Buckeye Weekly Podcast: Should Ohio State Prioritize In-State Recruiting More Than They Have?

The Buckeyes have signed seven players from Ohio so far in their 2024 recruiting class, but is that enough? Ohio State has let some talented in-state prospects go to other schools without recruiting them all that seriously. This is a topic of conversation every single year and so Buckeye Huddle’s Tom Orr and Tony Gerdeman have that conversation again today.

Also in this episode of the Buckeye Weekly Podcast, the fellas answer other listener questions involving Ohio State hosting a playoff game down the road, Dallan Hayden’s role in 2024, the running back room next year if TreVeyon Henderson comes back, special teams recruiting, and having thick skin when it comes to recruiting.

Here is an AI-generated rundown of the show’s topics.

• Ohio State football recruiting priorities. 0:01
  • Tom Orr and Tony Gerdeman discuss Ohio State’s recruiting priorities and the decision to pursue out-of-state players over local talent.
  • Tom Orr and Tony Gerdeman agree that prioritizing Ohio recruits can strengthen the Buckeyes’ class and improve the team’s performance in the Michigan rivalry.
  • They also acknowledge that bringing in out-of-state players can be beneficial, but Ohio should be prioritized in certain positions, such as offensive line.
  • Tom Orr emphasizes the importance of prioritizing Ohio state recruits, citing the unpredictability of landing out-of-state targets.
  • Orr suggests that Ohio State should aim to recruit 25-28 players in each class to maintain a steady pipeline of talent.
• Ohio State football recruitment and attendance at potential campus playoff game. 5:38
  • Ohio State’s 2023 recruiting class lacks depth in defensive line, possibly due to lack of prioritizing local talent.
  • Tony Gerdeman criticizes Ohio State’s roster management, saying they’re removing too many players from the class without adequate replacements.
  • Tom Orr disagrees, citing the class’s overall ranking and the fact that many players will transfer after the spring, making the numbers less of an issue.
  • Tom Orr believes hosting a college football playoff game on campus during winter break would not significantly impact attendance, citing the success of the Michigan game during Thanksgiving break.
  • Orr expects Ohio State to still have a decent level of interest in the team even if they are the ninth seed or lower in the playoffs, given their talent level and ability to win four games in a row.
• Ohio State football player transfers and running back depth. 12:34
  • Tony Gerdeman wonders if Ohio State will reduce the number of student tickets available for playoff games, as students are not in school during that time.
  • Tom Orr estimates the cost of a playoff ticket to be in the $200 range, similar to premium tickets during the regular season.
  • Tom Orr and Tony Gerdeman discuss the potential return of TreVeyon Henderson to Ohio State’s football team, with Orr expressing skepticism and Gerdeman believing he will return.
  • Gerdeman also provides insights on the running back room for 2024, mentioning the potential for Dallan Hayden to receive more carries even if Henderson returns.
• Ohio State football’s running back depth and special teams recruitment. 17:41
  • Tom Orr suggests Penn State may look to the transfer portal for a special teams contributor, rather than a starting running back.
  • Tom Orr and Tony Gerdeman discuss the role of a blocking back in the offense, with Orr preferring a bigger player in the mold of Nicky Sualua.
  • Gerdeman agrees, citing the need for a specific niche role and the importance of finding the right fit.
  • Tom Orr discusses the Ohio State football team’s recruitment strategy, highlighting their focus on defense and special teams.
  • William McMillen provides insight on the Buckeyes’ signing day plans, revealing they did not sign any kickers or returners, but will sign a long snapper and punter in the future.
• College football recruitment and player development. 24:10
  • Tony Gerdeman mentions that John Ferlmann, a starting long snapper, has two years of eligibility remaining, while Jayden Fielding has two years of eligibility remaining as well.
  • Tom Orr adds that the numbers game and roster management in college football have changed significantly over the past 10 years, with more emphasis on walk-ons and scholarship management.
  • Tom Orr and Tony Gerdeman discuss a hypothetical scenario involving a football player flipping off someone, with Orr questioning whether it’s his fault or not.
  • Ohio State coaches maintain relationships with recruits even if they don’t sign with the school, as seen with Tywone Malone.
  • Ohio State has demonstrated in the past that they will “let bygones be bygones” and re-recruit players who initially chose elsewhere, as seen with Justin Fields.
• Coaches’ social media behavior and commitment announcements. 30:03
  • Hypothetically, Tony Alford expresses regret for not being honest about a recruit’s rejection, advising others to avoid similar emotional moments.

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