Carly: Welcome to another edition of the Beatline Podcast Network, where we break down the Big Ten, one possession at a time. I’m Carly, and as always, I’m joined by my favorite analyst in the business, Doug.
Doug: Hey everyone. It is Friday, October 16th, 2026. We are right on the cusp of the 2026-27 college basketball season, and if you’ve been following Ohio State lately, you know things are... complicated.
Carly: Complicated is one word for it. Today is our weekly mailbag, so we’re digging into the inbox. We’ve got three big things coming up. First, we’re tackling the massive news from Columbus: Governor Doug DeWine’s executive order allowing those 2022 athletes to play despite NCAA guidance.
Doug: Right. That changes the roster calculus entirely. Then we’re looking at the financial side—JPMorganChase dropping nearly $17 million a year on jersey patches—and whether that cash can actually fix the team's structural issues.
Carly: And finally, we’re answering your questions about that persistent point guard crisis. Remember back last week when Doug and I predicted an eighth-place finish and a fragile ten-win season? Well, today we’re seeing if those predictions hold water with these new variables. Let’s get into the mail.
Carly: Alright, let’s start with the biggest headline. Marcus in Chicago sends us this: 'I saw the news about Gov. Doug DeWine signing that order. Can Ohio State really use those 2022 athletes? Isn’t the NCAA saying no?'
Doug: It’s a tricky situation, Marcus. The brief says the governor signed an executive order letting state’s 2022 athletes play even though the NCAA’s new guidance excludes those who have already played four seasons. So legally, in Ohio, they can play. But athletically? That’s the question.
Carly: So it’s a political win for the state, but does it help Coach Pope on the floor? If these players are seniors or have exhausted eligibility, are they just filling spots, or are they impact players?
Doug: Well, here’s the nuance. The headline specifically mentions excluding those who have played four seasons. So if any of these 2022 athletes still have eligibility left because they didn’t play the full four years previously, they might be eligible under this order. But if they’re done, they’re done. It’s not a magic wand.
Carly: Okay, so it’s not a free pass for anyone. Sarah from Ann Arbor asks: 'What about the JPMorganChase deal? Nearly $17 million a year for jersey patches on all 36 teams. Does this money solve the point guard problem?'
Doug: Sarah, I love the optimism, but no. Money doesn’t dribble. As we’ve said repeatedly over the last few days, Ohio State has frontcourt stability, but they have a critical point guard crisis. That hinders offensive execution. You can buy a better facility with $17 million, but you can’t buy immediate ball-handling skills from scratch.
Carly: Exactly. It provides financial security, sure. But it cannot immediately solve on-court execution issues. We talked about how Michigan looks stable with Denzel Aberdeen’s return, while Ohio State is scrambling. Does this cash change the narrative?
Doug: Not really. It keeps the lights on and maybe improves recruiting pipelines long-term, but for this specific season, the lack of a reliable primary ball-handler is going to hurt them in tight games. It’s a paradoxical situation: significant financial resources versus severe roster losses.
Carly: Let’s move to your questions about roster battles. @BuckeyeNation99 writes: 'With Milan Momcilovic transferring to Kentucky, who steps up in the frontcourt? And what about the guards?'
Doug: Good question. Milan leaving for Kentucky is a loss. We need to look at who remains. The brief mentions tracking player movement across key programs, but it doesn’t list specific replacements. However, we know the frontcourt was their stability. Without Milan, that stability is tested.
Carly: And the guards? This is where the crisis is. We mentioned earlier that the point guard spot is empty or filled by unproven talent. Who are the candidates? Are there any transfers incoming?
Doug: The brief notes that with one month left until games tip, we’re tracking moves. But it doesn’t give us names of incoming guards to fill that void. This is why our prediction of a ten-win season feels fragile. Without improved ball-handling, every possession is stressful.
Carly: So, essentially, Ohio State is betting on depth charts that aren’t fully formed yet. Trevor in Columbus asks: 'Is eighth place in the Big Ten still realistic? Or is this DeWine order going to shock people?'
Doug: Eighth place is realistic if they stay healthy and get lucky with matchups. But the DeWine order adds uncertainty. If they can field some of those 2022 athletes effectively, they might surprise. But given the point guard issues, surprising is hard. I’d stick with eighth, but it’s a low ceiling.
Carly: Low ceiling, high risk. Okay, let’s wrap up Segment One. We’ve covered the politics, the money, and the roster holes. Stick with us, because next we’re diving deeper into the depth chart battles and then a fun hypothetical.
Carly: Welcome back. Segment Two is all about the depth chart. Emily from Westerville asks: 'Who is the starting point guard? Is there a clear winner yet, or is it a committee?'
Doug: Emily, that’s the million-dollar question. And unfortunately, the brief doesn’t name a starter. But based on the 'critical point guard crisis' we’ve discussed, it’s likely a committee or a walk-on situation until someone proves themselves in practice. It’s not ideal.
Carly: A committee at point guard in the Big Ten? That sounds like a recipe for turnovers. Does that affect the pick-and-roll? If the PG can’t read the defense, the whole offense stalls.
