SPRING UPDATE / Ohio State Buckeyes LIVE 363 cover art

SPRING UPDATE / Ohio State Buckeyes LIVE 363

SPRING UPDATE / Ohio State Buckeyes LIVE 363

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 Opening and Show Format (00:00 – ~00:15) Rogers welcomes listeners and emphasizes the “standard to uphold” in Columbus. The Buckeyes must improve throughout spring, as they do every year.Notes the changing roster dynamics: several players heading to the NFL with Pro Day scheduled for Wednesday, March 25, 2026.Show brought to you by FanDuel. Listeners are encouraged to leave comments/questions in the chat.Guests: Steve Helwagen (Bucknuts247) and Tony Gerdeman (BuckeyeHuddle.com / Buckeye Weekly). Thanks for adjusting schedules for the 363rd episode. Iron Buckeye Honors and Leadership (Early Segment) Tony discusses the four Iron Buckeyes from winter workouts: Brandon Inniss (WR), Jeremiah Smith (WR), Jalen McClain, and Garrett Stover (OL).Brandon Inniss made being an Iron Buckeye his #1 offseason goal. It means never missing a day/rep in the weight room, leading by example, and bringing others along—no complaining, maximum effort.Inniss skipped the Buckeye Cruise for Cancer to stay back and lead, especially the young WR room (four true freshmen + two transfers). He aims to set the tone as a likely Block O award candidate.Inniss is energetic, vocal, and working on explosiveness with Cortez Hank. The WR room historically sets a high standard in the weight room (nod to David Boston-era intensity). Spring Practice Update and Schedule Practices paused for spring break; back for 3–4 days this week.Spring game set for Saturday, April 18, 2026 (tickets on sale).Basketball season over (both teams exited NCAA Tournament early); full focus on football.Guests attended recent interviews/media sessions. Arthur Smith as Offensive Coordinator (~Mid-Episode Focus) Ryan Day (offense-minded HC) has handed play-calling to Smith, following previous coordinators Chip Kelly and Brian Hartline.Smith’s background: NFL experience (Titans OC, Falcons HC, Steelers OC). He adapts schemes to personnel—has run heavy sets and lighter ones.Expect more 3-WR sets this year, less 13-personnel than 2025. Not as “plotting” due to experienced QB (Julian Sayin), backfield, and receivers.Smith emphasizes a growth mindset for players and coaches. He reviewed last season’s tape, including the Indiana and Miami games.On the offensive line struggles in those key games: Smith and OL coach Tyler Bowen are focused on technique, depth, and constant improvement. Optimistic about returning to elite play.Smith noted even successful units evolve; OSU has returning talent, so they’re evaluating what to keep/enhance while installing new ideas. Offensive Line Discussion (Deep Dive) Four starters returning (experienced veterans—the most experienced OL unit in college football?).2025 issues: technique breakdowns, especially in big games (Indiana, Miami). Not “good enough” despite talent.Key returners: Austin Siereveld (LT), Luke Montgomery (LG), Carson Hinzman (C), Phillip Daniels (RT). Rotational pieces like Joshua Padilla and Gabe VanSickle also back.Ian Moore seen internally as a potential first-round talent (could play tackle or guard).Depth options: Carter Lowe, Sam Greer. Competition across the line.Goal: instill “violence” mentality under Smith/Bowen. Not necessarily Joe Moore Award level, but “good enough” to win a title. Fans/coaches want big improvement after late-2025 letdowns.Historical note: National champs rarely have the absolute best OL (Joe Moore winners); you just need one that executes when it matters. 2024 stretch showed potential despite injuries. Michigan Rivalry / Debate Tease Tony appeared in a debate-style segment with Isaiah Hole (on Crane & Co.) discussing OSU vs. Michigan expectations, Bryce Underwood vs. Julian Sayin, and Michigan “having an adult in the room” under new leadership.Broader historical talk: OSU has the stronger modern legacy; Michigan dominated pre-WWII, but OSU leads in recent decades (outright Big Ten titles, win % post-1940s, etc.). Playful banter about “cherry picking,” early-series records, and the 2010 “victory” debate.Tony’s Michigan knowledge stems from growing up in northwest Ohio. Gold Pants and Other Notes Players received 2025 gold pants (for beating Michigan). Emotional for veterans who played with guys who never got them (e.g., Donovan Jackson, Zen Mahalski).First time some received them since ~2019 due to COVID disruptions. National Championship Odds (FanDuel) Ohio State vaulted to the top favorite at around +550 (overtook Notre Dame’s long-held pole position).Discussion: Returning Heisman finalist QB, experienced OL, Jeremiah Smith (All-American WR), 1,000-yard freshman RB (Bo Jackson?), strong returning pieces.Defense: Matt Patricia turned over the unit last year; must do so again after losing several high draft picks (potentially 4 first-rounders + Curry, etc.).Skepticism on the heavy favorite status given a tough schedule and no guaranteed first-round bye. Win total around 9.5 at some books. Betting action from OSU fans may influence lines. Pro Day...
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