Ohio State vs. Oklahoma State: The trademark battle for OSU - 247Sports
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Ohio State vs. Oklahoma State: The trademark battle for OSU
247Sports
You likely won't see Ohio State and Oklahoma State square off in too many athletic events this year, but the two are at a bit of standoff when it comes to one thing: the trademark of each program's acronym. The Buckeyes and the Cowboys each go by OSU ...

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Almost 10 years later, the performances of Illinois, Juice Williams against Ohio State still cause me to lose sleep
Geoff Hammersley via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


The Illini controlled almost 14 minutes of the 4th quarter in this 2007 contest, and I am still #madonline about it.

Let’s jump in our time machine and go back to the year of our Lord, 2007. Specifically, to the date of Nov. 10, 2007. More specifically, to 3:37 p.m. at Ohio Stadium, just as the Illinois Fighting Illini took on the No. 1 in the land, Ohio State.

This seemed like a win for the undefeated Buckeyes. They just came off a trip to Camp Randall and defeated the Wisconsin Badgers, 38-17. All they had to do was beat Illinois, and then they would’ve glided into Ann Arbor, Mich., with a Big Ten crown and a national championship spot on the line if they disposed of the Wolverines.

But, see: this was 2007.

The year where the college football gods couldn’t determine who they wanted to reign supreme. It was the year Kansas & Missouri made a legitimate threat up the rankings, and Matt Grothe quarterbacked the South Florida Bulls to a No. 2 ranking for one week before losing to Rutgers.

At the time of OSU-ILL, the No. 2-ranked team fell four times that season. However, little did we all know that the Buckeyes would fall as the No. 1 team in the land on Nov. 10. Behind giving the Illini 13 minutes and 46 seconds of the fourth quarter, running back Rashard Mendenhall getting nearly 100 yards on the ground, and quarterback Isiah “Juice” Williams throwing 4 touchdowns, it’s been nearly 10 years since that wackiness happened inside The ‘Shoe.

Now, it’s time to reflect on that 2007 Battle of the Illibuck contest—and how in the grand scheme of things, the loss didn’t really matter.

The Opening


On the first play of the game, quarterback Todd Boeckman fired the ball down the sideline for a 65-yard pass completion to Brian Hartline. One play later, from the Illinois 11, Chris “Beanie” Wells punched the ball in for a touchdown. In a matter of 23 seconds, the Buckeyes marched 76 yards on just two plays.

At this early junction, this felt as if the game was already in the bag—and knowing how Tressel ball operates, this game had the makings of being a 27-10, 24-14 kind of contest. On the season, the Buckeyes only real blowout was against Northwestern, a game they won 58-7. OSU opened the season beating Youngstown State, 38-6, and later would beat Akron, 20-2. So, a blowout of epic proportions really wasn’t something to be expected.

However, Illinois was gonna do the running equivalent to what Boeckman did in the air. On the second play of the Illini’s first drive, Daniel Dufrene took over for an 80-yard sprint down to the OSU 3. Juice Williams made a short post pass to punctuate the Illinois rebuttal.

The scoring kept coming in the Buckeyes follow-up drive. Between Chris Wells’ and Maurice Wells’ running and Boeckman’s passing, the Scarlet and Gray marched their way back into the endzone to take the lead. This time around, it was a nine play drive and 76 yards to find paydirt.

After an Illini, three-and-out, OSU got the ball back, and the dominoes began to fall unfavorably. Boeckman threw a pick to Dere Hicks around midfield, which eventually led to Juice Williams lobbing a 33-yard touchdown.

With a guy like Williams, giving him ample opportunities is a good way to find yourself on the losing side of battle. Boeckman lobbed three picks on that sunny afternoon in Columbus—and by sunny, I mean completely overcast—against the Illini. We’ll talk about the rest of the picks later; right now, the focus is on how Williams and Mendenhall kept their squad alive in the second and third quarters.

Juice is sorta, kinda on the loose


What makes the game so frustrating to look back at, is the fact that Williams and Mendenhall basically clowned the OSU defense. It was like a game of whack-a-mole, with the Buckeyes trying to contain the Illini, but they just couldn’t.

Late in the second quarter, Illinois was faced with a 4th-and-1 situation from the OSU 43. This drive started from the ILL 48, and the first three plays went for a gain of 5, 2 and 2, respectively. It’s a fourth and short scenario, so, I figured a run play or short yardage call would be utilized by Ron Zook, the Illinois coach at the time. I thought I was decent at understanding football, even though I was only in the eighth grade.

(This is what future me would’ve said after the fourth down play: Hahaha, short yardage play? That’s where you’re wrong, kiddo.)

Williams delivered a 25-yard pass that put them in the Buckeye redzone. Four plays later, after Williams and the running game chipped away at the green in front of them, Williams threw a touchdown, again.

At halftime, Illinois had a 21-14 lead. It wasn’t a big lead, but just enough to crank the panic meter up a little. If the Buckeyes played decent football from here on out, I thought they would have a good chance to eek out the win heading into ‘The Game.’ Optimism is a good thing; it’s reality that is the problem.

In the third quarter, Boeckman got picked off again, but this time it was in the Illini endzone. Thirteen plays to go 34 yards ended with nothing. And, as the college football gods would have it, Juice dominated the Illini’s drive off the turnover.

This drive in question went 80 yards in nine plays; seven of the plays were centered around Williams being the catalyst in either a passing or running role. Again, on a short yardage situation (a 3rd-and-2), Williams picked up three to keep the drive alive. Four plays later, he went up in the air to deliver a 31-yard TD to a wide open Marques Wilkins.

Looking back now, it’s still comical to think about how that game was unfolding. Literally, Williams bailed out his team on a short down situation, and then chucked up 30-plus yard passes for scores. Combine that with OSU turnovers, and you have a stew brewing—and not a good one; the kind that create upsets.

