6 Ohio State players announced to the Maxwell Football Club watch lists
Alexis Chassen via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


Several Buckeyes are up for both the Maxwell Award and Chuck Bednarik Award.

The Maxwell Football Club announced its watch lists for the 81st annual Maxwell Award and the 23rd annual Chuck Bednarik Award, and six Ohio State Buckeyes found their way onto the too-early radar for the organization.

On the offensive side, competing for the Maxwell Award will be quarterback J.T. Barrett and running back Mike Weber. Barrett has spent many pre-seasons being named to watch lists, and with this being his last season in Columbus, he’s bound to make it count. During his time with the Buckeyes, Barrett has earned 23 school records, including being the only three-time captain in Ohio State history.

While he may be less experienced than Barrett, rusher Mike Weber is also expected to have a big season this year. He’s coming off of a freshman season that was capped with the Big Ten's Thomson-Randle El freshman of the year award, following a performance that made him just the third Ohio State freshman to rush for over 1,000 yards in a season (1,096 yards) while scoring nine touchdowns and averaging 6.0 yards per carry.

Over on defense, there is a mix of young and old competing for the Bednarik Award, including linebacker Jerome Baker, defensive ends Nick Bosa and Tyquan Lewis, and cornerback Denzel Ward.

Lewis, the fifth-year senior, is hoping to add another bit of hardware to his collegiate resume, building off of his current reign as the Big Ten Smith-Brown defensive lineman of the year.

The Silver Bullets were loaded last season, and despite Denzel Ward not getting a start in 2016 — behind Marshon Lattimore and Gareon Conley — the cornerback still lined up for 468 snaps, among the three-man rotation. He’s expected to be a critical component to the team’s defense in 2017 and could end up improving on his nine pass breakups, which tied for the team-lead last year.

Semifinalists for the Maxwell and Bednarik Awards will be announced Oct. 30, 2017, followed by an announcement of the final three for each award on Nov. 20. The winners of the 2017 Maxwell and Bednarik Awards will be announced as part of the Home Depot College Football Awards Show held on December 7, 2017.

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4-star OT Max Wray ready to focus on football after flipped commitment
Kyle Sumner McKinnon via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


The Franklin, TN native brings depth and a big boost to the Buckeyes O-line.

When four-star offensive tackle Max Wray made his first visit to Ohio State, it was to simply check off another box, leaving no stone unturned. That one visit, though, had a seismic impact on the Franklin, Tennessee native, as Wray decommitted from Georgia and joined OSU instead in April.

It was a decision that wasn't taken lightly and while he's glad his recruitment is finally over, Wray is even happier knowing that he's headed to the Buckeye State in 2018. In preparation for his senior season and a possible early enrollment at OSU, Wray spoke with us about his flipped commitment, the pressure of being recruited, and more.

(Note: Remarks lightly edited for clarity.)

Land-Grant Holy Land: You committed to Georgia but later changed your mind and decided on OSU instead. Why did you decommit?

Max Wray: The first time, we were just going up to check a box to make sure we weren’t missing anything. We just liked talking with Coach Meyer, the players, everybody else and all of that. It was everything we wanted in a school.

LGHL: What was going through your mind when you started seriously considering OSU as an option?

Wray: It just felt like home. Hanging out with the guys and everybody else, it felt awesome. Even talking to them and Coach Meyer, it shows that its more than just football for them. Me and my parents sat down and talked it over and thought this is the best decision for me as a football player and as a man.

LGHL: Being someone that flipped their commitment, you must've felt a fair amount of pressure. Did you enjoy being recruited?

Wray: I’ve never really been much of a fan. I didn’t like all the attention and I didn’t like taking visits all the time. Now I’m just excited to play football and workout, do normal kid stuff. When you’re not decided, there’s a lot of pressure from everyone you talk to and anyone that knows who you are.

LGHL: What role did your parents play in your final decision?

Wray: Honestly, me and my parents just sat down and just talked and said that we had better opportunities and that a lot had changed in the last year since I had committed. So, we just wanted to open it back up and make sure it was the best decision for me. I just thought it was a place that suited my personality and my family better, so that’s where we went.

