In this episode of Bleav in Buckeyes, hosts Bryant Browning and Chimdi Chekwa sit down with former Buckeye defensive lineman standout, Doug Worthington, for a deep dive into the current state of Ohio State football. The trio explores key topics shaping the program today, including the influence of NIL on recruiting, the critical role of player development, and the ongoing battle in the trenches—especially along the defensive line. Worthington shares valuable insight from his own recruiting journey and underscores the importance of alumni involvement in supporting the next generation of Buckeyes. They also discuss what it takes to beat Michigan and how today’s players must weigh short-term NIL opportunities against long-term career success. It’s a candid, insightful conversation about the future of the Buckeyes and the shifting college football landscape.

Takeaways

• Recruiting is heating up as the season approaches.
• Ohio State needs to strengthen its defensive line.
• Development is key in recruiting over NIL deals.
• Personal experiences shape recruitment decisions.
• Defensive line performance is crucial for team success.
• NIL impacts player decisions significantly.
• Jeremiah Smith's commitment brings high expectations.
• Winning against Michigan is a top priority for players.
• NIL deals are changing the landscape of college football.
• Alumni support is vital for player recruitment and development.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction
01:46 Recruiting Updates and Defensive Line Concerns
05:19 The Importance of Development in College Football
08:31 The Impact of NIL and Transfer Portal on Recruitment
11:59 Personal Experiences and Decisions in Recruitment
16:13 The Rivalry with Michigan and Team Goals
21:11 NIL Deals and Future of College Football
23:33 The Financial Landscape of College Football
27:14 Understanding the Value of Being a Buckeye
29:34 Challenges in Recruiting and Player Value
34:23 The Impact of NIL on College Football Dynamics
38:26 Long-Term Goals vs. Short-Term Gains in College Football

Keywords

Ohio State, recruiting, NIL, college football, defensive line, player development, Jeremiah Smith, Michigan rivalry, alumni support, player experiences, Adidas, Doug Worthington, Chimdi Chekwa, Bryant Browning, Felix Ojo, roster building, Coach Johnson, Ryan Day, Buckeye Nation, Buckeye Alumni, Columbus Ohio, Nike, Texas Tech, pay for play, high school, football recruiting, NCAA, player value

In this episode, hosts Bryant Browning and Chimdi Chekwa discuss the current state of Ohio State recruiting, focusing on both defensive and offensive line strategies. They explore the value of camps in player development and spotlight several standout recruits. The conversation also touches on the impact of NIL and the challenges of maintaining a competitive edge in recruiting, especially against rival schools like Michigan. The episode concludes with a discussion about the upcoming NCAA game and player ratings.

Takeaways

• It's camp season for young athletes, creating excitement.
• Coach Johnson continues to face pressure despite success.
• Recruiting defensive linemen is challenging due to high demand.
• NIL impacts recruitment strategies significantly.
• Development of players is crucial, regardless of star ratings.
• Ohio State's recruiting process has shown success over time.
• Losing recruits to rivals can be disheartening.
• Camps provide valuable experience for player development.
• Identifying under-the-radar talent is key for Ohio State.
• The NCAA game ratings reflect ongoing debates about team performance.

00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates
01:40 Ohio State Recruiting Insights
06:33 Evaluating Defensive Line Recruitment
08:03 Offensive Line Recruitment Strategies
14:03 Highlighting Promising Recruits
16:30 The Impact of Camps on Player Development
22:04 NCAA Game and Player Ratings

Keywords

Ohio State, recruiting, defensive line, offensive line, player development, NCAA, camps, college football, NIL, Buckeye Nation, Felix Ojo, Sam Greer, Coach Johnson, Buckeye Nation, football camps, EA Sports, 7-on-7, Chimdi Chekwa, Bryant Browning

In this episode of Bleav in Buckeyes, hosts Bryant Browning and Chimdi Chekwa dive into the evolving landscape of Ohio State football. They break down the Buckeyes’ current recruiting strategies, examine how NIL continues to reshape the game, and explore the ongoing challenges of building a dominant defensive line. The conversation also addresses the legal controversy surrounding Wisconsin’s lawsuit against Miami and what it means for the transfer portal nationwide. Plus, they emphasize why developing and retaining local Ohio talent is key to long-term success. A must-listen for fans who want insight into the future of the program and the shifting dynamics of college football.

