Breaking Down the Depth Chart on Defense So Far episode artwork

EPISODE · Aug 17, 2026 · 21 MIN

Breaking Down the Depth Chart on Defense So Far

from The Buckeye Weekly Podcast · host Buckeye Insiders Network

Breaking Down the Depth Chart on Defense...So FarOhio State is more than a week into fall camp, and the Buckeyes' defensive depth chart is beginning to take shape.In this episode of The Buckeye Weekly Podcast, Tony Gerdeman and Tom Orr go position by position through the Ohio State defense and break down what they've seen and heard so far. How deep will the Buckeyes go at defensive tackle? Has Beau Atkinson grabbed a starting job at defensive end? Where does Alabama transfer Qua Russaw fit into Matt Patricia's defense? And which young players are already forcing their way into the rotation?The guys also discuss the linebacker pecking order, the emergence of freshman Jay Timmons at nickel, Ohio State's increasingly competitive cornerback room, the Earl Little–Jaylen McClain safety tandem, and what we know about the return game.Where do you agree or disagree with our projected depth chart? Let us know in the comments.0:00 — Welcome to the Buckeye Weekly Podcast0:44 — Breaking down Ohio State's defensive depth chart1:03 — Defensive tackle rotation and Matt Patricia's committee approach2:03 — How much will Eddrick Houston and James Smith play together?3:17 — Defensive end depth chart: Kenyatta Jackson and Beau Atkinson4:16 — Beau Atkinson's rise during fall camp4:57 — Where Qua Russaw fits into the defense5:49 — Russaw's unique role as a pass rusher7:31 — Why Ohio State could be the perfect fit for Russaw8:09 — Linebacker depth chart begins to take shape9:12 — Payton Pierce, Christian Alliegro and the battle for the third LB spot10:04 — Who backs up the Sam linebacker?11:18 — Could Russaw handle some linebacker responsibilities?11:54 — Nickel: Is freshman Jay Timmons already the starter?12:45 — Who would be the backup nickel?13:49 — Cornerback depth chart and the battle behind the starters15:01 — Safety depth chart: Earl Little and Jaylen McClain16:08 — Why expectations are rising for Earl Little16:51 — Ohio State's safety depth behind the starters17:23 — Punter appears settled17:49 — Punt and kickoff return possibilities19:08 — Final thoughts on the defensive depth chartFor more Ohio State football coverage, recruiting intel, practice reports and discussion, visit BuckeyeInsiders.com and join us on The Insiders Board.If you enjoy the show, make sure to like the video, subscribe to the channel, and leave a comment with your thoughts on how Ohio State's defensive depth chart will shake out this season. On the podcast side, a five-star rating and review is always appreciated.

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