Episode Details

Episode Notes: Ohio State Buckeyes LIVE 373 Host: Mark Rogers (Voice of College Football) Guests: Steve Helwagen (Bucknuts 247 Senior Editor), Tony Gerdeman (Buckeye Weekly Podcast)

Date: ~June 10, 2026 (Wednesday show)

Length: ~55 minutes (based on transcript)

Main Topics: Texas Tech QB Brendan Sorsby gambling controversy & impact on college football integrity; Ohio State recruiting camp takeaways; quick hits on spring game/family camp access and other notes.

00:00 – 00:02: Intro & Show Format

• Mark Rogers opens with banter, welcomes guests Steve Helwagen and Tony Gerdeman.
• Reminder to like, subscribe, and use Super Chat. Live comments/questions welcomed.
• Quick catch-up on Tony’s pursuits in coming weeks.

00:02 – ~00:30: Brendan Sorsby / Texas Tech Gambling Controversy (Core Discussion)

This dominates the first half of the show and sparks strong opinions on gambling, integrity, and the NCAA.

Key Points:

• Brendan Sorsby (formerly Indiana/Cincinnati, now Texas Tech) was the top-rated QB in the portal; signed for ~$5M.
• NCAA suspended him for gambling violations dating to 2022 at Indiana (90k+ in bets, thousands of wagers). He also placed bets while at Cincinnati and even as a Texas Tech player.
• Court overturned full suspension; reduced to 2-game miss (Abilene Christian & Oregon State). Judge cited mental health, access to elite coaching/resources, and team benefit.
• Widespread backlash: Many Big 12 schools (and others) don’t want to play Texas Tech. Coaches/ADs call it damaging to sport integrity.
• Steve Helwagen’s strong take: “Displayed unreliability.” Compares to military standards. Even if reformed, unknown debts/bookies create risk of point-shaving or prop-bet manipulation (e.g., not punching in near goal line, specific throws, audibles). Can’t verify no proxy gambling.
• Broader concerns: Player props, insider info, erosion of trust. Fans won’t pay to watch if games feel rigged. Parallels to Michigan sign-stealing saga.
• Texas Tech statement (via coach/AD): Supporting recovery/compliance monitoring; not party to lawsuit; not on blind faith.
• Tony Gerdeman & Mark: Privilege of being a college athlete (especially $5M deal) comes with responsibility. Gambling on own sport should remain off-limits (like insider trading). Two games feels light; mental health argument could justify time away for recovery instead. Calls for conference action, potential boycotts, or shame.
• Additional: Texas Tech booster/Cody Campbell criticism; questions about former coach Scott Satterfield.

Consensus: Rule is justified; current outcome threatens sport’s integrity. Needs stronger enforcement or conference-level response.

~00:30 – 00:45+: Ohio State Recruiting Camp Takeaways (Tuesday observations)

Steve and Tony attended Ohio State’s camp.

Standouts & Offers (mostly 2028 class):

• Kellen Hall (DL, Kentucky): Highly regarded; Chase Young comparisons floated (though Steve downplays).
• Jay Shell (LB, Georgia): Offered after working with James Laurinaitis.
• Asa Birch (Warren Harding): Offered by Larry Johnson; emotional reaction (nearly cried, home-state school).
• Nicholas Stevens (DL, DeMatha/Maryland): Worked with LJ, prior offer.
• Hayden Koo (WR, California): New offer; stood out in 1-on-1s.
• Sakura Cooper (2029 WR, Texas): Impressive early; Ohio State staying involved.
• Edmund McAllister III (RB, Pickerington Central, 2029): Small but explosive (5'8