Next Mendoza Up, Todd McShay Previews the NFL Draft, plus is Chris Henry Jr the Next Buckeye Great?

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Triple Option – "Next Mendoza Up, Todd McShay Previews the NFL Draft, plus is Chris Henry Jr the Next Buckeye Great?"

Date: April 21, 2026
Hosts: Urban Meyer, Mark Ingram II, Rob Stone
Guest: Todd McShay (ESPN Draft Analyst)

---

Episode Overview

This week on The Triple Option, Urban Meyer, Mark Ingram II, and Rob Stone deliver a dynamic, insight-filled conversation on the shifting landscape of college and professional football. Topics range from the emergence of the Mendoza brothers, Georgia Tech’s renewed promise, and the value of elite running backs, to a deep-dive with Todd McShay previewing the 2026 NFL Draft. The group concludes with an assessment of Ohio State's wide receiver pipeline and the next star-in-the-making, Chris Henry Jr.

---

Key Discussion Points

1. Setting the Scene: Banter and Birthdays (00:57–03:58)

• The crew reconnects after an event in NYC; Mark records at his parents’ house in Florida, leading to family jokes and small talk about memorabilia in the home.
• Memorable Moment: Urban jokes about Mark's childhood "origins" and the old couch, followed by toasts with a sponsor's (alcohol-free) whiskey alternative, RK Zero Proof.

---

2. College Football Spring Developments and the Mendoza Brothers (05:38–14:20)

Alberto Mendoza’s Ascension at Georgia Tech

• Mark Ingram: Introduces Alberto Mendoza’s move to Georgia Tech after a successful spring game (06:03).

  • "On any given Saturday, Fernando Mendoza won the Heisman, won the national title. ... His little brother Alberto transferred out of Indiana to Georgia Tech in the off season, had a really good spring game..."

• Urban Meyer: Reflects on the challenge of following a legacy and on coaching high-profile siblings (Bosa brothers, Burrow/Haskins QB battle at OSU) (06:03–08:46).

  • Emphasizes that the No. 1 job for a quarterback is to “get first downs” (09:30).
  • "I would make them say it, 'What's your job? Get first downs.'"

QB Battles and Transfer Dynamics

• Urban describes the competitive process and data-tracking used in spring QB competitions; notes that coaches often delay naming starters to avoid transfers (08:28).
• Mark asks about evaluation: Urban prioritizes “moving the chains” over stats on air (08:56–09:37).

---

3. Georgia Tech's Potential: The Justice Haynes Effect (09:37–12:24)

• Mark Ingram/Urban Meyer: Touch on transfer RB Justice Haynes, his injury history, and impact on Georgia Tech’s offense and new QB (10:27–11:46).

  • Urban: “You want a running back who could take some pressure off of him. ... Low risk, high reward. You want a running back that you can get the ball out to in space and just dump him the ball.”

• Mark previews Georgia Tech’s challenging schedule (12:24).

The Reality of Sibling Comparisons

• Urban and Rob reflect on the Bosa brothers and the pressure siblings face (13:06–14:23).

  • Urban: “Every time you throw a ball, every time you do anything, you’re, you know, you’re compared to your brother.”

• Notable quote about Nick Bosa:

  • "Nick Bosa is one of the best football players I’ve ever been around. I’d put Percy Harvin number one, maybe Nick Bosa number two. ... If Nick Bosa is playing for Ohio State...Ohio State wins it all. That's how good a player he was." (13:16–14:20)

---

4. Sibling Culture in Football (14:41–15:49)

• Mark/Urban share stories about twin brothers in the NFL (the Dixon twins), and the Pouncey twins in college—emphasizing kinship and chemistry.

---

5. NFL Draft Deep Dive with Todd McShay (18:36–39:01)

Draft Board Nuances

• Todd explains the unusual top of the 2026 draft: elite talents at non-premium positions (safety Sonny Styles, RB Jeremiah Love) (19:34–20:49).
  • "If you pulled...NFL teams, I think Jeremiah Love would probably be...the majority No. 1 overall player and Sonny Styles is right there in the top five." (19:34)
  • Mendoza is locked in as No. 1 overall.
• Jets at No. 2 likely choosing between David Bailey (proven Texas Tech pass rusher) and Arvell Reese (Ohio State converted LB/Edge) (20:12–22:34).
  • "At the end of the day, it’s Bailey or Reese is my understanding at No. 2." (21:24)

Positional Value, Team Debates, and Trade Forecasts

• Rob and Todd discuss:
  • How positional value shapes decisions; coaches focus more on scheme than GMs obsessed with roster value.
    (23:58–26:44)
  • Premium NFL salaries now: QB > Edge > WR > OT; RB, S, C, G at bottom end (26:58–27:26).
  • The 2026 class is light at premium tackle, QB after Mendoza and Simpson; edge and WR are deep (27:26–30:15).
  • Todd: “If you don't get one of those seven [tackles], you're not drafting a starter.” (29:44)

Evolving Football Offense

• The panel discusses how the spread/RPO systems introduced in college have "trickled up" and changed the pro game (32:24–32:35).
  • Todd: “It used to be the NFL trickled down to college and what I’ve seen since your days with the spread, ... it was always like, ‘not in the National Football League,’ you know what I mean? ... Now all of a sudden, we see that trickle-up effect..." (31:01)

Quarterback Class and Value Picks

• This year’s class: After Mendoza and Simpson, quality drops, but there may be hidden gems at QB in later rounds (34:42–35:07).
  • “...there are some intriguing guys like Garrett Nussmeier...Cole Payton from North Dakota State...Taylor Green...”
  • "Certainly there’s only two guys that you view absolutely have a chance to be like a good starter in this league." (34:42–35:07)

Character Evaluations and Reuben Bain’s Story

• Discussion of how teams handle background checks & character concerns, using DL Reuben Bain's off-field accident (35:07–38:13).
  • Todd: "Reuben Bain...Two things can be true at the same time. Is a great human being by all accounts. He made a horrible mistake.” (36:35)
  • Clarifies the story was known to teams long ago; draft position likely tied to measurables, not the incident.

Anticipated Draft Drama

• The group expects the 2026 NFL Draft to be "trade-heavy and hectic" due to depth and positional needs (38:29).
  • “GMs have got to be on top of their game in order to make these decisions. I think it’s going to be a wild first night.” (38:29)

---

6. Cheers of the Week & Future Buckeye Stars: Chris Henry Jr. (41:13–47:12)

Ohio State’s WR Factory

• Rob/Urban/Mark celebrate the arrival & impact of WR Chris Henry Jr.:

  • Top WR recruit, "6’5, a little slight," but elite talent (41:13–42:21).
  • Recorded 4 catches, 96 yards, and a 40-yd TD in his first spring game.
  • “Ohio State right now is just, you know, playing chess when everybody’s playing checkers at wide receiver.” – Urban (42:03)

• Mark lists OSU WR alumni who didn't even start as freshmen (Marvin Harrison Jr., Garrett Wilson, Chris Olave, etc.), setting the context for Henry Jr. (42:44–43:07).

• Also teases Marvin Harrison Jr.’s younger brother (“Jet Harrison”), a top recruit for 2028 (43:06).

