• Mike welcomes viewers back after a brief absence (busy life / dad mode).
• Regular schedule: Garrison provides daily content; Mike hosts Wednesdays (sometimes Thursdays).
• Encourages subscriptions, likes, shares, retweets (especially on X), and notifications.
• Episode focus: Ohio State 2026 outlook + "Natty or Bust" discussion for OSU and other programs.

• Mike firmly believes Ohio State is Natty or Bust in 2026 — it's simply the standard at OSU.
• Historical context: OSU has dominated the Big Ten and The Game for much of his lifetime, but national titles remain the missing piece he wants more of.
• Ryan Day already has one title (as position coach / coordinator era); Tressel and Urban each won one — Mike believes Day is positioned for multiple if he capitalizes on the current 12-team playoff (before potential expansion to 14/20).
• Tough 2026 schedule (USC road, Oregon home, Texas road, Michigan, etc.) is one of the hardest in the CFP era → justifies aggressive portal strategy (older, proven players over high-school potential).

• Questions whether Ryan Day adopted a Kurt Cignetti-like approach: prioritize proven production over developing young talent.
• Disappointed losses in portal: Jarquez Carter, Bryce West (especially hurt — Mike repeatedly highlights West's unique movement/athleticism not easily replaced).
• Defends players seeking more NIL (e.g., Quincy Porter, Bo Jackson): year-to-year fluid deals ≠ NFL locked contracts; starters/production should earn more.
• Concern: Are we trusting development enough? Elite coaching should turn high-end recruits into stars (references past DB rooms under Urban, e.g., Gareon Conley).
• Optimism: Portal additions can be better this cycle; high-school recruiting remains foundation.

• Offense was the bigger letdown (not defense — better statistically than 2014 title team).
• Julian Sayin: Needs to take the leap (diagnose defenses, progressions, game not too fast); Mike trusts him as starter but pressure is always on at OSU QB.
• Ryan Day play-calling & clock management: Hurt young QBs by limiting reps; tempo & aggressive adjustments needed earlier.
• Wide receivers: Question if still #1 nationally after departures.
• Running backs: Bo Jackson injury concern; Isaiah West step-up?; new Florida transfer (vision praised); possible Turbo Rogers rise.
• O-line: Regression noted under new coach (vs. Fry era).
• Tight ends / scheme: Too many heavy sets (possibly schemed for Bennett Christian); hopes new OC Arthur Smith avoids overusing them — prefers 3-WR sets to keep defenses honest.
• Defense: Front seven questions (no K-Mac, Curry, etc.); LB room (Pettijohn / Pierce potential exciting); DBs must be elite after portal losses (Bryce West shout-out to Wisconsin).

1. Notre Dame — Bad taste from sitting out bowl; improved weapons; CJ Carr more experienced; tough to miss playoffs.
2. Oregon — Loaded WRs (Easton, De'Corian Moore, McClain); returning QB; veteran DL; young but improving DBs/RBs; no excuses.
3. Texas — Massive spending but questionable culture/continuity; high expectations but inconsistent results.
4. Ohio State — (detailed above).
5. Georgia — Returning QB; should be healthier; Kirby motivated after trash talk; SEC rep.
6. LSU — Lane Kiffin left Ole Miss chasing a title; talent always there; must prove he can fix culture.

Honorable mention: Miami (improved defense, young talent like Lightfoot/Scott, Malachi Toney; QB question mark).

• Promotes Voice of College Football sponsorship opportunities (sponsorships@vocfb.com).
• Thanks FanDuel (presenting sponsor) — plugs college basketball/NBA/March Madness picks.
• Asks viewers: Who is Natty or Bust for you? Rank them. Drop thoughts in comments.
• Signs off: O-H-I-O.

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