Good BAD Morning: Gold Pants, Pro Day recap, and 2026 projected win totals
Weekly Newsletter recapping all the content Bill and Doug put out from March 23-29
Hey BAD subscribers, it’s fellow Buckeye fan, Nick. It’s Monday morning, and I’m here to give you a rundown of every article and podcast Bill and Doug put out last week, in case you missed anything.
Last week, the Buckeyes returned to the field with spring practices and Pro Day. Bill and Doug got to speak to a number of coaches, including Arthur Smith, and a bunch of players. In this newsletter, I will recap last week’s coverage, including my personal favorites.
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My article pick this week
Ohio State Buckeyes get Gold Pants at spring practice for the first time in seven years
COLUMBUS — Ryan Day was handed his pair of Gold Pants on Tuesday, raised his arm in the air and shouted, “Yessir!”
Last Tuesday, the Buckeyes were awarded their Gold Pants for defeating Michigan last season. Personally, I think earning a pair of Gold Pants is one of the greatest traditions in college football. As a fan, I found this article a great reminder of how satisfying that game in Ann Arbor was last November; it also made me happy for the players. Their hard work paid off, and they now have the hardware to show for it.
My podcast pick this week
Ohio State Pro Day reactions on Carnell Tate, Sonny Styles, Ethan Onianwa and more, plus Whatcha (Subscriber only)
Bill and Doug talk about Ohio State’s Pro Day and the players who participated. Both Julian Sayin and Tavien St. Clair threw at Pro Day; Doug and Bill discuss their throwing mechanics, and the extra zip Sayin may have been putting on the ball. The guys also discuss who showed up to watch, including several NFL head coaches.
Other podcasts this week
Ohio State Around the Shoe: Buckeyes’ tough football schedule & what to make of their 9.5 win total. We get an all-time great group on this week’s Around the Shoe; Ari Wasserman from On3 and Matt Fortuna of The Inside Zone are the guests. They discuss 2026 projected win totals for a number of Big Ten teams, including Ohio State, which is listed at 9.5. The guys discuss which games the Buckeyes could drop this season and whether 9.5 is a good line. Then they look at the rest of the Power Four teams and each pick one team they like to hit the over and one they would take on the under. (See the video at the top of this newsletter)
Ohio State’s No. 3 spring practice: OL maulers, Jeremiah Smith as Derrick Henry & Arthur Smith vibes. After Arthur Smith spoke to the media for the first time since being hired. Bill and Doug discuss the new offensive coordinator, his offense and the offensive line,
Inside Ohio State spring practice No. 4: Matt Patricia adjusting, how Buckeyes have an edge on Bama. This podcast focuses on the Buckeyes’ defense. After talking with Matt Patricia on Thursday, Bill and Doug discuss the changes he will need to make to adapt to the new group of defensive starters. Also, both Ryan Day and James Smith shared some opinions about Alabama.
Ohio State spring practice No. 5: Jeremiah Smith says where he can improve, Cortez Hankton vibes. Bill and Doug discuss Jeremiah Smith, who spoke over the weekend about his views on the 2025 season and what he’s working on ahead of his junior year. Saturday also brought the introduction of new receivers coach Cortez Hankton. The guys share their first impressions.
Sunday Soundoff: What are we overvaluing and undervaluing with Ohio State? Plus clean-freaky variance, Big Ten depth and more. Bill and Doug let the subscribers drive the show for the second premium episode of the week. To get access to the Wednesday and Sunday shows, consider becoming a paid subscriber.
Other articles this week
The 9-3 debate: Just how tough is Ohio State’s 2026 football schedule? Doug looks ahead to next season’s schedule and the teams Ohio State plays. He analyzes each team’s projected win totals, returning production, and transfer class ranks.
Why Kenyatta Jackson in Year 5 is so rare, and so prepared to bust out some old man strength. Kenyatta Jackson is ready for his fifth year at Ohio State. He has increased his lean muscle mass and decreased his body fat percentage. With added experience combined with improved physicality, we could see a jump in production from Jackson this season.
Jeremiah Smith as Derrick Henry, Arthur Smith’s thoughts on tempo: Meet Ohio State’s new OC. In this article, Bill shares some quotes and what he learned from Arthur Smith’s introduction to the press on Tuesday. I think it is a great sign that Smith did not have a previous relationship or friendship with Ryan Day; it gives me additional assurance that Smith was hired based on merit.
Ohio State Pro Day Notebook: Arvell Reese, Caleb Downs evaluations; Carnell Tate’s route-running; Sonny Styles makes it look easy and more. Bill and Doug share insights and videos from Ohio State’s Pro Day last Wednesday. They discuss some overblown social media narratives about Arvell Reese and Carnell Tate and set the record straight about what makes those guys special.
Doug rants: Ohio State No. 1 again — why the Buckeyes are the rightful kings of spring; plus retiring a Matt Patricia question on havoc. Doug chimes in on a few subjects, including OSU being ranked No. 1 in ESPN’s preseason SP+ rankings.
Can James Smith’s fresh start at Ohio State unlock more for the Alabama transfer? The defensive tackle from the Crimson Tide has joined the Buckeyes for his final season. Bill dives in on Smith’s decision to transfer to Ohio State and what it could mean for him, and his new team.
Jeremiah Smith, an evolving superstar in three parts: Stay, work, own it. Doug on Smith, who’s carrying some scars from last year’s loss to Miami into what is likely his final season with the Buckeyes.