THREE MONTHS TO AUSTIN / Ohio State Buckeyes LIVE 372

Episode Notes: THREE MONTHS TO AUSTIN / Ohio State Buckeyes LIVE 372 Hosts: Mark Rogers (Voice of College Football), Steve Helwagen (Bucknuts247 Senior Writer), Tony Gerdeman (Buckeye Weekly Podcast) Guest: Chip Brown (Horns247 – Texas Longhorns insider) Date: June 3, 2026 (three months before the Ohio State-Texas game in Austin) Episode Summary A wide-ranging preview of the high-stakes 2026 Ohio State vs. Texas rematch in Austin (following Ohio State’s 14-7 win in Columbus in 2025). The conversation focuses on Texas’ roster evolution under Steve Sarkeesian, Arch Manning’s growth, defensive scheme changes, and season expectations in the loaded SEC. Ohio State’s side is also touched on, including personnel losses and offensive improvements. Key Topics & Takeaways Texas 2026 Outlook (Chip Brown) Arch Manning: The focal point. Improved weapons and experience around him after a rocky start in 2025. Expected to be more comfortable with veterans. Offensive Additions: Cam Coleman, Raleigh Brown (Arizona State), Hollywood Smothers — added explosiveness and “make-you-miss” ability to fix a poor running game. Offensive Line Concerns: A major question mark again; four new starters contributed to struggles in 2025. Defensive Changes: Fired Pete Kwiatkowski (bend-but-don’t-break) for Will Muschamp (aggressive AA-gap pressure, man coverage principles). Aimed at creating more disruption. Key Defenders: Colin Simmons (SEC sack leader, improved vs. run), Raheem Biles (athletic LB/ball hawk), Jelani McDonald (emerging safety). Expectations: National title contender. “Now or never” year with Manning likely in his final season. Sark is relaxed and confident. Ohio State-Texas Matchup Viewed as a pick’em game on a neutral/road environment for Ohio State. Last year’s game was low-scoring and grindy (14-7); both sides expect more offense this time. Texas fans still haunted by goal-line failure and defensive play-calling late in the 2025 game. Broader Context SEC Gauntlet: Texas faces a brutal schedule (8 straight games to close, tough November road games). One or two losses may be common even for top teams. Transfers & Culture: Heavy portal activity on both sides. Sark uses “Culture Wednesdays” and personal vulnerability to build buy-in. Departures for Texas: Leadership losses like Trey Wisner (RB) and DeAndre Moore (WR) noted as potential voids. Ohio State Notes (from hosts) Offensive line remains a championship hinge. Replacing Caleb Downs, Sonny Stiles, and Arvell Reese on defense will require committee/rotational approach. New offensive coordinator Arthur Smith expected to bring a more physical running game. Excitement around improved tempo and established QB play. Fan Travel Advice for Austin (Chip Brown) Arrive early and enjoy the unique vibe (more Northern California than stereotypical Texas). Lake Austin boat rentals/party boats recommended. Live music venues (Antone’s, ACL Live, Saxon Pub, etc.), great food (Red Ash, etc.). Ohio State fans made a big impression in 2005 with a pep rally. College Football Playoff Discussion Sarkeesian leans toward 16 teams (gives more meaning to making it and winning games) over 24. Concern that expanded formats dilute the stakes for blue-blood programs. Overall Tone Optimistic but realistic for both fanbases. Texas is viewed as a legitimate threat and contender, but Ohio State’s talent and schematic improvements are respected. Strong chemistry between the hosts and Chip Brown. Episode Length: ~47 minutes (full discussion flows naturally from Texas roster talk → matchup preview → broader CFB topics). Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.