Bucknuts Morning 5: An Ohio State athletics podcast
Your daily dose of Ohio State Buckeyes news, hosted by Dave Biddle and Dan Rubin.
Patricia's encore | Helwagen as Hoops GM | Unwilling Volunteer?
Ohio State had a title-worthy defense last season ... but no titles. Four Buckeyes from that unit will (likely) be first round draft picks in less than two weeks.
Everyone wants to know: Can Matt Patricia author an encore? Steve Helwagen checks in after another roster deep dive.
We did not stop there. Apparently this basketball portal is here to stay. Steve let's you know how he'd spend "Ohio State's money" in the market.
More? Really?
OK. An Ohioan may not be happy with his transfer destination outside the Buckeyes State.
...
Recruiting 'Big Board' re-shuffle? | Weekend visitors lineup
Another big recruiting weekend for Ohio State you need to know all about?
Yep, another one is here and you've come to the right place because we have the right guy: Garrick Hodge.
Despite Mark Porter's absence related to tropical weather, Garrick gets you totally ready for the red carpet.
Who's coming? Where do they sit on Ohio State's 'Big Board'? Garrick has the answers.
We also dive deep on offensive line recruiting and why the Buckeyes are shuffling the deck at the top of Big Board.
Spend 5ish...
What have we learned about the Buckeyes this spring? | Rise of Roker?
Today marks Ohio State's 10th practice of spring, which means the Buckeyes will be two-thirds of the way through spring ball. What have we learned about the 2026 Buckeyes over the last month? What questions do we still have? And is third-year sophomore safety Leroy Roker one of the surprise stories of spring? We will meet with Roker, a few other defensive backs and OSU's DB coaches today after practice.
Dave Biddle and Steve Helwagen detail what they have gleaned this spring and more on the Wednesday 5ish.
To learn more about...
A 'Wonderful' life for Ohio State? | NFL Draft chatter | Hoops portal chaos
Can you take two high-profile quarterbacks in one recruiting class? Not an easy deal in the past. But in the newfangled NIL era? Your Buckeyes could make such a deal.
Quarterback Wonderful 'Champ' Monds was on campus this past weekend for Student Appreciate Day and Garrick Hodge is here to discuss the ramifications.
Will Monds commit to Ohio State's Class of 2027 even though quarterback Brady Edmunds is already a member?
Garrick dives deep to reveal the plan. Mark Porter? No dice. He's off galavanting in a tropical setting.
We also discussed an...
Which transfers have impressed this spring for Ohio State? Who still has more to prove?
Ohio State brought in several veteran transfers this offseason. With eight practices of spring in the books, which ones have been the most impressive from our vantage point? Who has already proven they will definitely play a lot this season? Who still needs to prove it?
Dave Biddle and Dan Rubin discuss that and much more on the Monday 5ish.
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Is this the best coaching staff we've seen at Ohio State?
From top-to-bottom, this might be the best Ohio State coaching staff we've seen. And that is saying a lot because we have seen plenty of great ones. Jonah Booker and Dave Biddle discuss that on today's show, plus other developments from the Buckeyes' spring practices.
That is coming your way on the Friday 5ish.
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Bucknuts Happy Hour
Pat is back with another BHH.
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Huge recruiting weekend preview | Buckeyes growing on Moss?
The offseason has certain weekends more important than others. This is one of those weekends.
Ohio State will host 'Student Appreciation Day' ... and a litany of elite prospects. Garrick Hodge and Mark Porter are here to tell you who's expected and how plush the red carpet will be.
Garrick also has an update on prospects visiting Ohio State today. As if that wasn't enough for a show, Mark's 'Buck-Eye In The Sky' video breakdown of top-tier offensive tackle target Caden Moss is waiting for you.
Spend 5ish with us this a.m., 'Nutters!
...'Adapt or die' | More news from spring ball
Ryan Day met with the media after Ohio State's sixth practice of spring on Tuesday and a lot of ground was covered. On today's show, Dave Biddle and Matt Baxendell react to some of the most interesting comments that Day made and more.
That is coming your way on the Wednesday 5ish.
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Recruiting reset | Brown on campus | Caboose hoops chatter
Ohio State hosted a litany of elite prospects over the weekend and have plenty headed to Columbus in the coming days.
That means we need a visit from Garrick Hodge and Mark Porter to sort things out. Here's the good news: They work here.
Garrick and Mark talk Jett Harrison, Mekhi Brown and others before previewing who is expected for 'Student Appreciation Day' this weekend.
