Buckeyes Wire exclusive: 2022 commit Kye Stokes already gets the Michigan rivalry, eager to make impact at Ohio State

See what OSU commit Kye Stokes said about his hatred already for Michigan, why he chose Ohio State, and more. #GoBucks

Head coach Ryan Day and the Ohio State football program have more or less put the finishing touches on the early signing period for 2022, bringing in 18 total commitments. There will undoubtedly be some more added to the class, but it’s another top-five group nationally that should keep the momentum going for a program that’s consistently competed for Big Ten and national titles.

We caught up with one of those commitments, four-star defensive back, and Tampa area native Kye Stokes, to get a feel for his recruitment and how he feels about becoming a Buckeye and continuing the tradition that’s been laid out before him.

First and foremost, it’s clear in talking to Stokes that OSU is getting one whale of a person, but the coaching staff did an excellent job of jumping on his recruitment well before other national programs figured out there was a kid with the size and talent down in the Tampa Bay area doing some pretty special things. Shortly after OSU offered and got the services of the 6-foot, 2-inch, 190-pounder, a bunch of other blue-bloods jumped on efforts, but in the end, Stokes stayed with his commitment and signed his National Letter of Intent on December 15.

We touched on several things including why Stokes chose Ohio State and stuck with it, how he feels about the weather in Ohio, and of course, asked about his thoughts about That Team Up North.

Let’s dive in …

Ryan Day’s agent denies reports tying the Ohio State coach to the Chicago Bears

Rest easy for now Ohio State fans … #GoBucks

Relax Ohio State fans — at least for now … we think. You’ve probably seen the reports linking Ryan Day to a potential package deal with his agent, Trace Armstrong, who was a defensive end for the Chicago Bears from 1989-1994.

According to CBSSports.com’s Jason La Canfora, the Bears have reportedly had conversations with Armstrong to come on board in a front-office role with the Bears and potentially bring Day with him as the new head coach. It was all a little bit shocking, and we’ve seen in the past where when there is smoke, there are more often than not some blazing things happening behind all of it.

However, Armstrong came out to Sunday to deny those reports.

“I have the utmost respect for the Chicago Bears organization, the McCaskey family and Ted Phillips,” Armstrong tweeted Sunday. “However, any assertion that I have engaged in conversations with them about joining the club in any capacity is simply not true.”

That’s all well and good, but we’ve yet to hear anything from Ryan Day on the speculation. That doesn’t mean that something is going on behind the curtain, but you can bet Buckeye fans would love to hear from the Ohio State head coach to squash those reports and rumors that are out there.

So is this pandering, or is it true that a reputable source has information wrong on this one? Who knows these days. I’d be really surprised to see Day jump to the NFL at this point with what he’s shown his love for Ohio State to be, but funnier things have happened. Especially seeing how Day is not an Ohio guy and has an NFL background.

There are also a lot of moving parts. Armstrong just happens to be the agent for Lincoln Riley and current Bears’ head coach Matt Nagy, so take that for what it’s worth as well.

We’ll just have to rest on what his agent is stating at this point and wait to hear from Day directly on all of this. You can bet it will be brought up at the next media session in which the Ohio State head coach is made available. Good thing there’s a game on the horizon in Pasadena at a little place called the Rose Bowl.

Before that though, there is also the early signing period with many expected to commit to the program on Wednesday. There’s a good chance we’ll hear from Day then.

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Tennessee football recruiting highlights during first week in December

A look at Tennessee football recruiting highlights during the first week in December.

First-year head coach Josh Heupel and his Tennessee staff continue to recruit future Vols.

Heupel and the Vols’ staff have been visiting commits and prospects on the recruiting trail, as well as having players visit on campus.

The football early signing period takes place Dec. 15-17 for the 2022 recruiting class.

Tennessee’s 2022 football commitment tracker

Big board: Tennessee’s 2022 football recruiting class by position

Tennessee’s 2023 football commitment tracker

Below are recruiting highlights during the first week in December.

