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 break down Ohio State's massive 2026 roster overhaul following a disappointing 2025 season. With 53 new players joining the program—many via the transfer portal—the Buckeyes are reshaping their roster with a focus on depth, experience, and versatility. Wasserman provides a detailed analysis of each position group, praising the team’s strategic moves: upgrading the quarterback room with Julian Sane’s expected sophomore leap, bolstering the wide receiver corps with veteran transfers like Kyle Parker and Devin McQuinn, and adding seasoned running backs like Jacoby Jackson. The defensive line is lauded as the deepest unit on the team, while the linebacker room is highlighted for its depth and talent, led by James Laurinaitis’ coaching. The secondary, though losing Caleb Downs, is seen as even more loaded with new additions like Earl Little, Terry Moore, and Dominic Kelly. Wasserman emphasizes that Ohio State’s embrace of the portal—bringing in experienced players to replace key departures—signals a new era of competitiveness, especially in high-pressure moments. He predicts four first-round draft picks from the team, including top-10 selections from Downs, Reese, and Stiles. The episode concludes with a trivia question about Travion Henderson’s rushing yards in the national title season, reinforcing the show’s fan-driven engagement. Key takeaways include: Ohio State’s 2026 team is built for depth and experience, not just youth; the portal strategy is now a core part of their identity; Julian Sane’s growth in high-pressure situations will be critical; the defensive line and linebacker groups are the most talented and versatile in school history; and the secondary, while lacking a single star like Downs, is arguably deeper and more talented overall. The episode underscores that Ohio State’s path to a national title lies not in replacing one player, but in assembling a cohesive, battle-tested unit capable of winning in the fourth quarter.
Ohio State brought in 53 new players via the portal, marking the largest roster overhaul under Ryan Day and signaling a strategic embrace of experienced talent.
Julian Sane is expected to make a significant leap in his second year as starter, particularly in high-pressure moments and decision-making under duress.
The defensive line is now the deepest position group on the team, with transfers like James Smith and Quay Russell adding elite athleticism and versatility.
The linebacker room, led by James Laurinaitis, features unprecedented depth and competition, with veterans like Christian Aliego and young stars like TJ Alford vying for roles.
The secondary, while losing Caleb Downs, is now more talented and versatile than ever, with multiple playmakers and a strong safety trio emerging.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Welcome & Introduction to the Show
Devin welcomes listeners to The Buckeye Scoop, sets the tone with fan engagement calls to like, subscribe, and join the Scoop Message Board, and introduces special guest Dalton Wasserman for a national perspective on Ohio State football.
Dalton Wasserman's Background & YouTube Show
Dalton shares updates on his YouTube channel, Preferred Walk On College Football Show, which continues under the same name after leaving PFF. He discusses upcoming content, including top 10 safety rankings and draft previews, and emphasizes the show’s continued focus on college football, especially Ohio State.
Ohio State's 2026 Roster Overhaul: The Portal Strategy
“It's not like we should be that surprised really. They went into the portal and got these experienced guys. So it's not like we should be that surprised really.”
Quarterback: Julian Sane’s Evolution
“You want to see out of a superstar quarterback is in the biggest moments of your season, you give him the keys and it's his game to take over.”
Wide Receiver & Running Back Depth
“I think Jacoby Jackson could be a more productive player even than C.J. Donaldson or James Peoples or anybody else.”
“You want to see out of a superstar quarterback is in the biggest moments of your season, you give him the keys and it's his game to take over.”
“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.”
“I think Jacoby Jackson could be a more productive player even than C.J. Donaldson or James Peoples or anybody else.”
Host
Guest
Ohio State Buckeyes
other
Dalton Wasserman
person
Devin
person
Julian Sane
person
Caleb Downs
person
Carnell Tate
person
Preferred Walk On College Football Show
media
Jacoby Jackson
person
James Laurinaitis
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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