Buckeye Bits: Ryan Day teleconference, Trey Sermon officially announced, and more

Despite the lack of any actual ongoing sporting events, it’s actually quite a busy time for Ohio State athletics — specifically football. The NFL Draft is rapidly approaching, beginning next Thursday in a virtual capacity, and so the Buckeyes’ many prospects are gearing up for that. The coaching staff, without any on-campus practices or team activities to attend to, are working around the clock in the recruiting game to secure top talent for the future while also checking in on their current athletes to make sure everyone remains on schedule.

Everyone is trying to maintain at least some level of normalcy, and while that has become incredibly difficult these past few weeks, we hope that all of these extra precautions will lead to a return to our daily lives sometime in the near future, and eventually college football in the fall. Until then, let’s catch up on the current goings-on around Ohio State.

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From around Land-Grant Holy Land...

• Four-star defensive end Tunmise Adeleye commits to Ohio State

BOOOOM. The biggest news of the day, and a bit of a surprise, was the commitment of one of the nation’s top DEs — high four-star prospect Tunmise Adeleye — to the Buckeyes.

• The best and worst parts from the 2016 OSU-Michigan game

Our own Tia Johnston breaks down the emotional rollercoaster that was a double-OT thriller against the Wolverines in 2016 — including everyones favorite call: The Spot.

• OSU offers a pair of elite 2022 prospects

While we’re still deep in the middle of recruiting in the 2021 class, Ohio State’s coaching staff has begun scouting and sending out offers to some of the top players in the next cycle.

• The best Ohio State teams to never win a title: A nightmare ending

As part of SB Nation’s theme this week, we will be taking a look back at some of the best Buckeye squads that didn’t win it all. Today, Brett Ludwiczak dives into the 2006 team.

• What your NFL team will be getting if they draft Jeff Okudah

Ohio State has a ton of talented prospects in this year’s NFL Draft, including potentially their most polished defensive back ever — and that’s saying a lot — in Jeff Okudah.

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From around the gridiron...

• Ryan Day preparing to adapt amid uncertainly surrounding 2020 season
  (Dan Hope, Eleven Warriors)

Ohio State’s head coach received a number of question’s during Wednesday’s teleconference about the potentially altered upcoming college football season. Day says he is prepared for whatever challenges arise, and that “Any football’s better than no football.”

• Ryan Day on 2020 CFB season: ‘We have to look at all options’
  (Dave Biddle, Bucknuts)

Day went more in depth for how he thinks the season should be handled, stating that obviously the most important factor in determining the best course of action must be public health and the well-being of the student-athletes.

• Ohio State football ‘fired up’ to add Trey Sermon
  (Nathan Baird, Cleveland.com)

While it has been known for a while now, the school officially announced the addition of Oklahoma transfer RB Trey Sermon on Wednesday. Ryan Day has loved what he’s heard in conversations with his new player, and is excited for what he brings to the team.

• 2020 NFF Hampshire Honor Society membership announced

Ohio State had three players named to the prestigious Hampshire Honor Society on Wednesday, which included Chris Chugunov, Jordan Fuller and Liam McCullough — who all carried above 3.4 GPAs throughout their undergraduate careers.

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From around the hardwood...

• There is still time to vote in the Fox Sports Ultimate Fan Bracket, where Ohio State is in an absolute dogfight with Michigan. With over 80,000 total votes, the two schools are basically split 50/50 at this point:

• Chris Holtmann has earned the benefit of the doubt with roster management
  (Austin Ward, Lettermen Row)

In speaking to the media this week, Holtmann explained that he is not concerned with the number of transfers the program has seen these past few years, stating that transfers in the sport, as a whole, have become more prevalent.

• Holtmann feels as good as he has ever felt about his team
  (Colin Hass-Hill, Eleven Warriors)

Despite the aforementioned roster movement, Holtmann really likes the group he has put together for the 2020-21 season. His squad has a great mix of young talent and veteran leadership that he thinks comprises a good competitive team.

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From everywhere else...

• College sports won’t be back until students return to campus
  (Dennis Dodd, CBS Sports)

Vice President Mike Pence spoke with the leaders of college sports’ top conferences this week, and those in charge believe that since players themselves are students, it would not be fair to send them back until college classes resume.

• Pro Football Hall of Fame Willie Davis passes away at age 85

The football world lost a legend on Wednesday, as the great Willie Davis passed away. Davis, one of the NFL’s all-time great defensive ends, was the grandfather of current Ohio State guard Wyatt Davis.

• The Cleveland Browns released their ‘new’ uniforms on Wednesday, with a familiar look to the jerseys of the past. What do you think?

• A favorite of many country music fans around Columbus, the annual Buckeye Country Superfest at Ohio Stadium has been cancelled this year in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.