The Buckeye Cast

Ohio State travels to Kinnick Stadium for its first Big Ten road game of the season and its first visit to Iowa City since the disastrous 55–24 loss in 2017. The undefeated Iowa Hawkeyes lead the nation in scoring defense, excel on special teams and are coming off a dramatic last-second victory at Michigan. Ohio State has more talent, but defeating Iowa will require patience, discipline and a much better defensive performance than the Buckeyes delivered against Illinois. Joe breaks down five keys to an Ohio State victory and explains exactly what he needs to see from the Buckeyes on Saturday: • Protect the football • Remain patient without becoming passive • Establish a functional running game • Fix the defensive gap and tackling problems • Win the field-position and special-teams battle We also discuss Julian Sayin's second major road test, Jeremiah Smith against Phil Parker's defense, Iowa quarterback Hank Brown, Jay Timmons' uncertain status and whether Ohio State's defensive ends can finally generate consistent production. Can the Buckeyes handle the Kinnick Stadium environment and earn their first ranked victory of the season? Friday, October 2, 2026   Join Kalshi and Get $10 Subscribe to the Podcast 📺 Watch On YouTube https://www.youtube.com/thebuckeyecast LIKE 👍 and SUBSCRIBE to the YouTube channel  https://www.youtube.com/@TheBuckeyeCast?sub_confirmation=1 Questions or Comments? Call or text at 614-414-2274 Email at [email protected]    ⭐️ Find Us Here https://linktr.ee/thebuckeyecast

Ryan Day delivered a clear warning before Ohio State travels to face Iowa: The Buckeyes cannot "get cute" against a Hawkeye team that thrives on field position, defensive discipline and opponent mistakes. We break down everything Day, Julian Sayin and Kenyatta Jackson Jr. said during Ohio State's weekly media availability. Topics include Jay Timmons' uncertain injury status, Ohio State's lack of production at defensive end, the 199 rushing yards allowed against Illinois and Jackson's admission that defenders were trying to play "hero ball." We also examine what Iowa's dramatic victory over Michigan revealed about Hank Brown, Kirk Ferentz's team and the challenge awaiting Ohio State at Kinnick Stadium. Topics include: • Ryan Day's warning about Iowa • Jay Timmons' injury status • The options at nickel if Timmons cannot play • Ohio State's defensive-end competition • Kenyatta Jackson's criticism of the run defense • Julian Sayin's preparation for Kinnick Stadium • Legend Bey's potential role • Phillip Daniels and the offensive line • Iowa's last-second victory over Michigan • What Ohio State must avoid on Saturday Thursday, October 1, 2026   Join Kalshi and Get $10 Subscribe to the Podcast 📺 Watch On YouTube https://www.youtube.com/thebuckeyecast LIKE 👍 and SUBSCRIBE to the YouTube channel  https://www.youtube.com/@TheBuckeyeCast?sub_confirmation=1 Questions or Comments? Call or text at 614-414-2274 Email at [email protected]    ⭐️ Find Us Here https://linktr.ee/thebuckeyecast

Ohio State travels to Kinnick Stadium for the first time since its stunning 55–24 loss to Iowa in 2017. This time, the fifth-ranked Buckeyes face an undefeated Iowa team coming off a dramatic last-second victory at Michigan. We break down the most important Ohio State–Iowa matchups, including whether the Buckeyes can contain Kamari Moulton and Iowa's rushing attack after allowing 199 rushing yards against Illinois. On the other side, Jeremiah Smith and Julian Sayin will face an Iowa defense that leads the country in scoring defense—but surrendered 429 yards against Michigan. Can Ohio State attack the Hawkeyes' secondary, protect the football and prevent Iowa from turning this into a field-position battle? Topics include: • Hank Brown's efficient start at quarterback • Reece Vander Zee and Iowa's tight ends • Iowa's running backs against Ohio State's run defense • Jeremiah Smith against the Hawkeye secondary • Ohio State's offensive line against Phil Parker's defense • The areas Ohio State can exploit • Iowa's dangerous return game • The impact of Kinnick Stadium and the Buckeyes' 2017 loss Ohio State and Iowa kick off Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET on CBS. Wednesday, September 30, 2026   Join Kalshi and Get $10 Subscribe to the Podcast 📺 Watch On YouTube https://www.youtube.com/thebuckeyecast LIKE 👍 and SUBSCRIBE to the YouTube channel  https://www.youtube.com/@TheBuckeyeCast?sub_confirmation=1 Questions or Comments? Call or text at 614-414-2274 Email at [email protected]    ⭐️ Find Us Here https://linktr.ee/thebuckeyecast

