In this episode of Bleav in Buckeyes, hosts Bryant Browning and Chimdi Chekwa break down the future of the College Football Playoff and why expansion could reshape the sport. From scheduling strategy and strength of schedule to Alabama stepping away from the Ohio State matchup and the impact on player safety, the guys explore what a larger CFP field means for the Buckeyes, the Big Ten, and the national championship race.

Is playoff expansion good for college football or does it change what makes the regular season special? If you’re an Ohio State fan or care about the future of the College Football Playoff, this episode is a must-listen.

Takeaways

• Alabama's withdrawal from future matchups is seen as them avoiding tough competition.
• The significance of out-of-conference games is diminishing due to playoff implications.
• Teams are cautious about scheduling tough opponents early in the season.
• The expansion of the playoffs could lead to more meaningful games.
• Conference championship games may need to be re-evaluated in the context of playoffs.
• Player safety and health insurance are critical issues in college football.
• The financial implications of playoff expansion are significant for schools and conferences.
• The hosts advocate for more on-campus games to enhance fan engagement.
• The importance of maintaining the integrity of the regular season is debated.
• Future discussions will focus on how these changes affect Ohio State and college football overall.

00:00 Introduction to College Football Offseason
01:03 Alabama's Decision to Avoid Ohio State
05:26 The Impact of Early Season Matchups
09:20 College Football Playoff Expansion Discussion
16:52 Revenue Generation and Player Compensation
22:07 Ideal Future Format
26:37 Conclusion and Future Outlook

Keywords

college football, Ohio State, Alabama, playoffs, expansion, NCAA, sports news, football matchups, recruiting, player safety, college football playoffs, cfb playoff expansion, 24 team playoff, SEC, Big Ten, Buckeyes, NCAA football, college football news, bowl games, NIL, collective bargaining, Bryant Browning, Chimdi Chekwa, FanDuel, Bleav In Buckeyes, Bleav Network

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In this episode, Bryant Browning and Chimdi Chekwa break down the recent success of Ohio State football with longtime Buckeyes beat writer and author Bill Rabinowitz, discussing insights from his book Buckeye Brotherhood. The conversation explores the writing process behind the book, comparisons between Ohio State championship teams, and how leadership and team culture have shaped the Buckeyes’ sustained dominance.

The episode also dives into the changing landscape of college football, including the impact of the transfer portal, Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rules, and what those changes mean for roster building and player development. Rabinowitz shares his perspective on quarterback development at Ohio State, expectations for the upcoming Buckeyes season, and how the program is adapting to the future of the sport.

Takeaways

• The book 'Buckeye Brotherhood' focuses on personal stories behind the 2024 national championship team.
• Bill Rabinowitz had to conduct interviews and write the book in a tight timeframe.
• The 2014 championship team had low expectations, while the 2024 team faced high pressure.
• Leadership meetings after the Michigan game were pivotal for team unity.
• Ryan Day's future as a coach is tied to maintaining stability within the program.
• The transfer portal has created chaos in college football, affecting team rosters.
• Ohio State's approach to recruiting is changing due to NIL and transfer dynamics.
• Julian Sayin's development as a quarterback is crucial for the team's success.
• The upcoming season will be challenging with tough opponents on the schedule.
• Expectations for Ohio State remain high, with pressure to win another national championship.

00:00 Introduction to Buckeye Brotherhood
01:53 The Process of Writing Buckeye Brotherhood
04:42 Comparing Championship Teams: 2014 vs 2024
07:28 The Impact of Adversity on Team Dynamics
11:38 Coach Ryan Day's Journey and Future
14:17 Navigating the New Landscape of College Football
21:40 The Role of Quarterbacks in Ohio State's Success
25:57 Looking Ahead: The Future of Ohio State Football

Keywords

Ohio State football, Buckeye Brotherhood, Bill Rabinowitz, national championship, Ryan Day, college football, NIL, transfer portal, quarterback development, team dynamics, Bryant Browning, Chimdi Chekwa, Julian Sayin, Fanduel

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In Episode 159 of Bleav in Buckeyes, hosts Bryant Browning and Chimdi Chekwa break down the current state of Ohio State football during a pivotal offseason. The discussion dives into the offseason side of the ball, looking at the quarterback competition for the second string, the development of Julian Sayin, and the upside of the Buckeyes’ running backs and wide receivers.

The episode also explores how tight ends are being utilized, the strengths and concerns of the offensive line, and the financial health of the Ohio State athletic department, including recent coaching changes. Bryant and Chimdi emphasize the importance of maximizing the offense and setting the foundation for a championship push as the Buckeyes prepare for the upcoming season.

Whether you’re a die-hard Buckeye fan or a college football enthusiast, this episode provides expert analysis, offseason storylines, and forward-looking perspectives on what’s next for the Buckeyes in 2026.

Takeaways

• The offseason is crucial for quarterback Julian Sayin's development.
• Competition at the quarterback position is heating up with new recruits.
• Running back protection is a key concern for the upcoming season.
• Wide receiver depth is strong, but there are concerns about playing time.
• Tight ends need to be utilized more effectively in the offense.
• The offensive line is a strong unit with returning starters.
• Ohio State's athletic department reported a profit this year.
• Coaching changes could impact the team's performance positively.
• The need for a balanced offense is emphasized for the upcoming season.
• Bryant and Chimdi are optimistic about the upcoming football season.

00:00 Introduction and Offseason Vibes
01:52 Quarterback Development and Competition
07:56 Running Back Prospects and Concerns
11:54 Wide Receiver Room Dynamics
18:55 Tight End Utilization in Offense
21:12 Offensive Line Strength and Strategy
25:38 Athletic Department Revenue and Coaching Changes

Keywords

Ohio State football, Ryan Day, Julian Sayin, quarterback competition, running backs, wide receivers, tight ends, offensive line, athletic department revenue, coaching changes, Fanduel, Bryant Browning, Chimdi Chekwa, Arthur Smith, Buckeyes, Big Ten, Buckeyes football, transfer portal

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