Category: Buckeyes Wire

Ohio State head coach Chris Holtmann Maryland postgame press conference

Ohio State basketball head coach Chris Holtmann met with the media to discuss the loss to Maryland. Watch his complete comments here.

Ohio State dropped its third decision in a row Tuesday night, getting beat in a physical and defensive-minded Big Ten contest against the Maryland Terrapins. It was a rough night with poor shooting, turnovers and a lack of toughness that has continued to creep into the team culture here as of late.

Head coach Chris Holtmann met with the media after the game in College Park to discuss what happened on the court. You can watch and listen to all of his postgame comments courtesy of Adam Jardy of the Columbus Dispatch. Just click on the below link and have a listen.

Holtmann discusses his team’s shooting woes, shot selection, toughness and more.

Four-star 2020 running back Jahmyr Gibbs to visit Ohio State

Ohio State may not be done with its running back efforts for 2020. Four-star RB Jahmyr Gibbs will visit Columbus on January 17.

Ohio State has put together a consensus top five 2020 recruiting class, but it’s hoping to gain the interest of a kid that would add even more talent at the running back position, a group that didn’t quite pan out like it would have wanted during the early signing period.

Four-star Jahmyr Gibbs is all set to visit Ohio State despite being verbally committed to Georgia Tech as it stands right now. Gibbs has been rising in the running back ratings and beginning to garner more and more attention from big-time programs.

And he is apparently listening.

Gibbs spoke with Eleven Warriors about his recruitment and appears to be open to listening to what Ohio State has to offer. He’s from Georgia, but says that he’ll go where he feels the best fit is.

“(I’m) just gonna go wherever best fits me,” Gibbs told Eleven Warriors. “It’s not (just) the South. It’s wherever fits me.”

So here we go. The Buckeyes lost out on a couple of very high profile running back commits that were thought to be very heavy leans — and even silent commits — when the No. 2 and No. 10 backs (Bijan Robinson and Jaylan Knighton) in the class according to 247Sports went elsewhere and surprised everyone.

Now the Buckeyes are hoping to get in on Gibbs before the February 5 official signing date. There are plans to visit LSU, Georgia Tech and Florida. But first, the No. 16 rated running back in the class will kick the scarlet and gray tires around on January 17.

Ohio State basketball loses to Maryland. Three things we learned.

Ohio State dropped its third-straight when it lost on the road at Maryland. Here’s three things we learned.

The Ohio State basketball team is at a crossroads. It got out of the gate quickly, knocking off the likes of Kentucky and Villanova, but have now hit some major speed bumps as the calendar flips.

The Buckeyes came into the contest against Maryland having lost two-in a row and three of their last five. It didn’t get any better against a long and physical Maryland team either. Ohio State didn’t shoot the ball well, and struggled to match the physicality and defensive pressure of the Terrapins on the road.

As we do always, here’s three things we learned after a third-straight loss, this time to the tune of 67-55.

Next … Confidence shaken

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Ohio State trails Maryland by six at halftime in a sloppy Big Ten basketball contest

The Ohio State basketball team headed to the break down by six on the road against Maryland. The game has not been a masterclass.

The Ohio State basketball team is trying to get back to its winning ways and stop a two-game losing streak. Things started out pretty good out of the gate in College Park against Maryland, but then the game turned sloppy and the ‘Terps reeled things in and took a late lead in the first twenty minutes of a bruising a turnover riddled ball-game.

The Terrapins headed to the break up 28-22.

The two teams combined for nineteen turnovers, and Ohio State shot just 29% to Maryland’s 40% from the floor. The difference has been Maryland’s defense and ability to shoot the 3-point shot — knocking down seven of them in the first half.

Point-guard D.J. Carton leads the Buckeyes with seven points on 3 of 5 shooting, with Kaleb and Andre Wesson both chipping in five points a piece.

If Ohio State is going to win this battle on the road against a top-fifteen opponent though, it has to start taking care of the ball and knocking down shots. That’s been the same story over the last few games sadly and the Buckeyes have to find themselves again.

Ohio State gets 2021 commitment from 3-star safety

The Ohio State football program got a commitment from 3-star Ohio defensive back Jaylen Johnson for the 2021 class Tuesday.

Ryan Day and the Ohio State football program got its eighth commitment for the class of 2021 today. Three-star safety Jaylen Johnson announced on Twitter today that he will be playing his college football for the Buckeyes.

From La Salle High School in the Cincinnati area, the 6-1, 205 lb. Johnson is the No. 18 rated safety in the class, and the eleventh overall recruit from Ohio according to 247Sports. With the losses to graduation, and the flip and uncertainty of a couple of defensive backs for the 2020 class, Johnson’s commitment could be a big one for the future.

The news bolsters a class that’s already off to some great momentum, and ranks as the top in the country to date.

As a reminder, Ohio State will be watching a commitment decision coming from four-star offensive lineman Donovan Jackson coming tomorrow.