LGHL: You've said that OSU's coaches have a vision for you. What plans do they have in store for you and what is your relationship with them like?

Wray: Well, me and Coach Studrawa are really tight. He’s an awesome guy and a really good coach. I’m really excited to work with him in the future. They basically told me, though, that they want me to come in and participate and compete as early as I can. They gave me an opportunity and it’s up to me to work for it.

LGHL: How are you preparing this summer, not only for you senior season in high school, but your eventual career as a Buckeye?

Wray: I’m coming off a knee injury, so I’m working out with my team in the mornings and twice a week I have to go to physical therapy. It’s going pretty well, we’re ahead of schedule, so I should be back for the season. I feel good, it was just a recurring thing that I had to get fixed before I came to Columbus. I’m taking an online class right now so I can graduate early. It’s kind of a grind right now.

LGHL: I doubt you grew up wanting to be a lineman. Were there any other positions you wanted to play growing up?

Wray: I was a quarterback until freshman year of high school. I played quarterback in flag football and I really loved it because I got to touch the ball every play. I was obviously a big kid growing up, so when I got to pee-wee, I was over the weight limit. I couldn’t touch the ball and had to go back to being a lineman. I went back to playing quarterback in middle school and then freshman year I moved to tight end and defensive end.

LGHL: Top 3 musical albums of the year in any genre. Go.

Wray: Oh God. I listen to a lot of music. I got to throw Zach Brown Band’s album (Welcome Home) in there, it’s super good. Young Thug’s album (Beautiful Thugger Girls), I like that. There’s been so many good albums lately. My last one is probably Culture by Migos.

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Four Buckeyes, RedHawks' Harding, UK's Jones on Bednarik Watch List - Cincinnati.com
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Four Buckeyes, RedHawks' Harding, UK's Jones on Bednarik Watch List
Cincinnati.com
Four Ohio State Buckeyes - linebacker Jerome Baker, defensive ends Nick Bosa and Tyquan Lewis and cornerback Denzel Ward - as well as Miami RedHawks cornerback Heath Harding and University of Kentucky linebacker Jordan Jones are among 85 ...


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Buckeyes retain top baseball recruit Lonsway - 247Sports
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Buckeyes retain top baseball recruit Lonsway
247Sports
The left-handed pitcher was also selected by the Cincinnati Reds in the 19th round of the MLB Draft in June. Therefore, there was some consternation from the Buckeyes regarding Lonsway's future. Might he decide to forego his scholarship at Ohio State ...


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BH: Decision time for Carman | Does Urban like the slate? - 247Sports
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BH: Decision time for Carman | Does Urban like the slate?
247Sports
... ** FNL or cookout for Carman? … Friday Night Lights is July 21. The Clemson Cookout is the same day. Jackson Carman is trying to decide which one to attend. But closer to home there are other options including a Friday Night Lights at Louisville ...


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Six Buckeyes on Maxwell, Bednarik watch lists - 247Sports
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Six Buckeyes on Maxwell, Bednarik watch lists
247Sports
COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Maxwell Football Club today announced its watch lists for the 81st annual Maxwell Award and the 23rd annual Chuck Bednarik Award, and multiple Ohio State Buckeyes are on the radar for the organization's respective player of the ...
LJ Scott Named To Maxwell Award Watch ListMichigan State Athletics

all 33 news articles »

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Dienhart: Top freshmen to watch in 2017
Tom Dienhart, BTN.com Senior Writer via Big Ten Network

Which first-year players are worth watching as the 2017 season inches closer? Check out Tom Dienhart's freshmen focus.

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Start your week off right by seeing Taylor Decker wreck a Michigan man with a Twitter response
Geoff Hammersley via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


[x] rekt [ ] not rekt

The year is 2017, and I still can’t believe that Twitter is still free. The reason why I say that: On Thursday, former Ohio State offensive tackle Taylor Decker went on Twitter and made a comment about headphones and getting a tattoo, a heckler on said website tweeted at Decker about trading in memorabilia for the tat a la Tattoo-gate, and Decker fired back with a comeback that we all dream about delivering.

Since there was some good, like the spot, updates on Ohio State basketball, as well as fun spot the difference puzzles last week, I, one of the managing editors at Land-Grant Holy Land, thought this story should be utilized as a solid pick-me-up heading into the new workweek.

