Ohio State Offensive and Defense Breakout Potential Players | Horseshoe Hangover LIVE 3

Episode Notes: Ohio State Offensive and Defensive Breakout Potential Players Horseshoe Hangover LIVE 3 Hosts: Brad Thomas & Denzel Jones OhioStateVOCFB Date/Context: Recent episode discussing Ohio State history (QBs last 20 years) + 2026 season outlook, with emphasis on breakout candidates. Quick Summary The show opens with casual Father's Day chat, then dives into ranked lists of the best and most disappointing Ohio State QBs over the last ~20 years. The core focus shifts to 2026 breakout candidates on both sides of the ball, plus a FanDuel-sponsored win-total discussion, best-case season scenarios, and special teams notes. Hosts emphasize player development, opportunities, physical improvements, and scheme fits under coaches like Ryan Day, Arthur Smith (offense), and Matt Patricia (defense). Best Ohio State QBs (Last ~20 Years) Both hosts shared overlapping but slightly different top-5 lists (not strictly ranked in all cases): Brad Thomas highlights: Terrell Pryor (#5), CJ Stroud (#4 or #3), Dwayne Haskins (#3), JT Barrett, Braxton Miller (#2), Troy Smith (#1 – Heisman winner emphasis). Denzel Jones highlights: Terrell Pryor (#5), Justin Fields (#4), Dwayne Haskins, CJ Stroud, Braxton Miller (#2), Troy Smith or Justin Fields (#1). Key Themes: Athleticism/electricity (Pryor, Fields, Miller), accuracy/arm talent (Haskins, Stroud), production under expectations, and Heisman impact (Troy Smith as the gold standard). Most Disappointing/Worst QBs Hosts listed players who underperformed expectations, were benched, or faced injuries/hype mismatches (not strictly ordered): Kyle McCord (both): High expectations, force-fed targets, lights too bright, struggled post-OSU. Devin Brown (both): Heavy preseason hype/QB battle buzz, injury/short sample, couldn't win jobs later (Cal → Incarnate Word). Todd Boeckman (mentioned): Benched, turnover issues; Pryor took over. Braxton Miller (injury year): Disappointing due to lost potential in a championship window. Joe Bauserman, Justin Siems (or similar): Job losses, poor records in some cases. Others noted: High turnover issues or unmet hype in limited windows. Consensus: Being the starter at Ohio State is uniquely tough; many had solid records but faltered on big-stage consistency or health. Offensive Breakout Candidates for 2026 Hosts stressed physical gains, scheme fits (12/13 personnel, manufactured touches), and explosiveness. Chris Henry Jr. (Brad’s #1 / strong agreement) Electric playmaker, big spring game. High school production + 5-star pedigree despite injuries. Big frame, long/wide catch radius. Recent muscle photos praised. Expected to be a major weapon. Legend Bay (Brad) Got “yoked” in offseason photos. Explosive/wildcat dynamic style; home-run potential on limited touches. Hosts want 3-4 manufactured touches/game (run or slot). Forces playing time. Isaiah West (Denzel) Added 5-10 lbs muscle, looks good post-surgery. Strong missed-tackle avoidance last year. Projected ~850 yards potential. Nate Roberts (both, Denzel high) Tight end breakout candidate in expanded role (Arthur Smith influence: TE screens, flats). Moved from fullback; natural position should unlock him. Gritty attitude. Potential TE1 or high-usage in 12/13 personnel. Brandon Ennis (Denzel – holding out hope) Still believes in upside despite fan skepticism. Ian Moore (Denzel) One of the top-5 options at his position; needs playing time. Offense Overall: Excitement around O-line/Run game continuity (4th/5th-year players + Arthur Smith), manufactured touches, and depth turning into production. Defensive Breakout Candidates for 2026 Focus on “now or never,” opportunity, technique, and depth battles. Edrick Houston (Brad’s #1 / Denzel #3) 5-star pedigree, moved inside, added weight. “Now or never” / door is open for starter emergence. Needs to seize interior snaps before 5th year. Devin Sanchez (both – Denzel high) Building on limited starts last year. All-American potential this season. Strong corner outlook. Zion Grady (Denzel #2) Athletic freak; sophomore/junior leap expected. Technique/bend improving. Likely Day 1 starter. High-upside DE. Dom Kelly (Denzel) Transfer from Georgia (size/perfect frame). Camp buzz positive. Expected to compete for starting corner alongside Sanchez; pushes others (e.g., Matthews to slot). Riley Pettijohn (Brad) Clear path to contributor/LB2 snaps. High upside if he seizes opportunity in talented but unestablished LB room. Other LB Mentions: Sincere Johnson, Alfred, Garrett Stover (Iron Buckeye), etc. — deep room with rotational potential. Defense Overall: Questions at DT (soft middle concern), but talent everywhere. Patricia scheme + next-man-up/portal flexibility. FanDuel / Season Outlook Segment Win Total: 9.5 (Over -164 / Under +136). Hosts lean toward ~10 wins (or exactly 10). Tough road games: @Texas, @Iowa, @USC, Indiana, Oregon. Best-Case Scenario: Playoff semifinal appearance (battle-tested, hungry post-championship). Emphasis on schedule difficulty, home dominance, and avoiding letdowns. Special Teams Notes Need consistency (new Baylor kicker praised for big-game experience, 80%+ FG, strong 50+ yard stats). Field position emphasis; discussion on returners (Ennis safe; potential for Legend Bay/Kyle Parker dynamism without risks). Special teams can mask flaws (Iowa/Oklahoma examples). Closing & Key Quotes “Being the man at Ohio State is not for everyone.” (on disappointments) On breakouts: Physical gains + opportunity = explosions (multiple players). 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