Episode Details

Ohio State Buckeyes LIVE 384 — Position Battles Notes Mark Rogers (VOCFB) & Steve Helwagen (Bucknuts 247) ~10 days from Sept. 5 opener vs. Ball State

Steve Helwagen recapped Ryan Day’s Monday update and camp observations. Most first-team spots are trending toward being set for Ball State and Texas, with rotations and a few battles still open.

Offensive Line

Day said the line is “not etched in stone” but trending this way:

• LT: Ian Moore replacing Austin Cereveld
• LG: Luke Montgomery
• C: Carson Insman
• RG: Austin Cereveld sliding inside
• RT: Phillip Daniels

Not locked at 100%. Cereveld remains a captain.

Backup Quarterback

Tavian St. Clair vs. Luke Fahey still competing. Helwagen: St. Clair is the more heralded 2026 recruit and is expected to win the job, but Fahey “has given St. Clair a run for his money” and looks like a gamer with upside. Limited practice views impressed.

Julian Sayin is the clear starter and a captain (second year as starter).

Wide Receivers (most discussed group)

Projected top group:

• Jeremiah Smith
• Brandon Ennis
• Third spot: Devin McEwen or Chris Henry Jr.
• Also in the mix: Brock Boyd, Kyle Parker (LSU transfer, once healthy)

Day noted second-year players Dajee Jones and Phillip Bell have practiced well and could earn snaps. True freshman Jerquaden Guilford and Brock Boyd also in the conversation. That’s 8–9 receivers chasing meaningful snaps.

Mark Rogers called the WR rotation and production behind Smith “the most captivating” story for fans. Helwagen expects a different complementary name to pop each week alongside Smith. Red-zone look they like: Smith on one side, Chris Henry Jr. on the other.

Ennis is the reliable veteran/security blanket (“if I’m ever in a pinch, I know Brandon Ennis is open”). Compared to Evan Spencer — does the dirty work, blocks, runs routes, makes possession catches. Also a leader; helped calm Phillip Daniels during a camp flare-up.

Smith is on pace to own Ohio State career receiving records (catches, yards, TDs) if he stays healthy and produces at his first-two-year clip.

Tight Ends

Three have separated:

• Luke Roberts (sophomore) — currently looks like No. 1
• Bennett Christian (fifth-year senior) — strong blocker
• Mason Williams (Ohio University transfer) — good pass catcher

Nate Roberts and Hunter Welsing also mentioned as pass-catching options.

Running Backs

Top three: Bo Jackson, Isaiah West, Jacoby Jackson.

Defense

Linebackers Starters: Christian Aliagro and Peyton Pierce. Also in mix: Riley Pettyjohn, Tarvos Alford. Pierce reportedly received the most captain votes (per James Laurinaitis).

Defensive Line (top 8 expected to play) Ends: Mo Atkinson, Kenyatta Jackson, Quay Russo, Zion Grady. Tackles: Will Smith Jr., Edrick Houston; James Smith and John Walker will also play a lot.

Secondary Safeties: Jalen McLean, Earl Little Jr., Terry Moore; Leroy Roker backing them up. Corners: Devin Sanchez and Jermaine Matthews Jr. Nickel: Jay Timmons (Terry Moore also can play there).

Most spots feel spoken for through the first two games. Kent State week (Week 3) should give a fuller look at the rotation.

Captains & Block O

Seven captains announced over the weekend + Block O recipient.

Captains:

• Jeremiah Smith
• Julian Sayin
• Brandon Ennis
• Austin Cereveld (second time as captain)
• Kenyatta Jackson
• Jalen McClain
• Peyton Pierce

Block O: Brandon Ennis (close over Kenyatta Jackson).

Helwagen: all well-earned. Smith described as hardest-working player and best player in college footb