Welcome to the Skull Session.
Happy belated 614 Day to all who celebrate(d).
This is our city 6⃣1⃣4⃣https://t.co/6WWWbC2VPR pic.twitter.com/EfWWxIkywI
— Eleven Warriors (@11W) June 14, 2026
Have a good Monday.
THE FIRST BOOM. When Ohio State lands a recruit from Massillon Washington, there's a decent chance he'll become a star. Steve Luke, Chris Spielman, Devin Smith, Gareon Conley and Thayer Munford are among the Tigers-turned-Buckeyes who made their mark in Columbus. You'd recognize names like Justin Zwick, Devin Jordan and Jayden Ballard, too.
Ohio State added another Massillon Washington product to its pipeline over the weekend, as four-star cornerback Deontay Malone became the Buckeyes' first commitment following an official visit. Malone announced his decision Sunday, writing on social media that Ohio State "means more than just playing football, it's about joining a family, a legacy of greatness."
Committing to @OhioStateFB means more than just playing football,it’s about joining a family, a legacy of greatness. I’m ready to work harder than ever, push past every limit, and represent the Buckeyes with pride and heart.❤️@MTigerFB @CoachNMoore @CoachKent34 @247Sports pic.twitter.com/tAnnns5c9s
— 4️⃣⭐️deontay malone (@deontaymalone6) June 14, 2026
Malone has the potential to leave his own mark on that legacy. His athleticism is totally wicked. The 2027 prospect has posted a 4.43-second 40-yard dash, a 215-pound bench press and a 550-pound squat. He turned those traits into 34 receptions for 498 yards on offense while adding 25 tackles, three interceptions, seven pass breakups, two fumble recoveries and a forced fumble on defense last season.
He also amassed 534 return yards on 24 combined kick and punt returns and scored nine total touchdowns for the Tigers.
Malone has steadily climbed the recruiting rankings in recent months, rising as high as No. 284 overall in the 247Sports composite for 2027. Recently reclassified from athlete to cornerback, he now ranks as the No. 33 cornerback in the 2027 class.
I, for one, can't wait to see what he accomplishes in Columbus. Ohio State has long said that the best in Ohio stay in Ohio. Give Malone a year or two in Mick Marotti's strength program (more on that in a moment), and he could develop into a high-impact player in multiple phases for the Buckeyes.
BEHIND-THE-SCENES OV. Five-star defensive lineman Marcus Fakatou, the No. 24 overall prospect in the 2027 class, posted a vlog from his Ohio State official visit at the end of May. The YouTube video gives fans a behind-the-scenes look at his time in Columbus, which looked like an absolute blast.
The Buckeyes are well-positioned to land Fakatou after he narrowed his recruitment to Ohio State, Georgia and Texas. They currently have five crystal balls for a Fakatou pledge across 247Sports and On3/Rivals.
If Fakatou chooses Ohio State, he’ll form a star-studded trio along the defensive line in the Buckeyes’ 2027 class, joining five-star defensive end DJ Jacobs and top-100 prospect Wyatt Smith.
BODY BY MICK. I mentioned Mick Marotti's strength program earlier. Here's a glimpse of what it can do for a player who attacks the weight room and takes advantage of Ohio State's nutrition program:
— Chris Henry Jr (@ChrisHenryJr) June 13, 2026
Henry had four catches for 96 yards and a touchdown in Ohio State's spring game on April 18. Less than two months later, he appears to have added some good weight and plenty of muscle definition.
In other words, the man is looking yoked.
That should be an unsettling development for Ohio State's 2026 opponents.
“HE WILL HELP YOUR TEAM WIN.” Chris Jent is a two-time NBA champion.
The former Ohio State player and assistant coach added a second ring to his collection Sunday as the associate head coach of the New York Knicks, who defeated the San Antonio Spurs in Game 5 of the NBA Finals to capture their first championship in 53 years. Jent previously won an NBA title as a player with the Houston Rockets in 1994.
Following the Knicks' championship-clinching victory, head coach Mike Brown made a public case for Jent to receive a head coaching opportunity, praising the veteran assistant's impact on New York's success.
Mike Brown: “Chris Jent, my associate head coach, I’m surprised he hasn’t gotten an interview. He’s our offensive coordinator. He’s been around for a long time. Somebody needs to give him an interview because he’ll help your team win at the highest level.” pic.twitter.com/CfVyVXoIAe
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) June 14, 2026
"There are a lot of jobs out there. Chris Jent, my associate head coach, I'm surprised he has not gotten an interview," Brown said. "He won the Summer League championship this past summer. He's our offensive coordinator. He's our associate head coach. He's been around for a long time. Somebody needs to give him an interview because he will help your team win at the highest level."
It's hard to make a stronger endorsement than that. I hope he gets a fair shot.
STEELE CHAMBERS, UFL CHAMPION. Let's celebrate another champion: Steele Chambers.
The former Ohio State linebacker captured a UFL title with the Louisville Kings, who defeated the DC Defenders, 27-20, in the United Bowl on Saturday. Chambers recorded five tackles in the championship victory.
KINGS TAKE THE CROWN
— Louisville Kings (@UFLKings) June 13, 2026
Proud to be the 2026 United Bowl CHAMPIONS! pic.twitter.com/tBPDrFjA9X
While Chambers' stat line was modest in the title game, he played a pivotal role in Louisville's championship run. In the semifinals, he sealed a win over the St. Louis Battlehawks with a game-clinching interception, one of two picks he recorded this season.
The moment Steele Chambers solidified our entry to the United Bowl pic.twitter.com/zCQP12CiD7
— Louisville Kings (@UFLKings) June 8, 2026
Across 10 regular-season games and two postseason contests, Chambers compiled 49 tackles, three tackles for loss, four pass breakups and two interceptions as one of the Kings' most productive defenders.
Now with a championship ring on one of his 10 fingers, Chambers can return to his regularly scheduled programming as a co-host of The Bobby Carpenter Show. He may also still be clowning former Ohio State defensive back Bryson Shaw — I can't say for sure — but I look forward to seeing him around The Ohio State Universe this season.
HEY ROOKIE! Former Ohio State goaltender Jakub Dobeš was named to the NHL All-Rookie Team after a standout first full season with the Montreal Canadiens.
Dobeš played 43 games with the Montreal Canadiens this season, posting a 29-10-4 record along with a 2.78 goals-against average and a .901 save percentage. The 6-foot-4, 215-pound netminder led all rookie goaltenders in wins and ranked ninth among all NHL goalies in that category.
#ProBuck Jakub Dobes earned a spot on the NHL All-Rookie Team https://t.co/oYl3vHmbcQ
— Ohio State Men's Hockey (@OhioStateMHKY) June 12, 2026
He carried that form into the postseason, starting all 19 of Montreal’s games through the Eastern Conference Finals while posting a 2.66 GAA and a .908 save percentage. His nine playoff wins rank tied for third-most in franchise history by a rookie goaltender.
That’s good.
SONG OF THE DAY. "Bad Reputation" - Joan Jett and the Blackhearts.
CUT TO THE CHASE. Carolina Hurricanes win Game 6, raise Stanley Cup in Vegas... New UFO files describe spinning discs, glowing orbs and one object shaped like a potato... NY man’s high school yearbook prediction 6 years ago goes viral... Toronto neighborhood offers unique World Cup-themed scavenger hunt... Will betting markets ruin your favorite TV show?
