The Buckeye Weekly Podcast

It's time once again for our live Tuesday night reaction shows to the College Football Playoff Rankings. Tuesday night saw the initial rankings release. The Buckeyes ended up No. 12, which means they would be the first team eliminated from the playoffs. Can the Buckeyes work their way back in? Why are they ranked so low? What is the path for Ohio State to make the playoffs? The fellas talk about all of these things and answer a bunch of viewer questions along the way.

In this bonus episode, you'll get a chance to hear directly from Oregon head coach Dan Lanning, as his Ducks prepare to travel cross-country to take on the Ohio State Buckeyes this Saturday at 3:30 inside Ohio Stadium.

This will be Lanning's first visit to the Horseshoe, and it comes in a game that has very different stakes than most people expected at the beginning of the season. The Buckeyes enter with two losses and are fighting for their College Football Playoff lives. Oregon has already lost three times, and, barring a series of unlikely events, is almost certainly already out of the picture for the CFP.

Still, the game features some very interesting storylines, including how Oregon will defend OSU's superstar WR Jeremiah Smith, the return of Ducks QB Dillon Raiola to a school he was once committed to, and much more.

BuckeyeInsiders.com's Tom Orr and Tony Gerdeman rewatched the Ohio State loss at USC for the first time and shared some of what they learned and also what they missed the first time around watching it live in the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.

In this episode of the Buckeye Weekly Podcast, hosts Tony Gerdeman and Tom Orr ask Buckeye fans what they believe the biggest issue is with the Ohio State football team team right now, and then the fellas decide of those opinions are fact or fiction. For this show, they only discuss three responses of the more than 300. Firstly, injuries, then the offensive line, then Ryan Day's need to win games in a certain fashion.

Is Ohio State's season already over following its disappointing loss to USC? Or do the Buckeyes still have a realistic path to the Big Ten Championship Game and the College Football Playoff?

In this episode of the Buckeye Weekly Podcast, Tony Gerdeman and Tom Orr examine the state of Ohio State football following its second loss of the season and explain why, despite the frustration surrounding the program, there is still plenty left to play for.

With Julian Sayin sidelined, significant injuries in the secondary, questions about roster depth, and a challenging four-game stretch remaining, the Buckeyes have almost no margin for error.

But here's the reality: If Ohio State wins its final four regular-season games, the Buckeyes are headed to the Big Ten Championship Game.

Tony and Tom discuss whether that's a realistic expectation, how Ohio State compares to the rest of college football, and why fans might need to reconsider what constitutes a successful season given the circumstances.

They also examine the impact of NIL and the transfer portal, the differences between today's Ohio State teams and those coached by Urban Meyer and Jim Tressel, and whether the Buckeyes can overcome their flaws before Oregon comes to Columbus.

Is Ohio State's season really over after losing to USC?

Why the Buckeyes still control their Big Ten Championship destiny.

Can Ohio State win its final four regular-season games?

How much has Julian Sayin's injury changed the season?

Is simply reaching the College Football Playoff good enough?

Why roster depth has become a significant problem for the Buckeyes.

The impact of losing Jay Timmons and other defensive backs.

How NIL and the transfer portal have changed expectations.

Why even college football's best teams are struggling with consistency.

Can Ryan Day and Ohio State fix their problems before facing Oregon?

Should Buckeye fans lower their expectations or keep believing?

⏱️ Timestamps

00:00 – Welcome to Buckeye Weekly: Is Ohio State's season over?
00:23 – The USC loss and why the Buckeyes still have something to play for
02:02 – Ohio State's path to the Big Ten Championship and College Football Playoff
04:49 – Are fans giving up too early on the Buckeyes?
06:30 – Why patience matters in today's college football landscape
07:00 – Coaching criticism, roster turnover, injuries, and declining depth
09:35 – How Julian Sayin's injury changes Ohio State's expectations
10:00 – Would making the playoffs or simply beating Michigan be enough?
11:56 – Comparing the schedules and challenges facing Ryan Day and Urban Meyer
12:43 – Why college football's top teams are struggling with consistency
13:27 – The unpredictability of the 2026 college football season
14:30 – Ohio State's roster depth problems and the impact of transfer portal departures
15:00 – Can Oregon exploit the same defensive weaknesses USC exposed?
15:52 – Why the national championship race is still wide open
16:45 – Ohio State's shrinking margin for error and the importance of winning out
17:28 – What would constitute a successful finish for the Buckeyes?
18:41 – Fan reactions, Oregon week, and Buckeye Insiders member appreciation events

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Do you believe Ohio State's season is effectively over? Or can the Buckeyes win their final four games, reach Indianapolis, and make another run at the College Football Playoff?

What would you consider a successful season for Ohio State at this point?

Let us know in the comments!

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In this episode of the Buckeye Weekly Podcast, hosts Tony Gerdeman and Tom Orr discuss what they learned from Michigan's dominating 28-21 win at Rutgers on Saturday and how it applies to the matchup with the Buckeyes later this month.