Without further delay, the Twitter story:

The leadoff by Decker.


A question is asked about whether or not this tattoo in question is on the same shoulder that Decker just had repaired.


Then comes the Michigan man.


And then Decker comes in for the knockout tweet.


From 2012-2015, Decker was part of an undefeated team in Urban Meyer’s first season, a national championship team, and helped beat Michigan four times—getting those gold pants in the process.

After Decker’s response, more good tweets started to roll in. Here’s a couple of them:


I hope this helped make your Monday a tad better.

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Proctor to return to Ohio State for first time since commitment - 247Sports
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Proctor to return to Ohio State for first time since commitment
247Sports
Proctor visited Ohio State in June of 2016 and made it back for the Buckeyes' spring game this past April and committed to Ohio State at that time. The 6-foot-2 and 185-pound Proctor is a 4-star prospect in the 247Sports rankings. He is the country's No.

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Can Indiana beat Ohio State? A 5 percent chance the Buckeyes could lose - cleveland.com
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Can Indiana beat Ohio State? A 5 percent chance the Buckeyes could lose
cleveland.com
Kevin Wilson (center in white) coached Indiana against Ohio State for the last six years. Now, he's the Buckeyes offensive coordinator and will call his first game against his old team on Thursday night, Aug. 31, at Indiana. That will make for an ...
Jeremy Ruckert sets decision date, old name resurfaces for Friday Night Lights, and moreLandof10.com
Buckeyes are in good shape for the top recruiting class247Sports
2 top 2018 recruits list Ohio State among current leadersLand-Grant Holy Land
FanRag Sports (blog) -Eleven Warriors
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Ohio State could have 5 first-round picks; Buckeyes rank as top academic-and-athletic combo - Landof10.com
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Ohio State could have 5 first-round picks; Buckeyes rank as top academic-and-athletic combo
Landof10.com
We hope you'll start your day with us here at Landof10.com as we work to prepare you for everything you need to know — Monday through Friday — around the world of Ohio State sports. Whether it's football, basketball, wrestling, hockey, baseball or ...


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2 top 2018 recruits list Ohio State among current leaders
Charles Doss via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


Guess what? The Buckeyes are still in the mix for a pair of standouts.

Soon after earning his scholarship offer from Urban Meyer and the Ohio State coaching staff, four-star tight end Jeremy Ruckert, a class of 2018 standout, stated the following to Land-Grant Holy Land:

“It felt so surreal and it was an honor to get it from [Coach Meyer]. I have no favorites right now but it is Ohio State and it can't get much better than that. I'm just enjoying and riding this whole process out.”

Fast forward over a year and Ruckert is all set to announce his college plans to the world.

Picking up well over 20 full ride scholarship offers from programs across the country during the process, the Lindenhurst, NY native will select between Ohio State, Michigan, Notre Dame, and Wisconsin on Monday July 17.


A big target at over 6-foot-5, and 235-pounds, the soft handed U.S. Army All-American has shown the play making ability Meyer and crew are searching for out of their potential incoming recruits. Last season as a junior, Ruckert, who would add another scoring threat to the Buckeyes already star studded roster, hauled in 58 passes for 807 yards and eight touchdowns.

All signs currently point towards Jeremy heading to Columbus. Will Ruckert join the Buckeyes class of 2018 or will he take his talents elsewhere? We won’t have to wait much longer to find out.

Stick with the Land-Grant Holy Land recruiting team for the latest.

Montgomery sets commitment date


Ruckert wasn’t the only Ohio State target to take to his twitter page to announce his upcoming commitment date.

Also releasing his plans to pledge to a program, Ken Montgomery is down to four schools. OSU, Alabama, Penn State, UCLA, are the final programs fighting it out to land the 6-foot-1 cornerback.


While things point to Montgomery committing to UCLA or Penn State, it shows the Ohio State football program carries heavy weight among some of the top prospects in the country.

Ohio State definitely wanted to add numerous defensive backs to its 2018 recruiting class. Montgomery might not end up in Columbus, but the Buckeyes are sitting pretty at the moment, currently holding pledges from recruits such as Jaiden Woodbey, Josh Proctor and Sevyn Banks.

