Locked On Buckeyes - Daily Podcast On Ohio State Buckeyes Football & Basketball

Ohio State Buckeyes shake up camp as sophomore Isaiah West splits first-team running back reps with Ja'Kobi Jackson, ramping up competition for Bo Jackson and showcasing the depth of the Buckeyes' offensive arsenal. Ryan Day rewards West’s grind and offseason dedication while keeping fans guessing about the backfield hierarchy—just as the Buckeyes brace for early-season tests against Ball State and Texas.

Jay Stephens dissects Ryan Day’s evolving offensive line strategy and the notable rise of transfer cornerback Dominick Kelly. Insights include standout performances from Brandon Inniss and Brock Boyd on special teams, Devin Sanchez’s bold c...

ESPN faces backlash over unchecked SEC bias, stirring questions about college football media narratives. The Big 10 Squad debates Peter Burns’ misleading SEC vs. Big Ten strength of schedule claims, examining how media giants influence perceptions and why networks like Fox and CBS hesitate to match ESPN’s promotional energy for the Big Ten. Ohio State’s and Penn State’s identical 9.5 win totals spark heated predictions. The roundtable breaks down Ryan Day’s daunting schedule—including Texas, USC, Oregon, and Michigan—and evaluates whether the Buckeyes can surpass lofty expectations or stumble amid fierce competition. Insights into Penn State’s revamped roste...

Ohio State training camp is officially underway, and the Buckeyes can't afford to waste a single rep if they want to compete for a national championship.

Host Jay Stephens breaks down why intensity, urgency, and purpose must define every practice as Ryan Day's team begins its journey toward the 2026 season. Jay also highlights the players who have the best chance to shake up key position battles during camp and discusses Ryan Day's timeline for identifying the starters who will lead Ohio State into Week 1.

Tune in for the latest analysis on Ohio State football as...

Ohio State Buckeyes lock in 4-star quarterback Brady Edmunds, dashing UCLA Bruins’ hopes and raising questions about West Coast recruiting power shifts. Can Ryan Day’s recruiting strategy keep Ohio State in national title contention while UCLA and USC scramble to reclaim their local football dominance?

Jay Stephens and Zach Anderson-Yoxsimer break down Edmunds’ decision to remain loyal to the Buckeyes despite a strong UCLA push and explore its impact on both programs’ quarterback futures. The conversation covers Ohio State’s grip on California talent, the Bruins’ urgent search for a 2027 QB, and USC’s fading influence under Lincoln...

Ohio State Buckeyes silence SEC critics as preseason coaches poll puts them at #1—can Ryan Day's squad withstand a daunting schedule and reclaim national glory?

Jay Stephens spotlights the Buckeyes' fierce 2026 football slate, debunking ESPN's SEC bias by revealing Ohio State faces six top-25 opponents, including Oregon, Texas, USC, Michigan, and Iowa. The episode dives into key training camp position battles, from Julian Sayin’s push to follow in the footsteps of Justin Fields and CJ Stroud, to Ian Moore anchoring the offensive line and James Smith emerging on defense. With fresh talent, high expectations, and swagger, are...

Ohio State Buckeyes’ national championship hopes hinge on the breakout performance of their running backs. Can Bo Jackson, Isaiah West, Ja'Kobi Jackson, and Legend Bay power the team to the top, or will unproven depth be their Achilles’ heel? Jay Stephens spotlights Ryan Day’s public challenge to the RB room and traces how elite backfield play has marked every Buckeyes title run.

Key insights include how Ohio State’s roster depth, with talents like Julian Sayin and Jeremiah Smith, grants the offense new versatility and freedom heading into a high-stakes season. Jay Stephens examines evolving team goals un...

Christoph Tilly’s potential return could be the game-changer Ohio State Basketball needs. With a recent eligibility ruling opening the door, Head Coach Jake Diebler faces the crucial decision of bringing back the veteran big man to strengthen a roster that features Amari Bynum, John Mobley Jr., and exciting new talent. Is a late off-season reunion with Tilly the missing piece for a deep Big Ten run?