Now, I have to give credit where credit is due. Boeckman, Tressel, and Beanie Wells cooked up a good drive at the end of the third frame to get the score to 28-21 entering the fourth. But, I also have to administer blame to the coaching staff and defense for allowing Illinois to, basically, sit on the ball for the fourth quarter.

^&(*$%#


If this were a therapy session, this would be the portion of the hour—do they charge by the hour? Are sessions 90 minutes? I dunno—where the breakthrough occurs; the moment where we make progress.

The reason this game sticks with me, and some of Buckeye nation, is because of the way the fourth quarter shook out. The Illinois offense burned the first six minutes of the quarter, and only traveled 36 yards.

OSU got the ball back at their own 18 with 9:23 left to play. Plenty of time to make something happen and tie the game. Beanie rushed for two yards, then Boeckman took off for 16. The Bucks sat at their own 36, when Boeckman went for the home run throw. It was a good throw, that if caught by Brian Robiskie, would’ve put the home team on the doorstep of the redzone.

Except, the pass was thrown into double coverage. Freshman defender Marcus Thomas jumped in front of Robiskie, and snagged the ball for Boeckman’s third pick. Illinois then went on a mission to run out the clock; which they did.

But, there were numerous places where the Bucks could’ve stopped the Illini from leaving Columbus with the Illibuck trophy.

Right after the pick, Illinois was on the cusp of turning the ball over on downs. They went for it on a 4th-and-inches from their own 33. Wild play calling from Zook, but they ran a QB sneak, and Williams picked up two yards to move the chains. Later on the dastardly drive, Illinois was situated on a 3rd-and-7 from their 38. (Mind you, there is still 5:00 left in the game.) Again, Williams bails out his team with a 12-yard run—which, lol, was his longest of the night.

Fast forward to a few plays later on a 3rd-and-2, and Williams picks up three. That was the nail in the coffin, and Illibuck was taken back to Champaign, Ill.

The Silver Lining


The funniest thing out of all of this was that Ohio State still went to the national championship. OSU took this loss on the penultimate game on their schedule, and yet, they still punched their ticket to New Orleans for the BCS National Championship Game.

Land-Grant Holy Land did a podcast about Pittsburgh’s dramatic win against West Virginia, which put the Buckeyes back in the title hint—while also changing the course of school history. Granted, OSU lost the natty, but they had the opportunity to play for all the marbles.

This just shows how crazy, frustrating, and unpredictable the 2007 college football season was. Maybe now after writing this 1500-word low-level diatribe, I can finally sleep in peace.

(Then again, I wrote this story at 3 a.m.)

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Buckeyes offer 2021 and 2020 Texas stars - 247Sports
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Buckeyes offer 2021 and 2020 Texas stars
247Sports
The Buckeyes continue their recruiting work in the talent rich state of Texas with scholarship offers to two young Texas stars. The Buckeyes have offered 2021 Houston Christian two-way lineman Donovan Jackson, a 6-foot-4 and 270-pound offensive tackle ...


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Still shaking my head at this class.

Point of reference: JK Dobbins the #43 ranked player and #2 RB in the nation, who is already generating enough buzz that Urban Meyer (future hall of fame coach) is already talking about how to use you and you haven't even been through your first fall camp.

And you are just the 7th highest ranked player in your class.

That's just absurd. Absolutely absurd.

One day after Ohio State offer, Alabama goes after the same 2020 CB
Geoff Hammersley via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


Dwight McGlothern just got an offer from the Buckeyes. Now, it appears the Crimson Tide are hot in his heels.

The chase begins


On Monday, Ohio State made an offer to 2020 cornerback/returner Dwight McGlothern. The New Caney, TX native made that offer known on Twitter.


For the Buckeyes, an offer to McGlothern set the foundations to begin the process of getting the Lone Star Stater up to Columbus. However, on Tuesday, the competition just got a little more fierce, as Nick Saban’s Alabama Crimson Tide made an offer to McGlothern.

Just like the OSU offer, the 2020 prospect let the world know via Twitter.


Could it be a coincidence that ‘Bama offered right after the Buckeyes? Or is this imitation just a form of flattery? Either way, both programs have entered the fray to get this Texan.

Right now, McGlothern’s offer list has a handful of SEC powers. Ole Miss, Tennessee, Georgia, and LSU have made the first move in offering a spot for the 2020 prospect. Already, the 247Sports crystal ball has one vote in favor of the LSU Tigers as the landing spot.

The road to National Signing Day 2020 is, literally, years away—so expect this recruitment to pick up more steam as we get closer to him needing to make a decision.

But it’s a step in the right direction for an offer this early if the Buckeyes want his services.

Highlight reel, and more insight on the recent offer to a 4-star PG


Yesterday, Land-Grant Holy Land’s own Dan Hessler wrote about the Buckeyes making an offer to 2018 four-star point guard Noah Locke. Now, let’s look in a little closer at who’s in the pursuit for Locke, as well as a highlight reel from one of his breakout games.

First off, it should be known that Maryland is known for churning out elite basketball recruits—and Locke isn’t different. Already, he holds offers from Providence, Cincinnati, Michigan and Kansas; in total, Locke has 33 offers, according to 247Sports.

In recent weeks, his offer list has climbed. According to his profile page on 247Sports, Locke got not only a Jayhawk offer back on July 18, but an Oklahoma State offer, too. On July 17, one day before, Florida State reached out to the Old Line State native, and just a day before that, fellow ACC program N.C. State made an offer.

Early projections on the 247Sports crystal ball point to Kansas as the favorite at 60 percent. However, the predictions are based off of only five votes, with the Jayhawks receiving three of them. Providence and Michigan each received one vote apiece as the landing spot for Locke.

Below is a highlight reel of Locke from a league contest. In this game, Locke went off, scoring 36 points.


Currently, the Buckeyes have one commit in the 2018 class in three-star shooting guard Torrence Watson. If new coach Chris Holtmann is serious about bringing Locke a few states over to play for the Buckeyes, there is still time to make that happen. Locke has all five of his official visits left, according to 247Sports.

