Episode Notes: Ohio State Buckeyes LIVE #377
Main Host: Mark Rogers (Voice of College Football) Co-Hosts: Steve Helwagen (Bucknuts 247 Senior Editor), Tony Gerdeman (Buckeye Insiders)
Date: ~July 8, 2026 (preseason discussion) Length: ~52+ minutes (based on transcript timestamps)
Episode Overview
The episode focuses on preseason hype for the 2026 college football season, centered on Phil Steele’s College Football Preview Magazine (2026 edition). The panel breaks down position-unit rankings, Ohio State’s outlook, Big Ten notes, and All-American selections. They also discuss Tony’s new platform launch and Steve’s long tenure covering Buckeyes football.
Key Segments & Highlights
1. Show Intro & Guest Updates
- New Wednesday 4 PM ET time slot for Buckeyes Live.
- Tony Gerdeman launches BuckeyeInsiders.com (message board + content, live as of noon that day).
- Steve Helwagen reflects on 23 years at Bucknuts.
- Quick nostalgia: Steve’s 1990 Lantern article on Ohio State recruiting.
2. Phil Steele Position Unit Rankings (2026)
- Quarterbacks: Oregon #1 (Dante Moore + Dylan Raiola), Texas #2 (Arch Manning), Ohio State #3, Georgia #4, Ole Miss #5. Panel largely agrees; some debate on Ole Miss (high) and Notre Dame (low).
- Running Backs: Missouri #1, Texas #2, Louisville #3, Miami #4, Florida #5. Ohio State #11 (deep group with proven 1,000-yard rusher; panel believes they’ll rise).
- Wide Receivers: Ohio State #1 (Jeremiah Smith + others), followed by Oregon, Miami, Texas, Clemson. Some skepticism from Tony about overrating unproven depth.
- Offensive Line: Notre Dame #1, Ohio State #2, Indiana #3. Panel notes high expectations but questions consistency/injuries (e.g., tackles Sereveld & Daniels).
- Defensive Line: Ohio State #1, Oregon #2. Strong praise but Tony prefers Oregon #1 due to returning starters/experience.
- Linebackers: Ohio State #16 (rebuilding after losses). Indiana rated surprisingly high.
- Secondary: Ohio State #16 (potential to rise significantly with transfers like Terry Moore, Earl Little Jr., and young talent like Devin Sanchez).
- Special Teams: Ohio State #21. Panel discusses minimal impact of returns in modern rules; focuses on kicker/punter consistency.
3. Ohio State All-Americans (Phil Steele)
- 1st Team: Jeremiah Smith (WR).
- 3rd Team: Julian Sayen.
- 4th Team: Luke Montgomery, Austin Sereveld, Earl Little, Dalton Riggs (long snapper).
- Panel notes fewer Buckeyes than usual due to turnover; expects more to emerge via production.
4. Big Ten & Opponent Notes
- Optimism for Ohio State’s depth but emphasis on “prove it” for lines and skill positions.
- Penn State home schedule analysis: Favorable (avoids OSU/Oregon/Indiana); projected ~6 Big Ten wins.
- Michigan outlook under new coaching.
- Indiana’s rising profile (strong LBs, QB).
- Oregon as a major rival contender.
5. Upcoming Schedule / Texas Game
- Ohio State vs. Texas (neutral site): OSU slight favorite (~1.5 points, 47.5 total).
- General preseason excitement heading into Big Ten Media Days and fall camp.
6. Bonus Topics
- Tony’s new podcast: “The Time and Change Will Surely Show” (Buckeye Insiders YouTube + audio platforms). Recent episodes on true freshman seasons (historical top 10 + 2026 projections), quarterbacks, linebackers, and recruiting sagas (e.g., Terrelle Pryor).
Notable Takeaways
- Ohio State Strengths: Elite WRs, DL potential, OL talent, deep RB room.
- Question Marks: New QB room experience, LB/secondary depth, OL consistency.
- Consensus: High expectations but many positions need to prove themselves on the field.
- Phil Steele’s rankings generate healthy debate — panel views them as solid starters but not definitive.
Promotions
- BuckeyeInsiders.com (Tony) — sign up for message boards & content.
- Buckeye Weekly Podcast (Tony).
- Bucknuts 247 (Steve).
- Voice of College Football / FanDuel odds.
Episode Tone: Conversational, analytical, optimistic yet realistic about Ohio State’s 2026 outlook. Strong chemistry between long-time Buckeyes media members.
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