Welcome to the Skull Session, where we dive into the latest buzz in the world of college football. Today, we're focusing on the Ohio State Buckeyes, who are gearing up for another championship run in 2026. But first, let's take a look at some under-the-radar players who are flying under the radar heading into preseason camp.
Under-the-Radar Buckeyes
Jaylen McClain, the safety, has his eyes on three players who are flying under the radar. First up is Wisconsin transfer linebacker Christian Alliegro. McClain praises Alliegro's instincts and physicality, qualities that have already stood out to Ohio State's coaches and teammates. He's a 6-foot-4, 241-pound linebacker with enough adrenaline and toughness to shrug off a broken arm. Pair him with Payton Pierce, who brings a similar edge in a slightly smaller frame, and the Buckeyes could once again boast one of the nation's best linebacker rooms in 2026.
Next up is Florida State transfer Earl Little Jr. and four-star freshman Jay Timmons as defensive backs. McClain highlights Earl Little Jr.'s speed and football IQ, while Timmons is expected to be a baller.
Breakout Candidates
Now, let's talk about breakout candidates. It's important to distinguish under-the-radar players like Christian Alliegro and Earl Little Jr. from true breakout candidates. A breakout candidate is someone who hasn't yet proven himself at a high level, not someone who already has All-Big Ten or All-ACC honors on their résumé.
However, ESPN's Ben Solak selected former Ohio State wide receiver Terry McLaurin for the Washington Commanders as a breakout candidate, despite his impressive résumé. McLaurin has caught 498 passes for 6,961 yards and 41 touchdowns, earned two Pro Bowl selections and a second-team All-Pro nod, and posted five consecutive 1,000-yard receiving seasons. This raises a deeper question: can a receiver entering his seventh NFL season with that résumé really be considered a breakout candidate?
What Could Have Been
Urban Meyer believes one missed penalty changed the course of Ohio State's 2016 season. In a clip from The Triple Option, Meyer said an uncalled penalty on a late field goal attempt prevented the Buckeyes from tying Penn State and ultimately cost them a Big Ten championship. The holding a 21-17 lead with 4:39 remaining in the fourth quarter, Ohio State lined up for a 45-yard field goal on 4th-and-7. Penn State blocked Tyler Durbin's kick, and Nittany Lions cornerback Grant Haley scooped up the live ball and returned it for a touchdown, turning Ohio State's three-point lead into a 24-21 deficit.
The Buckeyes had one final chance to respond, but Penn State's defense forced a 4th-and-23 from Ohio State's own 29-yard line, where the offense failed to convert. Meyer thinks the missed penalty could have been the difference, and it's a fascinating thought experiment. What if the referees had thrown a piece of yellow laundry 10 years ago at Beaver Stadium? The world may never know.
The Rivalry Never Sleeps
Finally, let's talk about the Ohio-Michigan rivalry. It's a competitive rivalry that extends beyond the football field, even to who can have the most cases of explosive diarrhea. The rivalry never sleeps, and neither will you if you get cyclosporiasis. Stay safe out there.
Song of the Day
'Breakdown' by Jack Johnson.