If any updates happen between Locke and the Buckeyes, we’ll have you covered.

Quick hit


• Four-star defensive tackle Jacob Lacey released his top six schools on Twitter. The Buckeyes did not make the cut. The teams that did? Clemson, Michigan, Notre Dame, Louisville, Michigan State and Tennessee.

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Smart kid to avoid the state up north...I support this decision.

All verbal offers until 08/01/2020

QB
Kyle McCord: 6’3” 175 lbs; St. Joseph’s Prep, Philadelphia Pennsylvania (01/16/2019)

RB
Evan Pryor: 5’11” 175 lbs; William Amos Hough HS, Cornelius NC (02/25/2019)

TreVeyon Henderson: 5’11 190 lbs; Hopewell HS, Hopewell Virginia (09/15/2019)

WR
Devon Martin: 6'5" 220 lbs; West Mesquite HS, Mesquite, Texas (05/17/2018)
Jayden Ballard: 6'2" 165 lbs; Washington HS, Massillon, Ohio (06/08/2018)

Emeka Egbuka: 6'1" 190 lbs; Steilacoom HS, Steilacoom, Washington (01/04/2019)

Marvin Harrison Jr: 6’4” 175 lbs; St. Joseph’s Prep, Philadelphia Pennsylvania (01/16/2019)

TE
Sam Hart: 6’5” 225 lbs; Cherokee Trail HS, Aurora Colorado (05/09/2019)

OL
Donovan Jackson: 6'4" 270 lbs; Cy-Fair HS, Cypress, Texas (07/25/2017)

Ben Christman: 6'6 299 lbs; Revere HS, Richfield, Ohio (02/05/2019)

Zen Michalski: 6’6” 288 lbs; Floyd Central HS, Floyd’s Knobbs Indiana (09/06/2020)

DE
Jack Sawyer: 6'5" 200 lbs; Pickerington North HS, Pickerington, Ohio (04/06/2018)


DT
J.T. Tuimoloau: 6’4.5” 277 lbs; Eastside Catholic, Sammamish Washington
Dominic Bass: 6'4" 250 lbs; Phillips Academy, Chicago, Illinois (05/17/2018)

Michael Hall Jr.: 6’3” 275 lbs; Streetsboro HS, Ohio (10/28/2019)

Tyleik Williams: 6'3" 315 lbs; Stonewall Jackson HS, Manassas, VA (04/02/2020)

LB
Reid Carrico: 6'3" 218 lbs; Ironton HS, Ironton, Ohio (04/13/2019)


DB
Jakailin Johnson: 6'0 160 lbs; St. Louis MO DeSmet HS; MO (5/31/2019)

Jordan Hancock: 6’0 160 lbs; North Gwinnett HS, Suwanee Georgia (10/27/2019)

Jaylen Johnson: 6’1” 205 lbs; La Salle HS, Cincinnati Ohio (06/15/2019)

Andre Turrentine: 6’0” 175 lbs; Ensworth HS, Nashville Tennessee (8/27/2019)



ATH
Denzel Burke: 6’0 189 lbs; Saguaro HS, Scottsdale, Arizona (01/27/2020)

Jantzen Dunn: 6'2" 178 lbs; South Warren HS, Bowling Green, Kentucky (03/04/2020)

ST
Jesse Mirco: 6’3 200 lbs; East Fremantle, Australia (05/06/2020)


Committed Elsewhere

QB
JJ McCarthy: (Michigan) 6’2” 180 lbs; Nazareth Academy, La Grange, Illinois (12/11/2018)
Preston Stone: (SMU) 6'2" 180 lbs; Parish Episcopal School, Dallas, Texas (05/10/2018)
Jake Garcia: (Southern Cal) 6'2" 185 lbs; Narbonne HS, Harbor City, California (01/29/2019)

RB
Cody Brown: (Tennessee) 6’0” 210 lbs; Parkview HS, Lilburn Georgia (4/17/2019)
Will Shipley: (Clemson) 5’11” 198 lbs; Weddington HS, Matthews North Carolina (5/4/2019)
Brandon Campbell: (Southern Cl) 5’10 190 lbs; Lamar Consolidated HS, Rosenberg Texas (01/26/2020)
Corey Kiner: (LSU) 5’10” 205 lbs; Roger Bacon HS, Cincinnati Ohio (5/20/2019)
Amari Daniels: (Texas A&M) 5’8” 194lbs; Miami Central HS, Miami Florida (04/27/2019)
Donovan Edwards: (Michigan) 5’11” 190 lbs; West Bloomfield HS, West Bloomfield Michigan (02/02/2019)
Camar Wheaton: (Alabama) 5’11” 190 lbs; Lakeview Centennial HS, Garland Texas
LJ Johnson: (Texas A&M) 5’10” 204 lbs; Cy-Fair HS, Cypress Texas (01/08/2020)

WR
Lorenzo Styles, Jr. (Notre Dame) 6'1" 170 lbs; Central HS, Pickerington, Ohio (12/07/2018)
Beaux Collins: (Clemson) 6’3” 185 lbs; St John Bosco, Bellflower, California (12/28/2018)
Latrelle Neville: (Virginia Tech) 6’3” 190 lbs; Willowridge HS, Houston, TX (12/06/18)
JoJo Earle: (LSU) 5’9” 170 lbs; Aledo HS, Aledo Texas (09/13/2019)
Julian Nixon: (Tennessee) 6'4" 205 lbs; Centennial HS, Roswell, Georgia (02/08/2018)
Dekel Crowdus: (Kentucky) 5’10” 170 lbs; Frederick Douglass HS, Lexington Kentucky (06/15/2019)
Troy Stellato: (Clemson) 6’0” 172 lbs; Cardinal Gibbons HS, Fort Lauderdale Florida (09/15/19)
Kaden Prather: (West Virginia) 6’3” 210 lbs; Northwest HS, Germantown Maryland (10/28/2019)
Christian Leary: (Alabama) 5’9” 180 lbs; Edgewater HS, Orlando Florida (03/24/2020)
Tommi Hill: (ASU) 6'1" 165 lbs; Edgewater HS, Orlando, Florida (01/31/2019)
Malcolm Johnson, Jr: (Auburn) 6'1" 178 lbs; St. Stephen's & St. Agnes, Fort Washington, Maryland (05/06/2019)
Jayden Thomas: (Notre Dame) 6'2" 185 lbs; Pace Academy, Atlanta, Georgia (06/13/2018)
Ketron Jackson: (Arkansas) 6’1” 175 lbs; Royce City HS, Royce City Texas (09/16/2019)

