Buckeye Bits: New NCAA rules, Malik Hooker trade rumors, and more

Another week without sports, but at least we have something sports related to watch this week — and I don't mean the occasional Ohio State throwback games that have taken place across various networks during this quarantine. The NFL Draft begins on Thursday, and a number of Buckeyes will see their dreams come true when they are selected by a professional franchise in this virtual edition of the draft.

Thankfully, at a place like Ohio State, the news never stops — even for a pandemic. Let’s dive in to some of the latest news and notes surrounding the Buckeyes from all around the beat.

From around Land-Grant Holy Land...

• Ohio State has a BOOMing start to the week

On the recruiting side of things, it is business as usual for the Buckeyes. On Monday the team secured a commitment from yet another big talent, but their work is nowhere near done just yet.

• What your NFL team will be getting if they draft Malik Harrison

Counting with our NFL Draft coverage, today we take a look at what linebacker Malik Harrison brings to the table. You can keep up with all of our 2020 NFL Draft news, projections and updates here.

• Where are they now? Issue 2: Mark Titus

Another continuing series of ours, “Where are they now?” takes a look into the life of Mark Titus, the former walk-on Ohio State guard and founder of Club Trillion.

• Ohio State’s final 2020 NFL Draft predictions

About a month ago we checked in on where the expert mock drafts pegged Ohio State’s prospects. Now, with the draft a little more than 48 hours away, how have those projections changed, and where will each of these former Buckeyes wind up?

From around the gridiron...

• The NCAA officially approved some new proposed rule changes on Tuesday, including allowing ejected players to remain on the sideline, a two-minute cap on replay review, and the addition of the No. 0 as a legal jersey number.

• One college legend talking to another, Reggie Bush sat down to interview the prospective No. 2 pick in the draft, defensive end Chase Young.

• How Buckeyes can replace Jashon Cornell on the interior
  (Spencer Holbrook, Lettermen Row)

Interior linemen usually have quiet, under the radar performances, especially when lining up next to guys like Chase Young. Jashon Cornell is no different, and despite being undervalued, his impact along the defensive line will certainly be missed.

• In news involving Buckeyes already in the NFL, former Ohio State safety Malik Hooker has heard his name swirling around in trade talks. Hooker has spent his first three NFL seasons with the Indianapolis Colts, and despite battling some injuries, he has registered seven interceptions and 11 pass break-ups thus far.

From around the hardwood...

• Ohio State remains steady in early Joe Lunardi Bracketology
  (Phil Harrison, USA Today Sports)

College basketball seems like it is ages away, especially considering we wouldn’t be too far removed from the National Championship game had the NCAA Tournament took place. Regardless, it’s never too early to look ahead, and Lunardi’s early projection has the Buckeyes as a No. 5 seed next season.

• Holtmann continues chase during hiatus
  (Steve Helwagen, Bucknuts)

While Ryan Day and his assistants are absolutely lighting it up in the virtual recruiting game, so too must Chris Holtmann. The OSU head coach discusses recruiting during a pandemic.

From everywhere else...

• Ohio State is attempting to help students who have been financially impacted by COVID-19, offering emergency grants to those experiencing hardships.

• Former Ohio State defensive end is trying to do his part to help with relief efforts as well, partnering with No Kid Hungry to provide meals to children in need.

• Urbana University, a small private school about an hour west of Columbus, will be closing its doors at the end of the 2020 Spring Semester. The DII school faced low enrollment and other challenges as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak.

• Getting bored of eating the same old things during quarantine? Mix it up with a new recipe courtesy of Ohio State’s Twitter account and the Ohio Beef Council.