Quick Hits

• Chris Holtmann and the Buckeyes basketball program locked up a commitment from newly classified 2017 small forward Musa Jallow on Friday night. Want to know more about the four-star prospect and what he brings to the Buckeyes? Land-Grant Holy Land has your back.
• While it wasn’t another verbal pledge, Holtmann and crew did receive even more good news over the weekend. Releasing his top 10 via his Twitter page, 2018 four-star shooting guard Dwayne Cohill of Cleveland Holy Name announced he’s currently considering a college commitment to either Ohio State, Vanderbilt, Dayton, Clemson, UNLV, West Virginia, Texas, Pittsburgh, Virginia Tech or Penn State.

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Ohio State Recruiting Notebook: The latest in Buckeyes recruiting ... - Landof10.com
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Ohio State Recruiting Notebook: The latest in Buckeyes recruiting ...
Landof10.com
Ohio State could be on the verge on landing its top TE target for 2018, a familiar name in Ohio resurfaces for a Friday Night Lights visit, and more.
Jaiden Woodbey ready for return visit with Ohio State Buckeyes247Sports

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Buckeyes are in good shape for the top recruiting class - 247Sports
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Buckeyes are in good shape for the top recruiting class
247Sports
"The Buckeyes have a legitimate shot at the No. 1-ranked recruiting class on signing day after finishing No. 2 behind Alabama in 2017. Ohio State has an astonishing 13 of its 14 commitments ranked in the ESPN 300, nine of which are ranked in the top 100.
Ohio State football | Former head coaches blend in well in Urban Meyer's systemThe Columbus Dispatch

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Oats not out yet? Buckeyes set to host in-state star for FNL - 247Sports
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Oats not out yet? Buckeyes set to host in-state star for FNL
247Sports
Ohio State has commitments from linebackers Dallas Gant and Teradja Mitchell. It is believed the Buckeyes would like to get one more at the position in the current cycle, and are looking at a number of different players to fill that spot. The names K ...


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Woodbey to return to Ohio State - 247Sports
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Woodbey to return to Ohio State
247Sports
And on Sunday Woodbey told Bucknuts he will return to Columbus for the Buckeyes' Friday Night Lights camp on July 21. Woodbey tells Bucknuts this trip will be a visit and he will not work out at the camp. But getting the talented safety on campus again ...


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DaNmAcK said:

I have 2 tickets to THE biggest game of the year on Saturday September 9!

Tickets are located in

Section-5A
Row-16
Seats- Protected for the buyer

Tickets are Hard tickets, no id needed.

Seats are Side-by-Side

Tickets are In Hand and ready for delivery.

I'm asking $975 cash obo

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They moved the tsun game to September 9?

Watch: A healthy Sean Nuernberger hits 60-yard field goal - 247Sports
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Watch: A healthy Sean Nuernberger hits 60-yard field goal
247Sports
It's been an up-and-down college career for Sean Nuernberger. The Buckner, KY native came to Ohio State as the country's No. 6 kicker, but has struggled to make the impact he desired. Nuernberger started as a true freshman for the Buckeyes in 2014 and ...


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Curtis Samuel’s versatility at Ohio State will translate to the Panthers’ offense
Alexis Chassen via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


Plus, other Buckeye-related NFL news from the week.

One of the new offseason series that we are going to start at Land-Grant Holy Land, is bringing our readers a weekly spot to find Buckeye-related NFL news from around the web.

“Samuel’s unpredictability paired with his explosive athleticism makes for a devilish playmaker — the type of player that the Panthers have been missing for years.”

-Derrik Klassen, TwoQBs


The Carolina Panthers let a lot of offensive talent walk away this year during free agency, including former Buckeye receivers Ted Ginn Jr. and Corey ‘Philly’ Brown. Instead, the team focused on rebuilding through the draft with two of the college game’s most coveted talents: Christian McCaffrey and Ohio State’s Curtis Samuel.

Klassen details how these two rookies will have a positive impact on Carolina’s offense, and how Samuel’s dual-position skill set will only exacerbate the team’s schemes and options. While at Ohio State, Samuel lined up in different slots, confusing defenses, putting them in reactive situations where they were unable to contain him.

