Episode Details

Horseshoe Hangover Live 9 – Ohio State Fall Camp Position Updates + Chris Vargas Hosts: Brad Thomas & Denzel Jones OhioStateVOCFB / Horseshoe Hangover presented by FanDuel Sportsbook Date referenced: August 10 (weeks before the season)

Episode Overview

Brad and Denzel break down early fall camp observations (Denzel attended in person), key position battles, standout performers, proven vs. unproven groups, breakout candidates/sleepers, the Chris Vargas commitment, early 2028 recruiting notes, and returner discussion. Strong emphasis on defensive line and secondary questions, wide receiver depth, and running back competition.

Key Timestamps & Notes

0:00–1:30 | Intro & Weekend Recaps

• Brad opens the show. Denzel attended fall camp (ticket ~$50) and watched Buckeyes practice; highly recommends it.
• Brad spent the weekend doing team breakdowns to prepare for the season (including his Monday show).
• Both in strong football mode heading into the final weeks before kickoff.

1:30–4:00 | Biggest Camp Takeaways – Defensive Line

• Bo Atkinson is the biggest positive surprise. Denzel had “given up” on him and expected Zion Grady to take the second edge spot. Atkinson looked fast, physical, twitchy, with good bend and stronger legs. Taking first-team snaps.
• Kenyatta Jackson Jr. looks ready to be “the man” — walking around with star swagger while still working.
• Defensive tackle: Walker looked like the starter at nose. Edgar Houston expected to take the other spot with a rotation involving Will Smith Jr. and others. Top three projected: Edrick Houston, Will Smith Jr., Walker.
• Smith (jumped from ~295 to ~315) needs time to get used to the added size; looked more proportionate in person than some photos suggested.

4:00–6:30 | Linebacker Notes + Running Back Competition

• C.J. Pettyjohn (high Texas recruit) looks good but is not yet with the first team after missing spring. Still high on him long-term; expected to force his way in.
• Bo Jackson still expected to lead the backfield (~60/40 split favored), but Isaiah West looked “amazing.” Put on size (rumored ~15 lbs) while keeping quickness and elusiveness. Looks like a true starting-caliber back. Top three backs all around 220.
• No new intel on Legend Bay’s earlier team-rules absence (sat two practices, then returned to first-team work). Kept close to the vest.

6:30–9:00 | QB & Tight End

• Tame / St. Clair (likely referring to the QB room / Julian Sayin context in later discussion): Big frame (6-5/6-6), added some weight, nice throws. Still projected to hand the ball off a lot.
• Tight end room quiet in the practices observed — mostly blocking. Nate Roberts expected to start.

9:00–13:30 | Wide Receiver Battle – Biggest Buzz

• Devin McEwen (UTSA transfer) is the clear standout / dark horse. Looked electric in practice (Brad attended the day he was popping off). Explosive after the catch, great in the flats/bubble screens. Projected for 800+ yards and packages designed for him. Brad plans to bet overs early.
• Not giving up on Brandon Ennis (still sees ~6 TDs and solid first-down work), but McEwen currently has more “juice.”
• Brock Boyd getting a lot of coaching attention (positive reviews from others at camp as well — “guy of the future”).
• Room feels deeper than last year. Beyond Jeremiah Smith, multiple viable options (McEwen, Ennis, Chris Henry Jr., Boyd, Guilford, etc.). Defenses won’t know who’s getting the ball.

13:30–16:30 | Secondary