Jay Stephens breaks down the Buckeyes’ frontcourt depth, analyzing the impact of Tilly versus newcomers like Andrija Jelovic and Vuk Lazarevic. The conversation spotlights the challenges and chemistry risks that come...

Ohio State Buckeyes football could get a scheduling shake-up as Ryan Day pushes for an earlier start to the season, shorter playoff gaps, and more uniform game weeks—moves that would streamline the path to a national championship. Could these changes help the Buckeyes maintain peak performance and avoid the dreaded post-season layoff that plagues contenders each year?

Jay Stephens breaks down the potential elimination of the Big Ten Championship, Tony Petitti’s 24-team playoff vision, and the impact of new NCAA eligibility rulings. What would the 2024 Buckeyes defense look like with Caden Curry back alongside Kenyatta Jack...

Ohio State Buckeyes’ offense is set for a major transformation as Arthur Smith brings NFL-style freedom and tempo to Columbus. Can Julian Sayin and Jeremiah Smith finally unleash the team’s full potential and erase last season’s struggles? Jay Stephens spotlights the renewed offensive philosophy, the increasing autonomy at the line of scrimmage for Sayin, and why Buckeye receivers will have more options in their routes than ever before.

Key discussions include the offseason chemistry built between Sayin and Smith in the weight room, Jeremiah Smith’s critical stance on last year’s lackluster YAC stats, and how th...

Ohio State Buckeyes face one of their toughest football schedules in years, but Ryan Day’s squad isn’t backing down—they’re fired up to prove why they belong among college football’s elite. Can stars like Kenyatta Jackson Jr. rise to the challenge and set the tone from week one?

Jay Stephens breaks down the Buckeyes’ demanding lineup, including road battles at Texas, Iowa, and USC, plus home clashes with Oregon and the Michigan Wolverines. Insights include Ryan Day’s aggressive camp plans, the timeline for settling the offensive line, early season keys, and what valuable lesso...

Ohio State Buckeyes elevate expectations as Jaylen McClain emerges as the only defender representing the team at Big Ten Media Days. Can McClain fill the void left by Caleb Downs and anchor a defense stacked with potential? Jay Stephens examines McClain’s leadership, on-field versatility, and breakout potential, setting the stage for a pivotal sophomore season.

Big Ten Media Days heat up with Ryan Day, Julian Sayin, and Jeremiah Smith in the spotlight, while anticipation builds for a Buckeyes squad loaded with experienced talent and high-powered transfers. From deep dives into position battles and standout players like Is...

Ohio State Buckeyes look to unleash a more confident Devin Sanchez, setting the stage for a potential “no-fly zone” defense this season. Can Sanchez’s growth opposite Jermaine Mathews Jr. elevate the Buckeyes’ secondary to national dominance? Jay Stephens dissects Sanchez’s mental shift, drawing parallels to Denzel Burke and revisiting Darrelle Revis’s elite mindset as the key to true difference-making at cornerback.

With Big Ten Media Days approaching, Jay Stephens explores tight end Hunter Welcing’s mission to maximize his role after transferring from Northwestern. The episode debates Ohio State’s offensive position battles and the impact of ex...

Ohio State Buckeyes boast the nation’s most underrated backfield duo—can Isaiah West’s explosive potential and Bo Jackson’s consistency power a title run? With a demanding schedule ahead, the spotlight shifts to the overlooked depth and versatility within the Buckeyes’ offense, where West’s vision and patience stand out despite being overshadowed. Is this the year Ohio State’s two-headed monster finally surpasses expectations in the Big Ten and make national waves?

The conversation focused on transfer linebacker Christian Alliegro’s immediate impact, James Laurinaitis’ eye for talent, and why team cohesion outweighs any single player’s co...

Ohio State Buckeyes score a major recruiting boost as four-star quarterback Brady Edmunds locks in his commitment, shutting down interest from UCLA and other top suitors. Is Edmonds the missing piece to keep the Buckeyes' 2027 recruiting class among the nation’s elite?

