Episode Details

Opening & Show Notes

• New regular slot: Wednesdays at 4:00 PM ET (but subject to change → turn on notifications).
• Hosts: Mark Rogers, Steve Helwagen (Bucknuts), Kevin Noon, Tony Gerdeman (Buckeye Huddle).
• Sponsored by FanDuel.

• Buckeye connections in the game (Feb 2026 at Levi's Stadium):
  • Jaxon Smith-Njigba (Seattle WR) — Star rookie-turned-NFL leader in receiving yards; finalist for Offensive Player of the Year; -110 to score TD, +550 for first TD, +550 for MVP (3rd favorite behind QB Sam Darnold and Drake Maye).
    • 35 yards from joining Puka Nacua & Cooper Kupp with 2,000+ yards (reg + postseason) in a season.
    • Drafted 20th overall by Seattle; huge 2025 breakout after injury-limited OSU senior year.
  • TreVeyon Henderson (New England RB) — Inconsistent usage noted; explosive when on field; potential from natty → Super Bowl in consecutive years.
  • Thayer Munford Jr. (New England OL) — Backup; likely limited snaps.
  • Mike Vrabel (New England HC) — Former OSU All-American (mid-90s); caught TD in Super Bowl as NE TE; revived Patriots after tough post-Titans run.
• Game outlook: Seattle favored (~4.5–5 pts); strong late-season run (blowout vs. SF, tough win vs. LAR); many rooting for Patriots due to Buckeye numbers.
• Historical Buckeyes in Super Bowls (quick hits):
  • Santonio Holmes – SB XLIII MVP (tip-toe catch).
  • Paul Warfield – 3 SBs with Dolphins (early 70s).
  • Matt Snell – 121 rush yds in SB III (Jets).
  • Others mentioned: Jim Marshall (4 SBs), Mike Vrabel (4), Nate Ebner (3 rings), John Frank (2–3 with 49ers), Malcolm Jenkins, A.J. Hawk, Keith Byers (TD in SB XXXI), Terry Glenn, etc.

• Described as extremely tough ("murderer's row").
• Non-conference: at Texas (very difficult road opener).
• Big Ten slate loaded with high-end opponents:
  • Road games at Indiana (national champs), USC, Iowa.
  • Home games vs. Oregon, Michigan, Illinois.
• Per early way-too-early rankings: 7 games vs. projected top-25 caliber teams (Texas, Oregon, Indiana, Michigan, USC, Illinois, Iowa).
• Only "easier" Big Ten games: Northwestern, Maryland.
• Open date falls awkwardly between @ Indiana and @ USC.
• Consensus: No true breather weeks; must be near-perfect to go 11–1 or better.

• Focus on Chris Henry Jr. (5-star true freshman WR):
  • Poll results: 53.6% expect 9+ starts; 29.4% say 4–8; only 5.6% say zero.
  • Hosts temper expectations → Jeremiah Smith starting every game as true freshman is not normal.