Ohio State’s Games at Texas and Indiana Listed As Pick ’Ems; Buckeyes Favored By One Score vs. Oregon and USC, Two Touchdowns vs. Michigan

Dan Hope — Friday, June 5, 2026 - 16:15

Betting lines are now available for half of Ohio State’s 2026 football games.

After DraftKings released more betting lines for the biggest games of the 2026 college football season this week, odds are now available for six of Ohio State’s 12 regular-season games.

Two of those games are listed as pick ’ems: Ohio State’s Week 2 road game at Texas and its Oct. 17 road game at Indiana. The Buckeyes are listed as 1.5-point underdogs for those games by FanDuel, but DraftKings views both games as dead even; a bet on either Ohio State or its opponent for either of those games right now would require an $11 bet to win $10.

Ohio State is listed as a one-score favorite for its Oct. 31 road game at USC and its Nov. 7 home game vs. Oregon. DraftKings lists the Buckeyes as a 7.5-point favorite to beat the Trojans in Los Angeles, while Ohio State opened as a 6-point favorite to beat the Ducks in Columbus one week later. FanDuel has not posted lines for those games.

DraftKings gives Ohio State a full two-touchdown edge in The Game, installing the Buckeyes as a 14-point favorite over Michigan for the Nov. 28 regular-season finale. As with the Texas and Indiana games, DraftKings’ line for The Game is tilted more toward Ohio State than the line on FanDuel, where Ohio State is just an 11.5-point favorite over Michigan as of Friday afternoon.

Ohio State is listed as a 50.5-point favorite for its season opener vs. Ball State on both DraftKings and FanDuel.

Ohio State Betting Lines for 2026 Season
Date	Opponent	Location	DraftKings	FanDuel
Sept. 5	Ball State	Home	Ohio State -50.5	Ohio State -50.5
Sept. 12	Texas	Away	Pick ’em	Texas -1.5
Oct. 17	Indiana	Away	Pick ’em	Indiana -1.5
Oct. 31	USC	Away	Ohio State -7.5	N/A
Nov. 7	Oregon	Home	Ohio State -6	N/A
Nov. 28	Michigan	Home	Ohio State -14	Ohio State -11.5

DraftKings lists Ohio State as the favorite to win the national championship (+650) and Big Ten (+180). DraftKings projects the Buckeyes will go 10-2 during the regular season; Ohio State is listed as a -166 favorite to win over 9.5 games, but the line of under 10.5 regular-season wins is projected as even more likely (-210).

FanDuel also lists Ohio State as the favorite to win the national championship (+550) and Big Ten (+185). FanDuel lists Ohio State’s over/under for regular-season wins at 9.5 with the line shaded toward the over (-164 for over 9.5 wins, +134 for under 9.5 wins).

Ohio State Hosts Three More Uncommitted Prospects in Second Official Visit Weekend for 2027 Class

Dan Hope — Friday, June 5, 2026 - 08:35

Ohio State’s three uncommitted official visitors this weekend aren’t quite as heralded as the official visitors Ohio State hosted last weekend, but it’s still an important weekend for the Buckeyes as they build their 2027 recruiting class.

There was no question where each of Ohio State’s first official visitors of the summer stood on the Buckeyes’ board. Running back David Gabriel Georges, defensive lineman Marcus Fakatou and wide receiver Benny Easter Jr. – all five-star prospects – are all top-of-the-board targets whom the Buckeyes are aggressively trying to add to their 2027 class. Even though Ohio State didn’t land immediate commitments from any of them, the Buckeyes appear to have a good shot at landing all of them after making strong impressions on them and their families.

Where exactly this weekend’s uncommitted official visitors stand on Ohio State’s board is a little less clear. None of them are top-300 overall prospects in the 247Sports composite rankings, giving the Buckeyes more to consider in terms of how hard they should push for commitments and how much NIL money they should offer.

That said, the Buckeyes wouldn’t be bringing them in for official visits if there wasn’t real mutual interest on both sides. And at least two of them are candidates to commit to Ohio State by the end of the month, with one potentially being a candidate to pick the Buckeyes as soon as this weekend.

This weekend’s official visitors include a pair of four-star prospects, cornerback Jaden Carey and running back Jayden Miles, as well as three-star linebacker Kaylon Bailey. They’ll be joined on campus by three of Ohio State’s 2027 commits: defensive end Wyatt Smith and safeties Eli Johnson and Angelo Smith.

As their visits begin Friday, we’re taking a look below at each of those official visitors and what to know about their recruitments as they make their way to Columbus.

CB Jaden Carey

Among this weekend’s official visitors, Carey is the one to put on commit watch. Even though his father, Marcus Carey, played for the Miami Hurricanes and Jaden made an official visit to The U last week, Ohio State is viewed as the frontrunner in his recruitment heading into his trip to Columbus.

Ohio State is still seeking its first cornerback commitment for the 2027 class, but that could change this weekend if Carey’s visit goes well. Although he’s ranked as only the No. 39 cornerback in the class in the 247Sports composite, he’s one of the top prospects on Tim Walton’s board for the current recruiting cycle.

Carey is also scheduled to visit Auburn later this month, and Ohio State will have to decide just how hard it wants to push for Carey as it prepares to host three more four-star cornerbacks – in-state prospects Monsanna Torbert Jr. and Deontay Malone, and Georgia prospect Bryce Woods – next weekend.

That said, the Buckeyes also lost a top cornerback target this week when top-40 national prospect Gabriel Osborne Jr. committed to Oklahoma. That raises the stakes for Carey’s visit this weekend, and raises the possibility that the weekend could end with Carey committing to Ohio State.

RB Jayden Miles

Miles’ recruitment is directly connected to the Buckeyes’ pursuit of Gabriel Georges. Because Gabriel Georges is Ohio State’s clear-cut No. 1 target at running back for the 2027 class, it’s unlikely the Buckeyes would accept a commitment from Miles right now, not wanting to do anything to jeopardize their position as the frontrunner for DGG.

