Buckeye Bits: Walkthroughs begin Friday, specialists on national award watch lists, more

Welcome back to Buckeye Bits, where we gather all of today’s best headlines and put ‘em all in one place. I must say, today’s roundup isn’t as Doomsday-esque as these have been lately. Instead of “everything you know and love is cancelled until further notice,” we actually have some news about the start of fall camp, a major commitment for the Basketball Buckeyes and another prediction for Ohio State to win the 2020 title. Let’s get to it, shall we?

From around Land-Grant Holy Land...

College Football Island: Could the NCAA make it happen?

George Eisner, LGHL

It was recently reported that zero NBA players tested positive for coronavirus out of the 346 tested at the Orlando campus, which begs the question: Do these bubbles actually work? And if they do, can’t we figure something out for college football? George took a look at what a college football bubble (aka “College Football Island”) might look like, including a March Madness-style 65-team single-elimination tournament.

Which former Ohio State quarterback would you want back in Columbus?

Gene Ross, LGHL

The next question in our newest series: If Justin Fields were to suddenly disappear, which former Buckeye quarterback would you want leading the offense this season? Based solely on our Twitter mentions, Troy Smith is the heavy favorite.

An update on one of Ohio State’s top remaining targets in 2021

Gene Ross, LGHL

The Buckeyes have a stupid good class headed their way in 2021, and it has the potential to get even better, especially if they can land the No. 2 player in the country. Gene has all the info on the five-star DE who has Ohio State on his radar.

BOOOOM! Four-star shooting guard Malaki Branham commits to Ohio State

Connor Lemons, LGHL

Branham announced his commitment to Ohio State on Wednesday, making him the Buckeyes’ highest-ranked commit since D’Angelo Russell in 2014. Branham is the No. 1 player in the state of Ohio.

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From around the gridiron...

Ohio State set to begin walkthrough football practices on Friday

Dan Hope, Eleven Warriors

During an interview with 97.1 The Fan’s Bishop and Laurinaitis, Ohio State athletic director Gene Smith said the Buckeyes are on schedule to begin walkthrough practices on Friday, followed by fall camp (aka full-fledged football practices) kicking off Aug. 7—something Smith noted he is still not quite comfortable with.

Now, what about the actual season you ask? Smith said that is still “a moment of uncertainty.” Sigh.

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More Buckeyes are on award watch lists, the sky is blue and water is wet.

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Cameron Brown transformation ready for grand unveiling

Spencer Holbrook, Lettermen Row

Ohio State’s secondary is one of the more unexperienced position groups on the roster as we head into the 2020-21 season. Sure, we’re confident in Shaun Wade stepping up as the leader of the group, but now the question is, who’s behind him? Holbrook explains why Wade, Sevyn Banks and a new and improved Cameron Brown are going to be a dangerous trio come September.

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ESPN’s David Pollack confident in 2020 college football season

Alex Seats, Bucknuts

Pollack believes there will be a college football season this fall. He also said there is one team that stands out above the rest: THE Ohio State. He notes that the Buckeyes should have beaten Clemson last season (we know) and that he expects them to “continue their reign, continue to run through the Big Ten and at the end of the season have a good chance to be holding that trophy.”

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The five new transfers with best Heisman Trophy odds

Robbie Weinstein, Bucknuts

According to FoxBet, Ohio State running back Trey Sermon, who transferred from Oklahoma) has +3300 odds (2.9%) to win the Heisman Trophy this season. Miami quarterback D’Eriq King leads the group at +1200 (7.7%).

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Happy birthday 15!

Anyone else just flabbergasted when you hear these players’ ages?

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From around the hardwood...

Ya love to see it.

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From everywhere else...

Ohio State hospital is now the Official Cancer Center of the MLB.

The MLB has partnered with Ohio State’s Comprehensive Cancer Center – James Cancer Hospital & Solove Research Institute via a multi-year sponsorship aimed at educating fans about cancer prevention, awareness and treatment. The James will also implement on-site cancer screenings at key MLB events beginning in 2021.

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Ohio High School Football Coaches Association proposes health and safety changes in response to COVID-19 pandemic

Kevin Harrish and Matt Gutridge, Eleven Warriors

This should come as no surprise, but high school football will also be implementing changes in light of the ongoing pandemic, including health checks upon arrival to practice, social distancing and masks on the sidelines of games, exiting the stadium immediately without talking to family and friends, and more.

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SPORTS! ARE! BACK!