BuckyKatt said:

You can argue whether they know what they are doing, but you can't argue over whether they are trying right now.

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For sure. We're making bold moves in the right areas, finally not being such cheap bastards, and making tough decisions. Plus I really like last year's rookie class...yeah we had a shit season, but it let us play them a ton early and eventually they started shining. I wouldn't be surprised if the defense is one of the most improved units in the league...if they aren't, Golden can pack his bags because the time is now.

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Turds

pnuts34 said:

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Read more at: https://www.kentucky.com/sports/col...-football/article316048430.html#storylink=cpy
Four-star UK QB signee now says his top goal is to sign pro baseball contract

Matt Ponatoski, a Moeller High School football and baseball standout who committed to play quarterback for the Kentucky Wildcats, said the MLB draft in July remains his first option.

“Option 1A is to go be a (MLB) draft pick and go get drafted and go be in an organization at 18 rather than go to college and be in an organization at 21, which is not a bad option either. I want to be drafted. That’s 1A for sure.”

And the chances that he never makes it to campus appear to be increasing. “I think people who don’t talk to me face to face might get an idea that I want to go play college football,” four-star quarterback signee Matt Ponatoski said in an appearance on Overslotbaseball.com podcast that published over the weekend. “I do, but that’s option 1B.

In February, UK baseball coach Nick Mingione said his staff had already coordinated with the new football staff to develop a plan for Ponatoski to play both sports in college. At the time, Baseball America ranked him as the 56th-best 2026 draft prospect, but those rankings have slipped over the course of his senior season. Now, Baseball America ranks him as the 55th-best high school prospect in the draft, but outside the top 100 eligible players at No. 139.

Glanced at the weather app on my phone and it tells me the real feel is 101 here in NE OH. It isn't even summer yet!

dragurd said:

He mentioned he was offered 10 mill to transfer and somewhere I saw he made 2.5 or something last year. While I don't think OSU matched you'd think they would have to at least up their present number.

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Just sayin': I know that you can't always believe what is reported; however, here is what was reported....

Ohio State Splashes $5M on Jeremiah Smith; Forces Program to Extend Roster Value to $43.5M​

The Ohio State Buckeyes put together a reported $5 million package to keep star wide receiver Jeremiah Smith in Columbus. It shows how far programs are now willing to go in the NIL era. Smith’s reported package became one major piece of a much costlier Ohio State roster, which is now valued at nearly $43.5 million.

Think of a team like a family budget, where the entire Ohio State roster cost around $35 million last year. When rival schools wave $10 million offers to poach your best player, securing Smith sets a new baseline for everyone else. This dynamic forced the Buckeyes to stretch their total roster value to nearly $43.5 million just to keep their championship core intact.

At this point, the WR is a favorite to win the Heisman Trophy. He recorded 1,243 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns in 13 games. He became one of the few Buckeyes to cement 1000 yards in 2 back-to-back seasons. However, the youngster still displays loyalty towards his team and aims to win a College Football Playoff national championship with the Buckeyes. One of the main schools rumored to be hellbent on making Smith jump ship is the WR’s hometown, Miami.

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BuckBackHome said:

Is his high school team still in the state tournament?

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Yes, they play again on Thursday

Wonder how much of that settlement was paid for by an insurance policy, and how much from the coffers of the university.

pnuts34 said:

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#1 with a silver bullet!

247
On3
Twitter
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Class: 2028
Position: OL
School: West Des Moines (IA) Dowling Catholic
Height: 6'6"
Weight: 305 lbs

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Decent article re:JK: https://www.denverpost.com/2026/06/08/broncos-jk-dobbins-haters-payton/

Current Ohio State Golfer Vaughn Harber Qualifies for U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills​

Harber, who just completed his sophomore year at Ohio State, will make his first career major championship start after an impressive showing at the Lakes in Westerville. He opened with a 3-under 67 and followed it with a 2-under 68 to force a three-man playoff for the final qualifying spot. Harber then won the playoff, punching his ticket to the first U.S. Open appearance of his career.

Interesting piece to the thread. What defines a 'bust'? Not living up to expectations? According to the Buckeye fanatics, losing any game, or not winning the national championship by definition is a 'bust'. Agree that when you pay these dudes piles of money to come aboard for junior/senior/grad year, and they don't start, make 100 tackles or catch 70 passes or run for a zillion yards, then they might qualify. My truth be told, if a guy comes aboard, and doesn't start, not get significant minutes, nor perform (the above part of this thread might be a tad overstated), then maybe. Guess it amounts to expectations. The LT from Rice was VHT, and couldn't crack the two-deep. Yet he got drafted by the pros...rereading this, appears I'm rambling, so will close. But we all look at these kids, probably more highly paid than the kids that have slogged through for three+ years, and if they don't walk on water, then....

calibuck said:

And I would said, what did you expect? He's a Xichigan puke.

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"B-b-b-b-ut.... Tom Brady!!!"
- *ichigan fan

Agree. The SEC took in Texas and Oklahoma, and are chagrined that they're (well, Texas maybe) tearing it up. Kinda puts a kink in the SEC uberall approach. B10 took in Nebraska, and they're struggling to stay mid-league, and Penn St, while was an independent, is struggling to stay in upper third of B10. Oregon and USC remain to be seen, but only Oregon has shown a glimmer of being outstanding in league. And suspect that is directly correlated to the advent of NIL, and the 'Nike money' that is the ability to buy talent. Oregon (the state) doesn't have the HS infra-structure to compete with great players. Still, wistfully, wish had taken Stanford, and see the Director's Cup reside with B10 on it.....

Probably a faster way onto the field. Merely my opinion, could see that happening. Maybe a connection to Franklin, hard to tell. Anyway, this young man made a decision best for him, so good luck to him. tOSU will survive this, as we have so many others, and remained as strong as they come. Could recite a number of stale platitudes here, but you guys can probably recite them better than I. Good luck to him.