THE BEAT with Austin and Birm Delivers Honest, In-Depth Insights on Ohio State Football’s Pursuit of 2025 National Championship Dreams
In the crowded landscape of college football media, few shows manage to blend insider access, sharp analysis, and authentic fan energy quite like THE BEAT with Austin and Birm. On the July 15, 2025 episode, the duo tackled everything swirling around Ohio State football in what might be the most pivotal season of Ryan Day’s tenure. With fall camp approaching, quarterback questions unresolved, and the looming specter of another high-stakes Michigan game ahead, Austin Ward and Jeremy Birmingham dove deep into the realities facing the Buckeyes—and didn’t sugarcoat a thing.
From the opening minute, the tone was clear: this is not just another season for Ohio State. It’s a prove-it year. For Ryan Day, for the defense, for the quarterback room, and for a program that has been knocking on the door of greatness without crossing the threshold. As always, Austin provided a steady, measured approach, while Birm brought passion, inside intel, and the occasional sharp elbow toward anyone not pulling their weight in scarlet and gray.
The episode began with a breakdown of the quarterback situation, which remains the hottest topic in Columbus. As the Buckeyes inch closer to naming a starter, the battle between Julian Sayin, Devin Brown, and Will Howard has intensified. Birm shared that Sayin may be slightly ahead heading into the next stretch of practices, based on his command of the offense and raw ability, though Howard’s experience still gives him an edge in situational awareness. Devin Brown, meanwhile, has shown flashes but hasn’t done enough to separate.
Austin emphasized the importance of consistency in this race—not just in decision-making but in leadership. “This isn’t about who has the strongest arm,” he said. “It’s about who can lead this team when they’re down in the fourth quarter at Penn State. That’s the guy Day needs to find.”
What stood out most in the conversation was how the hosts circled back to one unmissable reality: Ohio State can’t afford to get the quarterback decision wrong. With a national championship-caliber defense returning, the pressure on the offense to match that level is enormous. “This team isn’t lacking in talent,” Birm noted. “They’re lacking in proven leadership at the most important position.”
From there, the conversation shifted to Caleb Downs, the Alabama transfer who has quickly emerged as the heartbeat of the defense. The hosts were unanimous: Downs is different. Not just in talent, but in mindset. Austin described him as “a dude who walks in the room and makes everyone lock in immediately.” Birm added that Downs’ vocal presence, even in the spring, elevated the entire secondary.
It’s not just hype. Downs has already drawn comparisons to past greats like Malik Hooker and Vonn Bell, but what sets him apart is his understanding of the moment. He didn’t transfer to Ohio State to be a piece—he came to be the piece. And according to both Austin and Birm, the entire defense has taken its cues from him this offseason.
The hosts spent considerable time discussing Jim Knowles and the evolution of the Buckeyes’ defense. No longer the liability it once was, Ohio State’s defense is now viewed as the strength of the team. With JT Tuimoloau and Jack Sawyer leading the pass rush, and Downs and Denzel Burke anchoring the back end, Knowles finally has the kind of unit that can win championships. Birm mentioned the defense looks “as fast and as connected” as any he’s seen in years, noting that the cohesion is what separates this group from past units.
That led to a pointed conversation about Ryan Day. The hosts didn’t shy away from the stakes. Day, despite his winning record and offensive brilliance, has now lost three straight to Michigan. Austin said it best: “This is a legacy season. He wins The Game and gets back to the playoff—he resets the narrative. If he doesn’t, the noise will be louder than ever.”
Birm echoed the sentiment but added that Day has responded this offseason with a different energy. The hiring of Chip Kelly as offensive coordinator, the embrace of physicality in practice, and the increased focus on toughness—all signal a coach who knows what’s at stake. Still, the hosts agreed: it has to translate into results. The fans won’t tolerate another promising season undone by another loss in Ann Arbor.
One of the most insightful parts of the show came when they broke down Ohio State’s schedule. While most fans have their eyes locked on Michigan and Georgia, Austin pointed out that the September game at Oregon could be a trap. “That’s a team with speed, coaching, and no fear,” he said. “If you’re not ready for that atmosphere, it could get ugly.”
Birm added that the new-look Big Ten, with USC and Washington now in the mix, means Ohio State can’t sleepwalk through the conference anymore. “There are no off weeks,” he said. “You’ve got to bring it every Saturday now. That’s where leadership comes in.”
The hosts also touched on the NIL landscape and how Ohio State is adjusting. While both praised the work being done behind the scenes to keep talent in Columbus, there was an acknowledgment that the Buckeyes still have room to grow compared to the top SEC programs. Austin shared that the university has become more aggressive in recent months, especially after near-misses in recruiting. Birm mentioned that future success might hinge on how well the program can balance development with retention in this era.
There was also some time dedicated to recruiting and the 2025 class, which is shaping up nicely for Ohio State. Birm shared some insider updates on several five-star targets, including top defensive linemen and wide receivers. The message was clear: the brand is still strong. Kids want to play at Ohio State. But closing the deal in November—and lifting a trophy in January—will make the difference between keeping the elite pipeline alive or watching other programs pass them by.
As always, THE BEAT brought balance between analysis and accessibility. Austin kept the tempo measured, never overreacting but always focused on the bigger picture. Birm brought the behind-the-scenes edge that makes every episode feel like a glimpse into the Buckeye war room. Together, their chemistry remains the strength of the show, especially when tackling uncomfortable truths that fans don’t always want to hear.
The final minutes of the podcast offered a chance for fan questions, and the hosts didn’t duck the tough ones. One asked whether Ryan Day could be on the hot seat if he loses to Michigan again. Austin responded first: “It’s complicated. I don’t think Gene Smith wants to make that move. But the pressure would be undeniable.”
Birm went even further: “If you lose four in a row to Michigan and miss the playoff? That seat gets very warm, very fast. And he knows it.”
Another fan asked who the hosts believe will ultimately win the quarterback job. Both leaned toward Julian Sayin but noted that fall camp would be decisive. “If he stays calm under pressure and takes command of the huddle, it’s his to lose,” Birm said.
They closed the show with a reminder to fans: it’s okay to be excited. This team has the talent. It has the defensive identity. It has leaders. But as Austin said in the final line of the episode, “It’s all about finishing the job now. Nothing else matters.”
And that may be the perfect summary of where Ohio State football stands heading into the 2025 season. The tools are there. The talent is undeniable. The staff is experienced. The standard is unchanged. And with voices like Austin and Birm providing real, unfiltered coverage of every step along the way, fans will stay plugged in through every high and low.
THE BEAT with Austin and Birm isn’t just a podcast. It’s an honest pulse check on one of the most passionate and scrutinized programs in college football. And on July 15, it made one thing perfectly clear: the time for talk in Columbus is over. It’s time to win.
