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Tag: Ohio State Buckeyes – English

  • Chiefs could find a Jerick McKinnon type of player in 2025 NFL Draft to help Patrick Mahomes

    Chiefs could find a Jerick McKinnon type of player in 2025 NFL Draft to help Patrick Mahomes

    The Kansas City Chiefs came into this offseason with some holes to fill. Although their Super Bowl LIX loss to the Philadelphia Eagles was brutal for the team, it at least helped the front office identify clear areas of need. Chief among those needs is the offensive line, as well as wide receiver. But there might be another position on offense that the team seemed to be missing throughout the 2024 season.

    The team’s running backs struggled to make a big impact in many games. Isiah Pacheco suffered a major injury, but him and Kareem Hunt only averaged 3.67 yards per carry combined. But going beyond just their performance on the ground, the team seemed to be lacking explosion in the passing game from that position. Samaje Perine did a serviceable job as the team’s passing down back, but he couldn’t replicate the success Jerick McKinnon had with the team in 2022 and 2023.

    Patrick Mahomes shows off elite training routine right after NFL season ends

    Could Chiefs be interested in TreVeyon Henderson to make backfield more explosive?

    McKinnon was one of the best passing down backs in the league, both as a pass-catcher and pass-protector. He caught 13 touchdowns in his last two seasons with the team and kept Patrick Mahomes upright. The team could use a player like him, and there’s a specific player in the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft that could intrigue the front office: Trevyon Henderson.

    Taken from a Reddit conversation among analysts who have watched his film, Henderson is set to have a big role early in his career because of his passing down ability.

    While he has not done it consistently, Henderson has also put together at least one high-level season as a pass catching RB, suggesting high upside in that capacity… The real X Factor is how well he pass protects; teams will trust him to protect the QB, which is unbelievably valuable.

    This could be of particular interest to the Chiefs, who could use an electric pass-catcher out of the backfield. Henderson also had two, nearly three, 1,000 yard rushing seasons and scored double digit rushing touchdowns in three of four seasons at Ohio State. He can do it all, which could make Mahomes very happy.



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  • Ryan Day is already thinking about championship number two, but fans give him a nasty reality check

    Ryan Day is already thinking about championship number two, but fans give him a nasty reality check

    Ryan Day is floating on cloud nine. The Ohio State head coach is still so elated about the national championship he won on Jan. 20 that he’s already predicting the next one. However, fans of his own and his rivals gave him a harsh reality check, reminding him of his worst loss of the regular season.

    Fans and analysts were stunned by how Day led the Buckeyes to a national championship. Before their 34-23 win over Notre Dame in the final, Ohio State beat three consecutive top-ten opponents: No. 9 Tennessee, No. 1 Oregon, and No. 5 Texas.

    Before that, however, there is still one game that gives Ryan Day nightmares: the 13-10 loss to Michigan in Week 14. Images of the coach melting down flooded social media after that game, and fans were quick to dig them up after Day’s bold statements.

    Fans didn’t forgive Ryan Day

    Just days after the National Championship, the Buckeyes’ helmsman told ESPN Radio that his focus had shifted to getting his second championship next year. However, fans believe it’s too early for Day to be thinking about that, and they didn’t hesitate to let him know.

    “Sounds like 5 straight to me… loosely translated,” said one netizen, referring to Day’s 1-4 record against the Wolverines. “5th loss in a row incoming,” said another, and someone else seconded that by saying, “Sure ain’t no beating Michigan,” rubbing salt in the wound.

    But there was no shortage of support for Day either. “Think dude needed this run to get the demons out of the closet. I truly think he can get the other ‘boogeyman’ off his back next,” said one fan hoping for a win over Michigan next season.

    What are Day’s chances for a second championship?

    Some analysts believe Ohio State will be a strong title contender in 2025-2026. The team’s core remains with several returning starters, like wide receivers Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate. Plus, they’ve added recruiting talent like No. 1 CB Devin Sanchez.

    With Tavien St. Clair and Julian Sayin battling for QB1, it appears Day has the makings of a second straight championship. Other teams won’t sit back and watch the Buckeyes pass by, though, each one is beefing up as best they can to ruin Day & Co.’s dreams.



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  • Arch Manning's Texas presented with shocking betting odds for 2025 season opener

    Arch Manning's Texas presented with shocking betting odds for 2025 season opener

    The college football season may have just wrapped up, but fans are already buzzing about what’s to come in 2025. Ohio State, fresh off its first national title since 2014, is set to open the next campaign against the Texas Longhorns, and early betting lines are already in.

