Episode Details

Episode Notes: Ohio State Primetime LIVE 88 Host: Garrison Gaddy (Voice of College Football / OhioStateVOCFB) Focus Topics: Can the Buckeyes Flip Benny Easter Jr.? + Colin Simmons Talking Again

Main Recruiting Discussion: Weekend Visits

Ohio State hosted several elite 2027 prospects. Garrison highlighted three uncommitted five-star visitors:

• Benny Easter Jr. (WR, #36 overall, #7 WR, Texas Tech verbal commit)
  • From Summer Creek HS (Humble, TX), 6'2", 200 lbs.
  • Visited OSU; has upcoming visits to Ole Miss + Texas Tech.
  • Flip Potential: High priority for new WR coach Cortez Hankton. OSU is "all-in" and pushing hard. Texas Tech has been aggressive with NIL, but OSU sees this as a must-win battle after losing other WR targets. Garrison emphasized the need to reload elite WR talent post-Jeremiah Smith.
• Marcus Fakatu (Falka II) (DL, #32 overall, #2 DL, Sierra Canyon HS, CA)
  • Massive 6'7", 280 lbs "modern day gladiator" — can play inside or edge.
  • One of OSU’s biggest defensive priorities. Strong insider buzz (Garrison’s source called him a near-lock alongside another CA prospect). Visits still include Georgia, Oregon, Notre Dame.
• David Gabriel Georges (DGG) (RB, #10 overall, #2 RB, Baylor School, Chattanooga, TN / Canadian-Haitian)
  • 6'0", explosive 4.38 speed, elite athleticism + strength (thousand-pound club).
  • Garrison called this potentially one of the most important recruitments in recent OSU history (comparable to Savion Hiter or other elite backs). Dream fit in the scarlet & gray; hyped the broadcast call potential ("Oh Canada, DGG to the end zone!").

Other Recruit: Canez Sullivan (Athlete/Safety, 4-star, Virginia) — dropped top 4 including OSU, Tennessee, Florida, Maryland. OSU recruiting him at safety but values his two-way athleticism.

Can Buckeyes Flip Benny Easter Jr.?

• Yes, realistic target — Garrison stressed OSU went "all-in" on the visit with bells & whistles.
• Challenges: Texas Tech commit from Texas + their recent success + NIL aggression.
• Opportunity: First year for new WR coach; OSU needs high-end talent in the room (young group + Jeremiah Smith leaving).
• Outlook: Major focus. OSU pushing all chips here.

️ Colin Simmons Talking Again

Texas EDGE Colin Simmons (highly touted pass rusher) hyped the 2026 Ohio State game:

• Called it "business to be taken care of" in Week 2.
• Previously said "target acquired" on Julian Sayin.
• Garrison’s Take: Respect the confidence, but Simmons has been average vs. OSU (0 sacks, 0 TFLs, ~61 PFF grade across two prior games). Credited OSU’s athletic tackles (Philip Daniels era) for neutralizing him. OSU players talk similarly before dominating opponents.

Other Key Segments

• Coaching Grades (2026 Outlook):
  • Ryan Day: A+
  • Tyler Bowen (OL): B (needs strong Year 2 development)
  • Keenan Bailey (TE): A+
  • Carlos Locklyn (RB): A (A+ if he lands DGG)
  • Billy Fessler (QB): B (big year for Julian Sayin evaluation)
  • Matt Patricia (DC): A
  • Other defensive coaches mostly strong (Laird Knight A+, etc.)
• Hall of Fame: Shoutouts to AJ Hawk & Chris Carter heading toward College Football HOF.
• Broader Notes: Emphasis on NIL/portal realities, position room depth (especially safeties/corners), and excitement around the 2026 season.