Episode Details

Episode Notes: Ohio State Primetime LIVE 91 (Day Late Edition) – Presented by FanDuel Hosts: Garrison Gaddy (wearing his sister's athletic director gear after coaching a 7-on-7 win) & Riley Burnett

Date/Context: A free-flowing Wednesday show (typically Tuesdays; shifting toward Mondays as season approaches). Focus on recruiting momentum, program legacy, video game ratings, and offensive line outlook.

1. Austin Miller ("Chosen One") Commitment – Ohio State’s First 2029 Pledge (Early Segment ~00:01:38–00:09:25)

• Prospect Profile: 6'5", ~200 lbs WR from Bellflower, CA (Bellflower HS). Freshman stats: 35 catches for 609 yards & 8 TDs; 883 rushing yards & 13 rushing TDs. Elite frame, footwork, quickness, hands, and athleticism for his age (rising sophomore). Expected to be a 5-star by next season.
• Commitment Details: Picked Ohio State over Oregon and Miami (USC/UCLA also in the mix regionally). Very early pledge as a freshman—uncommon but a sign of maturity and vision.
• Takeaways:
  • Exciting but measured enthusiasm; a lot can change, but the physical tools and tape are "unbelievable."
  • Strong early win for new WR coach Cortez Hankton (replacing Brian Hartline). Addresses prior skepticism about Hankton’s recruiting prowess (Georgia/LSU fans had doubts despite his on-field coaching success). This out-of-region get (West Coast) builds confidence in Hankton’s outreach.
  • Highlights Ohio State’s continued WR U appeal even post-Hartline.

Key Quote (Garrison): “You can’t even put that into words... just the frame already and as the footwork and quickness, the hands... it’s unbelievable really just a guy that young to... step into the role of being the chosen one at this age.”

2. Jim Tressel Ring of Honor Induction (~00:09:26–00:29:00+)

• Announcement: Tressel (current Ohio Lt. Gov.) will be enshrined on the C-Deck Ring of Honor (only the 3rd coach, joining Paul Brown & Woody Hayes) during the 2026 season opener vs. Ball State on Sept. 5.
• Hosts’ Perspectives:
  • Garrison (33, Michigan-raised but lifelong Buckeye fan): Credits Tressel with launching his football journey and Ohio State’s modern “golden age.” Praises Tressel’s player loyalty (e.g., Sign-gate context), sweater vest, and foundational impact. Favorite era/team includes the 2002/2008/2019 squads; highlights Troy Smith connection and 2009 Rose Bowl vs. Oregon.
  • Riley (21): Researched Tressel’s story as a young fan; emphasizes his place in program history amid a different college football era.
• Stats & Legacy: 9-1 vs. Michigan; overall strong record; College Football HOF (Youngstown State titles); 67 NFL Draft picks, 14 first-rounders, 24 All-Americans. Post-coaching: Youngstown AD/president → Lt. Gov.
• Broader Discussion: Tressel as the “standard” for player-coach bonds, mental football, and national recruiting foundation (building on Cooper, influencing Urban & Day). Speculation on whether scandals indirectly accelerated program evolution (e.g., leading to Urban Meyer).

Key Quote (Garrison on Tressel): “Everything I love about Ohio State football starts and ends with him... He’s the standard.”

3. EA Sports College Football 27 Ratings (~00:29:53–~00:47:00)

• Ohio State rated 90 overall (tied with Indiana; behind Oregon’s 91). Seen as fair baseline.
• Standouts:
  • Offensive line praise: Austin Sarivole (RG) #2 at position; Carson Hinzman (C) #9; Luke Montgomery (LG) #4. Reinforces top-tier unit.
  • Julian Sayin: Strong accuracies (short 98, play-action 97), 93 throw power; 83 speed (deemed fair—athle