TE
Cane Berrong: (Notre Dame) 6’4” 220 lbs; Hart County HS, Hartwell Georgia (02/19/2019)
Nick Elksnis: (Florida) 6’5” 220 lbs; Episcopal HS, Jacksonville Florida (06/12/2019)
Louis Hansen: (Michigan) 6’4” 222 lbs; St Sebastians HS, Needham Massachusetts (12/03/2019)
Moliki Matavao: (Oregon) 6’6” 240 lbs; Liberty HS, Henderson Nevada (05/08/2019)
Husdon Wolfe: (Ole Miss) 6’6” 243 lbs; Hardin Co HS, Savannah Tennessee (09/16/2019)
Terrance Ferguson: (Oregon) 6’5” 220 lbs; Heritage HS, Littleton Colorado (05/09/2019)
Jordan Dingle: (Kentucky) 6'4" 230 lbs; Bowling Green HS; Bowling Green, Kentucky (06/06/2019)

OL
Greg Crippen: (Michigan) 6’4 270 lbs; IMG Academy, Bradenton Florida (03/25/2019)
Blake Fisher: (Notre Dame) 6’6” 285 lbs; Avon HS, Avon Indiana (12/12/2018)
Micah Morris: (Georgia) 6'5" 275 lbs; Camden County HS, Kingsland, Georgia (01/26/2018)
Connor Colby: (Iowa) 6’5” 270 lbs; John F Kennedy HS, Cedar Rapids Iowa (06/12/2019)
Cullen Montgomery: (Oklahoma) 6’5” 290 lbs; Episcopal HS, Bellaire Texas (05/08/2019)
Landon Tengwall: (Penn State) 6'6" 300 lbs; St. Vincent Pallotti HS, Laurel, Maryland (04/14/2018)
Caleb Tiernan: (Northwestern) 6’7” 265 lbs; Detroit Country Day HS, Livonia Michigan (09/16/2019)
Jared Wilson: (North Carolina) 6’4” 325 lbs; West Forsyth HS, Clemmons South Carolina (03/24/2020)
David Davidkov: (Iowa) 6’6” 265 lbs; New Trier HS, Winnetka Illinois (9/2/2019)
Bram Walden: (Oregon) 6’4” 270 lbs; Saguaro HS, Scottsdale Arizona (04/22/2019)
Reuben Fatheree: (Texas A&M) 6'7" 285 lbs; Foster HS, Richmond, Texas (06/09/2018)
JC Latham: (Alabama) 6’5.5” 285 lbs; IMG Academy, Bradenton Florida (09/17/2019)
Garrett Dellinger: (LSU) 6'6" 250 lbs; Clarkston HS, Clarkston, M*ch*g*n (06/09/2018)
Rocco Spindler: (Notre Dame) 6'4" 250 lbs; Clarkston HS, Clarkston, M*ch*g*n (06/09/2018)
Jager Burton: (Kentucky) 6’3” 271 lbs; Frederick Douglass HS, Lexington Kentucky (05/09/2019)
Nolan Rucci: (Wisconsin) 6'8" 266 lbs; Warwick HS, Lititz, Pennsylvania (01/31/2019)
Kingsley Suamataia: (Oregon) 6’5” 288 lbs; Orem HS, Orem Utah (05/08/2019)
William Griffin: (Tennessee) 6’5” 310 lbs; Pearl-Cohn HS, Nashville Tennessee (06/15/2019)
Bennett Pitcher (Harvard): 6’9” 260 lbs; Deerfield Academy, Deerfield Massachusetts (06/15/2019)
Tristan Leigh: (Clemson) 6’5” 265 lbs; Robinson Secondary HS, Fairfax Virginia (09/24/2019)

DE
Cade Denhoff: (Clemson) 6’4” 224 lbs; Lakeland HS, Lakeland Florida (9/4/2019)
Korey Foreman: (Clemson) 6’4” 245 lbs; Centennial HS, Corona California (02/12/2019)
Demeioun Robinson: (Maryland) 6’4” 210 lbs; Quince Orchard HS, Gaithersburg Maryland (04/24/19)
Ja’Tavion Sanders: (Texas) 6’4” 220 lbs; Ryan HS, Denton Texas (05/08/2019)
Landon Jackson: (LSU) 6’6” 240 lbs; Pleasant Grove HS, Texarkana Texas (09/16/2019)
Jahzion Harris: (Texas A&M) 6'4" 198 lbs; Erasmus Hall, Brooklyn, New York (04/13/2018)
Travion Ford: (Missouri) 6'4" 215 lbs; Lutheran North, Saint Louis, Missouri (01/17/2019)
Najee Story: (Northwestern) 6’4” 220 lbs; Solon HS, Solon Ohio (02/06/2019)
Colin Mobley: (USC) 6’4” 245 lbs; DeMatha Catholic HS, Hyattsville Maryland (01/21/2020)
Quintin Somerville: (Michigan) 6’3” 220 lbs; Saguaro HS, Phoenix Arizona
Jahvaree Ritzie: (North Carolina) 6’3” 265 lbs; Glenn HS, Kernersville North Carolina (01/23/2020)
Dallas Turner: (Alabama) 6’3” 222 lbs; American Heritage HS, Fort Lauderdale Florida (01/31/2020)
Christian Burkhalter: (Oregon) 6’5” 215 lbs; IMG Academy, Bradenton Florida (06/12/2019)
Monkell Goodwine: (Alabama) 6’4” 249 lbs; National Christian Academy, Fort Washington Maryland (01/24/2019)
Justus Boone: (Florida) 6’5” 250 lbs; Sumter HS, Sumter South Carolina (08/18/2020)
Shambre Jackson: (FSU) 6’4” 236 lbs; Boone HS, Orlando Florida (01/29/2020)
Aaron Armitage: (Stanford) 6’4” 240 lbs; Blair Academy, Blairstown New Jersey (05/08/2019)
Shemar Turner: (Texas A&M) 6’3.5” 260 lbs; DeSoto HS, DeSoto Texas (01/29/2020)
Tunmise Adeleye: (Texas A&M) 6’3 260 lbs; Tompkins HS, Katy Texas (05/22/2019)