Boom! Ohio State gets commitment from 2022 four-star quarterback

Ohio State has received a verbal commitment from the No. 5 quarterback in the 2022 class. #GoBucks

Recently we learned about Jack Miller deciding to enter the transfer portal and leave Ohio State. And just like that, the Buckeyes have filled the opening with a commitment from four-star prospect, Devin Brown.

Brown is the No. 5 ranked quarterback in the 2022 class according to 247Sports composite rankings. Formerly a USC commit, Brown reopened his recruitment after Clay Helton was fired as the Trojans head coach. The Utah native had visits with Ole Miss and Texas but ultimately fell in love with Ohio State.

Brown rewrote the high school single-season record books while playing at Corner Canyon High School in Draper, Utah with 4,881 yards and 57 touchdown passes. How Ryan Day continues to get top QB talent with an already crowded room is anyone’s guess. But Brown seems locked in and ready to compete.

When Quinn Ewers reclassified and enrolled a year early at OSU, it left the Buckeyes without a quarterback in the 2022 class. Brown more than fills that need.

The Buckeyes now have the No. 6 ranked class for the coming season and will be looking to add more before the early signing period on December 15.

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A look at all bowl eligible teams by conference

A look at all college football bowl eligible teams by conference.

The regular season has concluded ahead of conference championship weekend.

Two regular season matchups will be contested ahead of bowl season as California (4-7) will host USC (4-7) in a makeup game and Army (8-3) will play Navy (3-8) on Dec. 11.

Below are bowl eligible teams from each conference.

Four-star defensive lineman Christen Miller set to make college decision

Christen Miller has it down to three schools, but won’t announce until Jan. 8 at the All-American Bowl.

Ohio State has had its eye on 2022 defensive lineman Christen Miller for quite some time now. Miller who is a four-star prospect from Ellenwood, Ga. has recently shared that he has narrowed his focus to just three schools: Ohio State, Alabama, and Georgia.

Interestingly enough, Miller said he has always dreamed of making his announcement at the All-American Bowl which takes place on Jan. 8. However, the prized recruit is planning to sign on Dec. 15 during the early signing period, but will not reveal his choice until sometime during the game on Jan. 8.

247Sports has had Miller crystal balled to home state Georga for a while, but you never know how these things will turn out. Miller has been to Columbus several times to visit campus and seems to have a good rapport with both Ryan Day and Larry Johnson. He also has a connection with Buckeye defensive lineman Antwuan Jackson who went to the same high school.

All good signs, but it sounds like the final decision is going to be sealed until the announcement on Jan. 8.

Ohio State looks to be sitting in a good position. No matter who Miller signs with, it will be interesting to see if the news can stay quiet for another three weeks before the official announcement.

Contact/Follow us @BuckeyesWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Ohio State news, notes and opinion.

Ohio State makes cut for 2023 four-star linebacker

Ohio State looking to add more to its 2023 class.

In what has been a slow start by Ohio State standards in the 2023 recruiting class, things are starting to pick up speed. Recently, Ryan Day got a verbal commitment from in-state star Sonny Styles, the No. 1 rated safety in the nation. Now the Buckeyes have made the shortlist for another top 2023 defender.

Ta’Mere Robinson is a four-star prospect from Pittsburgh, Pa. Robinson is listed as the No. 8 linebacker in the country according to 247Sports composite rankings. The 6-4, 210-pound star could end up playing defensive end, linebacker, or safety at the next level depending on how he grows.

Robinson cut his list to ten teams which include Ohio State, as well as Cincinnati, Michigan, Notre Dame, Ole Miss, Penn State, Pitt, South Carolina, Texas, and West Virginia.

We’ll keep you posted as Robinson continues to cut his list and where the Buckeyes land in his recruitment.

Contact/Follow us @BuckeyesWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Ohio State news, notes and opinion.

LSU cornerback enters transfer portal, lists Ohio State in top 4

Former 5-star corner jumps in transfer portal and Ohio State is looking to make its pitch.