Miles’ official visit to Ohio State this weekend is still important, though, because he’s the only running back other than Gabriel Georges who’s scheduled to make an official visit to OSU this month. Another running back who had been expected to make a June visit, Nigel Newkirk, committed to Alabama after visiting the Crimson Tide last weekend.

Florida State emerged as the frontrunner to land Miles after he made an official visit to Tallahassee last weekend, and a commitment to the Seminoles could come sooner rather than later after he canceled his scheduled official visits to LSU and Kentucky. But as the Buckeyes still have to fend off Tennessee, Ole Miss and Georgia for Gabriel Georges, they’ll do their best to stay in the race for Miles this weekend to keep him on the board as their No. 2 RB target.

Miles is the only offensive player making an official visit to Ohio State this weekend. He was expected to be joined by Eric McFarland III, but the five-star wide receiver canceled his trip to Columbus earlier this week, choosing to play in the SEC instead as he will choose from a final four of Florida, Georgia, Tennessee and Texas A&M.

LB Kaylon Bailey

Bailey’s composite ranking as the No. 743 overall prospect in the 2027 class doesn’t stand out. Where he plays his high school football certainly does, though, as Bailey comes from the same Glenville program that produced recent star Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese and five-star freshman linebacker Cincere Johnson, as well as other Ohio State stars like Troy Smith, Ted Ginn Jr., Donte Whitner, Marshon Lattimore and Cardale Jones.

That’s a big reason why Bailey has emerged as a top candidate to round out Ohio State’s linebacker class alongside Prince Goldsby – who made his official visit to Ohio State last week, just days after committing to the Buckeyes – and Quinton Cypher. Like Reese, Bailey is an athletic, versatile prospect who could line up at both linebacker and edge, and the track record of success that Tarblooders have had as Buckeyes makes him a great choice to be a developmental prospect in James Laurinaitis’ unit.

Ohio State rarely misses on Glenville prospects that it wants, so the Buckeyes are viewed as the favorite to land Bailey when he makes his commitment on June 25. They still need to close the deal, though, as Louisville and West Virginia are also major contenders in his recruitment after hosting him for official visits over the past week.

DE Wyatt Smith

Ohio State’s highest-ranked official visitor this weekend, Smith – the No. 78 overall prospect in the 2027 class – makes his way to Columbus just a few weeks after committing to the Buckeyes on May 17.

Smith’s commitment appears rock-solid entering his official visit as Ohio State made him a top-priority target at defensive end alongside fellow commit DJ Jacobs. What makes the timing of Smith’s visit interesting is that he’ll be visiting alongside Carey, his St. Thomas Aquinas High School teammate, making Smith a crucial peer-recruiter who could help push a commitment across the finish line.

S Eli Johnson

Johnson committed to Ohio State last November, and there’s been no drama in his recruitment since, as the four-star safety from Texas ranked as the 173rd overall prospect in the class is firmly committed to the Buckeyes.

Given his position in the secondary, Johnson could also play the role of peer-recruiter for Carey this weekend. As for Johnson, this weekend will be an opportunity for Ohio State to continue laying out its vision for his future in Columbus and why the Buckeyes pushed for his early commitment to be a building block of their 2027 class.

S Angelo Smith

Among Ohio State’s three committed official visitors, Angelo Smith’s visit may be the most meaningful of the weekend as the Buckeyes look to fend off a flip effort from South Florida and former Ohio State offensive coordinator/wide receivers coach Brian Hartline.

A three-star safety, Smith has been committed to Ohio State since September, but has a close relationship with Hartline thanks to his older brother, Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith. USF may be able to sell Smith on a quicker path to the field, as the No. 843 overall prospect in the 2027 class would be a developmental prospect for the Buckeyes, but he remains committed to Ohio State, where the Buckeyes hope to see him continue what’s already become a spectacular family legacy in Columbus.

Ohio State’s Kevin Griffin Named Next Oregon State Athletic Director

Chase Brown — Friday, June 5, 2026 - 08:17

Kevin Griffin is headed from one OSU to another.

The Ohio State athletics administrator was named Thursday as Oregon State's next athletic director. Griffin, who has been with the Buckeyes since 2022, will begin his tenure with the Beavers on Saturday. He replaces Scott Barnes in the role, who announced his retirement in March.

Equipped to chart a bold path forward.

Welcome our new Vice President and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics, Kevin Griffin! #GoBeavs

https://t.co/dopJebFswR pic.twitter.com/J1Ffwid14t
— The Beavs (@BeaverAthletics) June 4, 2026

In a statement announcing his hire on Thursday, Oregon State president Jayathi Murthy praised Griffin for his track record in business strategy and revenue generation.

“A changemaker with a clear vision for OSU’s athletics programs, Kevin is a former student-athlete who is passionate about ensuring that today’s student-athletes not only have the resources and support to win at the highest levels of competition but also to develop academically and succeed long after their careers,” Murthy wrote. “Kevin is a proven leader and brand builder with a strong record of revenue generation. … Kevin’s expertise in business strategy, revenue generation and marketing positions Oregon State Athletics as an innovative, national leader, aggressively and proactively adapting to the ever-changing landscape of college athletics.”

An Ohio State wide receiver from 1995-98, Griffin is the nephew of Buckeye legend Archie Griffin, college football’s only two-time Heisman Trophy winner. Before he returned to Ohio State in 2022, Griffin was the senior vice president for marketing and brand strategy for the MLS’ D.C. United and worked in managerial roles for the NFL's Cleveland Browns and Seattle Seahawks.

For the past four years, Griffin has served as Ohio State's associate vice president for brand engagement, services and partnerships and associate director of athletics business strategy. Most recently, he led a department committee exploring potential renovations to Ohio Stadium, a process that included a fan survey released in April.

Skull Session: Ohio State Fans Feel Confident in the Buckeyes Entering Challenging 2026 Slate, Eric Weddle Backs Up His Criticisms of Michigan QB Bryce Underwood

Chase Brown — Friday, June 5, 2026 - 04:55

Welcome to the Skull Session.

Buckeye Stripes are in the game.

Buckeye Stripes in EA Sports College Football 27 pic.twitter.com/h0YDJSBBb9
— Eleven Warriors (@11W) June 5, 2026

Have a good Friday.

