BUCKEYE BREAKTHROUGH: Ohio State Keys to DEFEAT USC – Can Luke Fahey and Jeremiah Smith Shine?

It's a cross over edition of Locked on Buckeyes and Locked on USC as Matt Fontana and Marc Kulkin get ready for this historic matchup. Ohio State Buckeyes and USC Trojans face off in a high-stakes Coliseum showdown, with both programs fighting to reclaim dominance amid quarterback uncertainties and shifting playoff hopes. Will true freshman Luke Fahey or Tavian St. Clair ignite the Buckeyes, or can Jayden Maiava bounce back from a tough outing to lead the Trojans’ offense to glory? The conversation focused on pivotal matchups, including Jeremiah Smith’s impact, USC’s defensive adjustments under Gary Patterson, and the critical role of each team’s running game. Key talking points include Ohio State’s evolving offensive line, USC’s ability to generate a pass rush, and whether Lincoln Riley’s future as head coach hangs in the balance. With both teams’ playoff dreams on the line and legendary histories at stake, this episode breaks down the X-factors and pressing questions ahead of one of college football’s most intriguing battles. Locked On Buckeyes is your daily Ohio State football and basketball podcast hosted by Matt Fontana and Justin Zwick. Follow & Subscribe on your favorite audio podcast platform- https://pod.link/1435805039 Locked On College Conferences, HBCU, Basketball & More 🎧 https://linktr.ee/LockedOnCollege Follow Justin on twitter: https://x.com/justinzwick12 Follow Matt on twitter: https://x.com/MattFontana83 Follow the show on twitter: https://x.com/LOBuckeyes Photo credit: Kevin Jairaj via Imagn Images Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! KALSHI For a limited time, Download Kalshi and use code Locked On to get $25 when you trade $25. Kalshi. Trade what’s next. Wayfair Transform your space with pieces that hold up to real life. Join Wayfair Rewards today and get five percent back on every purchase. Head to https://Wayfair.com or shop the Wayfair app for all things home. Every style. Every home. ULTRA POUCHES Don’t sleep on Ultra Pouches. New customers get 15% Off with code LOCKEDONCOLLEGEFOOTBALL at https://takeultra.com! #UltraPouches #ad Butcher Box If you're looking for an easier way to get great meals on the table, give ButcherBox a try. Go to https://ButcherBox.com/LOCKEDONCOLLEGE to get $20 off your first box, plus your choice of free ribeye, new york strip, or filet mignon in every box for a year — with free shipping always. 5-Hour ENERGY Treat yourself to a crisp apple bite and smooth caramel delight with a Caramel Apple 5-hour ENERGY®️ shot, only available online for a limited time at https://5hourENERGY.com or Amazon. Gametime Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply. FanDuel This season, FanDuel is making the excitement go beyond what happens on the field with the all-new FanDuel Rewards Club, featuring exclusive offers, surprises, and more. Every week, check the FanDuel app to see what’s waiting for you or visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) #GoBucks #OhioState #Buckeyes #OhioStateFootball #BuckeyeNation #OhioStateBasketball