    Despite plenty of offseason changes expected on both sidelines, oddsmakers have given the edge to the reigning champions, marking the Buckeyes as 4.5-point favorites over Texas. While the game is months away, the line reflects the dominance Ohio State displayed during their playoff surge.

    Arch Manning era begins after Texas falls in Cotton Bowl vs Ohio State

    The Buckeyes capped off their season with a 34-23 victory over Notre Dame in the National Championship Game, a fitting conclusion to a campaign filled with adversity. Their ability to peak at just the right time turned a challenging season into one for the record books.

    Meanwhile, Texas finds itself in a more uncertain position heading into 2025. With standout quarterback Quinn Ewers officially declaring for the NFL Draft, the Longhorns will rely heavily on their highly touted prospect, Arch Manning, to lead the charge. Manning, who is expected to take the reins, faces the tall task of competing against a seasoned Ohio State squad that boasts returning talent from its championship roster.

    Who will be QB1 for Ohio St?

    Ohio State, however, isn’t without its own looming questions. The team is likely to lose starting quarterback Will Howard to the draft, adding intrigue to how their offense will adapt. Even so, the program’s depth and momentum from a title-winning campaign have kept confidence high in Columbus.

    While these early odds offer a glimpse into how the teams are shaping up, the offseason could shift the landscape dramatically. Coaching adjustments, roster moves, and breakout performances from new players are sure to influence expectations before kickoff in September.

    For now, though, the Buckeyes are poised to begin the 2025 season the same way they ended 2024: as the team to beat.



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  • From heartbreak to hardware: How Ohio State claimed the National Title

    From heartbreak to hardware: How Ohio State claimed the National Title

    The confetti fell, the fight song echoed, and Ohio State stood atop the college football world once again. Less than two months ago, this outcome seemed improbable. The Buckeyes were reeling after another gut-wrenching loss to Michigan, leaving fans questioning if Ryan Day’s team could ever get over the hump. But on Monday night in the College Football Playoff championship game, Ohio State answered every doubter, beating Notre Dame 34-23 to claim their ninth national title-and their first since 2014.

    This wasn’t just any title run. The expanded 12-team playoff, making its debut this year, demanded more from champions than ever before. For the Buckeyes, it meant navigating a gauntlet of four postseason games. They dismantled Tennessee, avenged a regular-season loss to Oregon, and outlasted Texas before setting their sights on Notre Dame. By the time the final whistle blew Monday, it was clear-Ohio State had earned this one the hard way.

    Ran over Notre Dame! Ohio State running back Quinshon Judkins scored constantly against Fighting Irish

    At the heart of the victory was senior quarterback Will Howard, a transfer from Kansas State who played like a man on a mission. Howard opened the game with 13 straight completions, a playoff record, and finished 17 of 21 for 231 yards and two touchdowns. His calm under pressure and ability to dissect one of the nation’s top pass defenses was nothing short of masterful.

    But this wasn’t a one-man show. Running back Quinshon Judkins, a transfer from Mississippi, stole the spotlight with 100 rushing yards, 21 receiving yards, and three touchdowns. His 70-yard run early in the third quarter broke the game wide open, setting up a 28-7 lead and leaving the Fighting Irish scrambling for answers.

    Buckeyes silence doubters, secure historic championship with dominant defense and explosive finish

    The Buckeyes’ defense also made its mark. After allowing Notre Dame’s methodical, record-setting 18-play touchdown drive to open the game, Ohio State clamped down. JT Tuimoloau led the charge with five tackles, including two for a loss, and a sack. The Irish’s rushing attack? Virtually non-existent, with running backs combining for just 16 yards.

    Notre Dame fought valiantly, led by quarterback Riley Leonard, who threw for 255 yards and two touchdowns. A late rally brought them within eight points, but Ohio State’s explosive plays-and Howard’s clutch third-down strike to Jeremiah Smith in the closing minutes-sealed the deal.

    For Ryan Day, this championship is more than a trophy. It’s validation. After enduring criticism for falling short in big games, he’s now cemented his place in Ohio State lore. Day joins legends like Woody Hayes and Urban Meyer as a title-winning coach, his team delivering a postseason run for the ages.

