Austin Ward and Jeremy Birmingham Dive Deep Into Ohio State Football’s Biggest Questions and Bold Predictions on July 16 Podcast Episode
In the latest episode of THE BEAT with Austin & Birm, recorded on July 16, 2025, Austin Ward and Jeremy Birmingham once again brought their deep insights, chemistry, and no-nonsense commentary to the forefront as they broke down everything fans need to know about Ohio State football heading into the heart of summer workouts. With the season opener just over a month away, the two respected insiders tackled the hottest topics surrounding the Buckeyes’ 2025 campaign—from position battles and rising stars to NIL dynamics, recruiting updates, and the ever-present expectations in Columbus.
This episode came at a critical time in the Buckeye offseason. Ohio State is coming off a strong spring showing and is widely considered a top-three team in the country heading into fall camp. But questions still linger about key position groups, the quarterback competition, the new-look Big Ten, and whether this is finally the year Ryan Day breaks through with a national title.
Austin and Birm wasted no time diving into one of the offseason’s most debated topics: the quarterback battle. With Devin Brown having entered the transfer portal earlier in the year and Lincoln Kienholz continuing to develop, all eyes are on true sophomore Julian Sayin, the former five-star Alabama flip who dazzled in spring ball. Ward noted that Sayin’s command of the offense and poise under pressure have put him squarely in the lead for QB1, but Birm emphasized that there’s still plenty to prove once the pads come on in August.
“He’s clearly talented,” Birm said. “But let’s not forget—being the guy in practice and being the guy in front of 110,000 in the Horseshoe on a Saturday are two different things.”
The conversation naturally flowed into the importance of having an elite supporting cast. Both hosts agreed that Ohio State might have the most balanced roster in the country, especially with standout talent returning on both sides of the ball. The wide receiver room, despite losing Marvin Harrison Jr. and Emeka Egbuka to the NFL, is once again loaded. Carnell Tate, Brandon Inniss, and Jeremiah Smith were praised heavily by both analysts.
“Jeremiah Smith might already be the best receiver in college football,” Austin said. “That’s not an exaggeration. He looks like a pro on every snap.”
The running back position was another area of focus. TreVeyon Henderson’s return has Buckeye fans buzzing, but it was the depth behind him that impressed both hosts. Dallan Hayden’s quiet consistency and James Peoples’ emergence as a true freshman were highlighted as signs that Ohio State won’t miss a beat in the backfield.
On the defensive side, Ward and Birm expressed cautious optimism. With Jim Knowles entering his third year as defensive coordinator, continuity and familiarity are finally aligning with talent. Caleb Downs, the Alabama transfer turned Ohio State star, was a major talking point. His leadership and impact on the secondary were praised, with Birm calling him “the most important defensive player since Chase Young.”
They also noted that Downs recently pointed out two young safeties—Malik Hartford and Jaylen McClain—who could have breakout seasons. Austin added that the linebacker room, anchored by C.J. Hicks and Sonny Styles, could be the best the program has seen since the Ryan Shazier days.
Perhaps the most animated part of the episode came when the hosts discussed NIL and recruiting. While Ohio State has made strides in recent months with alignment between collectives and the athletic department, Birm was adamant that the Buckeyes still need to “go harder” to compete with the likes of Georgia, Texas, and Michigan, who have embraced NIL with more aggression.
“This is not the time to be conservative,” Birm said. “The Buckeyes are sitting on one of the biggest brands in college football. Use it. Weaponize it.”
Austin pointed out that while some fans may be frustrated by the program’s cautious approach, progress is being made. He cited recent NIL-driven wins on the recruiting trail and a more public push by Ryan Day to rally support as encouraging signs. However, the need for sustainable, competitive NIL infrastructure remains a major talking point heading into the 2025 season.
The duo then shifted to the ever-changing landscape of the Big Ten. With Oregon, USC, Washington, and UCLA now full members, the conference has become even more competitive—and geographically challenging. Both Austin and Birm agreed that Ohio State’s road to the College Football Playoff will be tougher than ever, but that the team is better equipped than most to handle the gauntlet.
They spent time breaking down the Buckeyes’ schedule, circling dates like the road trip to Eugene to face Oregon, the Penn State showdown in Happy Valley, and, of course, the season-ending clash with Michigan in Ann Arbor. Both hosts agreed that the November 29 game will once again define the narrative of the season—particularly for Ryan Day.
“There’s no sugarcoating it,” Austin said. “He’s got to beat Michigan this year. Period.”
Birm echoed that sentiment, though he also pushed back against the idea that Day’s job is on the line. “People forget how hard it is to win consistently like this,” he said. “But the standard at Ohio State is championships, and you can only finish second in the Big Ten so many times before it catches up with you.”
The show closed with a rapid-fire segment featuring listener-submitted questions. Topics ranged from breakout freshmen to the potential of special teams improving under new coordinator adjustments. Birm highlighted cornerback Bryce West as a player who could surprise fans this fall, while Austin praised offensive tackle Luke Montgomery’s growth and said he could anchor the line for years to come.
Throughout the episode, THE BEAT was true to form—honest, informed, and fan-focused. Whether you’re a die-hard recruiting junkie or a casual viewer trying to make sense of Ohio State’s depth chart, the show delivered insight without the fluff. The combination of Austin Ward’s journalistic polish and Jeremy Birmingham’s recruiting expertise continues to set the podcast apart from other Buckeye coverage platforms.
As the calendar inches closer to kickoff, THE BEAT will remain an essential listen for fans eager to stay plugged into every development surrounding Ohio State football. And if this latest episode is any indication, Austin and Birm will keep asking the tough questions, sharing behind-the-scenes info, and offering the kind of perspective only insiders can provide.
Whether it’s quarterback battles, NIL implications, or the looming war in Ann Arbor, THE BEAT with Austin and Birm remains the pulse of Buckeye Nation.