The Panthers should try and utilize Samuel as much as they can, which means more snaps for the sometimes-receiver and sometimes-rusher. His experience motioning in and out of the backfield, and flipping between positions, will set Carolina up for offensive options they haven’t had in the past.

“The 2014 first-round pick moved into the starting lineup as a rookie, made the Pro Bowl last year and has generally made plays all over the field when he’s been in the lineup.”

-Josh Alper, NBC Sports


Former Ohio State legend Ryan Shazier is looking forward to having a full, healthy season as he heads into the fourth year of his rookie deal. He’s missed 14 total games due to injuries over the past three seasons, but has still been able to menace opposing offenses.

Despite a slew of injuries that have kept him sidelined, Shazier has still amassed 210 total tackles, 7.0 sacks and nine turnovers -- three interceptions coming just from the 2016 season. The Buckeye has found his groove at the next level and will need a solid performance this season and next if he wants to make the big money on his second NFL contract.

Drafted in the first round of the 2014 NFL draft by the Steelers, the team is going to do everything it can to keep the linebacker in Pittsburgh for the foreseeable future. So long as Shazier can stay available for his team, he hasn’t even come close to reaching his potential — which is a pretty scary thought.

“Mangold was cut loose by the New York Jets, and even though he’s 33 and coming off an injury-plagued season, he’s still one of the best centers of this generation.”

-Frank Schwab, Shutdown Corner


Most of the Buckeyes in the NFL have found either a new home or a new contract this offseason, but free agency hasn’t been kind to all former Ohio State stars. In one of the first cuts to be made after the final whistle of the 2016 postseason, the Jets released 11-year veteran Nick Mangold.

The center had been a point of stability for the team over the years, had been voted to the Pro Bowl seven times, and was All-Pro thrice. It wasn’t exactly a surprise that the Jets made the move, clearly going all-in on a rebuilding era and cutting most of their experienced talent.

What was surprising, however, is that Mangold still hasn’t been called up by another team. Spring practices are in the bank, and offseason workouts are complete. With training camp just a few weeks away, this could be the first season since 2005 that the former Buckeye isn’t snapping a ball on Sundays.


There are three Buckeyes still taking snaps up North in the Canadian Football League: Duron Carter, Marcus Hall and DeVier Posey.

Posey was drafted by the Houston Texans in 2012 in the third round, with the No. 68 overall pick. He spent three seasons with the team, but never gained much traction with the offense, recording only 272 yards on 22 receptions (40 targets) and never making it into the endzone.

He was traded after the 2014 season to the New York Jets, but was waived just before the start of the 2015 regular season. Posey had some additional interest, and signed with the Broncos in 2016, but was once again let go before the season kicked off.

Just a month later, Posey signed with the Toronto Argonauts, and has been on the roster ever since. The CFL season opened a few weeks ago, and, as seen in the video above, the wide receiver still has the wheels to make a difference. So far, he’s suited up for seven CFL games, and has already bested his NFL production, claiming 441 yards on 32 receptions and two touchdowns already in 2017.

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USA Today: The Ohio State No. 1 for football and education - 247Sports
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USA Today: The Ohio State No. 1 for football and education
247Sports
When talking about Ohio State the article mentioned the Buckeyes winning eight national championships and 37 conference titles. Also mentioned was Urban Meyer's tremendous success at Ohio State both on the field and with his Real Life Wednesday's ...
The top 50 Ohio State football players for 2017: No. 47, OL Wyatt Daviscleveland.com
Ohio State named nation's best school for football and educationLandof10.com
Why has Ohio State QB JT Barrett become offseason punching bag?FanRag Sports (blog)
Eleven Warriors
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The Bucket can smell camp coming - 247Sports
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The Bucket can smell camp coming
247Sports
Yes, we want to see the Buckeyes run out under the lights in Bloomington to start the campaign for Urban's second National Championship in Columbus. Summer camp opens up in under a month. Let's get (Buck)nuts ... VIP SUBSCRIBERS: CLICK HERE TO ...


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What exactly should we expect from the ever-evolving Ohio State basketball roster?
Matt Tamanini via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


As my grandpa said, “Expect the worst; hope for the best.”