DT
Gabriel Rubio: (Notre Dame) 6’5” 280 lbs; Lutheran HS, St. Peters Missouri (01/22/2019)
Taizse Johnson: (Maryland) 6’1” 290 lbs; St. John’s HS, Washington DC
Marcus Bradley: (Maryland) 6’3” 270 lbs; Quince Orchard, Gaithersburg Maryland (09/16/2019)
Damon Payne: (Alabama) 6'4" 255 lbs; Belleville HS, Belleville, M*ch*g*n (04/08/2018)
Elliot Donald: (Pitt) 6'2" 220 lbs; Central Catholic, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (01/25/2019)
Marquis Robinson: (Auburn) 6'3" 290 lbs; Milton HS, Milton, Florida (02/19/2019)
George Rooks: (Michigan) 6’4” 246 lbs; St Peters Prep HS, Jersey City New Jersey (03/24/2019)
Tywone Malone: (Ole Miss) 6’3.5” 300 lbs; Bergen Catholic, Oradell New Jersey (05/22/2019)

LB
Hassan ”Chief” Malik: (Florida) 6’3 211 lbs; McEachern HS, Powder Springs Georgia (08/06/2019)
Barrett Carter: (Clemson) 6’1” 205 lbs; North Gwinnett HS, Suwannee Georgia (04/23/19)
Chaz Chambliss: (Georgia) 6'3" 220 lbs; Carrollton HS, Carrollton, Georgia (02/01/2018)
Greg Penn lll: (LSU) 6’1” 225 lbs; DeMatha Catholic HS, Hyattsville Maryland (5/15/2019)

DB
Hunter Wohler: (Wisconsin) 6’1” 180 lbs; Muskego HS, Muskego Wisconsin (9/2/2019)
Avante Dickerson: (Minnesota) 5’10” 159 lbs; Westside HS, Omaha Nebraska (06/11/2019)
Bryce Steele: (South Carolina) 6’1” 195 lbs; Episcopal HS, Alexandria Virginia (06/15/2019)
Ja’Den McBurrows: (Michigan) 5’10” 165 lbs; St. Thomas Aquinas HS, Fort Lauderdale Florida (01/23/2020)
Kamar Wilcoxson: (Tennessee) 6’1 190 lbs; IMG Academy; Bradenton Florida (07/27/2019)
Hunter Washington: (FSU) 5’11” 178 lbs; Katy HS, Katy Texas (07/25/19)
Jaylin Davies: (Oregon) 5’11” 165 lbs; Mater Dei HS, Santa Ana California (4/25/2019)
Tony Grimes: (North Carolina) 6’0” 180 lbs; Princess Anne HS, Virginia Beach Virginia (03/15/2019)
Jamier Johnson: (Texas) 6’0” 170 lbs; John Muir HS, Pasadena, California (04/24/2019)
Devonta Smith: (Alabama) 6’0” 185 lbs; LaSalle HS, Cincinnati Ohio (03/12/2020)
Damond Harmon: (Oklahoma) 6’1” 178 lbs; Highland Springs HS, Highland Springs Virginia (11/24/2019)
A.J. Kirk: (MSU) 6’0” 200 lbs; Dublin Coffman HS, Dublin Ohio (6/06/2019)
Nathaniel Wiggins: (LSU) 6’2” 170lbs; Westlake HS, Atlanta, Georgia (01/30/2020)

ATH
Charles Montgomery: (Florida) 5’10” 185 lbs; Armwood HS, Valrico, Florida (09/02/2019)
Derrick Davis Jr.: (LSU) 6' 176 lbs; Gateway HS, Monroeville, Pennsylvania (02/18/2018)

Not in the game: Ohio State football stars dismiss notion of recruiting 'promises' from coaching staff - Landof10.com
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Not in the game: Ohio State football stars dismiss notion of recruiting 'promises' from coaching staff
Landof10.com
Chris Worley, a fifth-year senior and the third-lowest ranked member of the Buckeyes 2013 recruiting class that also included Lewis and Price, took a different approach. In his mind, if a school offered him a starting job? That was all the more reason ...
Buckeyes to host Top 100 prospect in 2019 class - Bucknuts247Sports
Four-Star Wide Receiver Makes Decision While Ohio State Offers Top Texas UnderclassmenEleven Warriors

all 10 news articles »

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Malik Hooker placed on PUP list - 247Sports
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Malik Hooker placed on PUP list
247Sports
Yes, the safety burst on the scene in the last year, rising from relative obscurity during his redshirt sophomore season at Ohio State with seven interceptions. Sure, he became a first-round pick in the NFL Draft when the Indianapolis Colts selected ...

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BH: Master's plan is solid | Matter of trust - 247Sports
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


BH: Master's plan is solid | Matter of trust
247Sports
After the Buckeyes hosted a great group of prospects at Friday Night Lights we talked to one of our team sources about spots left in the 2018 recruiting class and roster management. “Space is tight, no doubt,” the source said in regards to the 2018 class.
Meyer, Buckeye players speak on upcoming season at Big Ten ...10TV
Football: Depth at defensive end could lead to new formationsOSU - The Lantern

all 11 news articles »

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Kurelic: Going for another Georgia star; Young looking good - 247Sports
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Kurelic: Going for another Georgia star; Young looking good
247Sports
He is being recruited by three Buckeye coaches. “Coach (Kerry) Coombs, coach (Greg) Schiano and coach (Ryan) Day, all three are recruiting me,” Perry said. “Coach Day initially started recruiting me. Coach Day and I talked several times before I went ...


