Jerky

Rhule has a window this year with a manageable regular season schedule. They avoid #1 Ohio St, #4 Oregon, #9 Illinois and #22 Indiana. They get #23 Michigan, Michigan St, USC and Iowa at their home. They face only two ranked teams, #23 Michigan and at #2 Penn St. Corn Aggie may be this year's Indiana.

I'll give you my BBQ stained napkin for 10 Arch cards.

OHIO ST PREVIEW AND EXPECTED DEPTH CHART By Eleven Warrior Quarterback 1. Julian Sayin 2. Lincoln Kienholz 3. Tavien St. Clair Ohio State’s preseason quarterback competition officially ended last Monday when Day announced Sayin would start against Texas. Day left the door open for Kienholz to potentially see some playing time in a situational package, but Sayin will be the primary QB leading the offense against the Longhorns. Kienholz will be the No. 2 quarterback after battling Sayin for the starting job this spring and summer. Day said St. Clair isn’t quite ready to push for a spot on the two-deep yet, but the freshman is the “clear third” quarterback on the depth chart ahead of graduate transfer Eli Brickhandler. Running Back 1. James Peoples 2. CJ Donaldson 3. Bo Jackson Peoples seems likely to be the first running back on the field against his home-state Longhorns, but it’s expected to be a 1A/1B situation at the top of the RB depth chart with Peoples and Donaldson splitting the workload throughout the year just as TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins did last season. The biggest question surrounding the running back depth chart is whether Jackson will also see a regular share of carries in the backfield rotation. Day said last week that Ohio State has three running backs it’s confident in entering the season. He didn’t specify who the third running back would be, but all signs point to Jackson, who looks ready to make an immediate impact as a freshman with how he’s performed in his first offseason as a Buckeye. Wide Receiver (X) 1. Jeremiah Smith 2. Quincy Porter 3. David Adolph Wide Receiver (Z) 1. Carnell Tate 2. Mylan Graham 3. Phillip Bell Wide Receiver (Slot) 1. Brandon Inniss 2. Bryson Rodgers 3. De’zie Jones Inniss’ selection as a team captain erased any doubt that he will be the third starting receiver this season alongside returning starters Smith and Tate. The top three receivers will probably play most of the snaps out wide, but Graham projects to be the first receiver off the bench. Rodgers will likely be the No. 5 receiver, though he could be the first man to rotate in with Inniss in the slot. Porter has the talent to make an immediate impact as a freshman, but he appears positioned to start his career as the sixth man on Ohio State’s loaded WR depth chart. Bell, the other freshman receiver who’s lost his black stripe, projects to be the seventh man in the receiver pecking order. Tight End 1. Max Klare 2. Will Kacmarek 3. Bennett Christian 4. Jelani Thurman As deep as Ohio State’s tight end room is, I couldn’t list just three tight ends. Klare is one of college football’s top receiving tight ends and Kacmarek is one of college football’s top blocking tight ends, so they figure to play most of the snaps this season. But Christian, Thurman and even freshman Nate Roberts are also candidates for significant playing time, with Day saying last week that the Buckeyes feel comfortable with four or five tight ends. Either Christian or Thurman could be the No. 3 tight end, but Christian gets the nod since he was the No. 3 TE last season and Keenan Bailey called him “the leader of my unit” last week. Christian’s blocking ability will likely lead to playing time in multi-tight end sets; Thurman saw offensive snaps in all but two games last season, too, so he’ll likely at least see occasional action even if he’s the No. 4 TE. Left Tackle 1. Austin Siereveld 2. Ian Moore 3. Carter Lowe Left Guard 1. Luke Montgomery 2. Jake Cook 3. Devontae Armstrong Center 1. Carson Hinzman 2. Joshua Padilla 3. Isaiah Kema Right Guard 1. Tegra Tshabola 2. Gabe VanSickle 3. Jayvon McFadden Right Tackle 1. Phillip Daniels 2. Ethan Onianwa 3. Deontae Armstrong The biggest changes from our last depth chart projection three weeks ago come at offensive tackle. Day confirmed last week that Siereveld, who started preseason camp at right tackle, will be Ohio State’s starting left tackle after switching sides in the second week of camp. Daniels, who started camp as the second-team right tackle, now looks likely to start at the position after making a surge over the last few weeks. Onianwa, who was projected to be Ohio State’s starting left tackle entering camp, now appears likely to be the sixth man on the offensive line. He’s listed at right tackle since that’s where he’s most likely to see playing time in a rotation with Daniels, but he’d also be the next man up at left tackle and could be the first man off the bench at guard, too, after cross-training inside in camp. Padilla is also in the next-man-up conversation at guard, though his primary role will be backing up Hinzman at center. Montgomery, Hinzman and Tshabola are all expected to remain starters after starting on the interior offensive line during last year’s national championship run, but Day said Ohio State could also rotate in two or three unspecified offensive linemen off the bench. Onianwa can safely be assumed to be one of those linemen if he doesn’t start. Padilla would likely be next in line, though VanSickle is also a candidate to be the top guard off the bench if the Buckeyes choose to keep Onianwa at tackle and Padilla at center. Defensive End 1. Kenyatta Jackson Jr. 2. C.J. Hicks 3. Logan George Defensive End 1. Caden Curry 2. Beau Atkinson 3. Zion Grady I projected Atkinson to start opposite Jackson in my last depth chart projection, but Curry and Jackson have consistently been identified by teammates and coaches as the leaders of the defensive line this preseason. With that in mind, I now expect Curry to be on the field for Ohio State’s first defensive snaps against Texas, though Atkinson will still see plenty of playing time in the rotation as the most proven defensive end on the Buckeyes’ roster. Hicks also seems to have shown coaches what they needed to see to earn a spot in the Buckeyes’ edge rusher rotation. Given that, it’s anticipated that Ohio State will rotate more at defensive end than it did the last couple of years, with all of the Buckeyes’ top four DEs playing regularly, though Jackson is likely to play the most snaps with all the preseason hype he’s received. George’s name didn’t come up much in the defensive end conversation