The Ohio State football program is deep in offseason workouts right now. After a solid spring, the guys are back in the Woody, working hard in the gym. Getting stronger and better conditioned now will pay dividends later in the season when things really start to get tough.
Ohio State opens up the season just a few months from now. Guys who are fighting for playing time are working extra hard in order to earn some playing time this year. If they can impress the coaches now, they get an extra leg up on the competition when the Fall rolls around.
This week, the Buckeyes announced their Dudes of the Week. Two of them are established veterans. One is a player whom the Ohio State Buckeyes were able to flip last year at the last second. Kaden Gebhardt is that player, and he looks great already early in his career.
Kaden Gebhardt looking great early for the Ohio State football team
Gebhardt is a safety for the Buckeyes who is a true freshman. He comes from Olentangy High School and was a late flip for Ryan Day and his staff. He was committed to the Clemson Tigers until December 3rd, which is right before Signing Day. In the end, he flipped to Ohio State.
For him to be named one of the Dudes of the Week is great news for Ohio State. While the secondary should be fine this year, the depth of the secondary is a concern for the future. Having Gebhardt looking ready to go early in his career is a win for the Buckeyes.
Gebhardt likely won't be getting many snaps this season as a true freshman. There are just too many talented players on the roster for him to leapfrog. However, he might be able to push for snaps next season. This year is most likely going to be a redshirt season for Gebhardt.
Ohio State working hard now will pay off later
How hard the Buckeyes are able to work now will determine whether or not they will end up being national champions. There are quite a few players that the coaching staff is counting on to take leaps heading into this season. Julian Sayin is certainly one of those players.
Adding an ability to scramble is going to be critical for them. If they can get improved play from the offensive line, the offense should be absolutely incredible. Defensively, this will be the second year in Matt Patricia's system. That system created an elite defense a year ago.
Day is going to make sure that his guys are working extremely hard in the weight room. Getting these guys stronger and faster is going to be necessary to navigate a brutal 2026 schedule that is much harder than the one they dealt with a year ago.
Keeping the nose to the grindstone is something that the Buckeyes are adept at every offseason, and that's what they will be doing again through these long summer months.
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