Takeaways

• Chimdi and Bryant are actively involved in their kids summer sports despite the heat.
• Ohio State's recruiting class is gaining momentum with local talent like Cincere Johnson.
• The NIL landscape is changing how recruits make decisions about their commitments.
• Ohio State needs to adapt its recruiting strategy for defensive linemen.
• Wisconsin's lawsuit against Miami highlights the complexities of the transfer portal.
• The demand for defensive linemen is increasing, impacting recruitment strategies.
• Ohio State's defensive line depth is a concern for the upcoming season.
• The new ruling on buyout clauses could change recruitment dynamics.
• Recruiting local talent is crucial for Ohio State's future success.
• The conversation emphasizes the importance of competition and development in college football.

00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates
01:10 Ohio State Football Recruiting Insights
05:05 The Impact of NIL on Recruitment
09:28 Challenges in Defensive Line Recruitment
14:39 Legal Implications of Transfer Policies
20:58 Future of Ohio State's Defensive Strategy
24:26 Roster Changes Impact
26:56 Closing Thoughts and Future Prospects

Keywords

Ohio State football, recruiting, NIL, defensive line, transfer portal, college football, Chimdi Chekwa, Bryant Browning, Cincere Johnson, Wisconsin lawsuit, Ryan Day, Coach Larry Johnson, USC, University of Miami, Ohio recruits, Bleav in Buckeyes, Buckeye football,

In this episode of Bleav in Buckeyes, Bryant Browning and Chimdi Chekwa get real about where college football is headed — and how Ohio State fits into it all. From the impact of NIL deals on player value to behind-the-scenes funding shifts in the athletic department, they break down what’s really going on.

They also tackle the College Football Playoff expansion drama, why recruiting is getting wilder, and how programs like Ohio State can stay dominant. Plus, they show love to a legend as Lee Corso heads into his final GameDay season.

Takeaways

• The Ohio State Athletic Department is committed to retaining all 36 varsity sports.
• NIL deals are changing the financial landscape for college athletes.
• Content creation is essential for promoting lesser-known sports.
• The future of college sports funding is uncertain but crucial for maintaining programs.
• Playoff expansion in college football is likely to happen for financial reasons.
• Player valuation in the NIL era is complex and varies by individual brand.
• The Big Ten and SEC are in a strong position for playoff expansion.
• Engagement with the community is vital for the success of all sports.
• The impact of media contracts on game scheduling is significant.
• Lee Corso's legacy in college football is celebrated as he retires from College Game Day.

00:00 Introduction and Father's Day Reflections
01:40 NCAA Changes and Ohio State's Athletic Future
05:34 The Business of College Sports
09:56 NIL and Player Valuation
18:29 College Football Playoff Expansion
25:12 Recruiting Updates and Lee Corso's Legacy

Keywords

Ohio State, college football, NIL, sports funding, player valuation, playoff expansion, recruiting, Lee Corso, Big Noon Kickoff, Big Ten, SEC, College Football Playoff, College Game Day, Ross Bjork, Chimdi Chekwa, Bryant Browning, Bleav in Buckeyes, women's volleyball, college football, college baskteball, athletic department, business of college sports, brand deals,

In this episode, Chimdi and Bryant unpack the implications of the recent NCAA settlement and what it means for the future of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) in college sports. As private equity begins to enter the collegiate athletics space, they explore how this shift could reshape team dynamics, recruitment strategies, and athlete compensation. The conversation highlights the tension between preserving tradition and embracing innovation—and how programs that strike the right balance will emerge as long-term winners.

Takeaways

• The NCAA settlement marks a major turning point in NIL policy and athlete compensation.
• Private equity’s entry into college sports could accelerate commercialization—and create both risks and rewards.
• Programs rooted in strong tradition must evolve to remain competitive in the changing landscape.
• Transparency, adaptability, and leadership will be crucial for athletic departments going forward.
• This new era offers both opportunities and challenges for athletes, coaches, and institutions alike.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Weekend Recap

01:53 NCAA Ruling and Settlement Overview

03:10 Impact of Private Sector on College Sports

06:27 The Future of College Football Funding

10:16 Power Dynamics in College Football

13:57 NIL Evaluation and Regulation

20:52 The Role of Tradition In College Football

25:05 Closing Thoughts and Future Prospects

Keywords

Ohio State, NIL, private equity, NCAA, recruitment strategies, commercialization of football, college football, traditions, premium seating, Bleav In Buckeyes, Power 5 conference, Big Ten, college sports, Innis riling, Chimdi Chekwa, Bryant Browning,

In this episode of Bleav in Buckeyes, hosts Bryant Browning and Chimdi Chekwa are joined by Ryan Glasspiegel of Front Office Sports for a deep dive into the shifting college football landscape. The trio tackles hot-button topics like the controversy around Big Noon Kickoff, the ripple effects of the College Football Playoff expansion, and the ascendant power of the SEC and Big Ten. They share candid thoughts on scheduling frustrations, how media decisions are affecting fan experience, and what the future may hold for the governance and structure of the sport. It's a must-listen for fans trying to make sense of the future trajectory of college football.

