Episode Details

Buckeyes Live Episode 375 Notes Show: Buckeyes Live presented by FanDuel | Voice of College Football (OhioStateVOCFB)

Episode Theme: "Every Game Counts" – Summer preview edition focused on legacy, schedule reality, and non-con tune-ups

Hosts/Panel: Mark Rogers (host), Steve Helwagen (Bucknuts247 Senior Editor), Tony Gerdeman (Buckeye Weekly co-host)

Special Guest: Steve Helwick (Underdog Dynasty / Buy the Belt)

Runtime Context: ~60 minutes | June 24, 2026 (Big Ten Media Days ~1 month away; 25-year anniversary of Trestle’s first season)

Executive Summary

The crew opens with humor around Brian Kelly’s new broadcasting role, then shifts to a respectful, in-depth look at Jim Trestle’s upcoming honor at the Ball State opener. They cover Trestle’s hiring story, rapid fan adoption, 2002 national title, Michigan record, and Tattoo Gate’s place in NIL history. Big Ten Media Days representatives are announced and analyzed. The brutal 2026 schedule and FanDuel’s 9.5 win over/under draw heavy scrutiny for travel and recovery issues. Guest Steve Helwick delivers detailed previews of Ball State (offensive reset in Year 2) and Kent State (impressive turnaround amid chaos). The show closes with OSU vs. MAC historical context and a tease of Buckeye Weekly’s “biggest villains of the century” list. Overall tone: nostalgic, realistic about the schedule, and optimistic about the roster’s talent.

Timestamped Key Segments

00:00 – 00:05 | Opening & Jim Trestle Honor Tease

• Immediate “sweater vest” reference to Trestle.
• Trestle will be honored at the Sept. 5 Ball State opener; credited with restoring national championship status to Columbus.

00:10 – 00:35 | Brian Kelly CBS / Mountain West News (Comedy Break)

• Front Office Sports reports Kelly calling games for CBS and assigned to Mountain West.
• Jokes about lasting 3.5 hours without the F-word, regional accents/dialects, and wearing a lei in Hawaii.
• “Test pattern gets better ratings than San Jose State at Hawaii.”
• Acknowledgment of his fall from Notre Dame/LSU but respect for his coaching ability (“he wins wherever he goes”).

00:38 – ~00:15 | Jim Trestle Deep Dive – Hiring, Rise & Legacy

• Hired from Youngstown State (1-AA); initial skepticism from some fans/former players who wanted Glenn Mason.
• Famous intro at OSU vs. Michigan basketball game at Schottenstein Center (even did Michigan radio).
• Andy Geiger’s memorable line after film study: the field was still 100 yards, the ball was still brown and oblong — “they were really good.” Trestle won 4 national titles at YSU and reached 7 title games in 15 years.
• Rapidly won over the fanbase with his press conference and rivalry comments.
• Tenure highlights: 2002 National Championship, Big Ten titles (discussion of 6 official vs. 7 claimed due to vacated wins), 9-1 vs. Michigan.
• Tattoo Gate context in 2026: players were eligible when they won; suspended after the fact. Called the “founding fathers of NIL” for trading memorabilia for tattoos because they couldn’t afford them. Perspective shifted post-Sandusky and with TV money.
• Plaque/facade debate: Trestle deserves it (perhaps time it with Alabama game next year). Urban Meyer next logical. Ryan Day (active) would be a strong recruiting tool but space out honors so they feel special. “Winning cures all.”

~00:16 – 00:23 | Big Ten Media Days Reps & Captains

• Ohio State representatives: Jalen McClain (defense – stepping into Caleb Downs role, focused on communication), Jeremiah Smith, Julian Sayin (QB).
• McClain choice notable; expected big year. Smith returning after goi