HOW YA FEELIN’? Each offseason, I looked forward to The Athletic’s Ohio State fan survey. It puts a hand on the pulse of Buckeye Nation, which sometimes — but not always — differs from that of the Eleven Warriors audience.

This year, The Athletic’s Cameron Teague Robinson tackled “the state of the program, the Michigan rivalry, the 2025 season, potential College Football Playoff expansion and more.” I’ll pass along some of his survey results in this section. Let me know how you would answer them in the comments below.

How would you grade Ryan Day’s performance in seven years as Ohio State’s head coach?

A — 81.7%
B — 16.7%
C — 1.2%
D — 0.4%
F — 0%

What would constitute as a successful season for Ohio State?

Win the national championship — 25.3%
Big Ten championship, national title appearance — 34.3%
Big Ten championship, CFP appearance — 21.5%
Win a playoff game — 10.9%
Playoff appearance — 0.8%
Just beat Michigan — 7.3%

With 51 new players on the roster, which newcomer are you most excited to see?

Chris Henry Jr. 68.4%
Terry Moore 3%
Earl Little Jr. 13.4%
Christian Alliegro 4.2%
Ja’Kobi Jackson 5.5%
Others: 5.5%

What are you most worried about regarding Ohio State this season?

Offensive line — 47.3%
Replacing eight starters on defense — 32.6%
Arthur Smith as the offensive play caller — 9.1%
Special teams — 5.5%
Schedule — 0.6%
Defensive line — 0.3%
Others 4.6%

Which game are you most excited about?

at Texas (Sept. 12) — 20.8%
at Iowa (Oct. 3) — 0%
at Indiana (Oct. 17) — 29%
at USC (Oct. 31) — 1.9%
Oregon (Nov. 7) — 6.5%
Michigan (Nov. 28) — 41.7%

What will Ohio State’s regular-season record be?

12-0 — 9.6%
11-1 — 48.1%
10-2 — 38.1%
9-3 — 4.1%
8-4 — 0%

Will Ohio State win the national championship?

Yes — 42.2%
No — 57.8%

My answers to these questions are...

A
Win the national championship (anything less is tolerated, not celebrated)
Other, Legend Bey
After last season? Offensive line by a mile
I’m choosin’ Texas
Heart says 12-0, brain says 11-1
Yes, of course

Yeah, I like those answers.

“I DON’T TAKE BACK WHAT I SAID.” Eric Weddle has doubled down: Michigan’s Bryce Underwood is a no-good, very-bad quarterback.

OK, that’s not exactly what he said, but it’s close.

“Don’t be surprised if the backup’s playing early because that Underwood kid, I don’t think he can throw or play quarterback,” Weddle said on a podcast last month.

During a Tuesday appearance on The Rich Eisen Show — which came after he revealed on another podcast that Michigan fans had sent death threats to him and his family over his criticism of Underwood — Weddle stood by his original comments about the Wolverines’ $10 million man.

“I don’t take back what I said,” Weddle told Eisen. “Hearing it doesn’t come off very well, but the point is, you have to play quarterback a certain way to win a national championship. My understanding of Michigan is that they expect national championships. These kids are paid to play a certain way. What I saw from two games last year, and (when) I went out to spring ball, I saw not very good QB play.”

Weddle got an up-close look at Underwood during a visit to Ann Arbor with his son, Gaige, a top-100 prospect in the 2028 class (and an Ohio State target!). His assessment remains that Underwood is athletic and immensely talented but far from a finished product.

“Is he talented? Yes. Is he a freak of nature? Yeah. No one’s denying that,” Weddle told Eisen. “I’m not naive to that, but I do know what high-level championship quarterback play looks like. I tried stopping these guys my whole career. My expectation when I watch quarterbacks is, ‘Can he lead this team to a championship or not?’”

Weddle played at Utah from 2003-06, overlapping with Michigan coach Kyle Whittingham, who served as his defensive coordinator for two seasons and head coach for two more. If Weddle is willing to make these comments publicly, I wonder what he’s saying privately to one of his longtime mentors.

In his interview with Eisen, Weddle shifted responsibility for Underwood's shortcomings away from Whittingham and Michigan quarterbacks coach Jason Beck, who coached under Whittingham at Utah before joining the Wolverines' staff.

“I know the coaches that are coaching (him) and doing the best they can,” Weddle said. “I don’t know (Underwood) from anything. I just go off what I see, and what I saw was not good.”

Oh, this does put a smile on my face.

JEREMIAH SMITH, COVER STAR. Jeremiah Smith will grace another magazine cover in 2026.

One year after Smith and Alabama's Ryan Williams appeared as cover athletes for EA Sports College Football 26, the record-breaking Ohio State wide receiver has landed on the Midwest/Northwest edition of ESPN's College Football Preview magazine.

Unfortunately, Smith isn't alone.

The 128-page season preview also features Notre Dame quarterback CJ Carr and ... Bryce Underwood.

ESPN launches '26-'27 #CFB preview magazine

Special edition features 128 pages, 3 different regional covers
Available on newsstands & Amazon (https://t.co/QjKHmJ6z3v)

More: https://t.co/KVtfuZnYz3 pic.twitter.com/b1xhZCDOv3
— ESPN PR (@ESPNPR) June 4, 2026

A shame, really.

Maybe you can cover Underwood up with some Wite-Out.

Better yet, grab a pair of scissors and cut him out entirely.

Either option works!

THE UNGOVERNABLE COLLEGE FOOTBALL. In fall 2025, MAC commissioner Jon Steinbrecher shared his growing resentment toward the Big Ten, SEC, Big 12 and ACC for calling all the shots in college football.

“Moving forward, it is becoming more and more clear that the path to success is less fragmentation, more collaboration among all of us — certainly among the 10 FBS (conferences), and certainly among the five or six non-autonomous FBS (conferences),” Steinbrecher said at a MAC football kickoff event.

Less than a year later, college football feels like a pipe bomb with a lit fuse.

Iowa State athletic director Jamie Pollard has essentially dared the Big Ten and SEC to break away from the rest of the sport and create a Super League. Georgia coach Kirby Smart seemingly wants to do it, with or without the Big Ten.