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Ohio State safety commits Jaiden Woodbey, Josh Proctor focused only on Buckeyes, 2019 DT explains OSU omission - Landof10.com
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Ohio State safety commits Jaiden Woodbey, Josh Proctor focused only on Buckeyes, 2019 DT explains OSU omission
Landof10.com
Other schools telling Woodbey that the Buckeyes planned to move him to linebacker, an idea that seems to have spawned from nowhere other than the imagination of competing coaching staffs. For now, again, it seems Woodbey is entirely content with his ...

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LB Buckeyes offered commits to Notre Dame - 247Sports
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


LB Buckeyes offered commits to Notre Dame
247Sports
Simon visited Ohio State the weekend of the Buckeyes' spring game. The 6-foot-3 and 215-pound Simon is a 4-star prospect in the 247Sports Composite. He is the country's No. 132 overall prospect, the No. 6 outside linebacker and the No. 3 prospect in ...

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BM5: Guarded optimism or Achilles' heel? - 247Sports
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


BM5: Guarded optimism or Achilles' heel?
247Sports
Buckeyes boss Urban Meyer took the podium at Big Ten Media Days in Chicago on Monday to address the state of his team. Right guard? Replacing Malik Hooker? Complementing Marcus Baugh? We knew the areas of concern. But having The Urb ...
Urban Meyer on sixth season: 'Hard to imagine how time flies'MyDaytonDailyNews
Meyer, Buckeye players speak on upcoming season at Big Ten Media Day10TV
They've seen it all: Fifth-year seniors set the tone for BuckeyesBucyrus Telegraph Forum
Eleven Warriors
all 90 news articles »

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Is Proctor sure about Ohio State? Has message for Buckeye fans - 247Sports
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Is Proctor sure about Ohio State? Has message for Buckeye fans
247Sports
Proctor has a message for Ohio State fans that think the Sooners could pry him away from the Buckeyes. “There is nothing to worry about,” Proctor said when asked what he would say to OSU fans. Proctor will make his official visit to Ohio State the ...


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Thought I should add that they don't all have to be together. We would be fine with three sets of 2.

Ohio State’s Urban Meyer has high expectations for Johnnie Dixon
Ian Cuevas via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


The Buckeye coach talked Dixon up during Big Ten media day.

“The guy that you guys ... I can't believe I'm saying this this early, but Johnnie Dixon is off the charts right now. He's moved into the gold category as far as work ethic in practice. He's a very talented guy.”

- Urban Meyer via Bill Landis, Cleveland.com


Ohio State head coach Urban Meyer spoke during the Big Ten Media Days and had some high praise for one of his wide receivers, Johnnie Dixon. Dixon has been with the Buckeyes for several seasons now and came in as a highly-rated prospect but hasn’t quite lived up to his potential to this point. Now, in 2017, Dixon is coming in fully healthy and has the coaching staff praising him about his talent and practicing up to this point. Of course, based off the most recent spring game, it’s not surprising to hear the hype about the wideout. His explosion off the line proved his health, and his speed is worth noting too.

Dixon’s injuries have been a major reason why he hasn’t performed to the level that many thought he was capable of when first arriving on campus. But now it seems Dixon will finally have his shot to have a breakout season, and it really couldn’t come at a better time with the Buckeyes needing playmakers at wide receiver. After Noah Brown and Curtis Samuel headed to the NFL, there are some holes to fill and if Dixon can step up and fill a void, it would help Ohio State’s chances tremendously this season.

“I was soft and wasn’t 100-percent devoted, hadn’t bought in. I was getting my ass kicked and I wanted out. I was used to kicking ass and I wasn’t ready. That kind of thing, you just get blindsided in college.”

- Billy Price via Jeremy Birmingham, Land of 10


Billy Price has been a model of consistency during his career with Ohio State. Heading into his fourth season as a starter, Price has started 41 consecutive games. But Price wasn’t always as reliable as he is these days. In fact, when Price first joined the team, in the first week or so, he was ready to quit. A talk with Urban Meyer helped things move along though, and Price was switched from defensive lineman to offensive lineman and hasn’t looked back since. If Price stays healthy this season, he’ll need 10 more starts to sit atop the iron man leaderboard in school history as the player to start the most games ever.

Now, Price is ready to have another great season and perhaps be a first-round talent as a center in the NFL. If he continues his success and improvement, there’s not a team in the NFL that won’t be interested in drafting him, as he tries to anchor the Buckeyes offensive line. Like Pat Elflein before him, Price made the switch to center and has high hopes that he can help lead the team back to the College Football Playoff. He’ll need to help the other linemen on the team as well as protect his quarterback J.T. Barrett. Based off the past three seasons though, Price is a sure thing and that’s something that can be invaluable for a team trying to make a run at the championship.

“And we're sitting in the hotel room and I'm thinking we're going to get our brains beat in. I look at (his wife) Shelley, and say, ‘How long will they keep us if we lose every game? Her comment was, ‘Shut up, you'll probably win it tomorrow.’ That was the only time I think it's ever come up," Meyer said. "I hope it never comes up again.”

- Urban Meyer via Doug Lesmerises, Cleveland.com


With the recent decision of removing Thad Matta as head coach of Ohio State basketball, it brought up the question of whether Urban Meyer would be one of the few coaches to not get fired from Ohio State. Most, if not all, coaches have been either let go or forced to retire at some point during their careers, and especially in recent memory. Jim Tressel was forced to resign, John Cooper was fired, Earle Bruce was fired, and of course Woody Hayes was fired as well after throwing a punch against an opposing team’s player.

