Episode Details

Horseshoe Hangover Live 10 – Ohio State AP Poll, QB Battle & Bo Jackson Hosts: Brad Thomas & Denzel Jones | OhioStateVOCFB

Ohio State sits at No. 1 in the preseason AP Poll for the first time since 2015. The guys break down the ranking, camp standouts who lost their black stripes, the QB room, Bo Jackson reclaiming the backfield, and the decision to move Senior Day to the Ball State opener.

Intro & Weekend (0:00–1:05)

Brad notes the show started without a countdown. Both recap a work-heavy weekend. Denzel did chores and hit the pool; Brad worked through the weekend. They are in full college football prep mode with the season one week away.

AP Poll: Buckeyes No. 1 (1:06–4:42)

Ohio State is No. 1, Oregon No. 2. First time the Buckeyes have been preseason No. 1 since Urban Meyer in 2015.

• Brad likes the talent recognition but hates when Ohio State is No. 1.
• They credit Ohio State, Oregon, and Georgia for consistent year-in, year-out success. Ohio State is replacing 11 NFL players but reloads every year.
• Texas at No. 5 feels both overrated and underrated — expensive roster that often underwhelms.
• Indiana at No. 6 is fair (Denzel would have them at 4). They lost a lot, including the QB, and the new portal additions aren’t as cohesive as the James Madison group. Question is whether Curt Cignetti can do it year after year.
• Next Big Ten teams: USC, Michigan, Washington, Penn State clustered 14–18.
• Denzel would drop Penn State and swap them with Iowa. Iowa has a track record; Penn State has an unknown new coach and lost pieces. Washington also feels a bit overrated.

Freshmen Losing Black Stripes (4:43–9:00)

Five true freshmen have already lost their black stripes.

• Kari Wilder is Denzel’s most exciting. Rose from lower-ranked recruit to rave reviews. Looks like a second- or third-year player and belongs next to Kenyatta Jackson. Projected as a 100-snap guy by next year.
• Jay Timmons is Brad’s pick. Has a real chance at meaningful snaps, possibly starting at nickel. NFL pedigree and physical.
• Secondary logjam: If Dom Kelly starts and Timmons plays nickel, where does Jermaine Matthews go? Matthews is getting the least hype but came back for a reason and should play/start early. Younger guys will push.
• Luke Fahey (QB) lost his stripe early. Ryan Day has praised how quickly he’s picking up the offense and pushing Tavian St. Clair. Both hosts are skeptical he’ll actually take the job because of the size difference (Fahey ~5-10/5-11 vs. St. Clair 6-5). They view Day’s comments as a motivational “wake-up call.” If Fahey actually jumped St. Clair, St. Clair would likely transfer. Comparison to Stetson Bennett (undersized gamer). Tate Martell mention as a cautionary tale.

Legend Bay & Running Back Room (9:01–14:07)

Legend Bay has been running with the 1s and 2s and getting rave reviews as a contributor behind Bo Jackson. Explosive, taking things to the house. Day said he’s still learning the position but is clearly a weapon.

Hosts expect him to go off against Ball State (Bo and Isaiah West likely sitting by halftime). Turbo (Jeremiah Smith? wait, they said Turbo/Faber) and another back (Faber?) have gone quiet — good problem with four backs making plays.

Offensive Line (14:08–16:50)

Denzel’s preferred starting five: Ian Moore LT, Luke Montgomery LG, Hensman C, Cervo RG, Daniels RT. Most experience and best transition.

Arthur Smith wants a core five for chemistry plus rotation. Ian Moore is the likely plug-in. Padilla mentioned as a possible swing/RG option if Daniels struggles. Smith was high on Moore.

Bo Jackson Back on Top (16:51–19:20)

Early camp concern that Bo Jackson might lose the job has evaporated. Multiple beat writers say