leader, but there are still elements of communication to work on through the levels of the defense.

“Payton's always had the loud voice to get guys lined up and all those things,” Laurinaitis said. “Now, the next step that I'd like to see is that Payton is getting his teammates aligned, and he's demanding calls from the back end. I think our communication is going really well so far with our group, but you just continue to push the envelope. The last thing you want as players is to get comfortable in the sense of thinking that they've arrived. None of our guys do.”
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MGMT said:

Brock, lock and drop it?

Ok, you guys have a nice weekend.

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I laughed, but hopefully the drop it part doesn't stick.

Maybe alot more cheese?

Wow. Great news. Also am happy that Day is letting his son choose his own way. Don't know if RJ has as much talent of Sayin or others on tOSU roster, but wouldn't be surprised if he goes to another major and does well. Until his team tees it up against the Buckeyes that is....

Maybe don't know what to watch on TV, etc. Was in C'bus during this, and didn't have a clue it was one. Actually get the idea I get better tOSU news here on BP and other forums than do in Buckeye Town.

Gotta happen. This year's OL is top heavy with upperclassmen. Ergo, much talent and experience walking out the door at the end of this season. Sooo, need to get some of the young 'uns ready to step up next year. Or get more than several snaps in garbage time. OL unique in that much is made of 'cohesion' - which to my way of thinking, is like basketball, in switching one's man when unexpected twists, switches happen in front of you. Personally, I'd be watching my own opponent, and probably whiffing on what else is going on around me. Cannot do that, gotta have one eye on opponent, one eye on the opponent to the left of me, and the third eye on the opponent to my right. That sort of behavior is needed to be successful on the OL. Anyway, nothing novel, but real time experience is needed with various players. I'd like to see a report on OL play during the spring practices outsiders (ie press) are allow to see. Especially the write-up including how our current and future stars are looking......anyway, thanks in advance.

Ohio State football player got very honest about Ryan Day‘s NFL addition to the Buckeyes’ coaching staff​

Ryan Day made a big decision to bring Arthur Smith to Columbus, and players are speaking out on how things are going with the new hire.



Ryan Day runs the Ohio State Buckeyes football program like it’s the NFL in many ways and when you look at the coaching staff you’ll get the same feeling. After a successful year with Matt Patricia as the defensive coordinator last season, Day added an NFL offensive mind to the staff this offseason.

When Brian Hartline left for Columbus, the belief was that Day might go to the NFL to bring in a coordinator. That’s what the Buckeyes did with former Pittsburgh Steelers OC Arthur Smith, and the move has been well accepted across the board to this point.

Key Ohio State offensive player gets real about Buckeyes OC Arthur Smith​

“He’s a great coach, and just being able to listen to him and how he runs his offense and knowing that he’s been at every single level,” Roberts stated. “He’s such a smart guy that he comes over in our [drills] and teaches us and helps with our footwork and some of our routes just because he’s been through the game for so long.

“But listening to his offense and being in it for a couple of weeks now, I really enjoy it. I love it. I love his offense, and I know it’ll help me for the next level.”

Bringing in a veteran play caller allows Day to be in the CEO role, which he hasn’t been in since the 2024 national championship season. Ohio State should be able to blend together some of Smith’s run and passing concepts with the spread passing game Day has typically had. Bringing those two together should bring an explosive offense led by Julian Sayin and Jeremiah Smith.

Roberts’ comments show Smith has already come in and taken command of the players. When you have NFL head coaching experience and make the switch to the college level, players will naturally gravitate toward the coach. We’re talking about a team full of players at Ohio State who have aspirations of playing in the NFL.

Someone like Roberts has a chance to be the team’s top tight end with Max Klare and Will Kacmarek off to the NFL. Roberts played in 13 games as a true freshman and caught four passes for 30 yards. Ohio State went out and added Hunter Welcing and Mason Williams in the transfer portal, but Roberts is the most experienced player who returned.

Smith’s arrival has players excited to play for him, and while we don’t have a whole lot to go off of yet, the early signs are encouraging around Day’s key hire.

Just sayin': Click on the link to see video of entire interview.

Now to another gem from Clark’s interview: Who is the most badass player Ryan Day has ever coached?

“It’s hard for me to say one person because there’s been a lot of tough guys,” Day said.

Still, he gave the nod to a pair of Buckeyes: offensive lineman Josh Myers (now with the New York Jets) and linebacker Tommy Eichenberg (now with the Las Vegas Raiders).

“I remember getting ready to play in the national championship game in 2020 with Josh Myers, and he had a needle about this long (holds hands up) that he shot into his foot because he had turf toe,” Day said. “He was literally biting a towel because he had to take the shot. He played that whole game with it and then later had to have surgery because he couldn’t let his brothers down.”