Spring Game Realities

• Urban and Mark discuss the role and expectations of true freshmen in spring games and that top veterans rarely play much.

  • “The great ones don’t play in spring games...You’re just trying to get some young guys some experience and then see how they perform in front of a crowd.” – Urban (43:36)

• Both recall motivational ploys used in spring, including surf-and-turf vs. beans dinners for scrimmage winners/losers, and the Buckeye Grove tree-mulching tradition (44:53–47:24).

---

Notable Quotes & Timestamps

• "Your number one job as a quarterback, you get a first down. What’s that mean? Run, pass, throw. I mean whatever it takes." – Urban Meyer (09:09)
• "Nick Bosa is one of the best football players I’ve ever been around. ... If Nick Bosa is playing for Ohio State...OSU wins it all." – Urban Meyer (13:16)
• "If you pulled...NFL teams, I think Jeremiah Love would probably be...the majority No. 1 overall player and Sonny Styles is right there in the top five." – Todd McShay (19:34)
• “It used to be the NFL trickled down to college and what I’ve seen since your days with the spread… it was always like ‘not in the Nat’l Football League’… now we see that trickle-up effect.” – Todd McShay (31:01)
• “Certainly there’s only two [QBs] that you view absolutely have a chance to be a good starter in this league.” – Todd McShay (35:07)
• “Ohio State is just playing chess while everyone’s playing checkers at wide receiver.” – Urban Meyer (42:03)

---

Important Timestamps

• 05:38 – Begin college football segment, focus on the Mendoza brothers
• 09:37 – Analysis of QB evaluation, “move the chains” philosophy
• 10:27 – Justice Haynes discussion and RB impact on new QBs
• 13:16 – Nick Bosa & sibling comparison/pressure in college football
• 19:34 – Todd McShay joins; top of the NFL draft breakdown
• 23:58 – GM vs. Coach draft philosophy, positional value debate
• 27:26 – Strengths and weaknesses of the 2026 draft
• 31:01 – NFL offenses adapt to college innovations
• 34:42 – This year’s QB class: lack of depth after Mendoza/Simpson
• 35:07 – Character vetting, Reuben Bain discussion
• 38:29 – Final draft prediction: wild, trade-heavy first round
• 41:13 – Cheers of the Week; Chris Henry Jr., Ohio State receiver pipeline
• 43:36 – How spring games fit team development and traditions

---

Tone and Flow

• The tone is casual, humorous, and at times reflective—equal parts insider football talk, player/coach perspective, and locker room camaraderie.
• Mark and Urban trade playful jabs, maintain energy; Rob keeps segments moving. McShay delivers rapid-fire, data-driven draft evaluation.

---

Takeaways

• The 2026 NFL Draft is unusual at the top with elite players at "lower value" positions.
• The pipeline of talent at certain schools (Ohio State WRs, for example) continues to fuel expectations and competitive pressure for younger siblings and recruits.
• Evolving offensive philosophies have closed the gap between how college and pro football are played—thanks in part to coaches like Urban Meyer.
• Off-field character assessments remain critical in draft preparations, but teams weigh context and timing.
• Georgia Tech, with a new Mendoza at QB and Justice Haynes at RB, is positioned as an intriguing team to watch.
• Chris Henry Jr. is likely the next “Buckeye Great” at WR; Ohio State’s young talent continues to dazzle.

---

Transcript

[Todd McShay]

You know, you. You were a big part of bringing spread. Spread offenses and what you were running at Utah, Florida, Ohio State, and it was always like, not in the National Football League.

[Rob Stone]

Yeah.

[Todd McShay]

You know what I mean? Mobile quarterbacks can't play in our league. You know, I can remember, like, going up to Bristol and in the. I used to call them the. The NFL. The NFL Studios biker gang would come rolling out, like, not in the National Football League Night.

[Mark Ingram]

The triple option is presented by. We. Wendy's invented the spicy chicken sandwich, and now we're reinventing it, making it crispier than ever before. Wendy's spicy Chicken. We're so back. The triple option is back.

[Urban Meyer]

We're back.

[Coach]

We're complete. We're complete.

[Mark Ingram]

We have our friend Mark Ingram back from extended break. Good to see. By the way, we got to, like, press flesh the other day at the AMP Sports get together in New York City, all three of us.

[Rob Stone]

Where are you, Rob?

[Coach]

What? Glasses? What is that?

[Mark Ingram]

I'm at mom and dad's. I'm at mom and dad's in Florida right now. Just down the road from you, Coach. Yep. This is my dad's office. It hasn't gotten a lot of use lately. There's a lot of things in here. Like, when's the last time somebody used, like, a real paper? Remember those envelope openers? Got those. We got some Mucinex. I got it. I got a dad joke. Hold on.

[Coach]

Why did the crook take a bath before he robbed the bank? He wanted to make a clean getaway.

[Mark Ingram]

Clean getaway. Dad joke button. Yeah. This all kinds of fun stuff. Mucinex is in here. That's great. Show's going great, guys. Off to a great start. Hey, welcome to the triple option. Urban Meyer. Mark Ingram ii, Rob Stone here with you. Is that a couch week Coach got to sit down with?

[Urban Meyer]

Yeah. Look at that couch. Let's see that couch donor. Looks like you were conceived on that couch.

[Mark Ingram]

Don't Mark in groom you be careful. Mom and dad watch this podcast.

[Urban Meyer]

You think mom and dad don't know where you were conceived?

[Mark Ingram]

The couch is not that old.

[Urban Meyer]

They did the business.

[Mark Ingram]

You know, we got a clock back there. Candles, I think I'm saying 80, 20.

[Coach]

You're right.

[Mark Ingram]

I kicked them. I kicked them. I kicked my parents out of the house. I had to kick them out of their house so I could do a podcast in their house. It's my dad's birthday that I got them massages.

[Urban Meyer]

So they're all King's Day.

[Mark Ingram]

They're somewhere down there. They're somewhere down there.

[Urban Meyer]

Mom turned 60 on Friday. My mom turned 60 on Friday. So we got big birthdays.

[Mark Ingram]

I heard you need to go to the local store and do some refills.

[Urban Meyer]

Yeah, well, the local coach Urban Meyer store, you know.

[Mark Ingram]

Yes.

[Urban Meyer]

You know we had that good rep. They killed that Los Lind.

[Mark Ingram]

That's all right. No, because we've got some backups. Mark, what's over your shoulder right now?

[Urban Meyer]

You know, we got that rk, man.

[Mark Ingram]

There we go.

[Urban Meyer]

You like fireball? We got the whiskey for you.

[Mark Ingram]

Give us a fireball to get our show going here.

[Urban Meyer]

Mark, you like the tequila? We got the RK Agave spirit.

[Mark Ingram]

I want what's in your left hand. Give us a little. Give us a little goose that baby for us as we get ready for the triple option this week.

[Urban Meyer]

You want me to hit the rk?

[Mark Ingram]

I do. I want you to hit you the rk.

[Urban Meyer]

I love RK and RK love me.

[Mark Ingram]

Atta boy. Alcohol free.

[Urban Meyer]

Alcohol free.

[Mark Ingram]

All good.