Essentially, it’s every conference for itself — and every school for itself.

The House v. NCAA settlement was intended to bring stability by limiting how much schools could spend on their rosters and by creating a new entity, the College Sports Commission, to vet third-party NIL deals and ensure compliance with the settlement terms.

Apparently, that wasn’t enough to make the wealthiest schools play by the rules they helped create, so the chaos continued. Maybe — just maybe — the Protect College Sports Act can rein it in, but don’t count on it.

“If you look up the term ‘ungovernable,’ I am convinced a handful of conference logos pop up, and they’re all autonomy logos,” Steinbrecher said.

Fed up with what he called a “consistent and persistent power grab” by the biggest conferences, Steinbrecher turned to country music to describe the state of college sports. The song, a duet between Kacey Musgraves and Willie Nelson, is called “Uncertain, TX,” about a place where “nobody ever makes up their dusty old love-bombin’, snake charmin’, bull-s—in’, heart-breakin’, god-forsaken, dumbass mind.”

As the leaders mull over decisions, the fuse gets shorter.

Steinbrecher doesn’t want to see the bomb go off.

At this rate, college football may not have much choice.

CONCERT OF THE DAY. Jon Bellion Live at Forest Hills Stadium.

CUT TO THE CHASE. What it’s like to go inside New York City’s dank, dangerous, bug-filled sewers... Two fans get lifetime bans over selfie quest at NBA Finals Game 1... Google plans on releasing mosquitoes by the millions. See why and how... ESPN braces for more layoffs... 82-0 is the most addicting game on the internet... 15-0 is pretty good, too.

Better Know a Buckeye: Favour Akih Looks to Develop Into Three-Down Running Back at Ohio State

Josh Poloha — Thursday, June 4, 2026 - 08:35

Better Know A Buckeye is our look at every member of Ohio State’s 2026 recruiting class and how they became Buckeyes as they prepare to begin their OSU careers this fall.

Favour Akih dealt with multiple injuries during the latter stages of his high school career, but he showed enough as a junior to prove that he could potentially be a big-time playmaker and reliable running back at Ohio State, a school he grew up just up the road from.

Favour Akih

Size: 5-11/184
Position: RB
School: Rutherford B. Hayes (Delaware, Ohio)
247 Sports Composite: ★★★★
Composite Rank: #302 (#21 RB)

Background

Akih didn't receive an offer from Ohio State until March 2025, following OSU's first spring practice, but it was a long time coming for him. The Delaware, Ohio product had been in contact with the Buckeyes for months and had already visited campus multiple times. Two days later, he announced his college decision would be between OSU, Miami and USC.

After four more visits to Columbus that spring, including an official visit, Akih committed to the Buckeyes on June 6, 2025, becoming Ohio State’s first running back commit in the class and the sixth in-state commitment in the cycle.

In his first season receiving varsity snaps, Akih had 17 carries for 128 yards and a touchdown as a sophomore.

He burst onto the scene as a junior, notching 236 carries for 1,653 yards and 15 touchdowns to go along with nine catches for 142 yards and three scores. He earned first-team All-Ohio honors despite playing only nine games, missing two games due to injury.

A little bit of a look at what Ohio State RB commit Favour Akih can do on the football field. pic.twitter.com/GsaZYa4L04
— Tony Gerdeman (@TonyGerdeman) June 8, 2025

Akih's senior season was cut short after he suffered a high ankle sprain in his team’s season opener. He totaled just 17 carries for 128 yards and a touchdown in his final high school season.

Ohio State RB commit Favour Akih scores his first touchdown of the year. pic.twitter.com/7kGcWDuo60
— Garrick Hodge (@Garrick_Hodge) September 26, 2025

Off the football field, Akih competed in track and field, where he set personal bests of 10.9 in the 100-meter and 22.03 in the 200-meter dash in 2025.

Scouting Report

Akih not only has the speed to blow past opponents, but the strength to plow through defenders. Akih also showcases a shiftiness and quickness to redirect his momentum and feet when needed. Pairing those traits with his pass-blocking and pass-catching ability out of the backfield, Akih has the tools to be a three-down running back for Ohio State.

He will have to have better injury luck in college than he did in high school, but if he does, Akih has the talent to develop into a future starter.

Depth Chart Outlook

Ohio State's running back room is quite full heading into the fall. With rising sophomores Bo Jackson and Isaiah West, transfer Ja'Kobi Jackson and freshman Legend Bey likely leading the depth chart and Anthony "Turbo" Rogers also fighting for position on the depth chart, Akih's first season will be all about development off the field and on the practice field. Add in the fact that he just turned 17 late last year, and development will be even more key given how young Akih is compared to others in his class.

That said, Akih shouldn’t be completely overlooked, even as a freshman. West was largely viewed as an afterthought to play as a freshman in 2025, but he ended up in the rotation and rushed for 310 yards and two touchdowns on 59 carries even after missing the spring with an injury.

Akih’s best chance to start climbing the depth chart and earn a bigger role, though, will likely come in 2027 or later.

Player Comparison: Evan Pryor

Better Know A Buckeye

Pryor’s Ohio State career certainly didn't go as expected. After playing minimal snaps as a freshman, Pryor tore his patellar tendon in his left knee in the preseason of his second season as a Buckeye, an injury that forced him to miss all of the 2022 season.

After three years at Ohio State, Pryor transferred to Cincinnati, where he began to blossom and showcase his versatility as a three-down running back. The 5-10, 190-pounder totaled 132 carries for 940 yards and nine touchdowns to go along with 25 catches for 288 yards and two touchdowns as a pass-catcher over two seasons as a Bearcat. He will spend his final collegiate season in Gainesville after transferring to Florida this offseason.

While Akih will hopefully have better injury luck than Pryor did as a Buckeye, his game compares well to the former Ohio State playmaker in the backfield. Like Pryor, he’ll likely have to earn a bigger role as his college career progresses, and he’ll attempt to do that in Columbus.