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Credit the Welsh for this one that brought a lot of Springbok fans to their knees over morning coffee.

Rassie Erasmus quits Springboks for England

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This is how I envision MP utilizing Russaw

Thump said:

It will come full circle back to rec leagues.

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It's possible, but IDK. Mainly because so many parents want to live through their kids and will happily pay whatever to allow their kids to play. And coaches will continue to sell dreams to earn paychecks for themselves.

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Former Ohio State Kicker Bob Atha Dies at 65​

Former Ohio State kicker, punter and quarterback Bob Atha died Tuesday after a years-long battle with cancer. He was 65.

A Worthington, Ohio, native, Atha served as a backup to quarterback Art Schlichter and placekicker Vlade Janakievski from 1978-80. As a senior in 1981, he took over as the Buckeyes’ starting placekicker while also backing up Art Schlichter at quarterback. Atha led the team in scoring that season with 88 points, converting 13 field goals and 43 extra points while also scoring one touchdown.

Atha’s best game as a Buckeye came on Oct. 24, 1981, at Ohio Stadium, when he set a school record with five field goals in a 29-10 win over Indiana. He still shares that record with Mike Nugent (against NC State in 2004), Josh Huston (Texas in 2005) and Devin Barclay (Miami Hurricanes in 2010).

One of Atha’s most memorable moments nearly came three years earlier in the 1978 Gator Bowl. As he later recalled to The Columbus Dispatch, Ohio State was driving deep into Clemson territory when Woody Hayes called for “that freshman kicker” from Worthington. Atha was set to attempt a go-ahead field goal but never got the chance. Clemson defensive tackle Charlie Bauman intercepted Schlichter with two minutes remaining. Hayes punched Bauman on the sideline, which would eventually lead to his dismissal, and Ohio State went on to lose, 17-15.

After his Ohio State career, Atha played in the NFL with the Miami Dolphins and St. Louis (now Arizona) Cardinals. He later returned to Worthington, where he spent several decades working in his family’s oil and gas business.

R.I.P.

ScriptOhio said:

Expected No. 1 Fernando Mendoza puts on show at Indiana pro day

Expected No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza threw roughly 56 passes in front of scouts from all 32 NFL teams and more than 100 members of the media Wednesday.

www.espn.com

Expected No. 1 Fernando Mendoza puts on show at Indiana pro day​

Fernando Mendoza warmed up with his college roommate Wednesday while nearly two dozen college teammates took turns running the 40-yard dash.

Then the Heisman Trophy-winning Indiana quarterback did what he always seems to do: deliver another impressive performance.

All 32 NFL teams sent scouts to Indiana's campus, more than 100 media members were credentialed and dozens of family members and friends of ex-Hoosiers showed up for a pro day unlike any other in school history. Most came to see the guy expected to be the first pick in this month's NFL draft, and Mendoza didn't disappoint, using his platform to potentially help his ex-teammates improve their draft standing.

"I feel like it went great," Mendoza said after throwing the last of his roughly 56 passes inside the John Mellencamp Pavilion. "You know quarterbacks have passed, have done shorter pro days than that. However, I just wanted to make sure everybody could showcase their abilities in front of all 32 NFL teams and really run routes that are applicable to the timing we're going to be running in the NFL."

Mendoza threw short, deep and medium-range passes, targeting receivers to the left, right and over the middle. He also threw on the run.
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But Mendoza also said he's far from a finished product.

"I'm putting all of my efforts toward just trying to be the best quarterback possible for the season," he said. "But I know at the next level, there's going to be a lot more snaps under center, and that's a big adjustment. I need to get used to that and just the nature of the game. Not only that, the hash [marks] are more condensed and the speed of the game is faster. So, all those things I look forward to learning."
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tldr: fuck him. I'm glad Castro took great grandpa's casino away.

Big 12 and ACC have been pushing to expand the NCAA tournament, currently totaling 68 teams. They are apparently going to move forward after the conclusion of this year's tournament and approve an expansion to 76 teams. The new format is expected to include 24 teams in the "play-in" phase of the tournament - there were 8 before, and now the last 8 that were "in" before will be demoted to the play-in, and the 8 expansion teams will also be there. They will have 12 play-in games spread over 2 sites, Dayton being one of the two.

Buckeyeskickbuttocks said:

I dont remember. You might have to opt in, but I can't recall. @AKAK

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I haven't been on the poli board in years but I think you did have to ask for access or opt in to take part.

I saw this thread pop up and assumed he somehow still had eligibility left. You never know these days.

Thump said:

Turds

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facts