Locked On Buckeyes - Daily Podcast On Ohio State Buckeyes Football & Basketball

Ohio State Buckeyes kick off the 2026 season with sky-high expectations and fresh faces ready to make their mark. Can Arthur Smith’s play calling and a revamped roster dominate the Ball State Cardinals and set the tone for a championship run?

Matt Fontana and Justin Zwick break down key matchups at Ohio Stadium, spotlighting linebackers Payton Pierce and Christian Alliegro, wide receiver battles featuring Brock Boyd and Chris ...

Big Ten football returns with heavyweight matchups and major questions: Can UCLA’s Bruins outduel the California Golden Bears in a battle of seasoned quarterbacks and new-look coaching staffs? Is Cal’s offense, powered by transfers like Ian Strong and Dorian Thomas, poised to shock the conference? The Big 10 Squad debates the hottest showdowns, bold picks, and the ongoing “beauty bias” hype around UCLA&rsquo...

Ohio State Buckeyes honor Jim Tressel in the Ring of Honor, spotlighting his legendary legacy and unique sweater vest identity. Can Tressel’s “calm, cool, and collected” coaching style inspire a new era of Buckeye dominance? Matt Fontana and Justin Zwick revisit Tressel’s impact, the renewed bond with Maurice Clarett—who returns to ring the victory bell—and the changing landscape of college footb...

Ohio State Buckeyes gear up for game week as quarterback Julian Sayin faces unexpected slights from Heisman oddsmakers and national analysts. Can Sayin silence his doubters after being overlooked in preseason lists despite an outstanding first year in Columbus? Host Matt Fontana and former Buckeyes QB Justin Zwick break down Ryan Day’s press conference insights, the evolving Buckeyes depth chart, and the intense backup quarte...

Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jeremiah Smith is on the brink of rewriting the program’s record books—could he become the greatest Buckeye receiver ever? Matt Fontana and Justin Zwick break down Smith’s chase for all-time records in receptions, yards, and touchdowns, as well as his leadership as a newly named team captain. The hosts debate where Smith ranks among Ohio State legends like Marvin Harrison Jr., Mic...

Ohio State Buckeyes ignite national championship hopes as a new era begins—can this squad live up to sky-high expectations? Matt Fontana and Justin Zwick break down the Buckeyes’ revamped offensive line, spotlighting Austin Siereveld’s transition to right guard, Ian Moore’s rise at left tackle, and how this unit could shape Julian Sayin’s success under center. Insights include FanDuel’s bold win ...

Big Ten sets the tone for college football as Tony Petitti leads a bold rule change, shutting out returning NFL players and prompting other power conferences to follow. Can this decisive action keep chaos at bay across the NCAA? Analysts weigh in on the repercussions for stars like Aaron Graves and examine how this “adult in the room” move shapes transfer eligibility and enforcement, with head coach suspensions and heft...

Big Ten contenders fuel championship buzz as Indiana, Ohio State, Oregon, and Washington jockey for playoff supremacy. Will Josh Hoover elevate Indiana’s defense into NCAA history, or can powerhouse rosters like Oregon and USC crash the party? Heated debates ignite around Penn State’s playoff chances, Washington’s leap to 10 wins, and the pivotal Indiana–Ohio State clash in Bloomington. Host Spencer McLaughl...

Ohio State Buckeyes’ quarterback competition heats up as true freshman Luke Fahey challenges Tavien St. Clair for the backup spot behind Heisman finalist Julian Sayin. Will Fahey’s quick decision-making and recent loss of his black stripe shake up the Buckeyes’ QB depth chart? Jay Stephens assesses how Ohio State’s loaded quarterback room and fierce camp battles are shaping the team’s outlook, highligh...

Ohio State Buckeyes’ defense takes center stage as Matt Patricia looks to unleash Qua Russaw’s edge-rushing potential. Can Patricia’s NFL-caliber schemes unlock a new era for Ohio State’s front seven? Jay Stephens breaks down Russaw’s unconventional fit—shifting from Alabama’s system into a new hybrid linebacker role—while highlighting the evolving philosophy in Larry Johnson’s ...

Big Ten challengers slam SEC supremacy as preseason poll debate heats up. Can Michigan and Oregon silence doubters and reclaim conference bragging rights? The Big 10 Squad calls out SEC bias in the On3 preseason Top 25, question Florida’s ranking, and dissect how brand bias skews College Football Playoff perspectives. The team roasts Purdue Athletic Director Tommy McClelland’s bold jab at Indiana’s championship pe...

Ohio State Buckeyes see something special in Florida State transfer Earl Little Jr.—can his playmaking ability elevate the Silver Bullets’ defense to new heights? Jay Stephens spotlights Little’s expected role alongside Jaylen McClain at deep safety and unpacks bold comparisons to Caleb Downs. With star-studded additions and former rivals now teammates, is Ohio State’s defense about to reclaim its national d...

Ohio State Buckeyes' wide receiver room is buzzing as Brandon Inniss shows major physical and mental growth in camp. Can Inniss’s evolution finally translate to on-field dominance, and is a first-round NFL draft pick future slipping back into focus? Jay Stephens breaks down Inniss’s journey, the impact of the YAC philosophy, and the crucial numbers that separate him from recent Buckeye stars like Chris Olave and Julian ...

Ohio State Buckeyes’ defense is set to unleash unprecedented versatility on opponents—will this creativity make them the most feared unit in college football? Jay Stephens explores how Matt Patricia’s ability to mix 4-2-5, 3-4, and even 4-4 defensive looks gives Ohio State an edge heading into matchups against Texas and Ball State. Spotlighting stars like Quay Russaw, James Smith, Eddrick Houston, and budding tale...

Ohio State Buckeyes’ running back room is heating up as Isaiah West surges ahead in the battle for RB1. Is Bo Jackson’s grip on the starting job slipping, or is this just a motivational ploy from Ryan Day and Carlos Loughlin to push their top backs to new heights?

Jay Stephens and Mo Murphy break down the strengths and weaknesses of Bo Jackson, Isaiah West’s explosive emergence, and the electrifying potential of t...

Ohio State Buckeyes land 2028’s No. 1 quarterback, Christopher Vargas, in a major recruiting coup. Can Ryan Day capitalize on this foundation to secure the nation’s most dynamic offensive class?

Jay Stephens breaks down Vargas’ elite skill set—highlighting his poise, quick release, and ability to command an offense even as a junior. The conversation explores what Vargas’ commitment means for the Buckey...

Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Devin McCuin is turning heads in training camp, pushing past expectations and challenging established stars like Chris Henry Jr. and Kyle Parker. Will McCuin’s physicality and route-running elevate the Buckeyes’ aerial attack and take pressure off Jeremiah Smith as they prepare for a daunting non-conference slate against Texas and Alabama?

Jay Stephens breaks down Ryan Day’s bold ...

Ohio State Buckeyes shake up camp as sophomore Isaiah West splits first-team running back reps with Ja'Kobi Jackson, ramping up competition for Bo Jackson and showcasing the depth of the Buckeyes' offensive arsenal. Ryan Day rewards West’s grind and offseason dedication while keeping fans guessing about the backfield hierarchy—just as the Buckeyes brace for early-season tests against Ball State and Texas.

Jay Stephens d...

ESPN faces backlash over unchecked SEC bias, stirring questions about college football media narratives. The Big 10 Squad debates Peter Burns’ misleading SEC vs. Big Ten strength of schedule claims, examining how media giants influence perceptions and why networks like Fox and CBS hesitate to match ESPN’s promotional energy for the Big Ten. Ohio State’s and Penn State’s identical 9.5 win totals spark heated ...