[Urban Meyer]

So I can drink as much as I want and I'mma still be sober. So listen, for all my people who living clean lives and you like the mocktail.

[Coach]

Are you really gonna hit this?

[Urban Meyer]

I hit that man, Coach. I ain't new to this. I'm true to this. And shout out to the RK for showing love to the triple option. Podcast man. We going up with it on this Monday morning.

[Mark Ingram]

We got a lot of seals going on there.

[Coach]

There we go.

[Mark Ingram]

There's the pop

[Urban Meyer]

alternative.

[Mark Ingram]

Make a toast. Mark Ingram, RK toast.

[Urban Meyer]

To RK Times the triple option. Big blessings and much success. Bang up to it, down to it. We do this because we do, because we're used to it. If those who don't do it, drink. MF drank. Let's go.

[Mark Ingram]

Wow.

[Todd McShay]

Yes.

[Coach]

All good.

[Mark Ingram]

Yes.

[Urban Meyer]

Mark Ingram, Great tastes. Just like on fire. Whiskey.

[Mark Ingram]

There we go. Perfect. That's how you start a show.

[Urban Meyer]

Free alternative beverage, naturally flavored, made in Mexico. Don't drink and drive unless it's rk.

[Mark Ingram]

There we go. Look at that. We're getting all the sponsors in there. All right. It is NFL draft week. Coach Meyer sat down with one of the best in the business, Todd McShay, to talk about his thoughts on how Thursday night is going to shake out in Pittsburgh. Spring games are happening around the country. The Buckeyes, in a shocker, seem to have another absolute stud at wide receiver. And another Mendoza is in line to be a starter at quarterback, but this time in Atlanta. Remember, please rate, subscribe, Send us your questions. We're on social media 3X option show and new episodes drop on YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts. We're about 129 days until the 2026 college football season kicks off. On any given Saturday, Fernando Mendoza won the Heisman, won the national title. I can't imagine he's not going to go number one in the NFL draft. His little brother Alberto transferred out of Indiana to Georgia Tech in the off season, had a really good spring game, by the way. Went 12, 16, 148 yards and a touchdown. As head coach in Atlanta, Brent Key said, quote, alberto is the guy, obviously he still has to compete and still has to win the job, but he's done nothing to disappoint me and think that that's not going to be the case. You have dealt with siblings, right, Coach? We got the two Mendoza brothers. You go back to your Ohio State days, you had the, you had the Bosa brothers as well. I want to talk about that dynamic in a second, but first let's talk about the quarterback position in spring. You have dealt with some epic spring QB battles in your history.

[Coach]

I have, but let's talk about Mendoza, Alberto for a minute. We did enough games that we around him and I remember watching him and you know, the pressure that would just the name now with that quarterback, you know, Fernando did. It's beyond reproach. What you know, I can't. I dealt with the Boses, which I'll get to in a second, but I remember I want to detail names, but I talked to a couple guys at IU and I watched him throw. He looked like a decent player, but he's not Fernando and he will never be Fernando and that's not a hit on him. He might be better, who knows. But just the Fernando Mendoza. I can imagine at some point there'll be some type of maybe not a statue, but what that player did at IU has never been done before. So now let's talk about the quarterback position. In battle, we had the Tim Tebow Chris leak, you know, when Tim Tebow came in as a freshman and Chris was returning senior. We had Joe Burrow, who was the backup to J.T. barrett, broke his hand. Dwayne Haskin takes over. He comes in in the second quarter against the rival, the team up north and wins the game. And we had the big battle in the spring and we to say that I knew Joe Burrow was going to go down as one of the greatest to ever play the game in college and have that one season at LSU and go on to be, you know, one of the best players in the NFL. I didn't know that. I saw a tough guy. I saw a really smart guy. I saw guys getting better and better and better. But I knew it was going to be really the first of all. The country was going to cover it. It was so important to Joe and Dwayne that we do it right. And we did. We. We charted every possible competitive. Not every throw, because that's not, you know, who cares when he throws on air? We charted Mark, we charted every competitive throw that includes one on one. That includes all team situations. And we met after each practice. And I think it was Ryan Day, either. Tim Becker, Ryan Day. And we went through great detail at the end. It was very close. And we named Dwayne Haskins the starter. And he went on and threw 50 touchdown passes, broke really every throwing record, primarily every throwing record in the season at Ohio State. And then Joe had a good year, but then had the magical year. So I've been through it. It's tough. But QB battles are something else, man. And I would always hold off. And you'll see teams do this, hold off a name and a starter. You know why, Mark?

[Urban Meyer]

Why?

[Coach]

Because the other guy leaves. Yep. Keep him home. So you'll see a lot of people say we're going to hold on. You know, we're going to announce it during training camp. And they probably, in their mind, know who the quarterback is. I did not want to do that to Joe Burrow. He deserved the opportunity if you wanted to transfer. But normally people hold on because they want to keep them both.

[Mark Ingram]

Coach, what were some of those things that you guys were comparing and looking at? You said it wasn't just, you know, completions and pass attempts. What were some of the. And I'm. I'm assuming too, a lot of it were intangibles.

[Coach]

Sure, sure. Well, the number one job of quarterbacks get first downs. That was my. I've always said that, that your number one job as a quarterback, you get a first down. What's that mean? Run past throw. I mean whatever it takes. And that's where guys like J.T. barrett were so good because he kept him on, you know, he didn't. Never took a sack, I should say never minimal sacks. He always kept us in second imaginable and third imagable and got first downs. And that's what the number one thing I always look at. What a quarterback, can he get first downs? I don't, you know, I'm not. There's other things other people look at. I let them. But My thing was get first downs,

[Urban Meyer]

move the chains, what's your job?

[Coach]

And I would make them say about what's your job? Get first downs, get first downs.

[Mark Ingram]

One guy who knows how to move the chains. As we continue this Georgia Tech conversation, right, is former Alabama, former Michigan running back Justice Haynes. He returns Mark to his home state of Georgia. And the dude was impressive. And we forget how good he was at Michigan before that injury came in, right? He had six 100 yard games in the seven games that he started, 857 yards, 10 touchdowns, had that first foot surgery which ended his season early. But he was on track to be a Heisman candidate. With his start that he had at Michigan last year, he transfers back to Georgia, now playing for Georgia Tech. We're talking about a new quarterback with a new Mendoza, right? Alberto Mendoza, and now a new tailback. How important is, is that accomplished stud running back to a brand new QB and a brand new system?

[Urban Meyer]

I think first and foremost to a new quarterback who's just giving started. You want a running back who could take some pressure off of him. You want, I, I call it high, I call it low risk, high reward. You want a running back that you can get the ball out to in space and just dump him the ball. It's a low risk throw, but it's high reward. Yards after catch, yards after contact. And when you have a running back like Justice Haynes, that's exactly what you're getting. He is explosive, he's efficient, he could pass protect. He's played in sec, he's played in the Big Ten at two of, at two of the premier programs in the country. Now you have him going to Brent Key in that offense. You know, Brent Key loves to run the football. He's a former offensive lineman himself starting at Georgia Tech. So they were top 20, they were a top 25 team rushing the ball in the country last year. Georgia Tech was. So when you have a player like Justice Haynes, that's a huge pickup for Brett Key in this Georgia Tech offense. And it's also a huge key key for Alberto Mendoza who needs to kind of get his feet wet, kind of get some rhythm, kind of need to get some going in the, in the Yellow Jackets offense. So this is a team who has leaned on the run the last few years. Brent Key likes to be physical on the offensive side of the ball. And when you have a guy like Justice Haynes coming into your program, not only is it going to help Mendoza transition smooth, great and comfortable, but Brent Key is going to take complete advantage because that's what he does. He likes to run the ball and

[Rob Stone]

control the line, scrimmage, you know.