Skull Session: Ohio State QB Commit Brady Edmunds to Visit UCLA This Weekend, William Buford Says “It’s Just Surreal” to Be Back with the Buckeyes

Chase Brown — Thursday, June 4, 2026 - 04:55

Welcome to the Skull Session.

It was a special Wednesday for the Buckeyes.

Buckeyes attended the Memorial Golf Tournament and partnered with The Nationwide Childrens Hospital Golden Cubs Program and later met up with the First Tee Youth Golf Program of Central Ohio pic.twitter.com/lFAYQsaaQu
— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) June 3, 2026

Have a good Thursday.

AN ALL-AROUND GOOD DUDE. Dan Hope and I followed Jake Diebler around Muirfield Village Golf Club on Wednesday.

The Ohio State men's basketball coach was the epitome of "drive for show, putt for dough" — at least on the holes I saw — but it wasn't his golf game that impressed me during the Memorial Tournament's Golden Bear Pro-Am. It was the way he interacted with fans, both young and old.

Should he do that?

Absolutely.

Did he have to?

Not at all.

Ohio Stars mens basketball coach Jake Diebler is playing in the Memorial Tournaments Golden Bear Pro-Am. He's spent a lot of time speaking with fans and signing autographs so far. pic.twitter.com/wPLonPehZi
— Chase Brown (@chaseabrown__) June 3, 2026

Yet he did it gladly, even as his professional playing partner, Brian Harman, turned down requests from kids to sign flags, hats and casts. (I suppose he needed to stay locked in on the half-dozen waggles he takes before every shot.)

After a round Diebler described as "not great," the 39-year-old said it was an honor to play in an event hosted by Ohio State legend Jack Nicklaus. He felt just as honored to speak with Buckeye fans, pose for photos and sign autographs throughout the day.

"When you get to sit in the seat, you've got a responsibility to give back. And we have unbelievable support. People are really excited about this team. We felt that today. And listen, I was once one of those kids. So I try not to take a single opportunity for granted and want to make sure that we're taking care of those young Buckeye fans,” Diebler said. “It's a great reminder. Buckeye Nation is the best. And any time you get a chance to get out and be around them, it's a great thing."

That's a quote from someone who understands that with great power comes great responsibility.

I'm rooting for Diebler to keep building momentum at Ohio State. After Wednesday, it's hard not to.

SIGN OF THE TIMES? Ohio State quarterback commit Brady Edmunds will visit UCLA this weekend. Since many people have asked me, Is this a big deal?, I will answer that question here: Yeah, kinda.

An Ohio State commit taking an official visit elsewhere is nothing new. When you're the World Famous Ohio State Buckeyes, you recruit the best prospects in America — and other programs will keep pursuing those prospects until the paperwork is signed.

Sure, it will include the usual perks: a tour of campus and facilities, photo shoots in blue and gold and the full recruiting experience. But there's also a legitimate possibility that Edmunds is considering flipping his commitment from Ryan Day's Buckeyes to the Bob Chesney’s Bruins.

Why?

Because Edmunds, a Huntington Beach, California, native who has made Columbus a second home over the past two years, may no longer be Ohio State's quarterback of the future. A shinier prospect, Nebraska commit Trae Taylor, may be.

Fresh off earning Rivals MVP honors at the Elite 11 Finals, Nebraska QB commit Trae Taylor (@Qb6Trae) is back to work. @KETV

Today marks day 2 of summer workouts with @MSouthFootball. pic.twitter.com/UqFQd6fZqC
— Lauren Michelson (@LaurenMichelson) June 2, 2026

The trajectories of Edmunds and Taylor have moved in opposite directions. That’s my opinion, of course, but it’s one based in fact.

When Edmunds committed to Ohio State in December 2024, he was a five-star prospect ranked as the No. 2 quarterback and No. 10 overall player in the 2027 class. Since then, he's fallen to a four-star prospect ranked No. 18 among quarterbacks and No. 224 overall.

Taylor, meanwhile, has surged up the rankings and now sits as the No. 4 quarterback and No. 60 overall prospect in the class. This past weekend, he was named Elite 11 Finals MVP after completing 16 of 20 passes and throwing seven touchdowns on Sunday.

Ohio State already liked Taylor's potential before the event. Now it has even more reason to.

In an interview with Rivals’ Adam Gorney this week, Taylor’s father, J.R. Taylor, said the Buckeyes have made their desire to flip his son’s commitment clear.

“Ohio State’s thing is: ‘We really want you here,’” J.R. Taylor said. “Trae has been really adamant that, ‘I’m not going to a school with two quarterbacks.’ We said that from Day 1. If there are two, we’re not coming for certain reasons. … I like how Trae is approaching this: ‘I’m committed to Nebraska. I will talk to any coaches who take the time to call me or come see me because it’s just respectful but I’m not taking any visits of now because I’m a Husker at this point… I’m committed there. I’ve been working there.’ That kind of thing.”

It's becoming increasingly clear that if Ohio State had to choose between Edmunds and Taylor, it would choose Taylor.

That's unfortunate for Edmunds, a lifelong Buckeye fan who has been one of Ohio State's most active peer recruiters in the 2027 class. But it's also business. If Day believes Taylor is the better long-term option, he has to be willing to make difficult decisions.

He's done it before — remember Air Noland? — and he may have to do it again if he believes it's what's best for Ohio State's future.

“HE’S A PIED PIPER.” Jerry Jones and I have something in common: We both love Caleb Downs. I think the commonalities end there — fortunately (he’s polarizing) and unfortunately (he’s a billionaire).

In an interview with The Dallas Morning News’ Joseph Hoyt last week, Jones compared Downs to his star quarterback Dak Prescott.

“He reminds me of Dak,” Jones said. “He really does. He’s a pied piper.”

Prescott told Hoyt he appreciates the comparison.

“Just honestly, I can say in just the month or whatever I’ve been around the kid and watching the kid, hell, I think I take it as a compliment when those comparisons come around,” he said.

Cowboys' Dak Prescott quickly impressed with by rookie Caleb Downs' "contagious" confidencehttps://t.co/DmV1DIFm9r
— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) June 2, 2026

Downs has mostly participated in workouts and meetings since the Cowboys made him the No. 11 overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft, and he had his first organized activities with the entire team on Monday. Still, Prescott said Downs had impressed him in the weeks between late April and June.