It is pretty safe to assume that with less than a month to go before the Ohio State football team opens fall camp, that few would have predicted the current level of discussion surrounding the Ohio State basketball team. However, the unusually-timed firing of the program’s winningest coach, the hiring of a young replacement on the rise, and unprecedented roster moves have made June and early July somewhat of a hot stove league for Buckeye basketball fans.

With Friday’s commitment and reclassification of Musa Jallow, OSU finally has a roster capable of 5-on-5 scrimmages, and, save a similar decision from Eric Ayala, and any preferred walk-ons added, the current squad is likely to be what Chris Holtmann has to work with during his first season in Columbus.

So, in a sport dominated by young players, what should the expectations be for the 2017-2018 Ohio State men’s basketball team?

When speaking of either sports or life, my grandfather used to say, “Expect the worst; hope for the best.” Since “the worst” is fresh in the mind of any OSU basketball fan, we should look at what the realistic best might be for the current configuration of Buckeyes.

Let’s start by analyzing the roster; first what’s coming back.

The Cupboard


There is no way around it: the 2016-2017 Ohio State basketball season was a disappointment for everyone involved with, or a fan of, the program. Since then, athletic director Gene Smith has replaced head coach Thad Matta, and players have graduated, gone pro, or transferred, leaving only six scholarship players from last season, three true freshmen, and a walk-on.

Following a second-straight season missing out on the NCAA tournament, it is easy to forget just how close the team’s fortunes were to being very different. Their final 17-15 record included eight games that the Buckeyes lost by two possessions or less. If half of those had gone their way, OSU would have been 21-11, at least in the NIT Tournament, and Matta might still be the team’s coach. However, that is not how things turned out.

Gone from that squad are contributors like Marc Loving, JaQuan Lyle, and Trevor Thompson. Those three (along with now departed David Bell and walk-on Jimmy Jent) accounted for just over 50 percent of the Buckeyes’ scoring last season. However, the returners do include the team’s top-scorer Jae’Sean Tate (14.3 ppg), as well as a reportedly healthy Keita Bates-Diop.

KBD averaged 9.7 in an injury-shortened nine-game season, but the previous year as a sophomore, he was the team’s second leading scorer with 11.8. Much will be expected of these two veterans, both from a production and leadership standpoint; and, considering their first three seasons in Columbus, I think it is a safe assumption to say that they appear up to the task.

In his first few weeks on the job, Holtmann has said that he intends for his version of the Buckeyes to play a more up-tempo style of ball than as has been seen from previous incarnations. This is probably a smart strategic move, given that Tate and KBD are the only returning players who have shown any desire to bang bodies down low, and, despite their selfless effort, they are a bit undersized to consistently be doing battle on the blocks in the rough-and-tumble Big Ten.

This also should play to the strengths of two of Ohio State’s returning guards, who will likely have the ball in their hands more than in previous years. JuCo transfer C.J. Jackson became a much-needed bolt of energy off of the bench last season, and Kam Williams proved to be capable of more than just hitting the deep ball, eventually working his way into the starting rotation.

This season, it is expected that these two, along with Tate, will handle the point guard duties, unless a newcomer surprises and takes the reigns. Both Jackson and Williams have high motors and can go from one end of the floor to the other incredibly quickly, so, if they are able to keep the turnovers at a minimum (both averaged about one and a half per game last year), this style could allow them increased opportunities to succeed.

Also, for the Scarlet and Gray to regain relevance in the Big Ten, it would be beneficial if sophomore Micah Potter provided more consistency than he did a season ago. Despite starting for half of the season, he averaged only 4.1 points and 3.1 rebounds a game, often preferring to shoot threes and let Thompson clean up down low. With a year of collegiate competition and training now under his belt, it would be nice if Potter was able to find a more healthy balance of finesse and physical in his game.

While Potter might again be fighting for playing time with a more physical big man (this time true freshman Kaleb Wesson), for the Buckeyes to achieve their optimal outcome, Potter will need to contribute.

Another key factor in analyzing the 2016-2017 squad is the fact that they never seemed to congeal as a cohesive unit. Often times, the team seemed to be less than the sum of its objectively talented parts. The last few years of the Matta Era were haunted by the idea that the coach and his staff couldn’t build a unit of complementary players that “wanted to be Buckeyes.”

