Episode Details

Episode Notes: Ohio State Offensive and Defensive Breakout Potential Players Horseshoe Hangover LIVE 3 Hosts: Brad Thomas & Denzel Jones OhioStateVOCFB Date/Context: Recent episode discussing Ohio State history (QBs last 20 years) + 2026 season outlook, with emphasis on breakout candidates.

Quick Summary

The show opens with casual Father's Day chat, then dives into ranked lists of the best and most disappointing Ohio State QBs over the last ~20 years. The core focus shifts to 2026 breakout candidates on both sides of the ball, plus a FanDuel-sponsored win-total discussion, best-case season scenarios, and special teams notes. Hosts emphasize player development, opportunities, physical improvements, and scheme fits under coaches like Ryan Day, Arthur Smith (offense), and Matt Patricia (defense).

Best Ohio State QBs (Last ~20 Years)

Both hosts shared overlapping but slightly different top-5 lists (not strictly ranked in all cases):

• Brad Thomas highlights: Terrell Pryor (#5), CJ Stroud (#4 or #3), Dwayne Haskins (#3), JT Barrett, Braxton Miller (#2), Troy Smith (#1 – Heisman winner emphasis).
• Denzel Jones highlights: Terrell Pryor (#5), Justin Fields (#4), Dwayne Haskins, CJ Stroud, Braxton Miller (#2), Troy Smith or Justin Fields (#1).

Key Themes: Athleticism/electricity (Pryor, Fields, Miller), accuracy/arm talent (Haskins, Stroud), production under expectations, and Heisman impact (Troy Smith as the gold standard).

Most Disappointing/Worst QBs

Hosts listed players who underperformed expectations, were benched, or faced injuries/hype mismatches (not strictly ordered):

• Kyle McCord (both): High expectations, force-fed targets, lights too bright, struggled post-OSU.
• Devin Brown (both): Heavy preseason hype/QB battle buzz, injury/short sample, couldn't win jobs later (Cal → Incarnate Word).
• Todd Boeckman (mentioned): Benched, turnover issues; Pryor took over.
• Braxton Miller (injury year): Disappointing due to lost potential in a championship window.
• Joe Bauserman, Justin Siems (or similar): Job losses, poor records in some cases.
• Others noted: High turnover issues or unmet hype in limited windows.

Consensus: Being the starter at Ohio State is uniquely tough; many had solid records but faltered on big-stage consistency or health.

Offensive Breakout Candidates for 2026

Hosts stressed physical gains, scheme fits (12/13 personnel, manufactured touches), and explosiveness.

1. Chris Henry Jr. (Brad’s #1 / strong agreement)
   • Electric playmaker, big spring game.
   • High school production + 5-star pedigree despite injuries.
   • Big frame, long/wide catch radius. Recent muscle photos praised.
   • Expected to be a major weapon.
2. Legend Bay (Brad)
   • Got “yoked” in offseason photos.
   • Explosive/wildcat dynamic style; home-run potential on limited touches.
   • Hosts want 3-4 manufactured touches/game (run or slot). Forces playing time.
3. Isaiah West (Denzel)
   • Added 5-10 lbs muscle, looks good post-surgery.
   • Strong missed-tackle avoidance last year.
   • Projected ~850 yards potential.
4. Nate Roberts (both, Denzel high)
   • Tight end breakout candidate in expanded role (Arthur Smith influence: TE screens, flats).
   • Moved from fullback; natural position should unlock him. Gritty attitude.
   • Potential TE1 or high-usage in 12/13 per