“How professional he is, how calm he is; quiet, yet confident,” Prescott said. “It’s contagious. You feel it. He’s a man who’s sure of who he is. When you are that way in this business you know you can speak up, speak out. You can say things you believe and age doesn’t really matter, because you know you’re doing the right thing.”

Downs’ on-field accomplishments also stand out to Prescott.

“He’s a guy that’s a leader just by the way that he carries himself and the way he approaches it,” Prescott said. “I know he’s leading that rookie class, but he understands the way that the locker room goes and what it means to earn the veteran’s trust and to get their respect. He’s a humble kid that’s coming in there each and every day quiet and grinding.”

“IT’S JUST SURREAL.” William Buford is back.

Jake Diebler announced Monday that the former Ohio State guard has joined his staff as a program assistant. In an interview with The Columbus Dispatch's Adam Jardy, Buford said he's been eagerly awaiting the public announcement. Ever since officially accepting the position, he's had to pinch himself.

“It’s just surreal,” Buford told Jardy. “I’ve been super excited every day I walk into the gym. It’s all new to me, and I get to learn from guys I consider family — people I’ve known for basically half my life. It’s a dope experience, and I think it’s going to be a lot of fun.”

Will's excited to get going pic.twitter.com/LXLWDFd6Vp
— Ohio State Hoops (@OhioStateHoops) June 1, 2026

Buford's official title is program assistant, but the former Buckeye expects to wear plenty of hats. He told Jardy he'll be on the court for workouts, help the scout team during practices and learn how to cut and code film for the coaching staff. In short, Buford is prepared to do “anything that the program needs” in his first season back in Columbus.

Family played a major role in Buford's decision to join Ohio State's staff and will continue to motivate him in the role. Buford played alongside Diebler's brother, Jon, during his Buckeye career. He also played for assistant coach Dave Dickerson, now a member of Diebler's staff, and worked closely with strength and conditioning coach Dave Richardson, who returned to Ohio State in 2026 after spending the previous eight years in the same role at Arkansas.

Woody Hayes once said, “You win with people.”

Ohio State added a good one in Buford.

The former Buckeye star knows what it takes to win in Columbus, and his passion for the program is obvious. With someone like Buford back in the building, Ohio State is better positioned to do plenty of winning this winter.

SONG OF THE DAY. "Desperado" - Eagles.

CUT TO THE CHASE. Radio scans find no alien tech from the latest interstellar comet... Videos showing groups of people entering NYC sewers at night baffle residents and investigators... Growing up with "Toy Story": Andrew Stanton on 30+ years with Woody and Buzz... Russell Wilson announces retirement, ending Super Bowl career.

Ohio State Set to Replace Video Board in North End Zone of Ohio Stadium in 2026 and Scoreboard in South End Zone in 2027

Josh Poloha — Wednesday, June 3, 2026 - 21:46

Update: The Board of Trustees officially approved the replacement of the south end zone scoreboard and other improvements to Ohio Stadium for the 2027 season on June 3, 2026. The project will cost $22.8 million, to be paid for with auxiliary funds and university debt, according to Ohio State’s news release.

While the Buckeyes are already set to have premium seating in the south end zone beginning next season, Ohio State will have a new scoreboard in the north end zone as well.

The Board of Trustees, in December, approved a contract to replace the video board in the north end zone, along with several other upgrades and replacements, a project that has a $6.5 million budget and will be completed before the 2026 season kicks off:

Replace the east and west ribbon boards
Replace B-Deck video boards
Replace interior and exterior audio at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center
Replace the WHAC video board

The scoreboard in the south end zone, along with ribbon board replacement, Pay Forward Society signage and audio replacements, is set to take place in 2027 but will be requested for approval by the Board of Trustees at a later date. That project will have a budget of $22 million and, if approved, will be completed prior to the 2027 season.

The scoreboard in the north endzone was last replaced in 2009, when Ohio State added an LED videoboard to that side of the stadium. The Buckeyes also replaced the ribbon boards on the east and west sides of the stadium that offseason, expanding them to reach from end zone to end zone.

The scoreboard in the south end zone – the main scoreboard – was last replaced in 2012, when OSU overhauled that videoboard, made it bigger, and added new sound systems and LED ribbon boards.

As part of Tradition Evolved, an initiative that reimagined the gameday atmosphere that began in 2025, Ohio State athletic director Ross Bjork hinted at the possibility of new technology in Ohio Stadium in the near future.

“We're hoping we can get some things installed by 2026. If not, everything would be installed by 2027,” Bjork said in August.

On Jan. 13, Illinois announced that it will install a new scoreboard in Gies Memorial Stadium that will total more than 17,300 square feet, which will make it the largest main video display in college football.

Devin Sanchez Expects to Be One of College Football’s Best Cornerbacks in 2026: “I’m Not Freshman Devin No More”

Dan Hope — Wednesday, June 3, 2026 - 19:05

Devin Sanchez’s confidence from spring practice has continued into the summer.

During his interview session with Ohio State reporters this spring, Sanchez said he was much more confident entering his sophomore season than he was as a freshman and set goals for himself of winning the Jim Thorpe Award and earning All-American honors. On Wednesday at the Memorial Tournament, Sanchez doubled down on that confident expectation-setting.

“I feel great. I feel like I can be one of the best corners in the nation. I'm gonna be one of the best corners in the nation,” Sanchez said in an interview with Eleven Warriors and cleveland.com. “So I feel like guys should really watch out for me, because I'm not freshman Devin no more. I feel like I'm back to myself like I was in high school, so it's a lot that's coming this year.”

Sanchez arrived at Ohio State with massive expectations as the No. 1-ranked cornerback in the 2025 class. He wasn’t dominant as Ohio State’s No. 3 cornerback as a freshman. But he finished the season strong, allowing just four catches for 33 yards on 51 coverage snaps in Ohio State’s final four games of the year per Pro Football Focus, and he believes the experience he gained as a freshman – playing 323 snaps in total – was invaluable in preparing him to be a full-time starter as a sophomore.