Doug: Exactly. Spacing becomes irrelevant if you’re turning the ball over before you cross half court. Switching defenses will eat them alive. They need a PG who can handle pressure, and right now, that’s a blank slate.
Carly: Okay, moving to the wings. Jason in Dayton asks: 'With the JPMorganChase deal, are they bringing in more transfers? The brief mentions transfers, recruits, and roster moves for key teams.'
Doug: Jason, yes, they are active. The brief highlights 'transfers, recruits and roster moves for key men's NCAA basketball teams.' But it doesn’t specify who is joining Ohio State specifically. However, with that kind of money, they should be able to attract talent if they can offer NIL support.
Carly: But does NIL help if the coaching staff is unsure of the rotation? Sometimes transfers want a clear role. If Ohio State can’t promise playing time due to the PG crisis, they might miss out on top targets.
Doug: That’s a fair point. It’s a chicken-and-egg problem. They need wins to get transfers, but they need transfers to get wins. The DeWine order might add bodies, but if those bodies aren’t ready for Big Ten pace, it’s just noise.
Carly: Let’s talk about the frontcourt again. Rachel from Toledo asks: 'Is the rim protection still good? We heard about frontcourt stability, but with Milan gone, is that threat diminished?'
Doug: Rachel, rim protection is part of that 'frontcourt stability' we mentioned. Even without Milan, if the remaining bigs can protect the paint, they keep opponents off the boards. But shot selection matters. If they’re forcing bad shots because the PG is struggling, rim protection won’t save them.
Carly: So, it’s a chain reaction. Bad PG play leads to rushed shots, which leads to missed rebounds, which negates rim protection. It’s all connected. One weak link breaks the whole system.
Doug: Precisely. And that’s why our ten-win prediction is fragile. One bad stretch at the guard spot, and those ten wins disappear. It’s a precarious position in the Big Ten.
Carly: Alright, that’s Segment Two. We’ve got the depth chart questions answered. Now, let’s lighten the mood. Segment Three is a fun hypothetical and a lightning round. Ready?
Carly: First, the hypothetical. Mike in Cleveland asks: 'If Ohio State could magically fix ONE thing for opening night, would you rather have a perfect point guard or a dominant center?'
Doug: Mike, this is tough. But I’ll take the dominant center. Why? Because we have frontcourt stability already, just slightly diminished. But the point guard crisis is a systemic issue. A dominant center anchors the defense and gives you easy baskets. A PG needs to make decisions.
Carly: I agree. Defense wins championships, and a dominant center protects the rim. Plus, if the offense is stagnant, a big man can score in the post regardless of who’s running the point. What about you, Doug?
Doug: Wait, Carly, I changed my mind. Actually, I’d take the PG. Here’s why: in the modern game, pace and space rule. If you have a elite PG, you can create your own shots. You don’t NEED a dominant center if your guards are breaking down defenses.
Carly: Oh, wow! Reversal! You went from center to guard? That’s bold. But I see your logic. If the PG is elite, they control the tempo. But can one person carry the load against Michigan or Purdue?
Doug: Maybe not alone. But it solves the execution issue. And remember, we’re talking about fixing ONE thing. If the PG is fixed, the rest of the team plays better. If the center is fixed, the PG still turns it over.
Carly: Okay, Doug makes a compelling case. Let’s do a lightning round. Quick takes on these topics. Topic one: Denzel Aberdeen’s return to Michigan. How does that affect Ohio State?
Doug: Huge factor. Aberdeen brings stability to Michigan’s backcourt. While Ohio State scrambles, Michigan has a proven leader. It’s a contrast in fortunes.
Carly: Topic two: The 2027 March Madness bracketology. Where does Ohio State project?
Doug: Early projections show Denzel Aberdeen’s team as favorites. Ohio State? Probably on the bubble. If they finish eighth, they might not even get an at-large bid.
Carly: Ouch. Topic three: Recruiting. With Beckham Black leading the top 25 players, can Ohio State land a five-star next year?
Doug: With the JPMorganChase money, yes. Financial power attracts talent. But on-court results matter most. If they’re struggling now, recruiting might suffer next year.
Carly: Final topic: The DeWine order. Is it a distraction or a boost?
Doug: Distraction. Players are focused on winning, not politics. Unless those players are ready, it’s just noise.
Carly: Boom. Lightning round complete. We’ve covered the politics, the money, the roster, and the hypotheticals. Doug, any final thoughts on our eighth-place prediction?
Doug: I stand by it. Eighth place is realistic. Ten wins is possible, but fragile. If the PG situation stabilizes, we could go higher. But right now, it’s a gamble.
Carly: Thanks for listening, Buckeyes fans. We hope you enjoyed today’s deep dive into the mailbag. Before we go, we want to ask you something directly. If this episode helped you understand the Buckeyes’ complex situation better, consider chipping in to keep us free and daily. Your support lets us keep digging into these stories. Just check the link in the episode description.
Doug: We appreciate every single one of you. Subscribe, rate, and review wherever you listen. Share this with a fellow Buckeye fan.
Carly: Go Bucks!