Jay Stephens breaks down the huge recruiting win for Ryan Day’s program, examining Edmunds’ Elite 11 finalist pedigree and what this means for Ohio State’s offensive future. Key topics include the ripple effect on targets like Benny Easter Jr., Jamier Brown, and offensive line prospects, as well as the recruiting setback with David Gabriel Georges’...

SEC eyes breakaway league as Michigan, Ohio State, and the Big Ten respond—are seismic changes ahead for college football's powerhouses? The Big 10 Squad dissects SEC’s rumored solo championship ambitions and ESPN FPI’s controversial ranking of Ohio State’s brutal schedule. The crew questions the legitimacy of an SEC-only title, debates Michigan’s 8.5-win total under new head coach Kyle Whittingham, and analyzes key matchups against Oklahoma, Oregon, and Penn State. Rosters, coaching shifts, and quarterback Bryce Underwood's development take center stage as the Wolverines look to stay at the top of the Big Ten. Can Michigan exceed exp...

Ohio State Buckeyes lose 5-star running back David Gabriel Georges to Tennessee in a high-stakes recruiting battle, sparking questions about NIL deals and the future of elite RB talent in Columbus. Can Carlos Loughlin and Ryan Day recover and keep the Buckeyes’ backfield stacked for 2027?

Jay Stephens examines Ohio State’s strategy, the impact of missing out on Georges, and outlines why the Buckeyes’ RB room—featuring Bo Jackson, Isaiah West, Turbo Rogers, and Legend Bay—remains loaded with young talent. Key topics include recruiting challenges in the NIL era, the importance of competition, and potential late commitment...

Ohio State Buckeyes’ offensive line enters 2026 with unmatched experience, returning four starters—Luke Montgomery, Carson Hinzman, Austin Siereveld, and Phillip Daniels—with clear NFL potential. Can the Buckeyes’ revamped front impose its will from week one and set the tone for a championship run? Jay Stephens breaks down the fierce competition for the fifth starting spot, spotlighting Ian Moore as the frontrunner and assessing the impact of interior linemen Josh Padilla, Gabe VanSickle, and Jake Cook on this high-stakes battle.

Simulation fever hits as EA Sports College Football 27 predicts Ohio State to dominate—winning 22 simulated national championships out of 100...

Ohio State Buckeyes position themselves as the premier destination for 5-star running back David Gabriel Georges, outshining rivals Tennessee and Ole Miss in both player development and NFL readiness. Can Carlos Loughlin’s proven track record and the Buckeyes’ NFL pipeline tip the scales in their favor for this can’t-miss prospect?

Jay Stephens breaks down Ohio State’s recruiting strategy, the difference between “Saturday money” from NIL deals and “Sunday money” from NFL contracts, and the team’s specific development plans for DGG. Key highlights include the success of Bo Jackson and Quinshon Judkins, recent NIL bidding wars, and...

Ohio State Buckeyes build a dominant 2027 defensive line haul, stacking four top-135 recruits for a future powerhouse front. Is this the key to another national championship run? Positional versatility from DJ Jacobs, Marcus Fakatou, Wyatt Smith, and Karlos May gives the Buckeyes unmatched flexibility, echoing the formula of recent title-winning Big Ten teams that controlled the trenches.

Jay Stephens explores how Larry Johnson and Matt Patricia’s recruiting blueprint could shape Ohio State’s defensive identity, while spotlighting the high-stakes pursuit of 5-star running back David Gabriel Georges. Can the Buckeyes secure this potential day-one starter and mana...

Ohio State Buckeyes land a game-changing commitment as 4-star defensive tackle Karlos May from Alabama joins their 2027 recruiting class. Can Larry Johnson and Matt Patricia’s coaching unlock May’s elite quickness and versatility to fuel Ohio State’s defensive line dominance and keep the pipeline strong against SEC rivals?

Jay Stephens spotlights the Buckeyes’ latest recruiting surge, including 5-star talents Jamier Brown and DJ Jacobs, as well as key pickups Marcus Fakatou, Brady Edmunds, and Kellen Wymer. Unpacking critical needs for a complete class, Jay Stephens highlights why Ohio State must target another corner, tight end, receiver...