We also turn to Mark's 'Buck-Eye In The Sky' film evaluation of Colorado offensive lineman Jackson Roper.
As if that was not enough, we finished with a...
Hankton to play deeper WR rotation at OSU? | Brock Boyd buzz | Royal moving on
One-third of spring practice is now in the books for Ohio State and we have already gleaned several interesting things about the 2026 Buckeyes. It is also "introductory press conference" season as the media interviewed offensive coordinator Arthur Smith for the first time last Tuesday, defensive tackle James Smith on Thursday and wide receivers coach Cortez Hankton on Saturday.
Will Hankton play a deeper rotation of wideouts for the Buckeyes compared to his predecessor, Brian Hartline?
Also, there is a true freshman WR who is receiving a lot of buzz. And you might not be able...
Expectations for James Smith, rest of Ohio State's defensive transfers
We are only four practices into spring ball, but defensive tackle James Smith is already turning heads at Ohio State. What can we expect from the Alabama transfer this year? What about the other transfers on the defensive side of the ball, such as Terry Moore, Earl Little Jr., Christian Alliegro, John Walker, plus Smith's best friend and fellow Bama transfer, Qua Russaw?
Jonah Booker and Dave Biddle delve into that and much more on the Friday 5ish.
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Debuting the 'Bucknuts Big Board'
How does Ohio State truly value recruiting targets in the Class of 2027?
In this newfangled NIL era, we know Ohio State (and college football) has shifted to an NFL salary cap-type model. That spurred an update in how recruiting targets are classified in each program.
Who does Ohio State value most? What does the Buckeyes' master list of prospects look like now that cost is assigned to each?
Enter the 'Bucknuts Big Board.' Our Garrick Hodge spent countless hours convening with Ohio State sources and gathering info to put together a modernized l...
Arthur Smith impresses at introductory presser | Ohio State Pro Day preview
Today's show takes a look at the main takeaways from offensive coordinator Arthur Smith's introductory press conference at Ohio State on Tuesday -- and there were a lot of notable comments during what was a very impressive interview. Also, today is the Buckeyes' pro day and we bring you a preview of that.
All of that and more is coming your way on the Wednesday 5ish.
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Jett landing in Columbus? | Meet Arthur Smith | Red carpet practice checklist
It's a big day for 'Nutters.
Spring practice resumes as the Buckeyes shake off the rust from break. After practice, new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith meets the media for the first time. That's appointment stuff. Carson Hinzman and Luke Montgomery will also hit the podium. Our guys Steve Helwagen, Dave Biddle and Pat Murphy will be there with bells on to bring it all to the 'Nutters.
This show features Garrick Hodge and Mark Porter, per usual. And wouldn't ya know right before we went on air Garrick got confirmation on a big recruiting visitor...
Ready ... break! | Art Smith presser tomorrow | Madness moves on
Spring practice resumes for Ohio State on Tuesday and the media will interview new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith for the first time following practice. Dave Biddle and Dan Rubin discuss that and much more on the Monday 5ish.
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Buckeyes bounced | O-Lineman switching spots? | Can Kenyatta turn into a force?
Well, that was quick. Ohio State lost to TCU in the first round of the NCAA Tournament on Thursday. And what were the Buckeyes doing on that final possession? Switching to football, is a Buckeye offensive lineman about to move to a different spot on the O-line? And can Kenyatta Jackson Jr. be a force off the edge in 2026 for OSU? Jonah Booker and Dave Biddle discuss that and more on the Friday 5ish.
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BM5: How far can OSU go in NCAA tourney? | Laurinaitis the heir apparent?
The NCAA Tournament begins today and Ohio State is in the Big Dance for the first time in four years. In fact, the Buckeyes have the first game of the tournament today at 12:15 p.m. ET against TCU. How far can this OSU team go? And what should the expectations be moving forward? Also, we hope Ryan Day stays at Ohio State for a very long time. When he does decide to leave, is James Laurinaitis next in line to be the Buckeyes' head coach?
Scotty Vegas from 97.1 The Fan in Columbus joins Dave Biddle to discuss...
Bucknuts Happy Hour: What Ohio State needs to do to make NCAA Tournament run
Patrick Murphy is back with another edition of the BHH and he delves into what will take for Ohio State to make a run in the NCAA Tournament and more.
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Talking OSU football, March Madness with Timmy Hall of 97.1 The Fan
We are happy to be joined by Timmy Hall on today's show to talk Ohio State football, March Madness and more. Timmy is the co-host of Common Man & Timmy on 97.1 The Fan in Columbus and he joins Dave Biddle for a fun conversation about the Buckeyes. That is coming your way on the Wednesday 5ish.
