Bold opening: The latest Skull Session has more hot takes, bold takes, and real talk about education than you might expect—and it all centers on how two heavyweight programs stack up off the field. Now, here’s the fully rewritten version that preserves every key fact while presenting it in a fresh, beginner-friendly way.
Welcome to the Skull Session.
Alexa, play Free Bird. (Link: Eleven Warriors post about Joy Dunne, Cayla Barnes, and Hannah Bilka helping the United States win gold; eight Buckeyes earning Olympic medals.)
Buckeyes highlights and a quick tease: On Friday, February 19, 2026, Eleven Warriors shared a lively thread from social media featuring Buckeye content and a shoutout to the hockey squad. Have a good Friday.
NOT TOO DIFFERENT. A lot about life remains mysterious, including why Notre Dame stubbornly touts its academics. (Optional phrase: about its academics.)
In summer 2022, Marcus Freeman, then a former Ohio State linebacker now head coach at Notre Dame, told CBS Sports, “If you don’t go to class at a school like Ohio State, you can take online classes or show up for appointments. At Notre Dame, you’re required to attend class every day.” Freeman later walked back those comments in an interview with 97.1 The Fan, saying he would never undermine the quality of education at Notre Dame. He explained that his point was about access: at large public universities with 60,000 or 40,000 students, online classes might be possible; but at smaller institutions, in-person attendance is often mandatory. He wanted to clarify that distinction.
Now, three and a half years later, Mylan Graham—freshly transferred from Ohio State to Notre Dame—says he’s had to adjust to South Bend’s academic expectations.
When a reporter asked what’s different between the two schools, Graham chose a careful path: there isn’t a stark gulf between them. He described the adjustment as mostly about the in-person requirement, noting, “Not too different. You just have to actually go in person. At Notre Dame, obviously everybody knows how it is with academics.”
Yes, we hear you, Mylan. They’ve told us what’s up. And many readers aren’t surprised.
THE BEST OF THE BEST. The Athletic’s NFL mock draft (link: The Athletic) is out this week, and while mock drafts in February aren’t guarantees, they do spotlight trends worth watching.
One clear theme: four Buckeyes land in the top 10, with Arvell Reese going to the Jets at No. 2 and Sonny Styles landing at No. 10 with the Bengals. The mock also places Davison Igbinosun in the 56th spot for the Jaguars, who don’t have a first-round pick this year.
No. 2 – Arvell Reese to the New York Jets
The Jets are craving playmakers on defense after setting NFL records for fewest turnovers and interceptions in a season. Reese could become a versatile piece with a Micah Parsons-like upside as a college off-ball linebacker who can rush the passer. His multi-position potential would be a valuable tool for defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn as he returns to play-calling responsibilities. If the Jets find a quarterback worth taking at that spot, they’d likely make the move, but no obvious quarterback exists in this scenario. — Zack Rosenblatt
No. 5 – Caleb Downs to the New York Giants
The Giants opted to stay at No. 5 and draft a safety, a choice that some may find controversial. Downs ranks No. 4 in Brugler’s top 100 and is praised as “one of the better safeties I have ever evaluated,” making him a strong fit for a Giants secondary that has lacked consistency. — Charlotte Carroll
No. 9 – Carnell Tate to the Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs need help at receiver beyond 2026, and Tate represents a smart fit. He’s viewed as a dependable option who can contribute in run-after-catch plays and stretch the field outside. Draft analysts often compare him to George Pickens, and his presence would give Patrick Mahomes a QB-friendly, long-term target. — Jesse Newell
No. 10 – Sonny Styles to the Cincinnati Bengals
This choice came down to Styles versus Mansoor Delane from LSU. The deciding factor could be how Cincinnati handles free agency, but Styles would add immediate value in the middle of the defense, especially if the team solidifies linebacker depth. Either way, Cincinnati benefits from another elite defensive talent. — Paul Dehner Jr.
No. 56 – Davison Igbinosun to the Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars must shore up their secondary, and Igbinosun’s 6-2, 195-pound frame suits outside corner duties. He plays with noticeable physicality, which could be refined under coaches Liam Coen and Anthony Campanile. If Coen’s relationship with Ohio State’s Day helps, that’s a nice alignment. Igbinosun could be a starter early in his pro career. — Jeff Howe
A few personal notes on the mock projections:
- Reese at No. 2 to the Jets feels almost inevitable in many mocks. I secretly hope he slides to the Browns in the later rounds, like a coveted No. 2 prospect that falls unexpectedly.
- Downs to the Giants makes sense; John Harbaugh’s success with safeties (e.g., Kyle Hamilton) shows how impactful that position can be when paired with a strong secondary. Downs has the potential to deliver that level of production.
- Tate to the Chiefs would be a game-changer for a receiving corps needing depth and versatility.
- Styles to the Bengals would be a joy for Buckeyes fans, as Ohio players finding good fits along I-71 is a recurring theme.
- Igbinosun as a late-first or early-second-round pick could become a standout value if he continues to play with controlled aggression and fewer penalties.
ONE OF ONE. How good is Jeremiah Smith? In Pro Football Focus’s 11-year history of grading college players, Smith stands alone as the only wide receiver to post 85+ grades in each of his first two seasons. Jeremiah Smith is described as generational. If that’s true, what can we expect from Year 3? (Source: PFF College)
THIS AND THAT. Another Skull Session, another mix of quick updates:
- Former Ohio State men’s basketball coach Thad Matta earned his 500th win, with a celebratory video from Butler’s team featuring many Buckeyes in the mix.
- Georgia players Chris Cole and Darren Ikinnagbon were arrested on reckless driving charges, a reminder that headlines can pop up quickly and unexpectedly.
- A playful jab from Buckeye Huddle’s Tony Gerdeman captures the humor around the Georgia program’s recent issues: it’s like Georgia’s version of removing a black stripe from Buckeye lore.
- Graeter’s Ice Cream refreshed its Buckeye Blitz pint design, sparking debates about nostalgia and branding. Does one old design featuring Brutus ring a bell for you? Share your memory in the comments if you recall it.
That’s all for now. Stay tuned for the next Skull Session and drop your thoughts in the comments: do you agree with these mock draft themes, or do you think another Buckeye could surprise us in the top 10? Which pick would you most like to see materialize, and why? And which controversy from the education debate do you find most worth debating in the comments?
Song of the Day: “Golden” by Harry Styles.
CREDITS AND RUNDOWN. Quick glimpses from the day’s links include a mix of sports updates, entertainment notes, and miscellaneous headlines, ranging from NFL draft chatter to NCAA coaching milestones and beyond.
END OF UPDATE.