Ohio State Buckeyes face their biggest offensive challenge yet: Who will emerge as wide receiver two alongside Jeremiah Smith? With Brandon Innis, Chris Henry Jr., Devin McCuin, and Kyle Parker all battling for the coveted spot, the Buckeyes’ dynamic passing game hangs in the balance. Will experience or raw potential win out in Ryan Day’s high-octane system?

Jay Stephens breaks down the fierce competition in Ohio State’s wide receiver room, spotlighting the impact of Innis’ leadership and sacrifice, Henry Jr.’s sky-high ceiling, and McCuin’s proven production. Key topics include how internal competition could shape the Bu...

Ohio State’s Julian Sayin fuels early Heisman buzz—can Ryan Day’s revamped offense deliver another Big Ten title? Host Spencer McLaughlin puts Locked On’s Big Ten experts on the spot, challenging hot takes about the Ohio State Buckeyes’ quarterback play, Iowa Hawkeyes’ QB battle, and Washington Huskies’ locker room dynamics. Insightful banter erupts around which teams could break through daunting schedules and which dark horses might disappoint. Main conversations include Penn State’s favorable slate under Matt Campbell, Iowa’s search for improved passing efficiency, and whether Northwestern could play spoiler with Chip Kelly guiding the offense. Debates s...

Ohio State Buckeyes place enormous expectations on quarterback Julian Sayin as he takes the reins for a second straight year—can the rising star guide a loaded offense to new heights under Arthur Smith’s system? Jay Stephens spotlights Sayin’s evolving leadership, his ability to connect with a revamped roster, and the challenges of mastering a new playbook amid coaching changes. With standout talent like Will Howard in recent history, the pressure mounts on Sayin to not just perform, but to unify the team on and off the field.

Wide receiver Chris Henry Jr. steps into the sp...

Ohio State Buckeyes eye a defensive resurgence as James Smith’s explosive versatility raises expectations for the upcoming season—is he set to be the next game-wrecker in Columbus? Jay Stephens spotlights Smith’s transfer from Alabama, his potential impact on Matt Patricia’s multiple-front defense, and how his athleticism could free up linebackers like Peyton Pierce and Christian Allegro to make plays all over the field.

The conversation heats up as Jay Stephens introduces the “Bash Brothers”—James Smith and fellow transfer Qua Russaw—whose chemistry dates back to their Alabama high school days. Dive into the potential li...

Ohio State Buckeyes add explosive playmaker Devin McCuin from UTSA—will his speed transform the offense and special teams? Jay Stephens spotlights McEwen’s ability to create game-changing plays, break zones, and serve as a reliable target for quarterback Julian Sayin. Insightful stats, including McCuin’s 11.2 yards per catch and proven productivity, highlight why he’s poised to thrive alongside top wideouts like Jeremiah Smith and Brandon Inniss in the Big Ten.

Key topics include the challenge of McCuin’s transition from the American Conference to “big boy” Big Ten football, his surprising red zone prowess, and why he should...

Ohio State Buckeyes’ wide receiver room braces for a potential record-shattering season as Jeremiah Smith’s leadership and work ethic set the standard for new faces like Kyle Parker, Brandon Inniss, and Chris Henry Jr. Can Smith’s approach shape the unit into the nation’s most dangerous receiving corps? Meanwhile, Cortez Hankton steps in as receivers coach, facing the challenge of maintaining Buckeye tradition with over 50 newcomers on the roster.

Jay Stephens spotlights Kenyatta Jackson Jr.’s crucial role as the defensive line relies on transfers John Walker, James Smith, and Qua Russaw. Is this group ready to b...

Ohio State Buckeyes enter 2026 with a competitive edge—can Ryan Day’s veteran squad finally break through and reclaim college football’s spotlight? Jay Stephens and Jeff Hunt debate if Ohio State should run Arthur Smith’s offense or stick with Day’s proven approach, spotlighting the impact of experienced leaders like quarterback Julian and the explosive Bo Jackson in the backfield.

