Real Pod Wednesdays

We discuss the outlook for Ohio State's linebackers this season after Henry To'o To'o chose Alabama over Ohio State, and how Henry that decision adds another layer to the Buckeyes' efforts to catch the Crimson Tide. Plus, we take a look at the most recent recruits to commit to the Buckeyes and evaluate where Ohio State's top priorities should be now for the class of 2022.

Show Notes

The biggest news in Ohio State football over the past week wasn't good news for the Buckeyes.

That news came on Saturday, when Tennessee linebacker Henry To'o To'o – Ohio State's top target in the transfer portal this year – announced he was transferring to Alabama, thwarting the Buckeyes' plans to add him to the middle of their defense.

We start this week's episode by discussing the impact of To'o To'o's decision on the Buckeyes' 2021 linebacker corps and who we expect to start at linebacker now.

We also took this week as an opportunity to discuss Ohio State's efforts to compete with Alabama both on the field and on the recruiting trail (starting at 19:13). After Alabama landed transfers from To'o To'o and former Ohio State wide receiver Jameson Williams in the same week, while continuing to battle the Buckeyes for five-star defensive end recruit J.T. Tuimoloau, the Crimson Tide's standing as the team Ohio State is chasing has only increased.

Later in the show (33:54), we talk about two players Ohio State did land commitments from last week – three-star defensive backs Kye Stokes and Ryan Turner – and evaluate what the Buckeyes' priorities should be now as they look to continue filling out their recruiting class of 2022.

Finally (42:30), we take your questions about what Tuimoloau's role could be if he chooses the Buckeyes, why we believe the stands will be full at Ohio Stadium this fall and which opponent – if any – could be the sleeper opponent on the Buckeyes' regular season schedule.

What is Real Pod Wednesdays?

Dan Hope and Andy Anders of Eleven Warriors bring you inside the Ohio State beat every Wednesday with a podcast covering everything you need to know about the Buckeyes.