Episode Notes: Ohio State Buckeyes LIVE 378 – "TOUGHEST ROAD GAME?"

Host: Mark Rogers (Voice of College Football) Panel: Tony Gerdeman (Buckeye Insiders / Buckeye Weekly Podcast), Steve Helwagen (Bucknuts247) Guest: Cory Brada (From The Hawkeye of The Storm)

Overall Summary This Buckeyes-focused episode opens with recruiting rankings debates, shifts to CFP-era program success (highlighting Iowa’s impressive consistency), and centers on a detailed preview of Ohio State’s challenging road game at Iowa (Kinnick Stadium). The conversation blends historical context, current roster analysis, coaching insights, and Big Ten scheduling notes. It emphasizes Iowa’s defensive identity, close-game struggles in 2025, and the Kinnick atmosphere as a true road test.

0:00 – Early banter & BuckeyeInsiders.com launch

• Show introductions, appreciation for viewers, and updates on fall camp timing and Big Ten Media Days.

~2:00 – Recruiting Rankings Discussion (Tony & Mark)

• Mass validity of rankings correlating to wins/playoffs/NFL success.
• Impact of transfer portal on evaluations.
• Debate on whether services drive rankings or react to offers (e.g., Chaz Coleman example).
• 247Sports’ fixed 32 five-stars per class criticized; preference for flexible, merit-based stars.
• NFL correlation stats: ~40% of 5-stars reach rosters vs. sharp drop-offs for lower stars.
• Composite rankings praised for accuracy.

~13:00 – CFP Era Wins/Losses List

• Ohio State leads with fewest losses.
• Iowa ranks 11th nationally in winning percentage over ~12 seasons (105-49) despite no CFP appearances.
• Discussion of consistent programs vs. boom/bust teams (e.g., Nebraska’s decline).
• Iowa’s “cruise control” 8-4/9-3 model highlighted.

~20:00 – Non-Blue Blood Coaches (Last 5 Years)

• Curt Cignetti (Indiana) tops many lists.
• Other names: Mario Cristobal (Miami), Lane Kiffin (LSU), Matt Campbell (Iowa State → Penn State), Bret Bielema (Illinois), Jeff Bromm (Louisville), etc.
• Pat Fitzgerald’s potential at Michigan State discussed amid program contrasts.

~30:00+ – Iowa Preview with Cory Brada

• Kinnick Stadium atmosphere and history (Steve’s 2017 visit recalled: JT Barrett pick-six opener).
• 2017 Iowa upset over Ohio State dissected (turnovers, special teams, Hawkeye talent).
• Iowa’s 2025 frustrations: Lost several close games they usually win (Indiana, Oregon, USC, Iowa State) due to one/two-play swings.
• Defensive strengths under Phil Parker; questions on turnover production without key departures (e.g., Xavier Nwankpa/TJ Hall).
• Quarterback battle: Jeremy Heklinski vs. Hank Brown. Kirk Ferentz’s traditional preference for “safe” options (favoring Brown?) vs. Tim Lester’s desire for downfield shots. Battle likely extends into fall.
• Skill players: Tony Diaz, Evan James (transfers), tight ends, etc.
• Ohio State road test: Kinnick as one of the toughest environments; potential Big Noon Kickoff.
• Cody Haddad “revenge game” note.
• Broader Big Ten notes: Scheduling quirks, network picks, and reduced frequency of traditional rivalries due to conference expansion.

Later Segments

• Water tower removal anecdote, travel recommendations to Iowa City.
• Future media days logistics.
• Closing plugs and show notes.

• Iowa as a Road Test: Historically tough at home; Ohio State expected to be favored but warned against complacency. Iowa wins via field position, defense, and late-game execution.
• Program Consistency: Iowa’s sustained success (top-12 winning %) often overlooked because of no CFP breakthroughs.
• Recruiting/Portal Realism: Services provide value but are imperfect; mass outcomes (NFL hits, team wins) still correlate strongly.
• Tone: Analytical, fan-friendly, with humor (Steve’s travel woes, water tower talk) and mutual respect among panelists.

Episode Style: Conversational, stats-driven, with screen shares of lists/records. Strong Ohio State focus but fair, in-depth Iowa scouting via Cory. Ideal for Buckeyes fans wanting opponent intel ahead of the 2026 season.

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Episode Notes: Ohio State Primetime LIVE #93 (Presented by FanDuel) Hosts: Garrison Gaddy & Riley Burnett Guest: Michigan Metal (Michigan fan perspective) Source: OhioStateVOCFB (VOCFB.com) Length: ~1 hour (transcript covers full show)

1. Carlos May Recruiting Update (Opening Segment)

• Top defensive line recruit Carlos May (6'3.5", 305 lbs, #15 national, #5 Alabama) has a commitment set for July 18 at 3:30 PM ET.
• Final four: Ohio State, Auburn, Georgia, Florida State (Alabama notably out).
• Strong optimism from hosts that Ohio State (Larry Johnson) lands him.
• Highlights May’s elite athleticism (track speed, burst, motor, size). Would anchor an already strong 2027 DL class alongside DJ Jacobs, Marcus Fakau, Wyatt Smith, etc.
• Larry Johnson praise: Building potentially historic classes despite age and recent staff losses. Southern recruiting pipeline (GA, AL, etc.) is thriving.
• Broader context: Ohio State’s success vs. SEC programs helping flip Southern talent.