    As the Buckeyes hoisted the trophy, the narrative shifted. What began as a season defined by heartbreak ended as one for the history books. The doubters? Silenced. The champions? Undeniable.



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  • What are the stickers on Ohio State helmets? Buckeyes's tradition meaning explained

    What are the stickers on Ohio State helmets? Buckeyes's tradition meaning explained

    The Ohio State Buckeyes are playing national championship game with their white road uniforms with gray sleeves. Also the players wear one of the more iconic helmet in college football history.

    The stickers on Ohio State football helmets are Buckeye leaf stickers, and they serve as a tradition and a symbol of achievement for the players. This practice began in 1968, introduced by head coach Woody Hayes and trainer Ernie Biggs.

    Related:

    The sticker depicts a stylized version of a leaf from the Ohio buckeye tree, a nod to the state tree of Ohio. It’s a small green leaf with a white outline inside a circular black sticker.

    These stickers are awarded to players for outstanding individual or team performance during games. They signify excellence and contributions to the team’s success.

    How Ohio State Players Earn Stickers

    Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard is tackled by lt;HIT gt;Ohio lt;/HIT gt; lt;HIT gt;State lt;/HIT gt; defensive end JT Tuimoloau during first half of the College Football Playoff national championship game Monday, Jan. 20, 2025, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)Brynn AndersonAP

    The criteria for earning stickers can vary slightly depending on the coaching staff, but generally, they are awarded for:

    1. The criteria for earning stickers can vary slightly depending on the coaching staff, but generally, they are awarded for:
    2. Individual Performance: Making key plays, such as a touchdown, a critical defensive stop, or an exceptional block.
    3. Team Success: Players receive stickers when the team wins or meets specific goals, such as total yards gained or defensive turnovers.
    4. Excellence in Practice: Some coaches also award stickers for consistent effort and leadership in practice.



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  • Notre Dame injury report: Fighting Irish to be down nine players for Championship Game

    Notre Dame injury report: Fighting Irish to be down nine players for Championship Game

    Marcus Freeman has quite the puzzle to solve. With the NCAA National Championship game just a couple of days away, the Notre Dame head coach needs to decide what to do without players who have been key to the team’s performance this season.

    Freeman and his Fighting Irish will face the Ohio State Buckeyes on Monday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. The team will bring most of its stars, starting with quarterback Riley Leonard and receiver Jordan Faison.

    However, they will also have to address the absence of several players who have not recovered from their injuries. Others will be able to play, but they will not be 100%, which will represent a challenge for Freeman and the Notre Dame coaching staff.

    Related:

    The players that were ruled out

    Several of them were injured before the start of the regular season, so their absence will not weigh as heavily on the team. OL Styles Prescod, S Teabron Bennie-Powell, RB Gi’Bran Payne, DB Chance Tucker, CB Benjamin Morrison, and DE Boubacar Traore have been nursing injuries most of the season and will not play this Monday either.

    The real problem for Coach Freeman is the players who recently got hurt and who have already been ruled out for the game against Ohio State. Defensive lineman Rylie Mills injured a knee in the first round of the College Football Playoff (CFP), which will keep him out against the Buckeyes.

    Tight end Cooper Flanagan hurt his Achilles tendon in the second round of the CFP, while offensive tackle Anthonie Knapp injured an ankle in the semifinal against Penn State. Both will miss the grand finale against Ohio State.

    Questionable and available

    Receiver Beaux Collins (calf) and offensive guard Rocco Spindler (ankle) were hurt in the Penn State game and are being evaluated day-to-day. They could play against Ohio State, but their performances are unlikely to be the best.

    Star running back Jeremiyah Love has battled a knee injury that has affected his stats in the CFP. He’s a lock to play Monday, but it’s hard to know how the injury will affect him. The issues appear serious, but fans are confident Freeman already has a solution that will allow them to hoist the championship trophy.



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  • Arch Manning may have gotten favorable call from refs on crucial play during Ohio State-Texas

    Arch Manning may have gotten favorable call from refs on crucial play during Ohio State-Texas

    The Texas Longhorns‘ star quarterback, Arch Manning, is at the center of a heated debate following a crucial play during their dramatic win against Ohio State. Fans and analysts alike are questioning whether a favorable call from the referees tipped the scales in Texas‘ favor during a pivotal moment late in the game.