Kirk Herbstreit has high expectations for Shaun Wade in 2020

The Buckeyes will see Shaun Wade return in 2020, and analyst Kirk Herbstreit is already setting high expectations for 2020.

The Ohio State Buckeyes secondary will be a rebuilt one this upcoming season.

The unit may go from one of the Buckeyes’ strongest units to one of its biggest question marks with three starters either exiting college or declaring for the NFL Draft.

Those stars include Jeff Okudah, Damon Arnette Jr., and Jordan Fuller, the team’s best two cornerbacks and Ohio State’s starting safety. All three are likely going to be among the top ten prospects at their respective position.

Those decisions put pressure on former five-star cornerback Shaun Wade. A three-year sophomore in college eligibility, Wade made his decision this past Saturday, and it was one that will change both his future and the Buckeyes.

There it is. He is staying.

Truth be told: the Ohio State Buckeyes would be in trouble if Wade declared for the draft, skipping his fourth year like corner Jeff Okudah is doing.

But, Wade, who was a top-400 all-time recruit according to 247 Sports, will return and look to improve on an already-high draft stock.

That said, many analysts know the importance of Wade’s return, and one familiar name, Kirk Herbstreit, has already set high expectations on the soon-to-be senior cornerback.

Wade recorded 26 tackles, two sacks, and one interception this past season. Like Herbstreit noted, he played primarily in the nickel and will transition into an every-down corner that will be Ohio State’s top option.

With Clarke Phillips II, a four-star cornerback flipping from Ohio State and heading to Utah, Wade’s presence will be even more important. He’ll be the engine to a somewhat inexperienced secondary.

Like Herbstreit noted, Wade should be in store for a career-altering season in 2020.

Ohio State forward Kyle Young’s status up in the air for Maryland

Chris Holtmann was asked about Ohio State forward Kyle Young’s status today, and his answer was day-to-day and game-to-game.

Ohio State forward Kyle Young has been out since undergoing an appendectomy last week and he is considered to be a game-to-game decision at this point. And if you think Buckeye head coach Chris Holtmann has the answer on when he’ll come back, he doesn’t. Not yet anyway.

When discussing his team today, Holtmann was asked about Young’s status for the game against Maryland Tuesday night.

“Kyle is day-to-day, game-to game,” said Holtmann. “I’m not really ready to make a statement on tomorrow’s game with him. But obviously it’s a short turnaround with him after surgery so we’ll see”…”We’re going to see what he looks like today. He could potentially do some things today, but a lot of that’s going to be based on his pain tolerance.”

So, never say never — especially with a guy like Young who played through a stress-fracture situation last year, but the medical staff and coaches certainly won’t want to put him in harm’s way.

Ohio State could definitely use his experience and grit in a tough road game against a quality Maryland squad, but not at the expense of his health for the long-term.

It’s likely a next-man-up deal again in College Park.

Former Ohio State running back Maurice Clarett shares redemptive story on Today Show

Former Ohio State running back Maurice Clarett appeared on the Today Show to promote his book and share his redemption story.

If you’re old enough to remember, you know the story of Ohio State running back Maurice Clarett well. Even if you’re not old enough, you probably know it. Clarett exploded on the scene as a dynamic freshman and helped lead the Buckeyes to a national championship against the Miami Hurricanes in the Fiesta Bowl back in January of 2003.

From there, things got hairy. Clarett challenged the NFL’s rule of early eligibility, lost, then got into some trouble with the NCAA before spiraling out of control and in jail because of some deeper and more serious trouble with the law.

But his story didn’t end there, and it’s one that needs to be shared. Clarett is doing amazing things to write a new chapter to his life. He has a not-for-profit that’s flourishing, uses his life experience to speak on countless engagements to help others as a motivational speaker, and shares inspirational moments on social media that others have found refreshing and raw.

Now he’s shared it all in a book titled “One and Done.” It’s his redemption story as an autobiography, and it’s one you should check out. Not just because you’re an Ohio State fan, but because it’s a gripping story and one that anybody who is going through tough times can relate to.

Clarett appeared on the Today Show Monday to help promote his book and tell his story. And if you didn’t get to see it, there’s no denying how genuine and reborn he is.

So take a moment out of your day and watch the short segment of him sharing some details of where he was and what he made of himself. It’s truly worth it. If Clarett can not let a past define who he is, others can do it too.

Count me as a believer in who Clarett is today, and what he’s doing to make a difference in this crazy world. Hopefully you are in that camp as well.

Ohio State Wrestling impresses in upset of Arizona State

The Ohio State wrestling team upset No. 4 Arizona State on Monday behind strong performances from Luke Pletcher, Kollin Moore, and others.

The Ohio State Buckeyes had a strong opening half to the wrestling season, though a tough dual loss against Virginia Tech marred it a bit. The Buckeyes, as they have been all year, are clearly competitive in most weight classes, though a few still need work. How did the Buckeyes spend the month gap since their last dual?