Key topics include Ohio State’s advantage with returning starters at key positions, Matt Patricia’s adaptable defensive schemes, and the critical importance of developing a tougher mentality after late-season letdowns against Michigan, Indiana, and Miami. The con...

On3’s latest quarterback and receiver rankings spark heated debate—can elite quarterback-receiver duos truly explain team success, or do inconsistencies between individual and duo rankings leave fans scratching their heads? The Locked On Big Ten Squad analyzes controversial placements: Why is Jayden Maiava ranked third among Big Ten quarterbacks, yet his top wideout drops to an honorable mention? Does the meteoric rise of Purdue’s Josh Hoover and Nick Marsh make sense, or is it pure off-season hype? Attention shifts to the Iowa Hawkeyes’ win total—set at 7.5 by FanDuel. Can Iowa’s new-look offense and a lean senior class...

Can Bo Jackson cement himself as Ohio State's next breakout offensive weapon? The Buckeyes' star sophomore running back is primed to headline the ground attack after a 1,000-yard freshman season, and expectations are sky-high for him to avoid the notorious sophomore slump.

The conversation focused on Jackson's elite vision, contact balance, and his role in Arthur Smith’s revamped offense. A key theme that emerged was the influence of Ohio State’s dynamic running back room, featuring names like Isaiah West and Ja'Kobi Jackson, and how their complementary skill sets could spark the offense. The discussion explored recr...

Ohio State Buckeyes’ Ryan Day faces mounting pressure—can he finally defeat Michigan at home? With the biggest rivalry in college football heating up, questions swirl around Day’s legacy, playoff implications, and the intensity of “The Game.” Does winning the Big Ten Championship now matter more than topping Michigan on Thanksgiving weekend?

Jay Stephens and Mo Murphy break down the Buckeyes’ quarterback stability with Julian Sayin and Tavis Sinclair, dissect the evolving playoff stakes, and debate the true measure of a successful season in Columbus. Insights include the importance of talent versus mentality, future quarterback plans, and what it...

Ohio State Buckeyes prepare for a pivotal season with Julian Sayin poised to elevate his game. After a standout year as college football’s most accurate passer and a Heisman finalist, can Sayin reach new heights—or will working with his third offensive coordinator in as many years spark unexpected challenges for the Buckeyes’ offense?

Jay Stephens spotlights Sayin’s strengths, from elite processing to quick decision-making, and examines areas where mobility and arm strength must improve. The episode breaks down battles on the offensive line, introduces dynamic playmakers like Jeremiah Smith, Brandon Inniss, and Christian Junior, and deba...

Ohio State Buckeyes shake up college football recruiting as Cortez Hankton lands top wide receiver prospects Jett Harrison (2028) and Austin Miller (2029), and secures a pivotal commitment from Jameer Brown. Is a new era of elite talent on the horizon for the Buckeyes’ receiver room?

Jay Stephens spotlights Hankton’s immediate recruiting success, the impact of NIL bidding wars, and how these high-profile wins are igniting a contagious drive among the Buckeyes’ coaching staff. Key topics include the hunt for five-star receiver Monshon Sales, efforts to flip Texas Tech commit Benny Easter Jr., and the significance of building a phys...

Big Ten coaching rankings ignite debate as Curt Cignetti’s meteoric rise at Indiana challenges Ryan Day’s Ohio State dominance. Can Cignetti’s underdog playbook outshine traditional powerhouses if given equal resources? The discussion also spotlights Kyle Whittingham’s consistency, questions Dan Lanning’s performance in pressure games, and evaluates where Jedd Fisch and the Washington Huskies truly fit in the new Big Ten landscape. Washington’s daunting 2026 schedule faces scrutiny—can the Huskies surpass expectations with key matchups against USC, Oregon, Penn State, and Iowa? The conversation breaks down Washington’s roster strengths and weaknesses, Jedd Fisch’s offensive strate...

Ohio State Buckeyes supercharge their wide receiver pipeline as 5-star Jett Harrison—the younger brother of Marvin Harrison Jr.—commits to the program, reinforcing a streak of elite five-star receiver signings. Can Ryan Day’s relentless recruiting keep attracting top talent and ensure the Buckeyes’ offensive legacy continues for years to come?