“I'm probably one of the only freshmen that played however many games we played. So I learned a lot throughout the season, had a lot of ups and downs,” Sanchez said. “But I like to use the Miami game as an example. I feel like that game I came out of my shell, even though the outcome was not what we wanted. But I learned a lot about myself. I learned that if I slow down in the college game, you know, I can really be an impact (player) on this field.”

Sanchez is only putting more pressure on himself to perform by stating his expectation to be one of college football’s best cornerbacks in 2026, but Sanchez is no stranger to pressure. As a five-star recruit, Sanchez was always expected to be the best player on the field during his career at Houston’s North Shore High School. In three varsity seasons, he led the Mustangs to two state championship game appearances and another run to the state semifinals. So Sanchez is running toward high expectations rather than shying away from them.

“That's what I'm used to. I'm used to being the guy that the defense called on, the team called on when it gets into that fourth quarter and you need that one stop,” Sanchez said. “I'm used to being that guy that your coach goes up to you and tells you like, ‘Hey, you got to win this play right here.’ It's going to be 3rd-and-8, you got to win that down right there. So that's what I'm used to. I feel like I'm back in that role right now.”

“I'm gonna be one of the best corners in the nation. So I feel like guys should really watch out for me, because I'm not freshman Devin no more.”– Devin Sanchez on his confidence entering 2026

Sanchez said spring practices felt much easier for him this year than they did a year ago. But Sanchez says he’s working just as hard this summer to continue improving over the next three months leading up to the season.

“I'm staying competitive,” Sanchez said. “My thing right now is urgency in the summer. Just pick it up, just go harder and harder. Because I'm not playing 100 snaps this year. I'm going to be in every snap of the game. So it's just picking up the urgency because they're going to be coming at me.”

Even though he’s only a sophomore, Sanchez is also working on stepping up as a leader this year, knowing that other players will look up to him now that he’s a starter.

“Obviously the seniors are the leader. They run the team. They're the voice of the team. But being a sophomore and being a starter, you have to lead at some point. I got to be that leader on the defense,” Sanchez said. “Especially if my coaches are counting on me to go out here and lock down somebody's X receiver, I got to be able to lead, I got to have that voice.

“It could be a quiet voice. It could just be leading on the field with your play. You can lead in so many different ways on this team that everybody has to step up and do it, even the freshmen.”

Sanchez won’t have to lead Ohio State’s cornerback unit on his own. Jermaine Mathews Jr. returns as a starter from last season, and Sanchez says he and Mathews make each other better constantly.

“We’re 6 and 7; you know the meme, 67,” Sanchez said, moving his arms up and down, in reference to his and Mathews’ jersey numbers, “but we feed a lot off each other. I talk to him every day, a lot of ups and downs, you got to have those hard conversations with guys like that. So if you can have a hard conversation with a guy, that's how you know you really trust him. So he trusts me, I trust him. He's the older dude, he's the vet in the room, but I'm considered a vet now too. So we lean on each other. Like today at workouts, I told him, ‘We got a lot on our plate this year. Guys are coming to us.’ So, we got a lot of hard games this year, and we're ready for it.”

Sanchez has also been impressed by what he’s seen from transfer cornerbacks Dominick Kelly and Cam Calhoun, transfer safety/nickel Earl Little Jr. and freshman cornerback Jay Timmons this offseason.

“Dom Kelly’s stepping up a lot. He’s got a big role this year too. Cam Calhoun, Jay Timmons for sure. Even Earl Little. A lot of guys in the secondary right now (are stepping up),” Sanchez said. “But to get ready for those games where we got to win in the fourth quarter, it starts right now in the summer.”

Sanchez, who was at the Memorial Tournament on Wednesday alongside Mathews and six of his other Ohio State teammates to participate in a clinic with current and former Nationwide Children’s Hospital patients, said the Buckeyes are building chemistry both on and off the field this summer as Ohio State’s returning players and newcomers have gotten to know each other.

Devin Sanchez, Julian Sayin and several of their Ohio State football teammates hanging out with the Golden Cubs at the Memorial Tournament this morning. pic.twitter.com/JHwXlXvIBC
— Dan Hope (@Dan_Hope) June 3, 2026

“Doing stuff like this, getting together, team chemistry, building things, just little things. Just go jump in the pool with your teammates, man. Like little things like that build team chemistry,” Sanchez said. “So I think that’s what we need.”

Ohio State Board of Trustees Approves Final $100 Million Settlement with Richard Strauss Sexual Abuse Survivors

Chase Brown — Wednesday, June 3, 2026 - 18:16

The Ohio State Board of Trustees voted Wednesday to approve a $100 million settlement with hundreds of survivors of former university doctor Richard Strauss.

The resolution is expected to serve as the final settlement in the ongoing fallout from the Strauss sexual abuse cases. The measure was included in a consent agenda containing dozens of items, which the board approved unanimously.

Ohio State president Ravi Bellamkonda said Strauss survivors will always remain part of the Buckeye family and community.

“We continue to be very grateful to them for their courage in coming forward — and reaching a final resolution was very important to us as an important step forward,” said Bellamkonda, who became Ohio State’s 18th president on March 12.

Trustees did not disclose details of the settlement during the meeting. Board chair John Zeiger said the terms remain confidential and cannot be made public until the agreement is finalized. Zeiger acknowledged that the public will have questions about what he called “this substantial development” and said the university intends to provide answers when it is able to do so.

“It’s important we respect the court’s order and comply with the mediator’s directive,” Zeiger said. “But we will provide additional information on this resolution when we are positioned to do so.”

The university and the plaintiffs released the following joint statement after Wednesday’s board meeting:

Ohio State and 279 of the 280 individual remaining Richard Strauss survivors involved in the pending litigation have reached settlements in principle in a total amount of $100 million. The university’s Board of Trustees has now publicly ratified these agreements in principle, and all parties thank the mediators for their assistance. The mediation and its confidentiality are continuing as the parties work to finalize the details of the settlements, and additional information will be shared as appropriate.