[Coach]

I thought he was a hell of a player. Do we know why he bounced around? Why does he keep leaving?

[Urban Meyer]

Cause he was hella well, you know, it was kind of him. And Jam Miller, you know, the Kosaban left and he transferred and then he goes to Michigan, has a huge season, has the foot injury and I don't know why he left Michigan, you know what I mean? Maybe he, I don't know. But he's back home coaching in Georgia. He's from Atlanta, so I think he kind of had Georgia Tech on his radar from high school, but it just didn't go. But he finally had the chance to go back home and you know, I'm sure they gonna run them. I'm sure they gonna run them and they gonna use them.

[Mark Ingram]

They're gonna need to run them. They've got a really interesting schedule. They, they open up a midweek game, Colorado at home and then September 12 home to Tennessee and then their, their ACC schedule at Georgia Tech, at Pitt, at Clemson, they close at Georgia, you know, they're looking at 8 and 4, 7 and 5 is probably realistic or maybe a bit of a challenge. Who knows if the ACC is going to be up or down. Louisville's in there as well. They host Louisville as well. So Georgia Tech's got some. Got some work to do, but they got some great new talent in Atlanta to do it. We talked about the Mendoza boys, right? And coach, you know about the Bosa boys. What's it like coaching siblings at this level?

[Coach]

It depends on the success rate. So Joey Bosa was a first round draft pick, one of the best defensive ends at Ohio State history.

[Rob Stone]

And that just tells you a little bit about Nick.

[Coach]

Nick committed to us fairly early. I was still very close with that family, but he was fantastic. I think this one would be a much different scenario. You know, when you take over Fernando Mendoza, that's you better because every time you throw a ball, every time you do anything, you're, you know, you're compared to your brother. Nick was the same way though. He was compared to Joey and you know, but here's the reality. Nick Bosa is one of the best football players I've ever been around. I'd put Percy Harvin number one, maybe Nick Bosa number two. And I'm just flat football player and he was phenomenal and you know, he didn't finish his last year with us. I still believe in Nick Bosa. How about this Comment. If Nick Bosa is playing for Ohio State, what year was that? 2018, I think. Ohio State wins it all. Ohio State. That's how good a player he was. Mark. He got hurt game three, and then when he's getting close to maybe being able to come back, they decided to get him ready for the NFL draft, which. That broke my heart, but I get it. And we had Chase Young and Nick Bose at the end.

[Urban Meyer]

Chase.

[Todd McShay]

Ooh, ouch.

[Mark Ingram]

Crazy.

[Coach]

And our team really struggled that year because Jason Young was hurt most of the year and then Nick Bosa, then he played three games and that was it. But. And the offense was. If not one, two or three, we're one of the top two, three offenses in the country that was a national title team and there's no playoff. Mark, did you ever have 13 and

[Mark Ingram]

one brothers on your team?

[Home Depot Announcer]

Mark?

[Urban Meyer]

Brothers on my team anywhere?

[Mark Ingram]

Because some of those brothers I had.

[Urban Meyer]

Yeah, I had twins on my team in New Orleans. I had twins on my team in New Orleans.

[Coach]

Really?

[Urban Meyer]

Yep.

[Coach]

Yep.

[Urban Meyer]

I had twins on my team in New Orleans. Two DBs. They were both from Tampa, man, I can't. What's they. What was they name? We called them Twin. We called them Twin Nola and Twin Tampa. That's what we called them because one was. One came from the Buccaneers and one came from New Orleans. Damn.

[Mark Ingram]

I'm tripping. Funny. Did they get. Did they get along? Twins. You just assumed they get along, right?

[Urban Meyer]

Yeah, yeah, yeah, they got along.

[Mark Ingram]

There wasn't like this thing.

[Urban Meyer]

They got. They got along. Twin Nolan, Twin Tampa, man. Dang. I can't. I'm tripping.

[Mark Ingram]

It's going.

[Urban Meyer]

It's going to kill me.

[Mark Ingram]

Dixon.

[Todd McShay]

Yep.

[Coach]

Yep.

[Urban Meyer]

The Dixons. Yep. The Dixons.

[Mark Ingram]

Brian. Brian and Brandon. Is that right?

[Urban Meyer]

I don't think that was it, but they're definitely the Dixons.

[Mark Ingram]

The Dixons. The Dixon.

[Urban Meyer]

The Dixon. Twin. Nolan. Twin Tampa. I love that you don't remember them. Pouncy brothers, man.

[Mark Ingram]

Oh, the Pouncy bro twins.

[Urban Meyer]

Yeah.

[Coach]

How do I forget that?

[Urban Meyer]

Yeah.

[Coach]

So two of the best ever play the game. Oh, man.

[Mark Ingram]

Some big boys there that was never cutting corners. Presented by Wendy's. Wendy's new spicy chicken sandwich is crispier, crunchier, and more flavor packed than ever. Wendy's. We're so back. And when we return on the triple option, we talk NFL draft with the great Todd McShay.

[Coach]

Light it.

[Mark Ingram]

Back in 1995, Wendy's invented the iconic spicy chicken sandwich. Built it from scratch. They perfected the balance of heat and flavor in every bite. So yeah, Wendy set the standard, but standards don't stand still.

[Coach]

So in 2026, they're going back. Back to the flavor, back to the quality, and back to the kitchen that made the sandwich that started it all better. Meet the new spicy chicken. Same iconic sandwich from Wendy's. Now even more iconic.

[Urban Meyer]

We're talking a bold blend of nine peppers and spices. And the breading even crispier than before, golden and glistening with that signature spice blend. Crispier, crunchier, and more flavorful than ever. All cooled down with some pickles, tomato, and mayo because you deserve more from your chicken sandwich. Being the first was one thing, but being the best, that's Wendy's thing.

[Mark Ingram]

So don't just take their word for it. Consider this your official invitation. Come see, come compare, come taste. Trust them. You're gonna have to eat it to believe it. 2026 quality is our recipe, LLC. All right, guys, let me put you onto something I've been seeing more and more out there lately. It is called RK0 proof, and it's basically a way to enjoy the taste and the feel of your favorite cocktails without any alcohol at all. Mark.

[Urban Meyer]

I'm talking zero alcohol, stone, zero sugar, zero carbs. But somehow it still gives you that same burn and experience you'd expect from a real drink. They've got everything from whiskey and vodka to rum and tequila alternatives. So you can still have your go to drink just without the downsides.

[Coach]

Coach, whether you're cutting back, staying sharp, or just don't feel like drinking but still want the experience, this is definitely something worth checking out. Go to rk0proof.com and see what they've got.

