Which Freshmen Will Have Major Roles This Season?

Which Ohio State freshmen are ready to become major contributors during the 2026 season?

Tony Gerdeman and Juck Miletti examine the Buckeyes’ incoming freshmen and predict which players will join the 100 Snap Club. They look back at recent Ohio State classes, explain why 100 snaps is such a meaningful benchmark for a true freshman, and compare this year’s group with the loaded 2021 class that helped build the 2024 national championship team.

The discussion includes Sam Greer’s opportunity on the offensive line, the expectations for Chris Henry Jr. and Brock Boyd at receiver, Legend Bey’s potential role at running back, Khary Wilder’s upside at defensive end, and several young defensive backs who could force their way onto the field.

0:00 — Welcome to the Buckeye Weekly Podcast
0:18 — Why the 100 Snap Club matters
0:51 — Recent trends for Ohio State freshmen
2:47 — Comparing recent classes with the loaded 2021 group
5:02 — What the best freshman classes have in common
5:57 — Freshmen who reached 100 snaps under Ryan Day
6:58 — Can offensive lineman Sam Greer get there?
9:15 — Tight end Nick Lautar’s chances
9:29 — Chris Henry Jr., Brock Boyd and the freshman receivers
10:31 — Could Jerquaden Guilford also reach 100 snaps?
11:42 — How Cortez Hankton’s rotation could affect the receivers
12:18 — Legend Bey and the freshman running backs
13:59 — Quarterback Luke Fahey’s outlook
14:13 — Freshman defensive tackles to watch
15:22 — How Ohio State may divide the defensive tackle snaps
16:38 — Why all three defensive tackles could fall short
17:33 — Khary Wilder’s path to immediate playing time
19:04 — Could Wilder approach Chase Young’s freshman total?
20:13 — Freshman linebacker projections
21:16 — Why 100 snaps is rare for Ohio State linebackers
22:18 — Jay Timmons and the backup nickel role
23:09 — Why Ohio State wants Timmons on the field
24:36 — What makes Timmons such an unusual cornerback prospect
26:01 — Jordan Thomas’ path into the cornerback rotation
27:25 — Blaine Bradford and the safety depth chart
29:02 — How transfer retention could affect freshman playing time
30:52 — Final predictions for the 100 Snap Club
31:13 — What matching the 2021 class could mean

Which Ohio State freshmen do you think will play at least 100 snaps this season? Let us know in the comments.

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