Pair of Playmaking Freshmen Ready to Roll

Ohio State has a pair of true freshmen who look ready to make an immediate impact in 2026.

In this episode of The Buckeye Weekly Podcast, Tony Gerdeman and Tom Orr discuss running back Legend Bey and nickelback Jay Timmons, two freshmen who have generated consistent buzz throughout fall camp and now appear ready for meaningful roles right away.

The guys break down why Bey brings something different to the Buckeyes’ backfield, how Ohio State could use his versatility without overloading him, and why comments from Carson Hinzman and Ryan Day continue to reinforce the excitement around him.

They also dive into Timmons, who has essentially been running with the first-team defense at nickel since the start of camp. Earl Little’s comments about Timmons’ mindset, toughness and coverage ability only add to the belief that he could be one of the most impactful freshmen on the roster this season.

0:00 — Welcome to the Buckeye Weekly Podcast
0:10 — The season is almost here
0:48 — Two freshmen who could make a major impact
1:18 — Legend Bae and Jay Timmons
1:37 — Carson Hinzman brings up Legend Bey first
2:19 — Why unsolicited praise matters
3:45 — Ryan Day on Bey's role
4:11 — Learning running back before expanding to receiver
4:39 — Getting Legend Bey the ball in space
5:30 — The “Legend Bey depth chart”
5:50 — How Arthur Smith could use him creatively
6:59 — Jay Timmons: the freshman nickelback to watch
7:27 — Earl Little on when Timmons stood out
8:02 — Why Timmons winning the job matters
9:28 — Is Jay Timmons a different kind of freshman?
10:04 — The history of standout freshman nickelbacks at Ohio State
10:54 — Why Timmons may have the bigger overall impact
11:17 — Could Timmons make a national splash against Texas?
11:49 — Final thoughts on Ohio State’s impact freshmen
12:24 — Closing

Which freshman do you think will have the bigger impact this season: Legend Bey or Jay Timmons? Let us know in the comments.

For more Ohio State football coverage, practice intel, X’s and O’s, recruiting and more, visit BuckeyeInsiders.com.

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