OSU Football_-MAJOR National Buckeye INTEL with Special Guest
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In this episode of The Buckeye Scoop, host Devin welcomes back special guest Dalton Wasserman to discuss Ohio State football's transformative offseason and upcoming 2026 season. The conversation centers on the Buckeyes' aggressive use of the transfer portal, which brought in 17 experienced players—most notably at quarterback, wide receiver, running back, defensive line, linebacker, and secondary—signaling a strategic shift toward supplementing youth with veteran depth. Wasserman praises the team’s depth across the board, especially on defense, where he highlights the potential of new transfers like Quay Russell, James Smith, and Christian Aliego, and identifies the key question: who will emerge as a true pass rusher to complement Matt Patricia’s scheme. He also breaks down the draft outlook, projecting four first-round picks from Ohio State, including top-10 selections from Arvel Reese, Sonny Styles, and Caleb Downs. Despite the loss of key players like Carnell Tate and Lorenzo Stiles, Wasserman believes the secondary is now deeper and more talented than last year. The episode concludes with a trivia segment and a strong endorsement of the team’s new direction, emphasizing that small, strategic upgrades in experience and versatility could be the difference in close games against top-tier opponents like Texas, Indiana, and Michigan.
Ohio State made a strategic shift by aggressively using the transfer portal to add 17 experienced players, especially veterans at key positions like defense and offense.
The team’s depth across the board—particularly on defense—is now among the best in the nation, with multiple players capable of stepping into starting roles.
The biggest question mark remains the emergence of a true pass rusher to lead Matt Patricia’s defensive scheme in high-pressure moments.
Dalton Wasserman projects four first-round draft picks from Ohio State in 2026, including top-10 selections from Arvel Reese, Sonny Styles, Caleb Downs, and Caden McDonald.
The Buckeyes’ focus on experience over youth, especially in high-leverage roles like kicker and special teams, could be the difference in tight games.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Welcome & Intro to the Show
Devin welcomes listeners to The Buckeye Scoop, sets the tone with fan engagement calls to action, and introduces special guest Dalton Wasserman, emphasizing the value of national perspective on Ohio State football.
Dalton Wasserman’s Background & Content Platform
Dalton shares updates on his YouTube channel, Preferred Walk On College Football Show, which continues after the PFF College Football Show rebrand. He highlights upcoming content, including the top 10 safety rankings and draft previews.
Quarterback & Wide Receiver Outlook
The duo discusses Julian Sane’s growth potential as a sophomore starter, emphasizing the need for more leadership in high-pressure moments. They analyze the wide receiver room’s depth, praising new transfers Kyle Parker and Devin McQuinn for their speed and after-the-catch ability.
Running Back Room & Transfer Impact
Dalton evaluates the running back position, highlighting Jacoby Jackson as a potential upgrade over C.J. Donaldson due to his experience, one-cut running style, and fit with Arthur Smith’s zone schemes. He praises the depth and versatility of the group.
Defensive Line & Pass Rush Question
“The biggest question maybe on this entire team for me is just who emerges in those big spots when Matt Patricia wants to rush four instead of blitz in and getting all the exotic looks, at some point you're going to have to send four in a big spot and they're going to have to get home and close out a game.”
“The biggest question maybe on this entire team for me is just who emerges in those big spots when Matt Patricia wants to rush four instead of blitz in and getting all the exotic looks, at some point you're going to have to send four in a big spot and they're going to have to get home and close out a game.”
“This might even be a more loaded crew than last year too. Maybe there's not a Caleb Downs, a top 10 draft pick in this crew. Maybe there is eventually with a guy like Sanchez, but this is a true... too deep secondary with a lot of playmakers and a lot of guys with big-time potential.”
“The only question I really have on defense for the most part is who's just going to emerge as that pass rusher in the biggest moments of the season.”
Host
Guest
Ohio State Buckeyes
other
Dalton Wasserman
person
Devin
person
Julian Sane
person
Buckeye Scoop
media
Caleb Downs
person
Carnell Tate
person
Matt Patricia
person
Sonny Styles
person
Arvel Reese
person
OSU Insider- Massive Practice Report!! More Guys Stepping Up!!
The Buckeye Scoop • 1h 0m • 4/9/2026
OSU Insider-Massive Practice Report!! More Guys Stepping Up!!
The Buckeye Scoop • 1h 0m • 4/9/2026
OSU Insider- Massive Practice Report!! More Guys Stepping Up!!
The Buckeye Scoop • 1h 0m • 4/9/2026
OSU Insider- Massive Practice Report!! More Guys Stepping Up!!
The Buckeye Scoop • 1h 0m • 4/9/2026
OSU Insider-Massive Practice Report!! More Guys Stepping Up!!
The Buckeye Scoop • 1h 0m • 4/9/2026
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