[Sean Duffy]

I'm US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy. The sound of a seatbelt, it's one of the most important sounds in our car. It means everyone is ready and everyone is safe. The more our kids see us put on our seatbelts, the more natural it is for them to put theirs on too. Make it a priority. Buckle up every time. Hear the sound, make it a habit. Paid for by nhtsa.

[Rob Stone]

Welcome back to the triple option. I got my dear friend Todd McShay, and I'm very biased. The best in the business at evaluation, and, Todd, you work your ass off, and I know this is a busy time, so thanks for hanging, man.

[Todd McShay]

You got it, man. I'm sorry to interrupt your. Your golf, and it looks like you're at a beautiful cabin somewhere, but I'll be there. Not. Not exactly there, but I'll be in that mindset in a couple weeks, so

[Rob Stone]

I'm At Trout National. Mike Trout and Ruga. John Ruga, my dear friend from Veterans Golf association built this place. Day one was two days ago and a 10 out of 10.

[Todd McShay]

I've heard about it, man.

[Rob Stone]

10 out of 10.

[Todd McShay]

I can't wait to get down there. Can't wait.

[Rob Stone]

I got your spot too, so appreciate it.

[Coach]

All right, here we go.

[Rob Stone]

Big board. Todd McShay, the best evaluator in a business. Two players in your top 10. Sunny Styles and love from Notre Dame. Two freak. I mean, absolute monsters. But they're positions where normally you don't go top two. Where do you see them going?

[Todd McShay]

It, it makes it tricky this year, right, Coach? I mean if you pulled like a straw poll of the NFL teams, I think Jeremiah Love would probably be, you know, the, the majority number one overall player and Sonny Styles is, is right there in the top five. I've got him. I've got Love one Styles too. And, and I've got Caleb Downs at five overall in this class as a safety and I've got Venga Yoane the guard from Penn State in the top 11. So it's unique in that the, the positional value is not there. We know Fernando Mendoza is going one, right. So he's going to be an Oakland or LA

[Coach]

I.

[Todd McShay]

That's done. I mean he's been working with Brian Greasy and greasy with the Shanahan and Kubiak, you know, like connections and that whole tree and trying to just get ready so that, that part's done. What's interesting, it too is I, I'm. My information is strongly that it's either David Bailey, the Texas Tech pass rusher who's more of a proven commodity right now versus Arvell Reese from Ohio State, who's that conversion off ball linebacker. One year as a starter, kind of split time between edge and linebacker. But NFL teams are, are viewing him as an edge with, with the greater upside, but still developing.

[Coach]

Go back, go back to Reese.

[Rob Stone]

A 3, 4 edge or a hand down edge?

[Todd McShay]

I think a 3, 4 edge, but I think the lines kind of, kind of blurred this, you know, in the NFL at this point where, where teams are kind of adjusting their personnel and there's so multiple up front, as you well know. But yeah, absolutely, a three, four edge. And like quite honestly, like I wouldn't, I'm not saying the jets would do it, but I've said since about the combine, like I would still consider Sonny Styles there. That's how, that's how highly I, I view him. And if you go and look at it they didn't rush him as much, but when they did rush him, he was just as effective as Arvell Reese. Reese getting to the passer. Plus I have the coverage ability. So I. Right now the lean is, is David Bailey. And all the talk is that, well, they canceled his 30 visit, you know, right before. A week before the Dr. I. I don't know what we make of it. It's unique. But. But I also know they sent a whole contingent down to Lubbock, Texas. But at the end of the day, it's, it's Bailey or Reese is my understanding at number two. And then it gets interesting at three coach, because you get an Arizona team that would love to trade out. They really want to solidify their offensive line with maybe Francis, Maui Noah at offensive tackle coming out of Miami. But Arvell Reese could be sitting there and how do we pass up on that guy? But that's also an organization that's brought in some, some conversion players and have not had success with it. So could a team trade up to 3? And I also hear Jeremiah Love is. There's some, there's some love in the building for him there. So it kind of gets fascinating depending on who the jets take one of those two edge rushers at three and then Tennessee, everyone's assuming Jeremiah Love, but the closer we get, the intel I'm getting is they might go Sunny Styles to get their Fred Warner in that scheme.

[Urban Meyer]

Right.

[Todd McShay]

And so now all of a sudden is the best player in the draft dropping to five to the Giants. And I hear they could take Caleb Downs and now, now maybe Washington just sits at 7 and gets the best player in the draft and Jeremiah Love. So it's going to be a wild Thursday night and I'm kind of here for it.

[Rob Stone]

So I, I sat on both sides of these things and, and the premium you placed on certain positions. I had a good conversation with some, some friends and colleagues the other night.

[Coach]

I said if you, if you have

[Rob Stone]

a great safety, you can as an offensive coach, you can not have him have an impact in the game just the way you game plan.

[Todd McShay]

Yep.

[Rob Stone]

And there's certain positions you can say, okay, we're and I, we used to do that. Patrick Peterson at corner. I'd put, I'd say I put a hoarder in a hood ornament out to the right. No cover.

[Todd McShay]

Right.

[Rob Stone]

You know, and we're just, we're going to play 10 on 10 and eliminate that side of the field.

[Todd McShay]

Yeah.

[Rob Stone]

But there's certain positions that. And, and as a Recruiter and sitting in the draft room, there's certain positions that you can't hide. That's why the premium's so high on the defensive end and the interior D line. That's at least it was. I know it is everywhere. But that's where I, my world started when I got to the sec, the two defensive ends, the inside and, and then the same thing on the offensive side. You can't hide that offensive line. There's no, there's no, you can't make up a scheme other than get the ball out fast.

[Todd McShay]

You know, that part's fascinating with you as a coach, right. When I talk to general managers around the combine, right. And, and the, at that point, the coaching staffs for these respective NFL teams are kind of just getting into the process. It really starts at the Senior bowl, but they're just, you know, they're watching tape, they're getting to know these guys. You come back from the combine and now you have all the, you know, the heights and the weights and the verifieds, the arm lengths and the 40 times and then the meetings start to happen. But at the combine and at the Senior bowl, when I, when I talk to general managers every year, and especially this year, because of the unique positional value situation that we have at the top of this draft, it's like it's this firm. You don't pass up on hall of Fame players. Take the best player on your board, throw out the positional value, right? And then we get to April and the coaches have been involved as you're talking about, and they're thinking of it through the, the, the scope of, well, just what you said. Like I can, I can scheme that guy out of the, you know, situation. I've got to have edge rushers. I've got to have interior guys. I've got to have tackles that can protect, obviously quarterback. I've got to have wide receivers that are difference makers. And I love Caleb Downs and I love sunny styles and they're great players and I love Jeremiah Love, but the impact. And so now you. This is the time of year where it's like, are, are these GMs going to stay true to their, their board or what do we have if I draft a player and my, in my head coach or my OC or my DC isn't on board with that? Am I, am I fighting? Am I swimming upstream by drafting an off ball linebacker when we could get an edge there or we could get an offensive tackle? So those are the debates that are fascinating to me as I'm having conversations with GMs in the, in the, the. The tune has changed a little bit, you know. Yeah. Yeah.