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Recruiting heating up for Buckeyes | Mekai Brown breakdown
Recruiting is heating up for Ohio State (wait, does it ever cool off?) and Garrick Hodge and Mark Porter are here to tell you all about it. Mark also provides an in-depth breakdown of one of the top recruits in the 2027 class, edge Mekai Brown from Connecticut.
We also give our takeaways from the first week of the Buckeyes' spring practice and more. That is coming your way on the Tuesday 5ish.
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Dancing Buckeyes | O/U 9.5 wins for OSU football? | T-Bone from The Fan drops by
Ohio State is in the NCAA men's basketball tournament for the first time in four years and we hope you have your dancing shoes ready. Also, the over/under win totals for college football teams were recently released and Ohio State's is 9.5. What do we make of that?
Our special guest for today's show is Jonathan Smith aka "T-Bone" from 97.1 The Fan in Columbus. He is the host of the 6-9 a.m. T-Bone and Tyvis show, along with former OSU safety Tyvis Powell. T-Bone and Dave Biddle talk Ohio State hoops, football and more on today's sh...
Jon Rothstein reacts to & picks every game in 2026 NCAA Tournament Bracket!
Follow Inside College Basketball Now on Apple or Spotify
Jon Rothstein breaks down his bracket.
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What has stood out through first 2 days of spring ball for Buckeyes?
Two spring practices are in the books for the Buckeyes and already much has been gleaned. On today's show, Jonah Booker and Dave Biddle will discuss what has stood out the most and what they are still most curious about regarding the 2026 squad. That and much more is coming your way on the Friday 5ish.
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Bucknuts Happy Hour: Spring has sprung
Patrick Murphy has you covered on the latest edition of the Bucknuts Happy Hour.
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Spring Practice check in | Visitors roll call | Jordan rules?
Ohio State has returned to the field. That means Bucknuts has the latest. That's how it works.
Practice is early today so we needed to be earlier.
Our Garrick Hodge joined fellow Bucknuts staffers at Tuesday's inaugural open practice.
Who passed the look test?
Who REALLY passed the look test?
What recruits made their presence known?
That's just a taste of what we have in store today.
Mark Porter is also here and breaks down the film of local tight end target Jordan Karhoff, whose qu...
Chilling with the Iceman | Matt Hayes of Rothman & Ice drops by to talk about the Buckeyes
We are happy to welcome in Matt Hayes (aka Matty Ice, aka The Iceman) to today's show to talk Ohio State football, basketball and more. Matt is the co-host of the popular Rothman & Ice show on 97.1 The Fan in Columbus and he joins Dave Biddle on the Wednesday 5ish for a fun conversation.
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EARLY BIRD SPECIAL - Spring Practice begins today | Extra Mayo?
Happy Spring Practice Day!
It's hard to believe. It's true. Ohio State hits the practice field this morning to essentially kick off the new season.
New faces total over 40. Several new staffers are ready to roll. Our staff is at practice with bells on to bring you all we can in the open hour for the media. Yes, we will do our darnedest to get Legend Bey photos!
Garrick Hodge is here to preview the day and let you know four key recruits expected to witness the festivities. Mark Porter has several guys...
Spring ball kicks off for Buckeyes tomorrow with 43 fresh faces
Spring practice begins for Ohio State tomorrow morning (Tuesday, March 10) and between early-enrollee freshmen and transfers, there will be 43 new scholarship players on the field. Who are some of the fresh faces we are most interested seeing in action? Dave Biddle and Dan Rubin discuss that and much more on the Monday 5ish.
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Thoughts on OSU's RBs | Win and in Big Dance for Buckeyes?
The Friday 5ish with Jonah Booker and Dave Biddle does a deep dive on Ohio State's 2026 running backs. What can be expected from this group? Also, Urban Meyer is part of a large panel that is meeting today at the White House on the future of college sports. Could this lead to guardrails being put in place for NIL? And we close the show talking some OSU hoops. If the Buckeyes beat Indiana on Saturday at the Schott, are they in the NCAA Tournament for the first time in four years? That and much more is coming your way.<...
Recruit rankings update | Meet AJ Randle
Ohio State is crafting another strong recruiting class and is among the top-ranked programs early in the 2027 cycle.
Well, wouldn't ya know, 247Sports has updated the '27 rankings for the first time in months and we are for all of it Scarlet and Gray style.
