Hello everyone.
As I step in for today’s Skully, I can’t help but feel like that lesser-known player from the Athletics who was called up to represent the American League in a tiebreaker home run derby for Tuesday’s All-Star game due to Aaron Judge’s (Chase Brown) travel commitments.
This comparison has turned out to be surprisingly fitting. As Chase would say, let’s have a fantastic Thursday, shall we?
UNDER THE RADAR. Each mid-July, college football outlets consistently produce similar content, including preseason forecasts, watchlists, and media day coverage. They also share insider pieces where college coaches reveal their thoughts on teams and players for the upcoming season.
Recently, 247Sports’ Matt Zenitz released a piece polling Big Ten sources about 25 under-the-radar players to keep an eye on for the 2025 season. Two Buckeyes made the list: Running back James Peoples and right tackle Austin Siereveld.
- On Peoples: “Compact, explosive runner with a thick lower body and exceptional short-area burst.”
- On Siereveld: “He’s been looking like a standout this offseason.”
Peoples is poised to be OSU’s starting running back this season, while Siereveld has already been confirmed as a starter by Ryan Day, with the only question being his position between right tackle or guard. In my opinion, like those unnamed Big Ten sources, I expect great things from both players.
FLY LIKE A JET. Did you think we’d only feature one anonymous source story? Not in this mid-July lull of content! We also have ESPN’s ranking of top NFL wide receivers, which includes a familiar name in the top 10.
Garrett Wilson recently received a generous contract for thriving despite inconsistent quarterback play, and it turns out that the league recognizes him as one of the best receivers out there. Wilson comes in at No. 10 on the list, having garnered praise for excelling in challenging conditions.
Wilson makes his top-10 debut after three straight seasons of over 1,000 yards. An AFC executive remarked that “he’s one of the best separators in the league.” Despite posting impressive stats, some scouts are curious about what’s hindering his production.
Some question whether his style as a “freelancer” in route running is suitable alongside seasoned quarterbacks. Nonetheless, his potential is undeniable, and he stands tall in the rankings following a lucrative four-year, $130 million extension.
SO YOU’RE SAYING HE’S RANKED WHERE? The Athletic recently took on the challenge of ranking every single projected starting quarterback in college football, breaking them down into various tiers.
Julian Sayin, a five-star recruit for 2024 who may start for the Buckeyes this season, is ranked No. 32, at the top of tier four—labelled for young, promising quarterbacks with potential. While Sayin has impressive credentials, there will be uncertainties until we watch him in action.
The situation at Ohio State next season features a new play caller, Brian Hartline, and a quarterback with limited college experience. A Big Ten coach pointed out, “There will certainly be growing pains with a newcomer.” The scrutiny of playing for Ohio State adds another layer to the challenges Sayin will face.
MOM AND DAD ARE STILL FIGHTING. There was a time when the Big Ten, Pac-12, and ACC stood in alliance against the SEC, but that unity has since unraveled due to dysfunction. Now, the Big Ten and SEC seem to be the primary power players in college football, although they are at odds regarding the playoff format, resulting in a stalemate.
As per recent reports, the Big Ten is unwilling to accept the SEC’s proposed playoff structure unless there’s a change in scheduling. If they cannot reach an agreement, it appears we’ll remain at the current 12-team model for the playoffs, which has its merits.
SONG OF THE DAY. “Let Me Clear My Throat” by DJ Kool. Given my initial baseball reference, I believe this would totally be my walk-up song if I ever played in the majors.
A HODGEPODGE OF LINKS. Barstool’s Dave Portnoy might join Fox’s Big Noon Kickoff; Columbus Zoo cited by USDA for a door failure linked to a lion attack; police discover a Russian woman and her daughters in a forest cave; and Diego Pavia believes Vanderbilt can win a national championship.
