OSU Football_-MAJOR National Buckeye INTEL with Special Guest

In this episode of The Buckeye Scoop, host Devin welcomes back special guest Dalton Wasserman to discuss Ohio State football's 2026 outlook with a national perspective. The conversation centers on the Buckeyes' aggressive use of the transfer portal, which brought in 17-18 experienced players—many veterans with proven college production—to replace key departures like Carnell Tate, Arvel Reese, and Sonny Styles. Wasserman praises the depth and versatility across all units, particularly on defense, where the defensive line and linebacker rooms are now among the deepest in the program’s history. He highlights standout transfers like Jacoby Jackson, Christian Aliego, and Dominic Kelly, and emphasizes that while no single player can replace a star like Caleb Downs, the collective talent makes this one of the most balanced and capable rosters in college football. The quarterback position is seen as primed for a breakout year with Julian Sane, who needs to grow in high-pressure moments. The secondary, though lacking a single elite player, is considered one of the most talented and deep in the country. Wasserman also forecasts four first-round draft picks from Ohio State, including Reese, Stiles, Downs, and Caden McDonald, with others like Caden Curry likely to be drafted later due to size concerns. The episode concludes with a focus on how these strategic roster moves position Ohio State as a national title contender despite a brutal schedule. Key takeaways include: 1) Ohio State’s embrace of the transfer portal has created unprecedented depth across all positions; 2) Julian Sane’s development as a leader in high-pressure moments will be critical for a title run; 3) The defensive front seven, especially with Matt Patricia’s schemes, is built for versatility and chaos; 4) The team’s success hinges on integrating veteran transfers into a system that values experience and execution; 5) While talent is abundant, the real differentiator will be performance in fourth-quarter scenarios—kickers, situational play, and veteran composure. The overall sentiment is highly positive, reflecting optimism about Ohio State’s roster construction and national championship potential.