Many Buckeye fans may remember the name, Elias Ricks. Ricks was the No. 2 rated cornerback in the 2020 class according to 247Sports composite rankings and had OSU as a finalist. The 5-star DB ultimately chose LSU but stated that Ohio State was a close second.

Well, guess who’s back on the market after entering the transfer portal earlier in the week? That’s right, Ricks who was not happy with the decision LSU brass made in firing Ed Orgeron, has decided to take his talents elsewhere. And the Buckeyes are firmly in the mix.

It was reported that Ricks was scheduled to have a phone call with Kerry Coombs Wednesday evening before Thanksgiving. Ricks has some close friends at Ohio State which included quarterback C.J. Stroud as the two share the same hometown of Rancho Cucamonga, California.

Along with OSU, the former LSU corner is also considering Alabama, Georgia, and USC and would be a huge catch for any of the four schools.

247Sports’, Gregg Biggins projects Ricks as a first-round talent with comparable skills to NFL cornerback, Richard Sherman. It goes without staying, this would be a huge get for the Buckeyes. Time for Coach Coombs to work some magic.

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Contact/Follow us @BuckeyesWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Ohio State news, notes and opinion.

In ESPN’s ‘Man In the Arena,’ Tom Brady reflects upon Patriots’ dynasty in a way he’s never done

Tom Brady revisits his greatest NFL triumphs in the upcoming nine-part ESPN+ series “Man in the Arena.”

Tom Brady often said he wasn’t ready to look back on his career during his final years with the New England Patriots. The quarterback echoed Bill Belichick’s company line: there will be time to reflect in retirement. In the meantime, the Patriots were on to winning the next Super Bowl.

That’s what makes “Man In the Arena” unique. Brady looks back on his career, with a special focus on each Super Bowl in a nine-episode series, which debuts on ESPN+ on Nov. 16. (A 10th episode will be released later). Brady sits down with director Gotham Chopra, who directed another documentary series on Brady, “Tom vs. Time.” The former Patriots and current Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback looks back at his Super Bowl appearances to reflect upon the complicated emotional evolution of the superstar’s career.

With Brady freeing himself from The Patriot Way — with players in New England forced to share as little information as possible — we’re seeing a new side to him. He’s open to sharing more stories and details. which makes for a much more complete story.

Man in the Arena is more than a series of career highlights compiled together,” Brady told ESPN’s PR team, via a press release. “This series shows what an incredible journey it has been for me these past 22 years and the incredible people that have impacted me on this amazing ride. It is an inside look into how this journey has helped shape me into the man I am today.”

Notable guests include former Patriots stars such as quarterback Drew Bledsoe, safety Rodney Harrison, linebacker Tedy Bruschi, receiver Randy Moss and tight end Rob Gronkowski. Those are names we come to expect for projects like this.

The surprises? Brady’s sisters, Julie, Maureen and Nancy Brady, will make appearances. There are interviews with Brady’s wife, Gisele Bündchen. And then there are interviews with Brady’s fiercest opponents: former Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning, former New York Giants defensive end Michael Strahan and former Seattle Seahawks cornerback (and current Bucs teammate) Richard Sherman.

Sign up for ESPN+ to watch the documentary series “Man in the Arena”

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Meet Ohio State basketball’s 2022 top ten recruiting class

Let us introduce you to Ohio State basketball’s 2022 recruiting class. #GoBucks

It’s official. All five members of Ohio State basketball’s 2022 class have signed their National Letters of Intent and will go down as Chris Holtmann’s best class to date. In fact, almost every single recruiting service has the class as a top ten one. Of course, it helps to bring in five members in one class, but the talent is also there, with the No. 41, 50, 63, 74, and 297 overall prospects according to the 247Sports Composite Rankings.

In case you haven’t been up to speed on each and every commit that you’ll see next year on a television or streaming device near you, we thought we’d give you a little background on each thanks to information provided from the fine folks with the OSU athletic department.

Here’s a rundown of the five-member 2022 Ohio State basketball recruiting class that 247Sports has ranked as the top in the Big Ten and sixth overall in the country.