    With just under two minutes left in the fourth quarter, Texas was trailing by three points and faced a critical third-and-long situation. Manning, hailed as one of college football’s brightest stars, scrambled under pressure before releasing a deep pass. The play resulted in a controversial pass interference flag against Ohio State’s cornerback, giving Texas a fresh set of downs and setting up their game-winning touchdown.

    Arch Manning knocked out in Cotton Bowl Semi-Finals vs Ohio State

    Related:

    The call that changed everything

    Replays show minimal contact between the defender and Texas‘ receiver, leading to widespread claims that the referees may have been overly generous with the call. “It looked like clean coverage to me,” said one former referee during a post-game analysis. “That’s a call you don’t make unless it’s egregious, and in this case, it wasn’t.”

    The Ohio State coaching staff also voiced their concerns during the post-game press conference. “We play hard, clean football, and we expect the same standard from officiating,” said head coach Ryan Day. “It’s disappointing to see a game of this magnitude influenced by questionable decisions.”

    Arch Manning stays focused

    Despite the controversy, Manning remained poised in his post-game interviews, choosing to focus on his team’s performance rather than the officiating. “We played our hearts out and stayed resilient through all four quarters,” Manning said. “That’s what matters most.”

    The 20-year-old quarterback, who carries the weight of his family’s storied football legacy, continues to shine in his freshman season. Manning has consistently delivered clutch performances, leading Texas to an impressive 9-1 record so far this year.

    Fans and analysts divided

    The play has reignited discussions about the need for more consistent officiating in college football, with some calling for additional reviews for judgment calls like pass interference. Others argue that controversial moments like these are simply part of the game.

    As Texas prepares for its next matchup, the spotlight will remain on Arch Manning and the Longhorns. Whether the call was fair or not, Texas‘ dramatic win has solidified their position as serious playoff contenders this season.



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  • Arch Manning and Texas given a brutal wake-up call entering the College Football Playoff

    Arch Manning and Texas given a brutal wake-up call entering the College Football Playoff

    He is the most-hyped backup quarterback in college football, a dynamic dual threat who could be the key to a championship — or an eternal “what if?” question.

    For better or worse, this is the situation in which Arch Manning and the Texas Longhorns find themselves in the days leading up to the historic College Football Playoff. Texas is the #5 seed in the field of 12, narrowly missing out on securing a top-four seed and an automatic bye to the quarterfinal stage. But seeing as Texas did not lose to any team besides Georgia in their first season in the cutthroat Southeastern Conference, the Longhorns could be a “dark horse” in the Playoff if they get past the 12th-seeded Clemson Tigers on Saturday.

    Texas snubbed as Finebaum “crowns” Ohio State

    Allow ESPN college football analyst Paul Finebaum to pour cold water on that assertion. Finebaum has named the 8th-seeded Ohio State Buckeyes as the nation’s “most dangerous” team entering the 12-team Playoff.

    “Ohio State at its best, to me, is the most dangerous team in the country,” Finebaum said on his self-titled show. “Now, I know what they’ve done recently, but there’s nobody that’s got more talent.”

    Finebaum of course is referencing Ohio State’s shocking home loss to bitter rivals Michigan, the fourth consecutive season in which the Wolverines — unranked this time — have bested the Buckeyes in their traditional regular-season finale. The loss sent Ohio State tumbling down the rankings; gone was the chance to play for the Big 10 title, as well as any shot at a possible bye in the opening round of CFP games.

    Instead, Ohio State has been drawn into a tricky 8-9 matchup against the Tennessee Volunteers — in which the Buckeyes can count on their home crowd to bring the energy and the noise. There is little doubt that the Ohio Stadium advantage has prompted sportsbooks to name OSU a 7.5-point favorite against Texas’ SEC rival Tennessee.

    Unfancied and probably underrated, Texas will have to silence its doubters against Clemson — doubters who don’t believe redshirt junior quarterback Quinn Ewers should be starting over Manning. The Longhorns are a two-score favorite to beat the Tigers in Austin on Saturday, and the nation will learn how Texas handles the pressure in its biggest game for more than a decade.



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  • Ohio State trolls Indiana after crushing victory: “Google it!”

    Ohio State trolls Indiana after crushing victory: “Google it!”

    Ohio State didn’t just dominate on the field against Indiana on Saturday they took their victory straight to the trolling hall of fame. After dismantling the previously undefeated Hoosiers 38-15, the Buckeyes celebrated in a way that fans and social media won’t soon forget.

