The new AP Poll is out and Ohio State has been placed at No. 5, so take note Buckeye fans. It is a two-spot rise from the No. 7 position they held in the wake of that hard-fought one-point defeat at Texas some weeks back. Saturday’s 42-19 dismantling of Illinois did the trick to put them back up there, which is only fitting given what we saw on the field.
Texas is still locked in at No. 1, then Georgia, Notre Dame, and Miami. Ohio State checks in right after them with a 3-1 record. Indiana dropped a spot to No. 6. The AP Top 25 voters moved the Buckeyes up while a few other teams stumbled, and now Ohio State is the highest-ranked Big Ten team again.
What Actually Moved the Needle
It wasn’t just the win – it was how they won. Jeremiah Smith put on a show with 12 catches, 217 yards, and four touchdowns. Julian Sayin was sharp too. That kind of performance against a conference opponent tends to get the attention of voters, even if the defense still gave up a few too many yards.
A lot of us were hoping for a bigger jump, but two spots is progress. The Buckeyes are rolling again after that early season hiccup, and the ranking reflects it.
Every single catch from Jeremiah Smith’s four-touchdown day – pure highlights.
Iowa Next, and the Road Gets Real
This ranking comes right before a big one. The Buckeyes head to Kinnick Stadium on Saturday to face a 4-0 Iowa team that’s now ranked No. 14. College GameDay will be there, the place will be rocking, and it’s the kind of road environment that can make or break a season early.
Win that one and the rankings will probably look even better next week. Drop it, and things get a lot louder around Columbus. Either way, the next few weeks are going to tell us a lot about this team. For the full breakdown of the Iowa matchup, check out our Iowa preview here on BrutusReport.
Rankings come and go, but it sure feels good seeing the Buckeyes back in the top five. Let’s see what they do with it. Go Bucks.
Chris Olave just landed one of the biggest paydays of his career. The former Buckeye wide receiver has agreed to a four-year extension with the New Orleans Saints that could be worth up to $132 million, including $90 million guaranteed. The average annual value comes in at $33 million, and the deal keeps him in New Orleans through the 2030 season.
Olave, who Ohio State fans remember well after he went 11th overall in the 2022 NFL Draft out of Ohio State, just wrapped up his best pro season yet, one that earned him second-team All-Pro honors in 2025. It's another example of a former Buckeye receiver getting paid handsomely at the next level, and there's no shortage of those lately.
Contract Details and Timeline
Before the new money kicks in, Olave still has to play out 2026 on his fifth-year option, worth roughly $15.5 million. Once the extension actually starts in 2027, it'll place him among the league's better-paid receivers, currently good for sixth in average annual value.
Getting to this point wasn't quick. Reports indicate the two sides worked through negotiations that dragged into the start of training camp. In the meantime, Olave scaled back his practice reps, a "hold-in," while the deal got hammered out. Now that it's done, he's expected to be back at full speed with the rest of the team.
Want the quick rundown on what this means for the Saints? This reaction video from Locked On Saints breaks it down well:
Olave's Path from Columbus to New Orleans
Olave made his name at Ohio State between 2018 and 2021, developing into one of the most productive pass-catchers the program has seen. He left Columbus as the school's all-time leader in touchdown receptions with 35, and he wasted little time carrying that success into the NFL, putting together three 1,000-yard seasons in his first four years.
2025 was easily his best year yet. He hauled in a career-high 100 catches for 1,163 yards and nine touchdowns across 16 games, becoming only the second player in Saints history to crack the 100-reception mark in a season, joining Michael Thomas in that club.
It hasn't all been smooth sailing health-wise, he's dealt with multiple concussions during his career and a blood clot that sidelined him for the final game of last season. That he bounced back and still put up career numbers likely played a big part in convincing the Saints he's worth locking up long-term.
What It Means for Buckeye Fans
Ohio State just keeps churning out top-tier wide receiver talent, and Olave's new deal is the latest reminder of that. Garrett Wilson, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and others have already cashed in big, and the program's reputation as a receiver factory for the NFL keeps growing.
For more on former and current Buckeyes making waves in the pros, keep checking in with BrutusReport.com.
Looking Ahead
With his contract situation squared away, Olave can turn his full attention to 2026 and the Saints' offense, which is still taking shape around him. At 26, he's heading into his prime years with financial security locked in and a clear role as the focal point of New Orleans' passing attack.
Buckeye Nation will be keeping an eye on him as he continues building on an already strong NFL career.
Big Walnut High School standout Sydney Mobley is heading to the Ohio State women’s basketball program, and she’s not waiting around to get there. The five-star forward/center made her commitment official earlier this month, picking the Buckeyes over finalists Illinois and Virginia Tech. Even bigger news for the program: Mobley is reclassifying into the 2026 class, meaning she’ll be wearing Scarlet and Gray as early as the 2026-27 season.