Jay Stephens breaks down Ohio State’s impressive momentum, spotlighting the unique skill sets of recent commits like Jamier Brown, Chris Henry Jr., and Austin Miller. Discussion highlights include how Day’s vision and hands-on approach are winning over both NFL legends and their sons, the signific...

Ohio State Buckeyes reload the trenches with a wave of elite recruits. Five-star defensive lineman Marcus Fakatou headlines a record-setting class, joining fellow stars DJ Jacobs, Wyatt Smith, and offensive standouts like Caden Moss and Kellen Wymer. Is Ryan Day’s renewed focus on high school recruiting the key to dominating the Big Ten and beyond?

Jay Stephens breaks down the Buckeyes’ strategic shift to building from the inside out, examining how Tyler Bowen and Larry Johnson are revitalizing offensive and defensive line depth. Topics include the potential pitfalls of relying on the transfer portal, memorable moments from...

Ohio State Buckeyes stand to gain big from the NCAA’s new five-year eligibility rule. Could this be the game-changer that keeps key talents like Brandon Innis, Luke Montgomery, and Philip Daniels in Columbus—and reshape the college football landscape? Jay Stephens and Ryan Roberts weigh the rule’s impact on player development, NIL earnings, and how it could affect draft stock for stars not projected as early NFL picks.

Debate heats up around transfer portal reform and long-term program stability. Would restricting transfers benefit graduation rates and team chemistry? The duo also explores Julian Sayin’s NFL pote...

Ohio State Buckeyes legend J.T. Barrett deserves the next spot in Ohio Stadium’s Ring of Honor—could the best quarterback in OSU history finally get immortalized? Jay Stephens makes the case for Barrett’s lasting legacy, from his undefeated record against Michigan to leading the Buckeyes through adversity and major Big Ten triumphs. The debate heats up: Should iconic players like Orlando Pace, Ezekiel Elliott, and Chase Young also join this exclusive list?

Jay Stephens lays out clear qualifications for Ring of Honor recognition, weighing leadership, character, and team achievements. With Jim Tressel’s recent enshrine...

Ohio State Buckeyes’ 2027 recruiting class surges as four-star offensive tackle Caden Moss and three-star wide receiver Jordan Donahoo commit, adding crucial depth and playmaking ability to Ryan Day’s squad. With Moss breaking a top 100 offensive lineman drought and Donahoo showcasing outside receiver prowess, are the Buckeyes on the verge of assembling their most dynamic class yet?

Jay Stephens breaks down Ohio State’s sustained recruiting momentum, spotlighting assistant coaches Tyler Bowen and Cortez Hankton’s pivotal roles and the possibility of landing five-star defensive lineman Marcus Fakatou. Key topics include the impact of Larry Johnson’s player dev...

Big Ten shakes up college football with the new “5 and 5” eligibility rule, setting the stage for a new era—no more endless waivers or awkward redshirt seasons. The Big 10 Squad debates whether this reform can finally bring order to the chaos. Will this bold move eliminate confusion and eight-year seniors, or just spawn fresh controversy? Illinois Fighting Illini’s win total sparks heated predictions as FanDuel sets the mark at 7.5—can Bret Bielema push the Illini from good to great? The crew breaks down Illinois’ manageable 2026 schedule, rivalry games, and the impact of losing key players like Luke Altmyer. The hosts dr...

Ohio State Buckeyes poised for dominance as the NCAA rolls out its new age-based five-year eligibility model. With redshirts and extensions eliminated, Ryan Day’s recruiting strategy enters a new era—can the Buckeyes outpace rivals with deeper, more veteran football rosters? Jay Stephens breaks down how the revamped NCAA eligibility rules reshape Ohio State’s development pipeline, player retention, and draft potential. Key insights include the benefits for both football and basketball teams, the impact on recruits like Caden Curry, and how the Buckeyes’ strength and conditioning program positions them as big winners. The conversation explores Ryan Day’s approach...