[Rob Stone]

When the coaches got involved. So I would say the last half dozen years or the last six years

[Coach]

at Ohio State, you know, we were

[Rob Stone]

just loaded with players and I met with so many GMs and Scouts and then obviously the head coach and coaching

[Coach]

staff would get in.

[Rob Stone]

In the last half of it and you, you saw complete. You know, you've gone from roster and value. And at the end of the day, the coaches give two shits about that. They want to say when they're walking in on a. In the NFL, it's Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and you're game planning in college, it's Sunday, Monday. How do we win this game? You know, I don't want to hear about my roster. I don't want to hear about cap space. Who's going to block that guy? Right. And how do we, how do we move that? So it's a, it's a phenomenon that's really interesting that general managers, a lot of them never coached and they are so fixated on roster and value.

[Todd McShay]

Yeah.

[Rob Stone]

And coaches about scheme and winning. It's amazing how you mesh the two. It's really cool to watch.

[Todd McShay]

Yeah.

[Rob Stone]

So what positions trump? You know, I think we talked about. They trump all positions and I have mine. But I want to hear your thoughts.

[Todd McShay]

So I've always viewed it this way and not always. I viewed it this way for a while. I think wide receiver has become more and more of a valued position. And you can go and look at the, at the top five. If you take like the top five paid guys annually by salary.

[Coach]

Right.

[Urban Meyer]

The.

[Todd McShay]

It's very clear what it is. It's quarterback one, edge rusher two. Wide receiver has moved up to three on that list. Now that doesn't mean that that's for the elite guys.

[Urban Meyer]

Right.

[Todd McShay]

We're talking the top five receivers in the league. But that that position has really elevated. And then it's kind of, as you would suspect, offensive, you know, left tackle, right tackle. An interior defensive line, as you were alluding to, has kind of risen as well. Whereas you get to the bottom of that list and it's center, last running back, second to last, guards, safety, you know, so they're all down the bottom. And in this year's class, what's, what's also fascinating with that in mind, you don't have the quarterbacks. Mendoza is going to go one. Ty Simpson. It seems like Arizona is a team that could trade up to Go get him. I'm told there's another team that's kind of lurking in the weeds right now. But outside of quarterback, this year's Edge group is absolutely stacked. We got Reese at the top and David Bailey at the top. You've got Reuben Bane out of Miami, short arms but phenomenal tape. You've got AEM macedore, his teammate who's a better pass rusher but not as a complete player. Keldrick Falk from Auburn, only two sacks last year, but like six, seven, you know, 200 and like 275. He's going to play around, athletic, young can develop and then you get this whole like next tier of guys like a TJ Parker from Clemson, Cassius Howell from Texas A and M, our Mason Thomas from Oklahoma. So those guys are going to go, but the difference and the wide receivers are going to go. There's six guys in the, in the first round coach that I believe are going to wind up going starting with Carnell Tate from Ohio State. I think he's a top seven player all day long. I think after that you're going to see Geor Jordan Tyson, Arizona State, Makai Lemon from usc. Then there's the second tier of in any order but Casey Concepcion from A m, Omar Cooper Jr. Indiana and, and Denzel Boston from Washington. So where do those tears come off the board? But going back to tackle, there's only seven of them, man. So if you don't get one there's really not a grade on the offensive tackles after those seven starting with Maui Noah and Fano and, and Lomu in no order the two U guys, you know, you got Kaden Proctor from Alabama, you got Monroe Freeling from Georgia, you've got the, the Clemson, the Clemson kids. So like Blake Miller. So and ending at seven with. And I don't even know that he's gonna be the seventh. But Maxi and not your Nigerian kid. Moved to the states at 13 years old, was playing a basketball and soccer and all of a sudden got an opportunity to go play at East LA Community College. Fresno State offensive line coach sees him. Kenny Dillingham bring, brings in that offensive line coach. He winds up at ASU and two and a half years later he's going to be a first round pick. But after those seven, if you don't get one of those seven you're not drafting a starter at offensive tackle and so will those guys get bumped up the board.

[Rob Stone]

And I think this is really cool for a viewer here. Can you win a game with an average safety Absolutely. Can you win a game with average tight end? You can't. Can you win a game with an offensive line? That's subpar in my opinion. No chance.

[Coach]

You can't.

[Rob Stone]

You gotta, you gotta be fortunate. You gotta have something, something's gotta happen. And then I, my value on a running back has always been because I believe in line of scrimmage and I believe in running backs. It's amazing to me how I think they're, it's a resurgent. I agree with the value of a running back. I know certainly in college it is, but I'm seeing that in the NFL as well.

[Todd McShay]

You are always great at the wide, wide receivers. Like I can remember even you know, talking to you in between coaching and prior to, while you're at Florida, like out on the recruiting trail, like finding those like space guys and guys that could create. And I think honestly it used to be the NFL trickled down to college and what I've seen since your days with the spread, some of the rpo, you know, more mobility at quarterback, finding receiver, like honestly it was like, we know, you know, you, you were a big part of bringing spread, spread offenses and, and what you were running it, you know, at Utah, Florida, Ohio State. There were some other, other people in coaching that were part of that, you know, that push and movement and it was always like not in the National Football League, you know what I mean? But mobile quarterbacks can't play in our league. You know, I can remember like going up to Bristol and, and I used to call them the, the NFL, the NFL Studios biker gang would come rolling out like not in the National Football League, you know. And now all of a sudden we see that trickle up effect where find me guys that can create in space. We got mobile quarterbacks who maybe aren't as accurate, maybe aren't the pocket passer guys down the field. But let's get them. Let's get a, let's get a hitch, let's get a quick, quick game, let's get screen and, and go pick up 4 to 5 yards to supplement the run game. So that part's been fascinating to watch over the last like 15 years. The evolution of the game that you were so much a part of from college trickling up to the NFL.

[Rob Stone]

I remember you live and die by the gun. Jon Gruden and I would always get in arguments about that and you know that you can't do that, you can't do that. And of course you can.

[Todd McShay]

Not in our league.

[Rob Stone]

I know we got to wrap you so Busy. A couple two thoughts and we'll let you go. Is worst quarterback class in recent history?

[Todd McShay]

I actually don't think so. It's. It's not great. I get it that Kenny Pickett year was really tough. You know, Malik Willis is a third rounder, has gotten the opportunity to develop the way he, he needed to coming out of Liberty. He wasn't ready. He didn't know what he didn't know. He was just a pup, but my gosh, he was talented. But like, you know, Matt Corral was a third round pick. Teams were reaching and at the time they actually went later than some people even thought they would. This year is different because I think there's going to be some value and I don't know when the run's going to start, but like, yes, it's Fernando Mendoza and Ty Simpson and then there's this gap, right? And there's a gap between Mendoza and Simpson because of the 15 starts and the durability the one year he started and all those things. I still just think he's a damn good player. Like, I just think he sees the game the way NFL quarterbacks do. But I recognize there are some limitations and some red flags. But when we're talking about like picks from 80 to 130, there's some intriguing guys like Garrett Nussmeier coming in like the National Scouting Service for whatever, you know, value you want to put on, like their grades. And I don't put a ton, but they viewed him as like the number one over player, one number one overall player coming into this past year. He was injured all year long. I maybe could get him late third, early fourth. I'm not a Drew Aller guy. I don't, I'm not going to sit here and take cracks, but there are some teams that think there's a lot of upside there. He could be a third, a third round pick. I'm intrigued by Cole Payton from North Dakota State. I know you're not grinding the, the NDSU tape right now, but like this guy, he actually put on the tape and he reminded me a lot of Tebow, like that kind of unique throwing style. Runner. First, first, first three years he was kind of utilized in a, in a similar manner that you utilized him in his first year with. Was it Chris, Chris Lee?

[Coach]

Chris Leak?

[Todd McShay]

Yeah, Chris Lee. And, but, but I'm watching the tape and the mechanics look different and he comes from the left side, but this southbod just keeps hitting spots and he's big and he's strong. So he's there. And Taylor Green, like, if you have someone who actually can develop quarterbacks and there's, there's more guys in the league now that I think they're capable of that than there have been in the past. He's an intriguing third, fourth round pick. So that part to me is interesting. But certainly there's only two guys that you view absolutely have a chance to be like a good starter in this league.

[Rob Stone]

Last question. The Reuben Bain story. I watched him live and my God, the tape's unbelievable. But, you know, I never even heard the story. All of a sudden you're hearing about the car accident and a tragic loss of life. And once again, I have no, I didn't study it. But you have a better relationship with the GMs across the board, I think,

[Coach]

than anybody because you're, you're good at what you do.

[Rob Stone]

What are there certain GMs that give. Don't give a damn about that. And then other ones. I'm sure everybody. Different walks of life and different. But how far will people dig into the personal life? You know, what they do at night, you know, the, the question, what are they going to. Is money going to change them? Is there alcohol? How much do you hear that from everyone? Or is there obviously differences?

[Todd McShay]

There's differences with every player and every story's different. Jalen Carter had a, a long list of things and I, I took a lot of heat for saying he, he's probably the best player in this draft, but he's not going top five because there's a lot of football character, personal character, things that are being weighed.

[Urban Meyer]

Right.

[Todd McShay]

And that was before the incident that got that he was arrested. Another tragic loss of life and also reckless driving.

[Mark Ingram]

Right.

[Todd McShay]

But we knew with the character of Jalen Carter before that and by we, I mean I, I was well aware. I had two pages of notes on all these different things. And NFL teams were well aware. People are saying Laramie Tunsil. This is right before the draft. It's not Laramie Tunsil either. Teams were actually shocked by that the day of the draft.

[Coach]

Right.

[Todd McShay]

This one's different because Reuben Bain made. He's a young man who made a terrible decision and it cost a young woman her life. And it's tragic. And, and there's no other way to put it. Reuben Bain. Two things can be true at the same time. Is a great human being by all, by all accounts. He made a horrible mistake. The family has, has come to peace with it. And, and it's not. They don't want this news out there. There's a lot of respected reporters that knew about this story. I was made aware of the story in January and took in all of the facts and knowing that Reuben Bain is a leader of men, he's a good human being. And the charges were dropped. The family has come to peace with it. They had the civil suit. Everything is done. So by me bringing this up, it's only to get clicks and likes and people to be talking about. Well, Todd McShay reported it. I said the other day, the person who reports this two weeks before, before the draft, when the league knew about it before the season coach is a scumbag in my eyes. It's only for their own personal gain. So why, why would all the top reporters in the NFL who knew about this, NFL teams knew about it before the start of the season. This was a 2024 incident. Why would you wait two weeks out from the draft to report this? This is something that's been hand. Yeah, so that's my stance on all of it. And I'm glad you brought it up. I don't. If Reuben Bain falls a little bit and he doesn't go in the top seven, he winds up going like 12 or 13. It's because of the shorter arms. It's not because of, of this incident.

[Rob Stone]

I'm glad.

[Coach]

I don't, I don't know the kid.

[Rob Stone]

I, I love the coach crystal ball, but. All right, as you say, goodbye, biggest

[Coach]

storyline of last year with Shador dropping way down.

[Rob Stone]

As you, as you leave the podcast here, what's the biggest story of this

[Coach]

year in the draft?

[Todd McShay]

I think the trades that we're. We're going to see. I think because of some of the positional value stuff, because there's only so many offensive tackles, there are certain edge rushers that fit certain schemes. I think we're going to have a trade. Heavy, hectic first round of the draft. And this year's different. Only eight minutes and you've been in that war room 10. It went from like 15 to 10. Now it's down to eight minutes. So there's a lot of phone calls that have to have to happen real fast. And GMs have got to be on top of their game in order to make these decisions. I think it's going to be a wild first night.

[Rob Stone]

Love your brother. You're the best. Thanks for doing it.

[Todd McShay]

Love you too, man. I appreciate it. And go enjoy some golf, man. Light it.

[Home Depot Announcer]

It's time to refresh your yard during spring backyard days at the Home Depot. Get Low prices guaranteed on propane grills starting at $179. Like the next grill 3 burner gas grill. Or get $50 off a select Weber spirit grill. And bring big flavor to your backyard. Then set the scene with Hampton based Grand String lights that bring it all together. Shop spring backyard days for seven days at the Home Depot. Now through May 6, exclusions applies to homedeba.com Pricematch for details.

[Mark Ingram]

It is time for Cheers of the week, presented by RK0PROOF. Get it out, Mark.

[Coach]

Go get it.

[Mark Ingram]

RK0PROOF delivers the taste, aroma and even the burn of real spirits without alcohol, sugar, water or carbs. Down the hatch, my friend.

[Urban Meyer]

Rk, you like the whiskey? We got you covered. I already done took a hit of that whiskey.

[Rob Stone]

You did, man.

[Urban Meyer]

It was hitting too. You know what I'm talking about? But guess what? Now I'm going with the agave spirit. A little tequila type vibe. Zero proof. All right, Zero proof. Let's go ahead and hit it, Stoner.

[Mark Ingram]

All right. Get it.

[Coach]

Yeah.

[Mark Ingram]

We're gonna talk about.

[Urban Meyer]

Shout out to RK, man.

[Mark Ingram]

RK is gonna lead us into a five star convo here about Chris Henry Jr. Pop it down.

[Urban Meyer]

Holding it down. Let's get it.

[Coach]

Go get it.

[Mark Ingram]

You hear the. Go, go, go, go.

[Todd McShay]

Yes.

[Mark Ingram]

Mark, look at him.

[Coach]

Look at him.

[Urban Meyer]

American Alcohol Free Spirits Association.

[Mark Ingram]

Let's go.

[Urban Meyer]

Don't drink and drive unless it's RK Dog. Let's go.

[Mark Ingram]

I like that. Nice mileage.

[Coach]

No sugar, no alcohol.

[Urban Meyer]

Hey, none of that. Hey. Alcohol free alternative beverage. Naturally flavored. 0 fat, 0 sodium, 0 potassium, 0 carbohydrates, 0 sugar, 0 protein.

[Mark Ingram]

Preach. Good job, Mark. Mark's quite the salesman. All right.

[Urban Meyer]

Made in Mexico.