this preseason following Atkinson’s arrival, so he may find himself on the outside of the regular rotation as the projected No. 5 DE in the pecking order. Grady is talented enough to play as a freshman, but he isn’t likely to see frequent action this year unless the Buckeyes are hit by injuries on the edge. Defensive Tackle (3-Tech) 1. Eddrick Houston 2. Tywone Malone Jr. 3. Jarquez Carter Defensive Tackle (Nose) 1. Kayden McDonald 2. Will Smith Jr. 3. Jason Moore As long as Houston is good to go after injuring his knee on the first day of preseason camp, he and McDonald will be the starting defensive tackles. Smith emerged as Ohio State’s top backup defensive tackle with a strong offseason; he’ll primarily rotate in behind McDonald at nose tackle, though it’s possible he could see some snaps at 3-technique too, especially if Houston is limited in any way to start the season. Carter’s made some noise in his first offseason as a Buckeye, so I wouldn’t be surprised if he emerges as Ohio State’s backup 3-technique at some point this season, much like Houston did midway through last season. Given that Carter still has his black stripe as of now, however, Malone seems most likely to be Houston’s top backup to start the year. Moore is also a candidate to be Ohio State’s second 3-technique, though his status for the start of the season is in question after he was spotted in a walking boot last week. Eric Mensah would likely enter the three-deep as OSU’s No. 3 nose tackle if Moore misses time. Linebacker (Will) 1. Sonny Styles 2. Riley Pettijohn 3. TJ Alford Linebacker (Mike) 1. Arvell Reese 2. Payton Pierce 3. Garrett Stover Reese will be Ohio State’s new starting Mike linebacker, but expect Pierce to see regular playing time too after James Laurinaitis said he views all of Styles, Reese and Pierce as starters. Pierce will be the top backup at both linebacker spots, which could lead to rotational snaps at both positions, while he’ll join them on the field in three-linebacker packages. Pettijohn looks to be the third man up at both linebacker spots as Laurinaitis said he expects the talented freshman to be “on the field in some form or fashion” against Texas. Alford and Stover, in one order or the other, project to be the fifth and sixth linebackers on the depth chart, though most of their playing time this season will likely come on special teams and/or late in decisive wins. Cornerback 1. Davison Igbinosun 2. Devin Sanchez 3. Brenton “Inky” Jones Cornerback 1. Jermaine Mathews Jr. 2. Aaron Scott Jr. 3. Jordyn Woods Nickelback 1. Lorenzo Styles Jr. 2. Bryce West 3. Miles Lockhart Even with the hype surrounding Sanchez as a top-10 overall prospect in the 2025 recruiting class, Igbinosun and Mathews are the clear-cut starters at outside cornerback. Either Sanchez or Scott could be the next man up behind them, with Scott potentially having the early edge to be the first cornerback off the bench thanks to the year of experience he already has as a Buckeye. Styles isn’t a guaranteed starter at nickelback, but he’s been the frontrunner at that spot all offseason, though Caleb Downs is also expected to line up at nickel a good amount. West projects to round out the cornerback two-deep and be the No. 2 nickelback, though it’s also possible Ohio State could kick Mathews inside in some situations to get Scott and/or Sanchez on the field. Free Safety 1. Caleb Downs 2. Malik Hartford 3. Leroy Roker III Strong Safety 1. Jaylen McClain 2. Faheem Delane 3. Keenan Nelson Jr. McClain and Hartford are both expected to see substantial playing time in this year’s defense, but McClain – the more natural strong safety of the two – seems to be trending toward starting alongside Downs in base personnel. Regardless of who starts in two-safety lineups, Hartford projects to take Downs’ place at free safety with McClain at SS when Downs lines up at nickel. Day named Delane and Roker last week as safeties who are also pushing for playing time, so they’ll be the fourth and fifth safeties on the depth chart, with Delane projecting to play primarily at strong safety and Roker offering additional depth at free safety. Kicker 1. Jayden Fielding 2. Jackson Courville While Courville gives Ohio State the best second option it’s had at kicker in several years after making 26 of 34 field goal attempts in two years at Ball State, Fielding is expected to remain the Buckeyes’ top kicker this year after finishing last season strong in the College Football Playoff. Punter 1. Joe McGuire 2. Nick McLarty Day said last week that the punting competition between McGuire and McLarty remained close and that he would be comfortable with either of them being the punter. Given that McGuire was steady as Ohio State’s starting punter last season, a tie likely goes to the incumbent, though Day said both have improved. Long Snapper 1. John Ferlmann 2. Grant Mills 3. Collin Johnson Ferlmann, the only scholarship long snapper on the roster, will be Ohio State’s starting long snapper for the third straight year. Mills, who played in two games with one start for North Carolina last season, projects as the top backup. Kick Returner 1. Mylan Graham 2. Carnell Tate 3. Anthony “Turbo” Rogers Ohio State didn’t practice kickoff returns during its three open practices to start preseason camp, and its coaches haven’t made any public comments on who will return kicks this season, so it remains a mystery who will fill this role. Graham seems like the most logical candidate, as he has the skill set to be an explosive returner and it would allow him to play a bigger role than just being the No. 4 receiver. Tate has been mentioned as a kickoff return option in the past, so he’s another top candidate if the Buckeyes prefer to go with an experienced veteran. Rogers’ speed and quickness make him an intriguing candidate to return kicks if the Buckeyes trust the freshman with ball security. Punt Returner 1. Brandon Inniss 2. Caleb Downs 3. Bryson Rodgers Inniss and Downs were an effective tandem of punt returners for Ohio State last season, so they’re likely to be the Buckeyes’ top options at the position again. Considering how immensely important Downs is to Ohio State’s defense, it probably makes sense to have Inniss handle most of the punt return work, though Downs proved very capable of providing a big spark in the return game with his 79-yard punt return touchdown last season against Indiana. Rodgers has the surehandedness and quickness to be another effective punt return option if Ohio State opts to have Downs and/or Inniss focus on their bigger roles.

