**Steve Helwagen Joins “The 330 Sports Show” to Break Down Ohio State’s Upcoming Season, CFP Changes, and Even Hulk Hogan**
Ohio State fans got an inside look at what to expect in the 2024 season when veteran Buckeyes reporter Steve Helwagen of *247Sports* and *Bucknuts* joined *The 330 Sports Show* for an in-depth discussion. Helwagen, a trusted voice in Columbus for decades, shared his thoughts on the Buckeyes’ roster, the expanded College Football Playoff, and even threw in a surprising wrestling reference—because why not?
Helwagen didn’t hold back when discussing Ohio State’s potential this season. With key additions through the transfer portal and another elite recruiting class, Ryan Day’s squad is built to compete for a national title. The biggest storyline? The quarterback battle. Will Will Howard, the Kansas State transfer, lock down the starting job, or will Devin Brown or freshman phenom Julian Sayin push him? Helwagen believes Howard has the edge but emphasized that Day won’t hesitate to make a change if needed.
The Buckeyes’ defense, now under the guidance of new defensive coordinator Jim Knowles for a third season, should once again be one of the best in the country. Helwagen pointed to the defensive line, led by stars like JT Tuimoloau and Jack Sawyer, as the unit that could dominate games. “If those guys live up to the hype, good luck moving the ball on Ohio State,” he said.
One of the most fascinating parts of the conversation revolved around the expanded 12-team College Football Playoff. Helwagen called it a “game-changer” for programs like Ohio State, which has narrowly missed the playoff in recent years despite strong seasons. “Under this format, the Buckeyes would’ve been in every year since the playoff began,” he noted.
But with more teams comes more debate. Will conference championships still matter as much? Could we see three or even four Big Ten teams make it? Helwagen thinks the Big Ten and SEC will dominate the bids, but he also warned that the first year of the new format could bring surprises. “A team like Liberty last year would’ve had a shot,” he said. “That changes everything.”
In a lighter moment, the conversation took an unexpected turn when Helwagen was asked about wrestling legend Hulk Hogan. Laughing, he admitted he wasn’t an expert but recalled Hogan’s peak popularity in the 1980s and ‘90s. “I remember *Hulkamania* running wild,” he joked. “But if we’re talking about toughness, maybe Ohio State’s O-line could use a little of that ‘Hulkster’ mentality.”
As the discussion wrapped up, Helwagen emphasized that 2024 is a pivotal season for Ryan Day. After three straight losses to Michigan and no national titles since 2014, the pressure is mounting. “The roster is stacked, the schedule is manageable, and the playoff is bigger,” Helwagen said. “If Ohio State doesn’t make a deep run this year, the fans won’t be happy.”
For Buckeye fans, Helwagen’s insights provided both optimism and a reality check. The pieces are in place, but as always in college football, nothing is guaranteed. One thing’s for sure—with the new playoff format, this season will be unlike any other.
And if all else fails, maybe the Buckeyes can channel their inner Hulk Hogan and *“brother*” their way to a title.
