Episode Details

Ohio State Primetime 97 – Presented by FanDuel Host: Garrison Gaddy Episode Focus: TTUN (Michigan) downplaying “The Game,” Julian Sayin camp updates, depth chart talk, and Garrison’s projected starters for 2026

Opening / Housekeeping (00:00–02:10)

• Welcome to Ohio State Primetime Live. Riley not present (possible weather issues).
• Safety message for Ohio/upper Midwest/Chicago-area listeners dealing with severe weather and power outages.
• Promos: like/share/subscribe, vocfb.com (writers + schedule), shop (koozies, sweatshirts, hats, hoodies).

TTUN Downplaying “The Game” (02:10–16:10)

Garrison opens by noting he usually avoids talking Michigan, but comments that directly involve the Buckeyes force the conversation.

Kyle Whittingham (Big Ten Media Days)

• Said he doesn’t hate Ohio State. Walked it back with (paraphrased) “Is hate going to help us win the game?”
• Garrison’s take: Doesn’t expect Whittingham to hate OSU and doesn’t fault the honesty. Still, first-year Michigan coaches need to “say the right things.” The rivalry has expectations. Hate can be fuel in certain games.

Bryce Underwood quote

• “It’s just another game… just with guys in different color. That’s how I see it.”
• Direct contrast to Underwood’s previous year’s banter (including with LeBron) and the blowout loss.
• Michigan fans defending it “like clockwork.” Some claim “no room for hate in college football.” Garrison strongly disagrees—rivalries are built on it.

Julian Sayin contrast (clip played)

• Asked if he ever accidentally said the “M-word.”
• “You learn very quickly… You learn the history of that game… It becomes your livelihood.”
• Not “just another game.”

Garrison personal story: 2024 Ohio State–Michigan game day. Family set Thanksgiving table in scarlet and gray early, expecting a win. After the loss the table went silent. Dad (OSU grad) dropped his utensils and asked how they lost. Garrison left to the basement pissed.

Also references Kyle McCord’s “just another game” comment → portal shortly after. Fan base roasted McCord; Michigan fans cape for Underwood.

Bottom line: OSU will give Whittingham and Underwood reasons to hate them (103k+ yelling, getting tossed around). Other rivalries (Alabama–Auburn, Texas–Oklahoma) never diminish their game no matter the records.

Camp Talk – Julian Sayin (16:10–19:30)

• Up to 215 lbs (was ~200–205 last year). Visible gains in neck, thighs, arms.
• Mind/body/soul approach. Physicality of the sport requires preparation for runs and hits.
• Emphasis from Ryan Day and Sayin himself on running the ball more. Actions match words.
• Proud of the work. Fans have asked for this; he’s answering.

Chat comment (Daniel): Biggest issue is missing open receivers. Garrison agrees—needs cleaner accuracy on open targets, better timing over the middle and on deep balls (example: Indiana throw that was late). Arm strength less of an issue than late throws.

Jacoby Jackson (Florida transfer RB) (19:30–24:20)

• Seventh-year player.
• 2024: 95 carries, 509 yards, 5.4 YPC, 7 TDs.
• 2025: limited by injury (27 carries, 98 yards).
• Spring game showed jump cuts and physicality at 220 lbs. Room is full of ~220-lb backs (Isaiah West 218, Bo Jackson 217).
• Projection: Not RB1 or RB2, but valuable short-yardage/goal-line/change-of-pace piece and “next man up.” Staff believes in him.

Jay Timmons (True Freshman CB) (24:20–28:40)

• Blue-chip corner turning heads with players and coaches.
• Secondary versatility and depth highlighted: