Buy Stock In These Four Buckeye Defenders

Which Ohio State defenders are poised to make the biggest jump in the second half of the season?

On this episode of the Buckeye Weekly Podcast, Tony Gerdeman and Tom Orr play a little stock market with the Buckeyes’ defense and identify the players they would “buy stock in” right now.

This isn’t just about picking the best players. It’s about finding the defenders whose value could rise the most over the rest of the season. Tom starts with Zion Grady, who flashed against Indiana and could be on the verge of the same kind of breakout Ohio State has recently gotten from other defensive linemen.

Tony goes with Earl Little, who could take on an even bigger role as Matt Patricia looks to create more pressure, turnovers, and havoc in the second half. From there, the conversation moves to Jay Timmons, Eddrick Houston, Jordan Thomas, Riley Pettijohn, and Khary Wilder.

0:02 — Which Ohio State defenders are worth buying stock in?
1:16 — Zion Grady could be next to break out
3:48 — Earl Little’s role could get even bigger
4:41 — Jay Timmons’ stock keeps climbing
6:31 — Why Timmons may never be this “cheap” again
8:45 — Eddrick Houston has become a steady force
9:51 — Jordan Thomas as an upside play
11:04 — Why Thomas could matter at nickel or corner
12:00 — Riley Pettijohn deserves consideration
12:40 — Khary Wilder as a long-shot investment
13:57 — Can Wilder earn more trust in the second half?
15:20 — Who are you buying stock in?


Timmons remains one of the most intriguing names because Ohio State is still figuring out everything he can do. As his role expands, Tony and Tom expect more blitzing, more difficult assignments in space, and more impact plays — assuming he stays healthy.

Houston may be the safest investment of the group. After a slower start, he has become increasingly disruptive and consistent in the middle of the defensive line, to the point where opposing offenses may soon have to start building protections around him.

And then there are the upside plays. Jordan Thomas could benefit from Ohio State’s need for more depth at outside corner and nickel, while Wilder still has the athletic potential to earn a much bigger role if he can gain the coaching staff’s trust.

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