Alabama is losing talented players to the transfer portal like Deion Sanders just showed up and told everybody to get the hell out.

Two of the most coveted players that are reportedly hitting the transfer portal are Freshman All-Americans Caleb Downs and Kadyn Proctor. Downs is a talented safety, while Proctor is one of the best young offensive linemen in the nation. Both earned starting spots for the Crimson Tide as true freshmen.

So, with both in the portal, which would be the more important pickup for the Buckeyes? That is just one of the listener questions that Tony Gerdeman and Tom Orr tackle in this edition of the Buckeye Weekly Podcast.

They also discuss the criticisms of quarterbacks coach Corey Dennis, the lack of aggression on special teams, Nick Saban’s record against Auburn being good enough for an Ohio State coach against Michigan, the RB and TE rooms, and the concerns on the offensive line.

You can find an AI-generated rundown of the show below the video player.

Rundown

Ohio State football’s transfer portal options. 0:01
- Tom Orr and Tony Gerdeman discuss listener questions about the Ohio State football team, including the potential transfer of Alabama safety Caleb Downs and tackle Kadyn Proctor.
- Which player would be the better addition for next year’s Ohio State football team — Proctor or Downs?
Ohio State quarterback coach Corey Dennis’ role and credit. 9:35
- Ryan Day’s success as offensive coordinator at Ohio State is largely attributed to his relationship with quarterbacks, with some critics arguing he receives too much credit for their performance.
- Tony and Tom discuss the challenges of being a quarterback coach at Ohio State, particularly in terms of building a reputation and separating oneself from the head coach.
- Corey Dennis’s position as quarterback coach is influenced by Ryan Day’s role as head coach, making it difficult for him to establish his own identity and reputation.
Ohio State football special teams. 14:32
- Tony suggests Ohio State’s special teams should be more aggressive under new coordinator.
- Tony expresses frustration with Ohio State’s lack of aggression on special teams, particularly in regards to kickoff returns.
- Tom agrees, highlighting the team’s missed opportunities and potential advantages in the third phase of the game.
Ohio State football expectations and wins against Michigan. 21:49
- Tony Gerdeman believes 12-5 record against Michigan over 17 years is acceptable, citing Woody Hayes’ success.
- A 12-5 record against Michigan over 17 years would be acceptable, but losing twice to Rich Rodriguez’s Michigan team would be a problem.
Ohio State football roster management. 24:22
- Tony and Tom discuss the ideal number of running backs and tight ends on Ohio State’s roster.
- They agree that five running backs is the target number, with flexibility to add or lose players through the transfer portal.
- Tony believes Damarion Witten will not play tight end this season due to his size and lack of experience.
- Tom mentions Ryan Day’s interest in incorporating a fullback into the offense, potentially pleasing Ross Bjork.
- The team is exploring options in the tight end room, including Gee Scott, Bennett Christian, Jelani Thurman, and Max Kacmarek, but there is no clear front-runner for the role of physical, all-around blocker.
- Tony and Tom discuss the potential of returning tight ends, with a focus on Gee Scott and Jelani Thurman.
- Tom adds that the fullback position will be interesting this year, with Ohio State Athletic Director Ross Bjork expressing interest in the role.
Ohio State football’s offensive line and coaching changes. 36:20
- Tony projects Ohio State’s offensive line to be improved from last year with potential starters returning and new players bringing competition..
- Tony and Tom both note that the Cotton Bowl offensive line was not the same as the 12-game line at Ohio State, and that the Michigan game provides a better baseline for evaluating the line’s performance.
- Tony and Tom discuss the potential for changes on Ohio State’s offensive coaching staff, with a new offensive coordinator expected to be hired soon.