Whenever these two Longhorns hang up their cleats, I hope alumni come together and help them find an appealing avenue to make a good living. Both are great examples that gave their all.

Auburn should go back to their earlier name, Agricultural and Mechanical College of Alabama. Poooor Aggies. PS - By their generous and forgiving analysis, we may have over 15 NCs.

I believe OHSt will feel comfortable targeting any DB if he is isolated on Smith. For Smith, I like Manny with help deep. I also like doubling Smith with Guilbeau/Black or Mack/Littleton and a Safety. Should play some zone and a pressure package. I also like mixing it up with Jelani 1 on 1 with Smith along with a pressure package. For Tate, I like the idea of rolling the dice and using any CB or NB to play man on Tate. I want Smith to get as few targets as possible. Will be a challenge and a chess match to defend OH St.

Seems like clickbait. We are already up to 12 teams which is plenty to determine a NC. Expanding to 14 (2 teams with a bye) or 16 teams is within reason since it is only adding 2 or 4 teams. Adding 12 or 16 teams is unnecessary and creates more chances for blowouts and uncompetitive matchups. The 24th or 28th best team doesn't deserve a shot at an elite team where injuries can occur. The regular season games would mean even less for elite teams since 8 or 9 wins could be enough to make the CFP in a 24 or 28 team CFP. Also I hate excessive autobids, especially for ACC and Big 12. An autobid for a champ from a good conference is by and large a good thing. Many autobids would increase the likelihood a less deserving team gets in over a more deserving and better team.

Only 6 of the 16 SEC teams made the top 15 list. SEC Mike probably took a nap before completing his review. UGA is expecting to play two WR transfers. FL got a WR transfer that should start. Ole Miss is high on an OL transfer expected to start. etc

Yep. Evans had the physical talent to make it. But he has something missing. Thankfully Stan Drayton focused on Bijan.