It seems, though, that Urban Meyer has as good of a chance as anyone to not fall into the same fate as many of the coaches before him. Meyer has compiled a 61-6 record during his tenure with the Buckeyes, and shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon. It seems more likely that Meyer will choose to retire at some point rather than the University forcing him out. Meyer has also brought a national championship back to Columbus and a Big Ten title as well. And while it doesn’t seem likely to ever happen, watching Matta get fired still showed that it’s not out of the realm of possibility. It was interesting to see Meyer’s take on it at Big Ten Media Days, but hopefully the head coach will end up leaving on his own terms well down the line.

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Buckeyes to host Top 100 prospect in 2019 class - 247Sports
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Buckeyes to host Top 100 prospect in 2019 class
247Sports
The Buckeyes would love to continue to add top talent, while taking it away from division rivals Michigan and Michigan State, and will have their chance once again this week, when they host a top prospect in the Class of 2019 from "the state up north".
Controversial Michigan-Ohio State showdown No. 3 college football game of 2016MLive.com
Why Gus Johnson is the perfect voice for Ohio State vs. MichiganLandof10.com
Gus Johnson, a lifelong Wolverine fan, on being the new voice for Ohio State vs. Michigancleveland.com

all 4 news articles »

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Pitt’s 2007 upset of West Virginia changed the course of Ohio State history
Colton Denning via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


Podcasting with our own Matt Brown about his new book on the greatest ‘What if’s?’ in college football history!

One person you should probably thank for the incredible run that Ohio State football is on under Urban Meyer? Dave Wannstedt.

No, really.

As crazy as it sounds, Wannstedt played a key role in the series of events that ultimately led to Meyer at Ohio State, and him turning the Buckeyes back into a national powerhouse after Jim Tressel’s ugly exit before the 2011 season.

How, you ask? It all began in Morgantown, WV on December 1, 2007.

Wannstedt’s 4-7 Pitt Panthers entered the 100th Backyard Brawl against No. 2 West Virginia as 28 1⁄2 point underdogs, in a game that looked to be a coronation for Rich Rodriguez’s dominant Mountaineers squad on their way to the national championship game. Instead, Pitt shocked the world. The Panthers escaped Morgantown with a 13-9 win, kicking West Virginia out of the BCS title game, and setting off a chain of events that effected Ohio State, LSU, Michigan, and Texas, to name a few.

On this edition of The Hangout in the Holyland, LGHL and SB Nation’s own Matt Brown joined host Colton Denning to discuss his new book, ‘What if?: A closer look at college football’s great questions,’ the process of writing, some of the great ‘What if’s?’ from the book, and more.

The guys talked extensively about the chapter devoted to the 2007 Pitt-WVU game, and how a West Virginia win may have changed the course of Ohio State history, including:

• Why Terrelle Pryor’s recruitment would have been different.
• Tressel probably avoiding the tattoo scandal that led to his departure, and a possible 2nd national championship in 2007.
• Rich Rodriguez not taking the Michigan job (Hello, Les Miles!).
• No Urban Meyer era, and Luke Fickell coaching an 8-4 Ohio State team in 2016, instead.
• Tom Herman not ending up at Texas, and more!

We strongly recommend everyone purchase Matt’s new book, and learn not only about how different Ohio State history would be in this scenario, but also about some of the greatest ‘What If’s?’ in college football history!

You can find the podcast on our iTunes page, and we encourage reviews, comments, criticisms, etc. to help us deliver the best possible audio product. The more we hear from you, the better we can make it. We’re also on Soundcloud, and you can subscribe via RSS on your Android and Windows Phone devices here.

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Ohio State football: Urban Meyer has Buckeyes running like well-oiled machine - NCAA.com
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Ohio State football: Urban Meyer has Buckeyes running like well-oiled machine
NCAA.com
After five seasons in Columbus, Meyer has the Buckeyes running as smoothly as any business enterprise in the land. He's won a third national championship there (to go along with two from Florida), a conference title and two division titles, and Ohio ...
Ohio State's Urban Meyer blends even better future for Buckeyes beyond 2017Sporting News
Opening with Big Ten foe? Almost unheard for BuckeyesMansfield News Journal
Barrett prepares for pivotal final season with BuckeyesAshland Times Gazette (subscription)
Landof10.com -247Sports
all 83 news articles »

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Opening with Big Ten foe? Almost unheard for Buckeyes - Bucyrus Telegraph Forum
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Opening with Big Ten foe? Almost unheard for Buckeyes
Bucyrus Telegraph Forum
CHICAGO – New Indiana football coach Tom Allen is hyping Thursday night, Aug. 31, as the biggest season opener in school history. But it will be special for Ohio State, too. The Buckeyes will be opening against a Big Ten opponent for the first time ...
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Ohio State football: Buckeyes favored, but Meyer wary of rest of Big TenThe Columbus Dispatch
Urban Meyer on sixth season: 'Hard to imagine how time flies'MyDaytonDailyNews
247Sports -Landof10.com
all 174 news articles »

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Ohio State's Urban Meyer blends even better future for Buckeyes beyond 2017 - Sporting News
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Ohio State's Urban Meyer blends even better future for Buckeyes beyond 2017
Sporting News
CHICAGO — Perhaps for the last time, Ohio State coach Urban Meyer addressed the Buckeyes' recent past. He's been asked to recount the 31-0 loss to Clemson in the Fiesta Bowl in the College Football Playoff enough by now. What's one more time?
Opening with Big Ten foe? Almost unheard for BuckeyesMansfield News Journal
Barrett prepares for pivotal final season with BuckeyesAshland Times Gazette (subscription)
What they're saying: Ohio State opponents see Buckeyes as big game, but won't buy into hypeLandof10.com
247Sports -Ironton Tribune
all 61 news articles »

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Top billing: Buckeyes will lean on leadership as Big Ten favorite - Bucyrus Telegraph Forum
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Top billing: Buckeyes will lean on leadership as Big Ten favorite
Bucyrus Telegraph Forum
CHICAGO – Ohio State's football team is getting the usual preseason love from the Big Ten media and national pundits, but judging by the position battles coach Urban Meyer says are "wide open" you'd think the Buckeyes are starting from scratch. "Ohio ...