Whatever that means, the results were often teams that underachieved and looked far better on paper than they did on the court. Will that change under Holtmann? Who knows. But let’s be honest, it can’t get much worse.

The Groceries


The 2017 Ohio State basketball recruiting class currently sits at just three players, and while the possibility (eventuality?) remains of others being added in the coming weeks, the three Holtmann already has are pretty darn good.

Kaleb Wesson, a 6-foot-9, 290-pound center is a four-star, top-ranked prospect in the state of Ohio. The Gatorade Player of the Year provides something that the Buckeyes haven’t had consistently in years; a physical, low-post scoring threat. Given the roster turnover, it is a distinct possibility that the big man starts from Day One. If he is able to scratch the surface of the potential that experts see in him, he could provide the wing-heavy squad with an anchor in the paint.

With Wesson occupying the top in-state slot, 6-foot-6, 205-pound forward Kyle Young took the No. 2 position. Having originally signed with Butler, the Massillon-native flipped to the Buckeyes shortly after Holtmann took over in Columbus. Unlike Wesson, Young is likely coming in to play the three (or maybe the four, depending on who else is on the floor), which is really the only position at which the Buckeyes have depth.

So, I would imagine that Young would be bringing his ability to stretch the floor off of the bench, potentially as the team’s sixth man. However, given the team’s lack of depth, it is easy to see him getting a considerable amount of playing time, and contributing early.

The same is likely true for Jallow. On Friday morning, the Bloomington, Ind., native was a top 200 prospect in the class of 2018, but after reclassifying to 2017, he became Ohio State’s third four-star commit in the class.

At 6-foot-5, Young is not a lights-out shooter, but instead relies on his athleticism to create scoring opportunities at the rim or in the mid-range. However, he also has proven to be an excellent defensive player, with the ability to cover both guards and small forwards.

The flexibility that he provides should allow Holtmann to employ him in a number of different situations, likely spelling Jackson and Williams.

Last week, Holtmann said that they were still looking to add bodies to the roster for the fall, but indicated that they would likely be of the preferred walk-on variety. Obviously, Jallow is a much more talented piece than teams are normally likely to pick up this late in the game, but if OSU’s new coaching staff can somehow pull off one more big, last-minute commitment, it will dramatically change how fans (and the team) looks at the 2017-2018 season.

The Forecast


Considering what the Buckeyes have coming back and coming in, if I am going to follow my grandfather’s sage advice, I would expect the Buckeyes to go into the 2018 Big Ten Tournament with a chance (even if it’s an unlikely one) of playing their way into the Big Dance, only to squander the opportunity and be relegated to the NIT, where the young team impresses with an Elite 8 run.

However, I am hoping for a legendary, record-breaking season that will spawn books, a 30 for 30 documentary, and another banner hanging in the Schottenstein Center rafters.

Sorry, Grandpa. I’m a glass half-full kind of guy.

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Past Buckeye greats support charity fundraiser for young athletes - Canton Repository
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Past Buckeye greats support charity fundraiser for young athletes
Canton Repository
Former Ohio State Buckeyes Curt Lukens (left), Devin Jordan (center) and Brian Hartline talk at Jerzee's Sports Grille in Jackson Township on Saturday, July 8, 2017. Jordon is president of "Beyond the Game," a charity that assists young student ...

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Helwagen Chat Monday 8 pm (Post Questions Here) - 247Sports
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The Impact: Jallow verbal caps crazy week for OSU basketball - 247Sports
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


The Impact: Jallow verbal caps crazy week for OSU basketball
247Sports
Beverly's decision to transfer left the Buckeyes in a bit of a bind with only one true point guard in Jackson. On Thursday, Williams told reporters he is also cross training to play some at the point. Jallow seems better suited as a two or three ...
Top 2019 DE Nolan Smith 'completely open' to Ohio State, basketball program hoping for good news and moreLandof10.com
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Ohio State looks to get another elite offensive prospect from Georgia ...Land-Grant Holy Land
The Columbus Dispatch -Scout -FanRag Sports (blog)
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