Ohio State defeated Illinois 42–19, but the final score hides some serious defensive problems. The Buckeyes allowed 462 total yards, 199 rushing yards and 15 plays of at least 10 yards. Illinois averaged six yards per carry and produced eight plays covering at least 20 yards—numbers that will not hold up against the best teams remaining on Ohio State's schedule. Joe breaks down the defensive film, PFF grades and snap counts, including: • Why the run defense earned a failing grade • Ohio State's season-high three sacks • Matt Patricia's decision to bring more pressure • The explosive plays created when the blitz did not reach Katin Houser • Whether Ohio State is rotating too many defenders • The communication problems Payton Pierce acknowledged • Jaylen McClain's eight tackles and four pass breakups • Riley Pettijohn's case for an expanded role • Strong situational defense despite the troubling yardage • The two fourth-down stops that prevented another late collapse Ohio State recorded 12 pass breakups and allowed only two touchdowns in nine Illinois possessions. But after surrendering the most yardage it has allowed since the 2024 Oregon game, this defense remains a long way from championship form. Can Patricia find a dependable core and generate pressure without constantly blitzing before the Buckeyes travel to Iowa? Tuesday, September 29, 2026   Join Kalshi and Get $10 Subscribe to the Podcast 📺 Watch On YouTube https://www.youtube.com/thebuckeyecast LIKE 👍 and SUBSCRIBE to the YouTube channel  https://www.youtube.com/@TheBuckeyeCast?sub_confirmation=1 Questions or Comments? Call or text at 614-414-2274 Email at [email protected]    ⭐️ Find Us Here https://linktr.ee/thebuckeyecast

Ohio State's offense delivered its best performance of the season in a 42–19 victory over Illinois. Jeremiah Smith produced a historic afternoon with 12 catches for 217 yards and four touchdowns, while Julian Sayin completed 27 of 36 passes for 367 yards, accounted for five total touchdowns and finally used his mobility as an offensive weapon. We break down the film, statistics, PFF grades and snap counts from Ohio State's Big Ten opener, including: • Six touchdowns on eight meaningful possessions • Five touchdown drives covering at least 75 yards • Ohio State's improved offensive-line combination • Gabe VanSickle and Austin Siereveld on the right side • Sayin's growth as a passer and runner • Bo Jackson and Ja'Kobi Jackson answering Ryan Day's challenge • An eight-for-12 performance on third down • A perfect four-for-four day in the red zone • The search for a second receiving option beside Jeremiah Smith • Why the scoreless third quarter wasn't as concerning as it appeared • Two fourth-quarter touchdown drives that finished the game properly The Buckeyes showed meaningful offensive progress, but questions remain about the lack of explosive runs and how heavily the passing game depends on Smith. Was this the beginning of Ohio State's offensive breakthrough—or can the Buckeyes only sustain this level when Jeremiah Smith takes over? Monday, September 28, 2026   Join Kalshi and Get $10 Subscribe to the Podcast 📺 Watch On YouTube https://www.youtube.com/thebuckeyecast LIKE 👍 and SUBSCRIBE to the YouTube channel  https://www.youtube.com/@TheBuckeyeCast?sub_confirmation=1 Questions or Comments? Call or text at 614-414-2274 Email at [email protected]    ⭐️ Find Us Here https://linktr.ee/thebuckeyecast