From Sunbury Star to Columbus Commit
The 6-2 local product has been turning heads for years thanks to a rare mix of size, skill, and feel for the game. As a junior, she carried Big Walnut on deep postseason runs and picked up Ohio Ms. Basketball honors along the way. Reclassifying means she’ll graduate early and step onto campus right away, giving head coach Kevin McGuff an immediate jolt of size and talent for his roster.
Watch Sydney Mobley dominate in this highlight reel from her high school career:
She’s honestly far more than just a big frame down low — Mobley can step out and smack the shots in, bully her way to the rim , and grab rebounds against anybody like it’s nothing. Her game keeps rounding out, mixing raw physicality with that kind of touch, plus the perimeter comfort that’s weirdly hard to find in a player her size. For a program chasing Big Ten titles, and some national relevance, landing someone with her talent — along with her hometown ties — is a serious get .
Buckeye fans have been hoping for a while that a talent like this would stick around Ohio instead of leaving. Mobley’s decision delivers exactly that, and then some.
The Reclassification Impact
Jumping into the 2026 class fast-tracks Mobley’s college career, and it also gives Ohio State an extra year to build around her, which is a welcome wrinkle for roster planning. It’s just another sign there’s some real momentum forming for the women’s program heading into next season. And really it keeps up Ohio State’s hot streak on the recruiting trail too, across both the men’s and women’s programs, with no slowing down.
Why Ohio State? A Dream Come True
Mobley grew up in Sunbury surrounded by Buckeye Nation, so this one runs deep. Between her own comments and her family’s, it’s clear the idea of playing in front of hometown fans at Value City Arena was too strong to pass up. This isn’t just another commitment on the board — it’s a full-circle story for a player Ohio State offered years ago, one who took her time and landed right where it always seemed she might.
BrutusReport will continue tracking Mobley’s transition and everything else happening in Buckeye athletics. Welcome to Columbus, Sydney — the next chapter is going to be fun.
Thursday, July 2, 2026
Mike Conley is heading to Boston. The veteran point guard has agreed to a one-year deal with the Celtics, setting up a milestone 20th NBA season at age 38. That puts him in rare company — only 13 other players in league history have ever played that long.
Conley's journey has taken him from Memphis, where the Grizzlies drafted him fourth overall back in 2007, to a stint with the Utah Jazz, and most recently three and a half seasons in Minnesota. Now he's bringing all that experience — the playmaking, the leadership, the championship pedigree — to a Celtics backcourt built to contend.
Few players in the league match his reputation for consistency and professionalism. He's picked up four NBA Sportsmanship Awards along the way, and after all these years, the Ohio State alum is still showing what it takes to last in a league that chews up careers.
Curtis Givens III Heads to Columbus: Why the Memphis Transfer Chose Ohio State Basketball
The college basketball transfer portal creates rapid movement during its opening period. One minute a player scores points for his local team the next he starts to prepare for his upcoming journey. Curtis Givens III who stands 6-foot-3 announced his commitment to Ohio State Buckeyes this week. Givens chose to join Jake Diebler's program after he played at LSU and Memphis because he believes it will help him advance his career. The evidence we have gathered until now shows that both parties involved establish a successful relationship through this arrangement.
Curtis Givens III in action (stock image for illustration)
From Memphis Roots to the Big Ten Spotlight
Givens isn't some unknown name scraping the bottom of the portal. The Memphis native who came from Montverde Academy in Florida became a highly respected basketball prospect. He began his college career at LSU before transferring to his hometown school to compete for Penny Hardaway and the Tigers in the 2025-26 season.
Givens achieved major progress during his last season with Memphis. He recorded an average of 9.4 points and 2.1 rebounds and 2.3 assists while shooting 43% from the field and 36.5% from three-point range. He started 15 games and showed his skills as a reliable combo guard through his ability to create his own shots and make open shots. The backcourt depth and experience requirements of the Buckeyes team make his statistics essential to their needs.
What Sold Givens on Ohio State?
The official visit to Columbus made a significant impact according to reports. Givens experienced the program's atmosphere while he toured the facilities and participated in discussions about basketball with Coach Diebler and the staff. Ohio State has been active in the portal this offseason, already adding pieces like Justin Pippen from Cal, Jimmie Williams from Duquesne, and Andrija Jelavic from Kentucky. The Buckeyes received their fourth transfer through Givens who will support their guard needs for the 2026-27 season.
The attraction of the program is easy to recognize. Ohio State provides Big Ten athletic events together with dedicated supporters who back their teams and students who want to learn from a coaching staff that focuses on building their skills. Givens has two years of eligibility left, which gives him time to carve out a real role and develop his shooting skills together with his overall game performance.
What Givens Brings to the Buckeyes
Givens meets the height and weight requirements for the guard position through his 6 feet 3 inches height and 185 pounds weight. His basketball skills enable him to handle the ball effectively while creating scoring chances for his teammates and reaching high scoring results during games when he shoots accurately. The Ohio State fanbase has expressed their desire for more dependable perimeter players and Givens can provide perimeter support from the bench or through potential starting opportunities which will depend on the team rotation setup.
