The mailbag is a classic standby for sparking lively conversation during the slow stretch of Ohio State sports coverage from May until Big Ten Media Days roll around.
I’ve rounded up 10 of your best questions about Ohio State sports (plus one about music because, well, I couldn’t resist) and tackled them head-on. No need to waste time on intros — you all know how this works. Let’s dive in.
What does Ohio State need to do to repeat? – BuckeyeChief
Looking at the current roster, I think the defensive line is the top unit that needs to elevate its game. The entire starting line from the championship squad is gone, and the only player in the room with proven college-level production is North Carolina transfer Beau Atkinson, who racked up 7.5 sacks in 2024. Nobody else in the Buckeye defensive line group has even had a three-sack season yet.
Disruptive defensive linemen were a huge part of Ohio State’s playoff push. Jack Sawyer and JT Tuimoloau combined for 36 tackles, 11 sacks, nine pass breakups, two forced fumbles, and a fumble return that will live on in Buckeye lore — an 83-yard journey into the end zone. The replay of that “Scoop-and-Sawyer” play is a must-watch, set to the soundtrack of your choice. Personally, I’d go with a slowed-down Pirates of the Caribbean theme for full effect.
I’d argue that defensive linemen who can wreak havoc in the backfield are the second-most critical part of a championship-level college football team — right after having a steady quarterback. They’re the engine behind momentum-swinging defensive plays and form the backbone of any great defense. After all, games are still decided in the trenches.
Heading into the offseason, there was optimism that Kenyatta Jackson Jr. or Caden Curry, now entering their fourth seasons, could finally emerge as those impact defensive ends. The idea was that Jackson, Curry, Idaho State transfer Logan George, and converted linebacker C.J. Hicks would give Ohio State a strong four-man rotation. But it’s clear the coaching staff wanted more assurance and went out to bring in Atkinson.
At nose guard, Kayden McDonald was a force in goal-line situations last season and should be solid as a run-stuffer. The concern, though, is depth behind him. There’s no clear backup to spell McDonald consistently. The top three reserves — Jason Moore, Tywone Malone Jr., and Will Smith Jr. — are all more natural three-technique defensive tackles. That leaves Eddrick Houston to hopefully take the next step at the three-tech spot. He’s got the five-star pedigree, but can he live up to it as a sophomore?
Ultimately, Ohio State needs their defensive line to generate consistent disruption. If that happens — and if either Julian Sayin or Lincoln Kienholz can steady the ship at quarterback — I think the Buckeyes have a legitimate shot to repeat. But there will still be some growing pains as they adjust to new coordinators Matt Patricia and Brian Hartline.
Are there any players you think will make a big impact this fall, but aren’t getting much buzz? – Lighteyes
Besides the QB battle, who or what should we keep an eye on in fall camp? – Hovenaut
I’ll give you two names that fit both of those questions: Payton Pierce and Lorenzo Styles Jr.
Sonny Styles and Arvell Reese are locked in as the starting linebackers, but under James Laurinaitis, the third linebacker spot has seen more and more snaps. And Pierce has been generating buzz as a future star. Watching him in open practices and in the spring game, you can see why. His instincts and relentless motor make him stand out immediately.
“Payton’s awesome. Tough,” Laurinaitis said back in March. “Just a natural. Absolute natural middle linebacker. He’s got a feel for the box, reads blocking schemes like a pro. And with his wrestling background, he’s got that old-school way of striking and driving his feet through contact. I expect Payton to be on the field a lot this season.”
As for Styles, it’s easy to assume that fifth-year guys who haven’t cracked the starting lineup yet might not be good enough, but there are plenty of examples that prove otherwise — like Josh Proctor, who broke out in his sixth year. Plus, this will only be Styles’ third year playing defensive back after switching from wide receiver and transferring from Notre Dame.
In a loaded cornerback room, Styles still has to lock down the starting nickel job that Jordan Hancock held last year. But when he got his chance in dime packages or spelling Hancock, he was lights-out. According to Pro Football Focus, he allowed just nine catches for 79 yards on 18 targets — a measly 4.4 yards per target. He also looked excellent in the spring. And there’s no doubt about his self-confidence.
“You’ve got to be a little delusional,” Styles said in April. “Coming to a place as competitive as this, you need that mindset. I came here as a receiver. I want to prove to my boy (Ransom) that I wasn’t delusional. So I’m going to put it all together this year. I’ve always been the type to talk some trash, even if I’m still piecing it all together. I’m just focused on getting better every day.”
What needs to happen to make the gray legacy stripes permanent? – CorkyTheCactus
It’ll probably take some extra convincing of Ross Bjork, but I’d be all in on that. They’re sharp and should definitely be a staple.
Way-too-early thoughts on wins, losses, and QB? – Kiddbuckeye
I’ve said before: I don’t see Ohio State beating Texas in Week 1. Two new coordinators, a bunch of new starters… it’s just hard to expect it to come together immediately. Texas also has a new QB and lost a few key guys, but they’re going to be out for revenge after last year’s semifinal loss.
On my podcast, Real Pod Wednesdays with Dan Hope, I picked Ohio State to finish 10-2. If I have to call the second loss, I’m going with Penn State. That team is loaded, and I’m picking them to win the national title. Day’s broken plenty of narratives, and I think this is finally the year he ends his Michigan losing streak. So, my losses: Texas and Penn State.
For the quarterback? I’m all in on Julian Sayin. He looked different in the spring game — sky’s the limit.
Any non-revenue sports success still on the horizon? – Darksungm
Track and field is the big thing left, with NCAA qualifiers happening. Leah Bertrand is a name to watch — she’s a two-time Big Ten champ in the 100m and just set a school record at 10.92 seconds. On the men’s side, Braxton Brann broke the 110m hurdles record with a 13.36.
Beyond that, it’s been an awesome year for Ohio State’s non-rev sports. Pistol, dance and cheer all won national titles. Artistic swimming didn’t get its 35th, but it’s still a dynasty. Softball went 41-14-1 in Kirin Kumar’s first year, their best since 2009, and were a game away from advancing in the NCAAs.
Men’s soccer had a great run to the Final Four, and I’d keep an eye on them this fall. Men’s tennis keeps winning Big Ten titles and chasing that first outdoor national crown. Women’s tennis won the conference tournament, too.
All told, Ohio State remains the Big Ten’s standard-bearer for non-rev sports.
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