2. Michigan Internal Drama & Institutional Control (Mid-Show)

• Special guest Michigan Metal shares frustration with ongoing scandals, lack of transparency, and drama under Ward Manuel / former President Ono.
• Topics: Sign-stealing fallout, Matt Weiss investigation, hockey/basketball/football issues, alleged knowledge by leadership, and "lack of institutional control."
• Michigan fan perspective: Embarrassing for the program; wants Ward Manuel out; acknowledges championship but exhausted by constant headlines.
• Garrison (Ohio State fan, Michigan-raised) discusses broader pattern of issues, compares to other programs, and calls for accountability (possible postseason implications if findings are severe, though skeptical of major penalties).
• Emphasis on integrity vs. winning-at-all-costs culture.

3. Ohio State 2025 Wide Receiver Predictions

• Locked-in #1: Jeremiah Smith (X receiver) – generational talent, record-chasing potential, will see heavy usage/YAC emphasis.
• Boundary/Z: Devin McKeown (transfer from UTSA) favored as high-upside WR2 – productive stats, speed, experience vs. Power programs.
• Slot: Brandon Ennis (veteran, reliable, chemistry with QB) or Kyle Parker (better athlete).
• Hosts see strong room depth; Ennis still gets significant snaps as leader/blocker.

4. Ryan Day’s Legacy Season

• This is viewed as potentially Ryan Day’s most important season.
• Strong roster + challenging Big Ten schedule (Texas, Oregon, USC, Michigan, etc.) sets up opportunity for “immortality.”
• Goal: Win Big Ten + National Championship → solidify status alongside legends (multiple titles, strong win percentage in toughest era).
• Discussion of 9-3 or better scenarios still leading to playoff success in expanded format.
• Optimism around new OC Arthur Smith and overall program direction.

Other Notes

• FanDuel promo (gambling odds, Ohio State NC favorites).
• VOCFB.com / shop plugs (merch, writers).
• Light banter on heat, fan questions, and show plugs (Horseshoe Hangover, Calling Show, etc.).
• Ends with classic “O-H-I-O.”

Overall Tone: Positive and forward-looking on Ohio State recruiting/2026 outlook, balanced with candid rival program discussion. Solid mix of analysis, guest insight, and fan engagement.

Great episode for Buckeye fans tracking recruiting, roster projections, and Big Ten landscape.

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Episode Notes: Ohio State Football #1 in FPI Rankings – Horseshoe Hangover Live #5 (2026)

Hosts: Denzel Jones & Brad Thomas Show: Horseshoe Hangover (OhioStateVOCFB) Length: ~55 minutes (based on transcript timestamps) Focus: ESPN FPI Preseason Top 25 for 2026 college football season, with heavy emphasis on Ohio State.

Denzel and Brad react to the newly released ESPN FPI preseason rankings where Ohio State sits at #1, followed by Texas (#2), Notre Dame (#3), Oregon (#4), and Georgia (#5). They break down surprises, overrated/underrated teams, strength of schedule, transfer portal impacts, and implications for the Buckeyes’ championship hopes. The conversation mixes analysis, skepticism of FPI, historical context, and fan excitement.

FPI Top 10 Highlights (as discussed):

• 1. Ohio State
• 1. Texas
• 1. Notre Dame
• 1. Oregon
• 1. Georgia
• 1. Indiana
• 1. Miami
• 1. Alabama
• 1. LSU
• 1. Texas Tech

Notable Opinions:

• Penn State: Too high in FPI; needs to prove itself with new coach after last year’s collapse.
• Ole Miss: Overranked in the top 15.
• Iowa: Surprisingly low at #25 — hosts feel they’re usually a top-20 lock.
• Indiana & Miami: High rankings reflect last year’s success, but sustainability questioned due to transfers.
• LSU & Alabama: LSU at #9 feels too high; Alabama at #8 is “safe” but the program is in transition.
• Florida: At #18, hosts are skeptical (they were high in prior preseason FPI but finished unranked).
• Clemson: Low returning production, coaching concerns under Dabo Swinney.
• Virginia Tech (James Franklin): Hosts are bullish on his impact.

Ohio State Focus:

• Toughest schedule in the Big Ten (8th hardest overall per FPI).
• Hosts are excited — a 1-loss season could set them up perfectly for the playoffs.
• Win total at 9.5 feels low given their #1 FPI ranking and national title favorite status (+550 odds).
• Discussion on whether a 3-loss OSU team could still make the 12-team playoff.

Broader Themes:

• Skepticism of preseason rankings/FPI in the transfer portal era — too reliant on talent composites and past performance.
• Big brands often get preferential treatment in rankings.
• Transfer portal realities: Teams like Texas are spending massively; sustainability and roster cohesion matter.
• Playoff expansion critique — too many teams dilutes quality.

Notable Segments:

• Strength of schedule deep dive.
• Notre Dame schedule and expectations.
• Favorite Ohio State wide receivers of all time (fun fan segment: Olave, Egbuka, Devin Smith, Paris Campbell, etc.).
• Betting/hype discussion around the Ohio State vs. Texas matchup.

Casual, passionate Buckeye-focused banter with honest skepticism of media rankings. Strong mix of analysis, nostalgia, and excitement for the 2026 season.

Best for: Ohio State fans wanting early season hype, FPI reactions, and Big Ten/SEC insights.

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