Episode Details

Episode Notes: Buckeyes Live #380 – Big Ten Media Days (with Mark Rogers & Steve Helwagen) Voice of College Football | OhioStateVOCFB Steve Helwagen reporting from Big Ten Media Days in Chicago (travel delays due to Midway storms; plane engine issue; arrived late after multiple boardings).

Big Ten Media Poll (Cleveland.com)

• 1. Ohio State (most first-place votes)
• 2. Oregon
• 3. Indiana
• Media consensus largely tracks last year’s results. Only three teams received first-place votes.

Steve’s personal power rankings differ: Ohio State 1, Oregon 2; Indiana down to ~5 (behind USC and Michigan). He sees Indiana as vulnerable (new QB from TCU, ~half the starters returning, tough schedule). Expects possible losses for several top teams given the brutal Big Ten slate. Highlights potential risers (USC, Michigan under Kyle Whittingham) and notes Penn State’s softer schedule under Matt Campbell (no OSU/Oregon/Indiana). Bottom of conference (Maryland, Michigan State, Rutgers, Purdue) questioned on NIL/resources.

Ryan Day – Key Takeaways

• Spoke ~15 min at podium + 45-min breakout; also exclusive ~10-15 min interview with Bucknuts/247Sports (available on site + video of sessions).
• Heavy on thanks (new OSU president, AD Ross Bjork, Chase uniform-patch deal, families, strength coach Mickey Marotti, players, “best assistant staff”).
• Limited Qs: Julian Sayin development; differences in Indiana 2024 (home win) vs 2025 (B1G title loss); one other.
• Tempo: Similar 2025 to 2024; understands can’t be stubborn/stuck; will adjust as needed. New OC Arthur Smith has significant control.
• Quarterback: Only 3rd time in Day’s tenure (10 years total / 8 as HC) with a returning starter. Sayin is “a different person in a different body” with a look in his eye; experience will pay huge dividends. Want more involvement in the run game (coaches/QB were reluctant last year).
• Offensive line: Still TBD; veterans returning is a plus (played high-leverage snaps). Possible combinations mentioned: Searveld (LT), Montgomery (LG), Carson Hinzman (C); right side flexible (Phillip Daniels, Ian Moore, Gabe Van Sickle, Josh Padilla, etc.). Sorting begins with practice Aug. 6.
• Receivers: Chris Henry Jr. has added muscle (credits Marotti); high on freshman Brock Boyd. Henry could be WR3 behind Jeremiah Smith & Brandon Inniss.
• Jeremiah Smith: Could barely walk the week of Michigan game but played and caught the key 35-yard TD on 4th-and-5. Driven, wants second national title.
• Other: Players focused on legacy (like 2024 group). Many returned for title shot + draft stock. Program must pivot quickly in portal/NIL era (mentioned missing long-recruited RB David Gabriel-Georges from Tennessee). Great summer; now translate to fall performance.
• Mickey Marotti reportedly told Jeremiah Smith that Julian Sayin is the toughest player on the team. QBs regularly address the team before workouts to build leadership.

Player Comments

Jeremiah Smith

• Aiming for OSU career records (catches/yards/TDs) and especially a second national championship (rare for an OSU player to start on two consensus title teams).
• High on young WRs Chris Henry Jr. and Brock Boyd. Taking on leadership role in the WR room.
• Praises Sayin’s toughness (via Marotti).

Julian Sayin

• Reviewed Indiana loss and took notes/lessons. Indiana’s zone coverage makes big plays hard.
• Jeremiah Smith is “nothing but a professional” — excited for “version 3.0.”
• Context on perceived disrespect: Last memories are Indiana + Miami loss