Well, we were about to find out, as the Buckeyes hosted Arizona State in the Covelli Center. The Sun Devils are a top dual team, and they shockingly upset Penn State earlier in the year. Arizona State actually came into this match as the higher-ranked dual, team, at No. 4 to Ohio State’s No. 7 ranking. Would the top Buckeyes be able to take care of business to give the team a chance? And could the other guys step up and get the win?

Match Day: Ohio State vs Virginia Tech

The match went in order, from 125 pounds up to heavyweight. Ohio State’s Malik Heinselman fought hard against the nationally-ranked Brandon Courtney, but couldn’t quite get the win. At 133 pounds, though, the Buckeyes look like they finally have a new contender. True freshman Jordan Decatur burned his redshirt to compete in this match, and he wasn’t disappointed. In his first-ever college dual match, he pulled out an upset of No. 15 Josh Kramer. Decatur got an early takedown, and he managed to hold off his opponent and fatigue to gut out a 5-3 win. He’ll need to work on conditioning a bit as he adjusts to the full seven minutes of college wrestling, but he is clearly an incredible young talent.

Unlike his usual tight matches, Luke Pletcher went straight for the pin from the start against Navonte Demison. He got four near-fall points in the first minute, and added four more towards the end of the first period. Pletcher couldn’t get the full six team points for a pin, but a very quick 19-4 win gave him five team points for a Tech Fall. Sammy Sasso followed that up at 149 pounds with a good win over Josh Maruca, but Sasso couldn’t quite hold on to his eight-point lead for a bonus point.

157 pounds is one of the weight classes where Ohio State doesn’t quite have an elite contender yet, and Elijah Cleary couldn’t get a win. He fell by decision to Jacori Teemer, so the Buckeyes took an 11-6 lead into the halfway mark. Arizona State’s biggest names were yet to come, though, so this was still anybody’s dual.

Second half

Ethan Smith fought hard against No. 4 Josh Shields, but he couldn’t pull off an upset. After two straight wins, Arizona State had cut the Buckeyes’ team lead to 11-9. At 174 pounds, ninth-ranked Buckeye Kaleb Romero took on No. 8 Anthony Valencia. Romero had a tough time at the Cliff Keen Invitational in Las Vegas, but he came out firing in this match. After a tight first period, he got a quick escape and takedown in the second, followed by a long and impressive ride out to end the period. Romero went for the Major Decision late and couldn’t quite get it, but he still picked up the win and three team points.

Of course, Arizona State’s Zahid Valencia was up next, and against Ohio State’s weakest weight class. Buckeye freshman Gavin Hoffman did an amazing job not only to avoid getting pinned, but to keep the final score to 19-5. Valencia only earned one bonus point, so the Buckeye’s carried a 14-13 lead into the final two matches. At 197 pounds, No. 1 Kollin Moore gave up a quick takedown to No. 14 Kordell Norfleet. A wild first period ended with a 5-5 score. Moore earned the only three points in the second period, and held on for the 11-9 win at the end.

So the stage was set for the heavyweights. Ohio State carried a 17-13 win into the final bout. If Ohio State’s Gary Traub won the match or lost by Decision or Major Decision, then the Buckeyes would take the dual. If No. 6 Tanner Hall could earn a Tech Fall or Fall, then the Sun Devils would win. Hall rode Traub out for the entire second period and earned a quick escape in the third. Traub gave up another takedown, but kept the final score to 4-2, so a Decision gave Arizona State only three points, and a very good dual win for the Buckeyes.

Next up for the Buckeyes is a home dual against Rutgers on Friday. The Buckeyes still have some holes to fill, but this is very clearly one of the top overall teams in the country.

Ohio State WR commit Gee Scott, Jr looking forward to competing

The Ohio State Buckeyes will boast of the best receiving corps in the nation, and incoming freshman Gee Scott is ready to compete.

The Ohio State football team is losing a good bit of top-end talent.

Defenders like Jeff Okudah and Chase Young will enter the draft. And, to go with three starters from secondary, the team’s wide receiver core will be going through a bit of a makeover as well.

Seniors K.J. Hill, Binjimen Victor, and Austin Mack will all be looking forward to the draft.

Garrett Wilson and Chris Olave will be the top threats next season, but the Buckeyes will also welcome a loaded class full of elite receivers. Those receivers include Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Julian Fleming and Mookie Cooper.

Gee Scott, the No. 12-ranked receiver in the Class of 2020, will also be taking his talents to Columbus. In what will be a talented incoming class, Scott is ready to work and compete on a daily basis.

“For starters, with myself being a competitor, I just like having so many guys in the room who are so competitive. We will come in and compete every day and it will be great. Not only will we push each other, but we will push other people on the team,” Scott told 247 Sports’ Steve Helwagen.

This is what fans should like hearing from the Washington native who signed with Ohio State over Arizona.

Scott will be primed and ready to make an impact, but he’ll have to prove himself, like all the freshmen, before being given that on-the-field trust from head man Ryan Day.