Before Wednesday’s vote, Ohio State had paid more than $61 million to 317 survivors since March 2020. The university also reached settlements with more than a dozen survivors in April.

The board’s decision comes shortly after several high-profile survivors publicly shared their stories for the first time. In early May, 30 former Ohio State football players — including former team captains and NFL veterans — came forward and joined legal efforts against the former university doctor.

Ohio State Football Players Join Nationwide Children’s Hospital Patients for Clinic at Memorial Tournament

Dan Hope — Wednesday, June 3, 2026 - 16:16

Ohio State football players were a part of Wednesday’s festivities at the Memorial Tournament.

Eight Ohio State players – quarterback Julian Sayin, cornerbacks Devin Sanchez and Jermaine Mathews Jr., offensive linemen Carson Hinzman and Luke Montgomery, running back Bo Jackson, wide receiver Nolan Baudo and tight end Bennett Christian – participated in a Wednesday morning clinic with this year’s Golden Cubs, a group of 10 current and former Nationwide Children’s Hospital patients who have battled serious diseases and illnesses.

The Buckeyes joined the Golden Cubs in throwing passes into targets, running through agility drills and hitting some putts on the practice green at Muirfield Village Golf Club before signing autographs, taking pictures and bringing some of Muirfield’s famous milkshakes to the kids.

Devin Sanchez, Julian Sayin and several of their Ohio State football teammates hanging out with the Golden Cubs at the Memorial Tournament this morning. pic.twitter.com/JHwXlXvIBC
— Dan Hope (@Dan_Hope) June 3, 2026

Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin and his teammates were hanging out with the Golden Cubs this morning at the Memorial Tournament. pic.twitter.com/WWTQ4piugw
— Chase Brown (@chaseabrown__) June 3, 2026

Montgomery, who said he’s been to the Memorial many times and believes it should be a fifth major, said he was glad to help put a smile on some children’s faces.

“It means a lot. When you have kids going through some hard times at Nationwide and stuff like that and to come out here and just see their smiles on their face when they're just having fun on a beautiful day like this at a really prestigious golf course, it's pretty cool,” Montgomery said.

Sanchez, who said it was his first time attending the Memorial, also thought it was special to spend some time with some young fans away from the football field.

“We always have our helmets on on the football field, so for these kids to see us face to face, sign autographs, take pictures, it probably means a lot to them,” Sanchez told Eleven Warriors.

(Watch the videos above to hear more from Montgomery and Sanchez about how summer workouts are going for Ohio State so far, Sanchez’s expectation that he will be one of college football’s best cornerbacks in 2026 and the offensive line’s drive to make up for their rough end to last season.)

After participating in the Golden Cub event, those Buckeyes also spent time with golfers from the First Tee of Central Ohio, a youth program that teaches character and personal development through the game of golf.

Buckeyes attended the Memorial Golf Tournament and partnered with The Nationwide Childrens Hospital Golden Cubs Program and later met up with the First Tee Youth Golf Program of Central Ohio pic.twitter.com/lFAYQsaaQu
— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) June 3, 2026

Those football players were joined at Muirfield Village on Wednesday by Ohio State basketball coach Jake Diebler, who played in the tournament’s official pro-am alongside former Ohio State quarterback Bobby Hoying and Ohio State executive associate athletic director for development and sport administration Dan Cloran.

Ohio State women’s volleyball setter Mia Tuman and softball pitcher Jenna Molk also appeared at Muirfield Village on Wednesday to join Columbus Crew goalkeeper Patrick Schulte and PGA TOUR player Alex Fitzpatrick, a participant in this year’s Memorial, for a Q&A at the tournament’s official tailgate.

The competitive rounds of the Memorial Tournament begin Thursday, with tee times starting at 7:45 a.m., and continues through Sunday at Muirfield Village Golf Club.

Ohio State’s Games at Texas and Indiana Listed As Pick ’Ems; Buckeyes Favored By One Score vs. Oregon and USC, Two Touchdowns vs. Michigan

Ohio State Hosts Three More Uncommitted Prospects in Second Official Visit Weekend for 2027 Class

CB Jaden Carey

RB Jayden Miles

LB Kaylon Bailey

Buckeye Pipelines: Glenville Has Been a Geyser of Talent for Ohio State Throughout the 21st Century

DE Wyatt Smith

S Eli Johnson

S Angelo Smith

Ohio State’s Kevin Griffin Named Next Oregon State Athletic Director

Skull Session: Ohio State Fans Feel Confident in the Buckeyes Entering Challenging 2026 Slate, Eric Weddle Backs Up His Criticisms of Michigan QB Bryce Underwood

How would you grade Ryan Day’s performance in seven years as Ohio State’s head coach?

What would constitute as a successful season for Ohio State?

With 51 new players on the roster, which newcomer are you most excited to see?

What are you most worried about regarding Ohio State this season?

Which game are you most excited about?

What will Ohio State’s regular-season record be?

Will Ohio State win the national championship?

My answers to these questions are...

Better Know a Buckeye: Favour Akih Looks to Develop Into Three-Down Running Back at Ohio State

Favour Akih

Background

Scouting Report

Depth Chart Outlook

Player Comparison: Evan Pryor

Better Know A Buckeye

Skull Session: Ohio State QB Commit Brady Edmunds to Visit UCLA This Weekend, William Buford Says “It’s Just Surreal” to Be Back with the Buckeyes

Ohio State Set to Replace Video Board in North End Zone of Ohio Stadium in 2026 and Scoreboard in South End Zone in 2027

Devin Sanchez Expects to Be One of College Football’s Best Cornerbacks in 2026: “I’m Not Freshman Devin No More”

Ohio State Spring Recap: Buckeyes’ Cornerback Unit Looks Stout After Standout Springs From Devin Sanchez, Dominick Kelly

Ohio State Board of Trustees Approves Final $100 Million Settlement with Richard Strauss Sexual Abuse Survivors

Ohio State Football Players Join Nationwide Children’s Hospital Patients for Clinic at Memorial Tournament

Ohio State Basketball Coach Jake Diebler, Former Buckeye Quarterback Bobby Hoying Play in Memorial Tournament’s Golden Bear Pro-Am