He's not a finished product by any means — his efficiency and decision-making can still tighten up — but the upside is there. With two full seasons ahead, there's real potential for him to become a contributor who helps this team compete in a loaded Big Ten.
Looking Ahead for Ohio State Basketball
The portal moves have been interesting for the Buckeyes this cycle. Diebler and his staff attempt to construct their team from multiple transfers while they keep their existing players. Givens joins a group that includes Scottie Pippen's son and some other intriguing names, which should make for an athletic and versatile backcourt.
Of course, it's still early. The upcoming spring workouts and summer training and fall practice sessions will provide us with better information about how the new elements function together. The Buckeye Nation fans of the team now have another reason to believe that their program is heading toward a positive future.
If you enjoy watching traditional basketball defense combined with current offensive strategies Givens becomes a player who deserves your attention. Welcome to Columbus, CG3.
Ohio State's Five First-Round Gems: Buckeyes Headed to Pittsburgh for the 2026 NFL Draft
The special nature of spring in Columbus becomes evident through the red carpet invitation which five Ohio State Buckeyes receive for the NFL Draft. The five players which include Caleb Downs, Arvell Reese, Sonny Styles, Carnell Tate, and Kayden McDonald will all compete in the first round of the draft when they appear at the Pittsburgh event which starts on April 23. My experience watching this program has developed my ability to recognize talent, and the current group of players appears to be a once-in-a-generation recruitment which demonstrates why Ohio State produces NFL players at such a high rate.
The Historic Pipeline That's Turning Heads
If all five of these guys go in the first round — and the mocks say it's very likely — Ohio State ties its own school record for first-round picks in a single draft. Four of them (Downs, Reese, Styles, and Tate) are sitting in the top-15 conversation, with serious buzz about three or even all four cracking the top 10. That's not just good. That's legendary territory. The last time a school had four top-10 picks in one year? You have to go back decades. This is the kind of night that Buckeye fans will be talking about for years.
Defensive Dominance: The Heart of This Class
Start with the defense, because that's where the Buckeyes have been stacked lately. Caleb Downs, who transferred to the team and played safety, became the vital force driving secondary performance in his new role. He displays complete defensive range combined with exceptional ball-handling abilities and natural intuition, which enables him to compete as a top-five player in most mock drafts. The linebackers feature two players who stand at least 6 feet 4 inches tall and who recorded 4.46 seconds in their 40-yard dash during the Combine. With his 6.5 sacks from last season, Reese possesses edge-rushing abilities, while Styles functions as a versatile middle linebacker who excels at both run defense and pass protection. The defensive tackle does not receive as much media attention but he operated as the fundamental player who enabled all others to pursue tackles. NFL teams will be attracted to his combination of strength and relentless work ethic.
Carnell Tate: The Offensive Game-Changer
On the other side of the ball, Carnell Tate is the wide receiver prospect who currently attracts all the attention from NFL scouts. His speed does not make him the fastest player on the field but his exceptional skills in catching the ball and controlling his body and winning battles for the ball make him an elite athlete. He has been projected to become a top-10 draft pick who will immediately become the team's primary wide receiver. The highlights of his performance will accumulate on Sundays when he plays with an effective quarterback.
What This Means for Ryan Day and Buckeye Nation
Beyond the individual talent, this draft class is proof of the culture Ryan Day has built in Columbus. These aren't just five random dudes — they're the product of elite recruiting, development, and competition that pushes everyone to be great. For fans, it's exciting to see the next wave of Buckeyes going pro. For the program, it's fuel to keep the pipeline flowing. You can check out the full official draft details and order right here on NFL.com.
And if you're the type who likes to geek out on film (like I do), head over to this page on efilmroom.com for the in-depth breakdowns that show exactly why these five are headed for the first round.
Watch the Hype: Breakdown of the Top Buckeye Prospects
This breakdown video has been making the rounds — it's got the tape, the Pro Day reactions, and exactly why these guys are must-watch prospects. If you haven't seen it yet, do yourself a favor and hit play.
The main point is that Ohio State fans will enjoy April 23. The NFL draft selection will announce five players who the entire league considers draft prospects. Buckeye Nation, get ready to celebrate.
CJ Donaldson, the big Ohio State running back, put in work at the NFL Combine today in Indianapolis. He weighed in at 228 pounds which was two pounds less than his official weight at Ohio State but he did not participate in the main athletic testing which included the 40-yard dash. The guy appeared to catch passes from the backfield with effortless movements which make sense because he started his career as a tight end. Scouts have him pegged as a late-round guy or maybe even a priority undrafted free agent but his size and receiving skills should help him to become a power back who can run and catch passes. It was exciting to watch him compete with other Buckeyes prospects while he worked to prove to NFL teams that he deserves a spot on their roster. He had a successful day overall.
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