Texas had it really good in the portal at WR over the last two cycles, Mitchell then Bond, Bolden and Golden. I like Mosley WR but Mitchell and Golden were on another level, elite.

My guess is yes if Arch stays healthy.

I want Texas to add Kreul or Henderson at Edge to complement Wesley. Either combo would give us a great duo for Jack and Buck positions.

Best YPG Passing in a Season at Texas Colt averaged 297 passing yards over 13 games. Quinn averaged 290 passing yards over 12 games. Sam averaged 282 passing yards over 13 games.

If 17 Games: 235.3 YPG or 4K Total

Sad tale of events. Play stupid games, win stupid prizes.

Good get by Florida. Doubt he finishes his college career as a TE or plays pro as a TE. Once we lost Ojo to TT, I wanted Heze Kent with the idea that he would move to OT after his redshirt year.

As a head coach, Mack could read a room. He could work the press to his benefit and his team's benefit. Mack knows how to influence and communicate effectively in most situations. But as a head coach on the way out or already out, Mack foolishly behaved emotionally, selfishly and vindictively. Mack's exit added fuel to the fire. His legacy has been tarnished at Texas, largely due to his exiting behavior. Now Mack seems to be repeating the same mistake at NC. Rick Barnes was all class as Texas moved on. Coach Barnes is never mentioned in the same negative light as Mack by Texas fans. Texas fans rightfully cheer for Rick when TN and Texas play MBB. Rick Barnes is much more likely to be honored at Texas AND be supported in mass by the fans than Mack Brown. Texas football fans want Sark overseeing all football matters. Texas fans no longer want Mack speaking for Texas football or being involved. He is not a necessary BB to get back in the box. Right or wrong, Mack takes some of the blame for not getting Luck as AD or Saban as HC. Mack made his bed and now he has to lie in it.

5+11 >>>>>>> 4+4+2+2+1+3 or 4+4+3+3+1+1 or 12 teams or 14 teams

Versatile and disruptive defender, can play LB but seems like a future Edge at Buck.

Horns up for your early morning special guest Longhorn Legend Quentin Jammer. Many great questions. Enjoyed his candid and insightful responses. Really appreciate y'all extending Jammer's time on the show. Thanks Jammer. That was a marvelous watch. Hook Em!

Foolish not to consider Ben McCollum because he was Div II or his team is slow and methodical. He can adjust to his talent and score more. Ben is astute with 16 years of proven winning experience but just 43 years old. TT HC McCasland is his great friend and respects him immensely. CDC should pursue Ben McCollum and shoot his shot. Ben is an elite winner (.819% career winning) with a proven track record of developing point guards, improving shooting percentage and fielding sound, effective defenders. Ben handled the move up to Div I brilliantly. Drake lost 15 players. Yet Drake is now winning with "misfits" and 4 Div II Drake transfers (31-3 this season including upsetting #6 seed MO by 10 pts yet Drake missed 12 free throws. Top 10 scoring MO did not score a bucket for 8 minutes in the 2nd half.). Ben McCollum HC Drake is the grand prize in this year's college coaching carousel. Reporting says Iowa wants their native son to be their next HC. Believe Ben wants the Iowa job. Drake is about 30 minutes from Iowa University. Texas should get somebody that is good but I doubt we will get an elite winner and developer like Ben McCollum.

Texas is healthier. Texas boosted their resume with 2 good Quad-1 wins in the SEC tourney and a solid 1st half vs a really good TN team. I believe Texas should be in the field of 68. Texas can make a case to be in ahead of WV, UNC, Xavier, IU, OHSt, SDST, Boise St, Vandy, etc. Texas has 7 Quad-1 wins including 4 in the last 30 days. 1. Yes, but it's close with a few teams. 14 SEC teams in March Madness is not desirable by the committee. 2. Yes, I want Texas to make the NCAA tournament.

Fast. Give him some carries at RB and targets at WR. Need more Pony package this year.

Good to know. Getting Cooper ATH/RB to visit in June would be fantastic. Coach Chad Scott talked to Crowell RB and he has reschedule his TX OV for June 6-8.

Texas is rested and healthier. No excuses for Texas in this "must win" game but you should not assume it will happen just because SC is 0-13 in the SEC. South Carolina has lost 13 straight but at home... #18 Clemson lost by 3 @ South Carolina SC at home has played ranked SEC teams close... lost by 3 vs #1 Auby lost by 1 vs #2 FL lost by 4 vs #7 Ags lost by 5 vs #21 MSST lost by 4 vs #24 Ole Miss SC is 10-3 out of conference.