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What they're saying: Ohio State opponents see Buckeyes as big game, but won't buy into hype - Landof10.com
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


What they're saying: Ohio State opponents see Buckeyes as big game, but won't buy into hype
Landof10.com
That, however, doesn't mean the Buckeyes' opponents are cowering and awaiting defeat. In fact, from talking to people here in the Windy City on Day 1 of Big Ten Media Days, you almost could make the case that teams are looking forward to seeing Ohio ...
Urban Meyer updates on Marcus Baugh, Baron Browning, others247Sports
Ohio State's final game of 2016 football season still stingsMinneapolis Star Tribune
The Diminishing Creativity in Ohio State's Option Game Over the Past Three SeasonsEleven Warriors
The Athletic -10TV
all 32 news articles »

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Ohio State WR target sets commitment date
Dan Hessler via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


The Buckeyes hope to add the first WR to their top-ranked 2018 recruiting class.

Urban Meyer is in the middle of building one of Ohio State’s top recruiting classes in program history. Currently the Buckeyes hold the top spot in the 247Sports recruiting class rankings for 2018; however, the program has yet to earn a commitment from a wide receiver. The team is hoping to change this sooner rather than later as one of their top WR targets is scheduled to announce his collegiate decision in the coming weeks.

L’Christian “Blue” Smith (Dayton, OH/Wayne) has been viewed by most recruiting databases as an athlete, with some schools looking at him as a WR and others at TE. However, if Smith’s performance at Ohio State’s recruiting camp Friday Night Lights this past weekend tells us anything, it's that the Buckeyes view him as a WR, and one of their favorites.

Smith is being heavily recruited by Ohio State, Kentucky, Cincinnati and Michigan and he hopes to come to a conclusion soon. Bill Greene of Scout.com spoke with Smith at FNL and Smith told him he plans to make an official announcement Aug. 27.

The battle for the four-star recruit appears to be a two dog race, with Ohio State and Kentucky being the front runners to land him. Both schools have been heavily targeting him throughout his recruitment and he has yet to hint at which direction he is leaning.

Ohio State is viewed as the favorite to land Smith, who is the No. 4 recruit in the state of Ohio and the No. 115 overall prospect in the country, according to the 247Sports Composite Rankings.

Along with Smith, the Buckeyes are also heavily recruiting four-star WR target Kamryn Babb (Saint Louis, MO/Christian Brothers College). The two would make for an exciting duo to go along with five-star tight end commit Jeremy Ruckert and four-star all-purpose back Jaelen Gill.

5-star 2019 WR to announce top schools soon


Continuing with the WR position, Ohio State is hoping that it will make the cut when one of the best in the 2019 recruiting class releases his top schools.

Five-star WR Theo Wease (Allen, TX/Allen) holds offers from the top football programs in the country, with 33 reported scholarship offers including Texas, Oklahoma, Washington, Houston, TCU, Alabama, Auburn, LSU, Florida State, Miami, UNC, Michigan, Nebraska and plenty of others. Wease has yet to list his favorites among the impressive group, but plans to narrow them down soon.


Ohio State is one of the favorites to make the cut, along with Oklahoma and home-state schools Texas and TCU. The Buckeyes have yet to add a verbal commitment to their 2019 recruiting class, focusing most of their attention on finalizing their No. 1 ranked 2018 class.

If the No. 6 WR and No. 35 overall recruit in next year’s class does include Ohio State in his top schools, expect the coaching staff to try their best to get him to visit Columbus multiple times over the next two years.

Ohio State offers 4-star PG


Since Chris Holtmann took over the Ohio State basketball head coaching gig, he has been hard at work hitting the recruiting trail. This trend continued this week as the program offered one of the country’s top recruits yesterday.


Four-star PG Noah Locke is the No. 15 PG in the 2018 recruiting class and is the nation’s No. 80 overall prospect in next year’s class. The 6'2, 160-pound guard holds offers from 33 different programs across the country, with the most recent coming from Ohio State.

Currently, Kansas is seen as the favorite to land Locke, with Michigan, Providence, and Cincinnati not far behind. However, the recent Ohio State offer puts the Buckeyes squarely in the mix.

Holtmann has shown his impressive ability to bring in top recruits, earning three commitments already in his short time at Ohio State. With three-star SG Torrence Watson already committed to the Buckeyes in 2018, Locke would be a tremendous addition to a team looking to add elite, young talent.

Look for the Buckeyes to do their best to get him on campus sometime this year.

Ohio State LB position begins to clear up


One-time Ohio State lean and four-star inside linebacker Michael Harris (Tucker, GA / Tucker) committed to Auburn yesterday over schools like Ohio State, Alabama, Oklahoma, and multiple others.


Harris had worked out for Ohio State earlier this summer and had told multiple sources that he held the Buckeyes as his top school of choice. However, with space being limited in this year’s class, Harris committed to Auburn instead.

Ohio State already holds verbal commitments from four-star ILB Teradja Mitchell and four-star OLB Dallas Gant. The team is also likely to be landing a commitment from four-star ILB K’Vaughan Pope, who is now scheduled to commit between Ohio State and Georgia August 4.


Pope has long been an Ohio State lean and has been wanting to commit to the Buckeyes for a while now but has been unable to do so due to academic reasons. However, it appears as though the University is ready to accept his commitment and Pope will likely be a Buckeye baring any last-second surprises.

Ohio State is also in the mix for four-star ILB Solomon Tuliaupupu and four-star OLB Christopher Oats. It appears that for Harris, Ohio State’s inability to guarantee him a spot in the class led him to commit to Auburn and had nothing to do with him losing interest in the school. This is one of the few negative side effects of being one of the most popular schools among the country’s top recruits. However, it appears that both the Buckeyes and Smith have decided to do what was best for both by going on their separate ways.

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