The Buckeyes suffered a tough loss at USC on Saturday and now their backs are against the wall. If they are going to respond, some things must change. In this episode of the Buckeye Weekly Podcast, hosts Tony Gerdeman and Tom Orr discuss three areas that need be addressed. First is the health of the team. Second is the discipline. Third -- and perhaps most importantly -- is that the coaching, game planning, and play calling need to be better.

Following Ohio State's 30-12 loss at USC, Buckeye head coach Ryan Day met with reporters to discuss the loss, as did offensive lineman Carson Hinzman, tight end Mason Williams, and safety Jaylen McClain. Following the press conference, Buckeye Insiders' Juck Miletti shares his immedate takeways of what he saw from the press box in the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.

In this episode of the Buckeye Weekly Podcast, hosts Tony Gerdeman and Tom Orr give their instant reactions following Ohio State's bizarre 30-12 loss at USC. What went wrong? Why did it keep going wrong? How did true freshman quarterback Luke Fahey do in his starting debut? Was this a failure at every level for the coaches? The fellas talk about all of this and more, and then the show ends with BuckeyeInsiders.com's Scheme Insider Michael Petit with some thoughts on what he saw from the Buckeyes and the coaching staff.

The No. 2 Ohio State Buckeyes are set to face off with the USC Trojans later today inside the historic Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, and there is a LOT to talk about before kickoff. Tom Orr and Tony Gerdeman of BuckeyeInsiders.com are joined by fellow Buckeye Insider Juck Miletti as they continue to break down everything you need to know for freshman QB Luke Fahey's first career start, the return of OL Austin Siereveld to the lineup, the latest on injured freshman nickel Jay Timmons, and much more.

The No. 2 Ohio State Buckeyes are set to face off with the USC Trojans later today inside the historic Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, and there is a LOT to talk about before kickoff. Join Tom Orr and Tony Gerdeman of BuckeyeInsiders.com as they break down everything you need to know for freshman QB Luke Fahey's first career start, the return of OL Austin Siereveld to the lineup, the latest on injured freshman nickel Jay Timmons, and much more.

In part five of this five-part live stream from Los Angeles, BuckeyeInsiders.com’s Tom Orr, Juck Miletti, and Tony Gerdeman answer viewer questions about Saturday’s game between Ohio State and USC. They discuss the defensive approach for each team, the questions about Luke Fahey, the potential for a big game from Jeremiah Smith, and much, much more.

In part four of this five-part live stream from Los Angeles, hosts Tom Orr and Tony Gerdeman are joined by Juck Miletti as the Buckeye Insiders crew dives even deeper into this weekend’s game between USC and Ohio State. Juck shares his expectations for Saturday night’s big game.

In part three of this five-part live stream from Los Angeles, hosts Tony Gerdeman and Tom Orr are asked about some potential breakout performances from some young Buckeyes. Is this were Isaiah West re-establishes himself as a viable threat? Can Chris Henry, Jr. continue his upward trajectory? Other potential breakout Buckeyes are discussed as well.

In part two of this five-part live stream from Los Angeles, hosts Tom Orr and Tony Gerdeman discuss the latest availability report for the Buckeyes, noting who is listed as OUT, who is not listed at all, and potentially the most impactful player being listed as questionable. What does it all mean? The fellas discuss it all and more.

In part one of this five-part live stream from Los Angeles, hosts Tony Gerdeman and Tom Orr talk about Ohio State’s quarterback situation, the likelihood of Luke Fahey starting, and what are fair expectations for the true freshman? Tony offers up some over/unders based on the last three times a true freshman quarterback has started a game for the Buckeyes.

Things are not great for the USC Trojans and their head coach, Lincoln Riley. Earlier in the week, you heard Riley discuss his job status and where things stand for his program on the whole.

In this bonus episode, you'll hear more about this weekend's game against the Ohio State Buckeyes, the challenge posed by superstar WR Jeremiah Smith, what it's like to have to prepare a defense for two different quarterbacks, and whether he has seen the viral video clips that seem to indicate that the Trojans' offensive line may be inadvertently tipping off opponents about whether a run or pass play is coming.

USC head coach Lincoln Riley is in his fifth season in charge of the Trojans, and things do not seem to be headed in an encouraging direction at the moment. Riley went 11-3 in his first season at USC, but has lost 5, 6, and 4 games in the three seasons completed since then, and has already lost twice this fall, including a game at Wisconsin where his team only managed seven points, the fewest in his head coaching career.

So is Riley still the best man for the job? He was asked that question directly during his press conference this week, which is never a great sign. In this special bonus episode, you'll hear how he answered that, as well as conversations about their offensive line, whether he needs to give up playcalling, and more.

