Welcome to the Skull Session
I’m back from vacation, including a visit to the U.S. Open!
J.J. Spaun!
WHAT A PUTT!!!!
J.J. SPAUN WINS THE U.S. OPEN!!!! pic.twitter.com/EWdYQeDAzF
— U.S. Open (@usopengolf) June 16, 2025
Wishing you a wonderful Monday.
“They’ve Changed My Life”
Will Howard is definitely a standout. Before covering athletic director Ross Bjork’s press conference at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center, 10TV’s Adam King shared captivating quotes and photos from the building’s renovations. One notable quote was from national champion QB Will Howard:
New Will Howard quote that will greet players at the Woody.
“They’ve changed my life in ways beyond words. Coach Day and the team have truly transformed my development here.”
-Will Howard pic.twitter.com/f6znaSEST9
— Adam King (@AdamKing10TV) June 12, 2025
A new directive: Every official and unofficial visit to Ohio State must include a moment to reflect on Howard’s impactful quote. It’s both incredible and likely very true!
Community Engagement
Howard was in Columbus recently for a youth football camp at Pickerington North High School, where he humorously referred to it as “the land Jack Sawyer graced” during an interview with 10TV’s Nicole Shearin.
“I’m excited to be back here in Columbus, Pickerington North,” Howard expressed. “I’ve heard a lot about it, especially from my buddy Jack. It feels great to return and give back to the community. I want to impact these kids, just as I was influenced when I was their age.”
He further stated, “I love this place. Even though I was here for only one year, I’ll always consider it home.”
Working with Legends
Before his youth camp, Howard trained with future Pro Football Hall of Famer Aaron Rodgers at the Steelers’ minicamp. Rodgers, who recently signed a one-year deal with Pittsburgh, aims to guide a QB group that includes Howard, Mason Rudolph, and Skylar Thompson.
“My first impression of Rodgers was fantastic,” Howard shared with ESPN’s Brooke Pryor. “He’s been incredibly respectful and a great mentor. I appreciate him taking the time to share tips that have already helped me.”
QB Aaron Rodgers speaks to the media after his first practice as a Steeler. https://t.co/I4vGWZ8Jqq
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) June 10, 2025
Prospect Watch
Ohio State has seen a wide receiver selected in the first round for the last four NFL drafts: Garrett Wilson and Chris Olave in 2022, Jaxon Smith-Njigba in 2023, Marvin Harrison Jr. in 2024, and Emeka Egbuka in 2025.
Carnell Tate aims to continue this legacy in 2026, and according to one regional scout, he has a promising chance. “I’m all-in on Tate,” the scout told ESPN’s Matt Miller. “He’s big and impressive in his route-running, generating separation effectively.”
Despite only 70 receptions for 997 yards and five touchdowns at Ohio State, greater production is anticipated as he steps up to WR2 behind Jeremiah Smith in 2025.
A Bit of Déjà Vu
Henry Kaczmar, who played as an Ohio State infielder in 2023 and 2024, has transferred back to Columbus for his senior year after a spell at South Carolina, mirroring Meechie Johnson’s journey.
To complete his arc, Kaczmar may need to return to South Carolina in 2027. Let’s hope he stays at Ohio State, as the baseball team, which struggled last season with a 13-37 record, could use a player like him—boasting a .309 career batting average with 190 hits and 20 homers.
As for future transfers, I hope either Air Noland comes back to Ohio State, or perhaps Keenan Nelson Jr. transfers to South Carolina. Let’s keep the transfers flowing!
Song of the Day
“Father and Son” – Yusuf/Cat Stevens.
Cut to the Chase
Jon Rothstein expresses his happiness in college basketball (shared shortly after J.J. Spaun’s putt)… Nationals’ bat-retrieving dog Bruce steals the spotlight pregame, making his MLB debut… Men struck by lightning rescued from a mountain in record-setting helicopter evacuations in Colorado… And fans of Pitbull are partying globally in matching white shirts and black ties.