Where are the Buckeye commitments ranked?
Where are the prime Buckeye targets ranked?
Who rose?
Who fell?
Who is North Carolina linebacker A.J. Randle and why have at least 50 college programs offered a scholarship? We have the answer ON VIDEO.
Spring Practice countdown | Thornton and Co. stretch run | Steve the NFL GM
Welcome to the Wednesday edition of the BM5 and we threw you a little curveball. It's Steve Helwagen taking center stage and he's ready for the spotlight.
Spring Practice gets rolling in less than a week. Hard to believe but it's true. What do we need to see? Who do we need to see? We've got ideas and names.
Ohio State's finest just put on a show at the NFL Scouting Combine. Steve was there. How would he stack the board of Buckeyes if he was running an NFL team (or the Browns)?
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Streets lead to Columbus? | Royal flush from Texas? | Combine cashed
Has Ohio State identified a top-of-the-board defensive end? Could he be part of special package deal?
Yes and yes. We talk Rashad Streets, his visit schedule and why we have real optimism about his future in college football.
Who else has an extremely sunny outlook when it comes to football? Louisiana native Easton Royal. His game matches his name.
And of course, we need to hit on Ohio State sending an Olympic team to the NFL Combine last week.
Spend 5ish with us this a.m., 'Nutters!
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Juck on Bucknuts | Patricia's defense in reload mode | UC sues Sorsby
We are happy to welcome in Juck Miletti -- from Buckeye Huddle and 'Juck on Bucks' -- to today's BM5. Juck and Dave Biddle will converse on many Ohio State football topics, such as defensive coordinator Matt Patricia trying to reload his unit after losing a lot of talent to the NFL Draft.
That and much more is coming your way on the Monday 5ish.
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Sonny puts on a show | Downs now projected No. 2 overall?
Ohio State's Sonny Styles put on an absolute show at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday. The 6-foot-5, 244-pound Styles recorded a vertical leap of 43.5 inches, which is the highest for an off-ball linebacker in 23 years. He also ran the 40-yard dash in 4.46 seconds and recorded a standing broad jump of 11'2" which was also the best among all linebackers and defensive linemen who took part Thursday. (He was the only player on Thursday to top 11 feet.)
Also, many draft analysts now have Caleb Downs projected as the No. 2 overall pick in the draft, with Mel Kiper b...
Bucknuts Happy Hour: Live from the NFL Combine
Patrick Murphy comes at you from the NFL Scouting Combine in Indy on this edition of the BHH.
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Return to IMG | Columbus Combine stars | Top six visitors
Great players at the NFL Scouting Combine.
Great prospects on the recruiting radar.
Your Buckeyes are big fans of greatness and so are we!
Today's show features the great duo of Garrick Hodge and Mark Porter. The provide great commentary and insight.
Sonny Styles and Arvell Reese at the combine. Eric McFarland from IMG doing his best Tyreek Hill imitation. We have the video to prove it.
Spend 5ish with us this a.m., 'Nutters!
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Spring storylines for Buckeyes | Expectations for Chris Henry Jr. as true freshman?
Spring ball is now less than two weeks away for Ohio State and Dave Biddle and Matt Baxendell discuss some of the storylines they will be keeping close tabs on. Also, what are expectations for Chris Henry Jr. as a true freshman this year?
That and much more is coming your way on the Wednesday 5ish.
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Matt's back! | Sales pitch | Werewolf sighting in Virginia?
Welcome to the show, Nutters! Lots of fun to be had by all.
Garrick Hodge and Mark Porter are. Two knowledgable guys that love to share.
Given that here is the litany of topics covered:
* Matt Patricia is back. This is great news to disseminate.
* Brady Edmunds earned the first Elite 11 invite. Big deal or not?
* Can Ohio State keep the WRU tag alive by securing the commitment of Monshun Sales?
* Porter breaks down the film of Class of 2027 Chris Whitehead. The Virginia defensive end has lupine...
Edmunds is Elite | Did Buckeyes do enough at RB, OL?
There are several topics up for discussion on today's show with Dave Biddle and Dan Rubin. Among them include:
* Thoughts on Ohio State 2027 quarterback commitment Brady Edmunds becoming the first quarterback in his class to be invited to the Elite 11 finals.
* Did the Buckeyes do enough this offseason at running back and on the offensive line? Why or why not?
* The NFL Scouting Combine kicks off later this week. Dave and Dan predict which round (and which portion of the round) each of the Buckeyes will go in.
* Was seeing the...