    The win not only dashed Indiana’s hopes of making the 12-team playoff but also set the stage for Ohio State to take a playful jab at Hoosiers head coach Curt Cignetti.

    Pat McAfee goes nuts as he picks the winner between Oregon and Ohio State

    Ohio State’s savage postgame celebration

    The trolling began when Ohio State unveiled a fake newspaper graphic with the headline: “Buckeyes Win? Google It!” This was a direct shot at Cignetti, who famously boasts to recruits, “I win. Google me.” While the phrase has made him a standout personality, it also left him wide open for a humorous rebuttal-and Ohio State didn’t miss their shot.

    The shade didn’t stop there. Buckeyes quarterback Will Howard, after sealing the win, mimed extinguishing a cigarette on the sidelines. The gesture was a nod to Cignetti’s nickname, “Cig,” which shares a playful connection to the slang term for cigarettes.

    Respect amid the roasting

    Despite the antics, Howard was quick to clarify his actions after the game. “I just try to say we don’t listen to the stuff on social media, but we hear it, man,” Howard explained. “I was just having some fun with it. I have a lot of respect for those guys, man. What Coach Cignetti has done over there, he’s done a heck of a job. The Buckeyes are here, and the Buckeyes won. You can Google that.“

    Howard’s remarks acknowledged the competitive respect between the two teams while leaning into the playful rivalry sparked by Cignetti’s famous phrase.

    Troll game strong

    Ohio State’s performance both on and off the field has set a new standard for postgame trolling. From dominating their opponent to capitalizing on a viral moment, the Buckeyes proved that winning comes with the privilege of delivering the final word.

    Indiana, on the other hand, will have to regroup as their playoff dreams fade. Meanwhile, the internet is still buzzing with Ohio State’s brilliant roast.



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  • Ohio State QB Will Howard blasts cameraman after his costly mistake in loss to Oregon

    Ohio State QB Will Howard blasts cameraman after his costly mistake in loss to Oregon

    Saturday night’s high-stakes clash between Ohio State and Oregon ended in frustration and drama, but not just for the scoreboard. Buckeyes quarterback Will Howard found himself at the center of controversy, not only for his final mistake in the game but for what happened afterward on the field.

    Ohio State, ranked second in the nation, was battling Oregon in a tense game that saw both teams exchange the lead multiple times. But as the clock ran out on the Buckeyes‘ chances, Howard’s anger seemed to get the better of him, leading to an unexpected confrontation.

    Ohio State’s Will Howard confronts Oregon cameraman following frustrating loss

    As the Buckeyes walked off the field following their 32-31 loss, Howard was caught on camera yelling at what appeared to be an Oregon student media member. The incident quickly circulated online, leaving fans wondering what could have triggered the outburst.

    Despite the heated moment, Howard‘s emotions were likely running high after Ohio State’s last drive fell apart. The game had been wild from the start, with the Buckeyes taking an early lead, only to watch it slip away amidst questionable calls and missed opportunities.

    One such moment came early in the game, when Howard connected with wide receiver Will Kacmarek on a controversial catch that was not reviewed by the officials, much to Oregon‘s dismay. Howard capitalized on the moment, finishing the drive with a rushing touchdown. However, a fumble by Ohio State’s running back Quinshon Judkins soon after handed the Ducks prime field position, which they converted into points.

    The second half was a back-and-forth slugfest, with neither team able to pull away. The largest crowd in Autzen Stadium history watched as the teams exchanged leads, keeping fans on the edge of their seats. A 27-yard touchdown by Oregon‘s Gabriel late in the fourth quarter ultimately put the Ducks ahead for good.

    Howard‘s final blunder came when he slid short of a crucial first down, running out the clock on Ohio State’s chances at a comeback. It was a crushing end for the quarterback, who had put up impressive stats with 326 passing yards and three total touchdowns-numbers that now feel like a footnote.

    Howard was clearly distraught after the loss

    Adding to the heartbreak, Howard had to answer for his actions on and off the field, with the media and fans buzzing about the post-game confrontation. While it’s unclear what sparked the moment, it’s certainly not the look Howard or Ohio State wanted following such a hard-fought game.

    Now, all eyes are on Ohio State’s upcoming matchup against No. 2 Penn State. Howard will need to shake off the disappointment and avoid letting his emotions get the best of him as the Buckeyes prepare for another grueling battle in their quest for redemption.

    This clash may have ended with a narrow defeat, but the real story might just be what happens next for Howard and the Buckeyes.



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