[Mark Ingram]

There's no reason for us to go on a limb to sell this next talent because he's doing it on his own. The next big name at wide receiver in Columbus. Everybody say hello to Chris Henry Jr. 6195 freshman dog, the top of the recruiting class at the wide receiver position in his first spring game. Four grabs, 96 yards, a 40 yard touchdown. Young man from modern day, where our good buddy Matt Leinert played as well, committed before his sophomore year of high school. How about that? All that means is then you had to. You had to fight off everybody for two years to keep them there. So regardless, Chris Henry, another stud wide receiver in Columbus. Coach, what are the expectations, the realistic expectations for these freshmen in these spring games? Most of the time for you?

[Coach]

Yeah, I think Ohio State right now is just, you know, playing chess when everybody's playing checkers at wide receiver. It's, it's, it's. You cannot believe. They just keep doing this over and over again. Number one receiver in the country. Six five. I understand he's a little bit slight right now. He's got to get a little bigger, stronger, which, that's part of the game.

[Mark Ingram]

He's still in high school. It'll be all right.

[Coach]

Sure, he'll be fine. And the one thing you guarantee, whoever lines up, whether it's Ennis, whoever else is on the other side, you got single coverage. Because the monsters on the other side, Jeremiah, so you, you are going to get at least the second or third best cover guy. And you have single coverage. That's a, that's a guarantee. So life is pretty good for you.

[Mark Ingram]

It's, it's crazy. The, the white out lineage that has grown in Columbus. And just think of the guys coach that didn't start as freshmen. Guys who began as backups. Carnell Tate, Marvin Harrison Jr. Ameka Egbuka, Jackson Smith Njigba, Garrett Wilson, Chris Olave. All those names also have one other thing in common.

[Coach]

Dogs.

[Mark Ingram]

First rounder, first rounders, first rounders. And let me throw this one out at you. How about this? Marvin Harrison junior's younger brother. Oh, Jet. Yeah, Jet. 2T's number one recruit in the 28 class. 61175 visited in March and you bet Ohio State has offered him as well. Can you imagine that, Jet? If you're born Jet Harrison. There are expectations on you already, man.

[Urban Meyer]

Got it. So, gotta fly.

[Coach]

So one thing about spring game, I will say this though. I remember I used to give Mike Thomas hard time who ended up being a great, great player for us. He, I think he led the spring game twice in catches and early in his career just wasn't very good. He got to be great. And so the great ones don't play in spring games. Keep that in mind. I promise you. Who didn't have many catches in the spring? It was Jeremiah. Jeremiah standing next to Coach Day on the sideline there. So, so I, you know, I love when people talk about spring games and ask me, I go, I don't care. You know, it's. You're just trying to get some young guys some experience and then see how they perform in front of a crowd. Other than that, stay up, stay healthy and get ready for summer. But Mark, I'll tell you, Mark Ingram's not carrying a. Did you, did they, did Saban do the same thing? Did you carry the ball? No way.

[Urban Meyer]

Not a lot. Not A lot. Not, not like after sophomore year, you know, freshman year you, you, oh sure, yeah. Freshman year you got, you got some touches. But then, you know, once you establish yourself and you making plays, you get out there a couple plays, but they trying to get you in and out.

[Coach]

Yeah. Whenever you see a guy leading the, the leading rusher and the leading receiver in spring game, they're probably not doing much.

[Urban Meyer]

Probably third or probably like the third or fourth on the dev chart.

[Mark Ingram]

Do you remember your first spring game, Mark?

[Urban Meyer]

I do remember my first spring game.

[Mark Ingram]

Were you, what, what was the mentality like, just get on the field, don't screw up or like I'm here to dominate.

[Urban Meyer]

Well, it's different these days because these kids are graduating early and like, you know, I, I, I, my first spring game wasn't until after my freshman season, you know what I mean? So I played a whole freshman year before I had a whole season under my belt before I had the spring, you know what I mean? Good point.

[Mark Ingram]

Yep.

[Urban Meyer]

So it's way different now because these kids are graduating, you know, halfway through their senior year and they're going straight to, you know, college campus and they're getting a spring, they're getting that spring experience as basically a young player. So I think it's very beneficial for them. You get in, you get into a system, you get to play, you get to play in front of a crowd. So I think it's, I would, I would have loved to do that, you know what I mean? When I first came in. But my first spring game, shoot, all I remember is it being hot as heck, man, hot as heck. And me going against Rolando McClain and the defense because I was on the twos. But yeah, it was, I don't really remember too much about it other than it was hot and it was tough.

[Mark Ingram]

Coach, did you use it as a bit of a dress rehearsal to what a normal Saturday would be like in the fall for these young kids?

[Coach]

Yeah, you couldn't. Cookie cutter. It was when I first got there, I didn't know the players, so I let them play a lot, you know, and quite honestly, we weren't very good. We just lost seven games the year before, so I wasn't that worried about it. But then as you start getting the Zeke Elliott's and Bosas, etc. Etc. Yeah, that was not for them. Spring practice was to, you know, work on your individual skill sets and then get out, you know, I didn't, I didn't beat those guys out, the young players, the old walk ons. Trying to earn scholarships. The kickers, the punters, I tried to put them in those situations in front of the big crowds and see how they respond. Because we had 90,000 people at Spring games. So I used the. I used the one Zeke Elliott. After Zeke became Zeke, he. He didn't need to carry the football in front of 90,000. He did that every Saturday.

[Urban Meyer]

Now, I do remember this about our spring game, though, Stone. I remember this was the motivation about the spring game. It was, like, competitive because you've played for a dinner.

[Coach]

The winners, we did the same.

[Urban Meyer]

The winners would get the surf and turf. The losers, Hot dog would get the beans. We get the hot dogs and beans. So, yeah, you get the.

[Coach]

We also did this. Mark. Mark, you like this? There's a Buckeye Grove at Ohio State for all the. All Americans right outside the Horseshoe and that. We just didn't take care of it very good. I got real upset, so I said, you know, the loser of this team's got to go mulch and weed. Every year, Buckeye Grove and the coaches, it was hilarious. They're always full of weeds and. Yeah, yeah, dropping mulch and everything else.

[Mark Ingram]

So, yeah, take care of Buckeye Grove, man. That's it.

[Coach]

Right?

[Mark Ingram]

That's an institution, man.

[Urban Meyer]

They want the pork and beans. When they was over there eating that surfing turf.

[Mark Ingram]

How's that lobster tail?

[Urban Meyer]

Yeah.

[Mark Ingram]

Falling off your sport. They didn't give you a fork or a spoon. Just had a spork. Give me a spork and figure it out.

[Urban Meyer]

Yeah, man.

[Mark Ingram]

But some milky coleslaw to.

[Urban Meyer]

They can hold the coast. They can hold the slaw.

[Mark Ingram]

Oh, my goodness. All right, Mark, get out your rk.

[Coach]

All right.

[Rob Stone]

We're.

[Mark Ingram]

We're gonna. We're gonna. Cheers. Another show is done. Chris Henry, congrats. Can't wait to see you play the real thing. That does it for the triple option. Follow subscribe rate us on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, wherever you get your podcast, as well as across social media. We are at 3x option show. Thanks to our sponsors, Wendy's and RK0 Proof for see you again next week.