OSU Football_-MAJOR National Buckeye INTEL with Special Guest

The Buckeye Scoop46mApril 12, 2026

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AI-Generated Summary

In this episode of The Buckeye Scoop, host Devin welcomes back special guest Dalton Wasserman to discuss Ohio State football's transformative offseason and 2026 outlook. With a record 53 new players joining the roster—many via the transfer portal—Wasserman analyzes the Buckeyes' strategic shift toward veteran talent to address depth concerns after a disappointing 2025 season. He praises the team’s depth across all units, especially on defense, where the defensive line and linebacker corps are now among the most versatile and experienced in the nation. Wasserman highlights key transfers like Jacoby Jackson, Kyle Parker, and Dominic Kelly, and lauds the program’s ability to blend youth with seasoned players. He also breaks down the quarterback position, emphasizing Julian Sane’s potential for a breakout sophomore season, and forecasts four first-round draft picks from the 2026 class, including top-tier safeties Arvel Reese, Sonny Styles, and Caleb Downs. The conversation underscores Ohio State’s evolution from relying solely on elite recruiting to embracing the portal as a competitive advantage, positioning them as a national title contender in 2026.

Key Takeaways
1

Ohio State added 53 new players in the 2026 offseason—the most under Ryan Day—signaling a major embrace of the transfer portal.

2

The Buckeyes are prioritizing veteran experience over youth, especially on defense, to improve depth and consistency.

3

Julian Sane is expected to take a major leap in his second year as starting quarterback, particularly in high-pressure situations.

4

The secondary is now one of the deepest in the nation, with multiple high-potential transfers like Dominic Kelly and Earl Little.

5

Ohio State is projected to have four first-round NFL draft picks in 2026: Reese, Styles, Downs, and Caden McDonald.

…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus

Chapters
0:00
5 min

Welcome & Guest Intro: Dalton Wasserman Returns

Devin welcomes back Dalton Wasserman, longtime analyst and co-host of the Preferred Walk On College Football Show, setting the stage for a deep dive into Ohio State’s 2026 offseason and roster overhaul.

5:00
10 min

The Portal Revolution: 53 New Faces & Strategic Shift

It's not like we should be that surprised really. They went into the portal and replaced some upcoming sophomores with veteran, sometimes 7th, 6th, 5th, 4th year players.

Highlight
15:00
15 min

Quarterback & Wide Receiver: Julian Sane’s Leap & Receiver Depth

I think he's one of the best quarterbacks in the country. And the foundation is right there.

Highlight
30:00
15 min

Defensive Line & Linebackers: Depth, Versatility & Pass Rush Questions

The biggest question maybe on this entire team for me is just who emerges in those big spots when Matt Patricia wants to rush four instead of blitzing.

Highlight
45:00
15 min

Secondary Overhaul & Draft Projections

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.

Highlight
High-Impact Quotes
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.
Dalton Wasserman30:54
Viral: 88.0
We're going to have a national title contender like they always are because they just have a boatload of talent right.
Dalton Wasserman35:21
Viral: 86.0
I think he's one of the best quarterbacks in the country. And the foundation is right there.
Dalton Wasserman6:17
Viral: 85.0
Speakers

Host

Devin

Guest

Dalton Wasserman
Topics Discussed
Ohio State Football 2026 Roster Overhaul95%Secondary Rebuilding92%Transfer Portal Strategy90%NFL Draft Projections89%Defensive Line Depth88%Linebacker Room Versatility87%Quarterback Development85%Matt Patricia's Defensive Scheme80%
People & Brands

Ohio State Buckeyes

other

120xPositive

Dalton Wasserman

person

45xPositive

Devin

person

38xPositive

Caleb Downs

person

25xPositive

Julian Sane

person

22xPositive

Carnell Tate

person

18xPositive

Matt Patricia

person

18xPositive

Arvel Reese

person

15xPositive

Sonny Styles

person

14xPositive

James Laurinaitis

person

12xPositive

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