Urban Meyer is back on the screen as he's once again settling into a college football television role. Appearing this afternoon on Fox Sports' college football kickoff show, Meyer discussed a number of topics including Ryan Day and the Buckeyes, Michigan's potential, and gave his own prediction for the coming season.
Flanked by the likes of Brady Quinn, Reggie Bush, and Matt Leinart, Meyer was asked if this will finally be "Michigan's year." His response really couldn't have been any more perfect: "Year for what?"
Is this finally Michigan's year? @OSUCoachMeyer and the rest of the @CFBonFOX crew weigh in on the Wolverines' CFP chances in 2019. pic.twitter.com/BB5BmCjmi7
— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) August 24, 2019
He touched on the Wolverines' talent at wide receiver – which is largely unknown due to the past system – and the team's ability to transition to more of a spread offense under Josh Gattis. Like many others, Meyer noted that Gattis has yet to call plays at the collegiate level. He also spoke highly of defensive coordinator Don Brown but did note that the Wolverines defense didn't exactly end the 2018 season on a high note.
Meyer did not use the word Michigan in his response.
Meyer went on to talk about the Buckeyes under Ryan Day and gave his own thoughts on Justin Fields.
With a new QB and head coach, @OhioStateFB will look very different in 2019. @OSUCoachMeyer and @Brady_Quinn give their thoughts on this edition of the Buckeyes. pic.twitter.com/16se4SjZy5
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) August 24, 2019
In a segment on the transfer portal, Meyer also revealed that Ohio State had at least discussed looking into transfer quarterback options – including Fields – fairly early on in the 2018 season, when it became apparent that Dwayne Haskins could leave for the NFL after just one year. He also expressed concerns, though, about how prevalent transfers have become.
“After Week 5 with Dwayne Haskins, I’m walking off the practice field. Ryan Day, Mark Pantoni, our director of recruiting comes up, says ‘We need to start watching other quarterbacks in case Dwayne leaves,’" Meyer said. “It just didn’t feel right. It feels like free agency. We’re in there watching players from every team, every week. So I’m watching Justin Fields, Jalen Hurts, Brandon Wimbush, other quarterbacks. That doesn’t feel right. It’s alarming.”
Meyer again described Ryan Day as "elite" and noted that he was hand-picked by both Meyer and Gene Smith. He went on to say that Ohio State's quarterback situation is "real" and the talent gap behind Justin Fields is evident. He mentioned having discussions and strategizing with Day to do everything he can to minimize unnecessary hits on his starting quarterback.
Brady Quinn identified Chase Young as one of the top prospects for the 2020 NFL draft. Meyer noted that Young absolutely has that skill set and if he puts it all together he can be "like a Bosa" and solidify himself as a top draft pick.
Like many others, Meyer stated that Clemson is his pick for the 2019 national title, but also included Ohio State in his College Football Playoff field – describing his pick as 50% head and 50% heart – along with Alabama and Oklahoma.
Meyer also said he views Nebraska as the team to beat in the Big Ten West.
"Both schemes, offense and defense, very difficult to prepare for in one week, and I love their quarterback,” Meyer said of Nebraska. “Adrian Martinez was a freshman last year, finished with great momentum.”
