Draft week always carries a certain energy.
You feel it in conversations, in locker rooms, in the quiet moments between reps. It’s the anticipation of what’s next. For some, it’s the culmination of a lifelong dream. For others, it’s a reminder that time keeps moving.
When walking into the Woody Hayes Athletic Center with Todd Blackledge, that energy was there.
Welcome to this weeks Y-Option: College Football with Yogi Roth podcast, fueled by our founding sponsor 76, keeping you on the GO GO GO so you never miss a beat.
From Columbus, Todd and I talk about his Draft Day, as well as dive into the 2026 Ohio State Buckeyes.
It’s expected that 4 players will be drafted in the top 10 this week from Ohio State but let’s make one thing clear — this program doesn’t reset — it reloads.
And yet, by every modern measure, this years roster feels different.
Over 50 new players have entered the program since the end of last season and in today’s game, that kind of turnover can challenge a teams identity.
Not in the great state of O-H-I-O.
If anything, it felt tighter.
Many of the players who arrived didn’t need to be convinced of the standard. They already knew it. Some had relationships with coaches. Others had studied the program long before they stepped into the building.
So instead of adapting to a culture they stepped into one they were ready for.
Hope you enjoy this week’s podcast and if if you haven’t, be sure to subscribe to our YouTube Channel.
Quick Takeaways from Ohio State
Ohio State doesn’t rebuild — it evolves with intention
50+ new players, yet zero drop in identity or expectation
The portal is being used to reinforce culture, not replace it
“Tough love” shows up in daily standards, not messaging
The best players are also the hardest workers — and it’s contagious
The receiver room sets a tone that elevates the entire roster
Year two at quarterback brings ownership, not just experience