It's time for another edition of 14 Bold Predictions on the Buckeye Weekly Podcast! Ohio State is heading west to take on USC, and Tony Gerdeman and Tom Orr are back with seven bold predictions apiece for the Buckeyes' matchup with the Trojans.

With true freshman quarterback Luke Fahey potentially making his first career start, the possibilities are endless. Will Fahey make plays with his legs? Can Jeremiah Smith score multiple touchdowns? Is this finally the week that Jake Cook finds the end zone?

Tony and Tom go head-to-head with predictions involving Chris Henry Jr., Isaiah West, Payton Pierce, Earl Little, Ohio State's pass rush, and a potentially explosive Buckeye running game.

And, as always, there are plenty of arguments over just how bold these predictions really are, including some increasingly ridiculous negotiations involving 34-yard plays.

Who has the bolder predictions this week? Who will come closest to getting them right? And will Tony and Tom even make their flights home after the game?

Join the fun and let us know which predictions you think will actually happen!

00:00 – Welcome to Buckeye Weekly: It's Bold Predictions time!
00:23 – Predicting Ohio State vs. USC with a true freshman quarterback
01:21 – Prediction No. 1: Chris Henry Jr....
02:49 – Prediction No. 2: Isaiah West...
04:08 – Prediction No. 3: Chris Henry Jr....
06:23 – Prediction No. 4: Payton Pierce...
06:57 – Prediction No. 5: Four different Buckeyes...
08:20 – Prediction No. 6: Luke Fahey has a...
09:45 – Prediction No. 7: Luke Fahey rushes for...
12:08 – Prediction No. 8: Ohio State running backs...
12:53 – Prediction No. 9: Jeremiah Smith scores...
15:20 – Prediction No. 10: Ohio State has a return of at least...
16:26 – Prediction No. 11: Ohio State produces a 50-yard...
17:16 – Prediction No. 12: The Buckeye quarterback throws for at least...
21:20 – Prediction No. 13: Earl Little...
22:32 – Prediction No. 14: ...finally scores a touchdown!
24:07 – Bonus Prediction: Will Tony and Tom make their red-eye flights home?
25:38 – Another bonus prediction involving Bo Jackson
26:22 – Buckeye Insiders coverage plans for Ohio State's trip to Los Angeles

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Tony Gerdeman and Tom Orr will be covering Ohio State's trip to USC with live shows, game previews, postgame reactions, and exclusive reporting throughout the weekend.

Visit https://BuckeyeInsiders.com for insider coverage, analysis, and discussion with fellow Buckeye fans.

Join the conversation!

Which of these 14 bold predictions is most likely to happen? Which one is completely ridiculous? And do you have a bold prediction of your own for Ohio State vs. USC?

Drop your predictions in the comments below!
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What will determine the outcome when Ohio State travels to Los Angeles to take on USC? Can the Buckeyes get enough production from their quarterback? Will Ohio State's injured defenders return in time? And can Matt Patricia's defense exploit the weaknesses USC showed in its loss to Wisconsin?

In this episode of the Buckeye Weekly Podcast, Tony Gerdeman and Tom Orr break down four major deciding factors that could determine whether Ohio State leaves Los Angeles with another victory.

With Luke Fahey expected to start at quarterback, the Buckeyes face questions about how much they'll need from their passing game. Meanwhile, the potential return of Jay Timmons could make an enormous difference against USC's talented young receiving corps.

Tony and Tom also discuss the growing pressure on Lincoln Riley, the importance of getting off to a fast start, and whether Matt Patricia should unleash an aggressive blitz package against USC quarterback Jayden Maiava.

00:00 – Welcome to Buckeye Weekly: Ohio State vs. USC preview
00:22 – Factor No. 1: Quarterback play — What does Ohio State need from Luke Fahey?
01:25 – Does Fahey need to win the game or simply avoid losing it?
02:39 – How many passing yards will Ohio State need against USC?
04:05 – Protecting the quarterback and managing USC's defensive pressure
05:11 – How different would expectations be with Julian Sayin?
05:43 – Injuries, the running game, and the potential impact of rainy weather
07:08 – Factor No. 2: Jay Timmons' availability — Why his return could change everything
08:07 – USC's dangerous freshman receivers and Ohio State's secondary depth
09:16 – Can Cam Calhoun step up if Timmons can't play?
10:53 – Factor No. 3: USC's response to adversity — Can Lincoln Riley's Trojans handle the pressure?
10:58 – Why Ohio State needs to start fast and put USC on its heels
12:40 – Could rainy weather and a frustrated home crowd work against USC?
12:58 – Factor No. 4: Matt Patricia's defensive pressure — Attacking Jayden Maiava
13:53 – Why Ohio State should bring the blitz against USC
15:13 – A bold prediction for an unexpected Buckeye pass rusher
15:40 – Your thoughts: What will decide Ohio State vs. USC?
15:55 – Buckeye Insiders member events, tailgates, and exclusive giveaways
17:05 – Final thoughts and sign-off

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