Takeaways

• The Big Noon kickoff has sparked controversy among fans and teams.
• Ohio State attempted to move their game to a night slot but faced opposition from Texas.
• Home field advantage is perceived to be greater during night games.
• Fans are frustrated with the scheduling decisions made by networks like Fox.
• The expansion of the college football playoffs could lead to more teams participating but may dilute the quality of games.
• The SEC and Big Ten are pushing for more representation in the playoffs.
• There is a growing divide between top-tier programs and the rest of college football.
• The balance of power in college football conferences is shifting.
• Fans want to see more night games for high-profile matchups.
• The future of college football may involve more consolidation among top programs.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction

01:29 Big Noon Kickoff Controversy

10:59 Game Scheduling Dynamics

16:22 College Football Playoff Expansion Discussion

19:58 NIL Player Compensation

22:51 SEC vs. Big Ten Power Dynamics

28:40 Closing Thoughts and Farewell

Keywords

Ohio State, Texas, Big Noon, College Football, Playoff Expansion, SEC, Big Ten, Ryan Glasbego, Front Office Sports, Sports Media, Fox, Ryan Glasspiegel, Chimdi Chekwa, Bryant Browning, NIL, college football playoffs, power conferences, Buckeyes, Brett Bielema, college football playoffs

Bryant Browning and Chimdi Chekwa are joined by Ben Axelrod of Awful Announcing to break down Ohio State’s 2025 schedule, including the controversial noon kickoff vs. Texas. They explore the ripple effects on fan experience, recruiting, and the Horseshoe atmosphere — plus Urban Meyer’s scheduling legacy and what the new College Football Playoff means for the Buckeyes. Tune in right here, on the Bleav in Buckeyes podcast!

01:41 Discussion on College Football Season and Game Scheduling

08:04 The Impact of Game Timing on Atmosphere and Viewership

10:52 Urban Meyer’s Influence and Pressure on Game Scheduling

18:30 Ohio State's Performance and Expectations for the Upcoming Season

25:16 Changes in College Football Playoff Format and Its Implication

In this episode, Bleav in Buckeyes bring on guest, Jim Cavale the founder of Athletes.org). The episode dives into the rapidly changing world of college athletics, breaking down the impact of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals on student-athletes and the industry as a whole. Bryant and Chimdi learn more about Athletes.org, a groundbreaking initiative designed to give college athletes a seat at the table through collective representation and bargaining. From the financial realities of college sports to the true value of athlete contributions, the discussion covers powerful insights on why it's time for athletes to have a stronger voice in shaping their futures.

Takeaways

• NIL deals are often misrepresented as true endorsements.
• The majority of NIL funding comes from donors, not brands.
• College athletics is facing a financial bubble that may burst soon.
• Athletes need to collectively bargain to gain fair compensation.
• The current system lacks transparency in athlete valuation.
• There is a significant disparity in revenue sharing among college sports teams.
• Collective bargaining could help address Title IX concerns in sports funding.
• The establishment of athletes.org aims to unify athlete representation.
• Athletes must be involved in negotiations to ensure their interests are met.
• The future of college sports may require a restructuring of leagues and media deals.

00:00 Introduction to NIL and College Athletics
05:03 The Role of Athletes.org in College Sports
12:01 Understanding NIL Deals and Their Impact
16:05 The Financial Landscape of College Athletics
20:59 Challenges in Representation and Negotiation
26:56 Funding the Future of College Athlete Representation

Keywords

NIL, college athletics, athletes.org, Jim Cavale, collective bargaining, college football, athlete representation, transfer portal, sports economics, NCAA, Ohio State, Bleav In Buckeyes, collective bargaining, union, player representation, shared revenue, media deals, performance deals, tv contracts, Fox Big Noon, Congress, athlete negotiations, Big Ten, SEC, business of college sports, Chimdi Chekwa, Bryant Browning, Jim Cavale