logo
Chris Gabehart sheds light on radio exchange with Ty Gibbs: 'Of course it's heated'

Chris Gabehart sheds light on radio exchange with Ty Gibbs: 'Of course it's heated'

Yahoo2 days ago
WATKINS GLEN, N.Y. — A hot day at Watkins Glen International got even hotter on the radio of the No. 54 Joe Gibbs Racing team's radio during the final stage of Sunday's NASCAR Cup Series race.
Struggling to find rear grip with 34 laps remaining, Ty Gibbs expressed his frustration to his team.
'We're [expletive] right now, so we've got to do something different,' Gibbs said.
Chris Gabehart, competition director of Joe Gibbs Racing and race strategist for the No. 54 team, did not appreciate the tone of Gibbs' assessment.
'Well, I'm sure you've got a real good understanding of that from inside the car,' Gabehart said, 'so you can call the strategy if you want or we can keep rolling. But I (would) do the best I could to go as fast as I can.'
'10-4!' Gibbs replied.
MORE: |
Ultimately, an up-and-down day for the No. 54 team ended with a 33rd-place result, Gibbs' worst result since Circuit of The Americas in March and his third consecutive finish outside the top 20. Gabehart is a veteran crew chief despite stepping back from that role in 2025, serving as the shot-caller on the No. 11 pit box with driver Denny Hamlin from 2019-2024, collecting 22 wins together. Sunday, he said, was simply another growing moment for the 22-year-old Gibbs.
'Of course, it's heated. It's a hot day, and the driver's working his butt off in there and doesn't know the details of who's on what for strategy,' Gabehart said. 'There was a caution that fell there early in Stage 2 that really split the field a lot of different ways. So for drivers, that's always the most confusing time because they don't know how to measure their car against whom and what's the next play in the playbook.
'And on the pit box, you're working to figure all that out as those cautions fall. There's only so much prep work that you can do prior to when it happens. Now, what do we do? And that's the moment that was going on there.'
Gibbs was also at a disadvantage after needing to work hard to re-pass the No. 60 of Ryan Preece before a Christopher Bell pass on Alex Bowman forced Gibbs to check up as well. Gibbs spent significant time trying to work by Bowman, Gabehart said, contributing to the lack of grip left in Gibbs' rear tires.
'This is a very difficult race to follow, even for the most experienced drivers,' Gabehart said. 'The strategy just changes so much, and Ty is still trying to work through some of these nuances. So that's racing.'
Their final pit stop of the day came at Lap 81, after Gibbs bargained an idea of his own: 'How about we just pit then just stay out when the caution comes out? If not, then we're already back here anyway.'
Gabehart obliged, bringing the No. 54 car in for four fresh tires in a gamble that didn't pay off without a yellow flag.
'We talked it over and he was losing the rear tires pretty fast both runs,' Gabehart explained. 'So once we got that late, he came on said, 'Well, what if we pit here? What's it really gonna cost us?' I'm like, 'Not much. Let's go ahead and pit in case the caution comes out, then we'll stay out and try to restart further forward for it.' There just wasn't much track position left to lose at that point.'
Gibbs' season has had its fair share of hot-and-cold swings. After finishing third at Michigan, Gibbs went on a three-race run of top-15 finishes from 11th (Mexico City), 14th (Pocono) and 14th (EchoPark Speedway). The next three races that followed were all top 10s — second in Chicago, seventh at Sonoma and fifth at Dover. The latest trio of tracks haven't been as kind with two 21st-place runs (Indianapolis, Iowa) before Sunday's 33rd-place finish.
Part of what Gabehart tries to bring is a sense of balance, particularly in unique scenarios like Watkins Glen provided when the driver may be less informed than the crew on the pit box.
'It's our job up top to try to rein that in when needed, or give enough information to be pertinent, but not so much that it's confusing all those things,' Gabehart said. 'And Ty is different than Denny is different than Chase Briscoe is different than Bell. They're all different, right? So you've got to figure out how to get the most of them out of those moments, and today, I don't think we did.'
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Automotive Turbocharger Market to Reach US$38.15 Billion by 2033
Automotive Turbocharger Market to Reach US$38.15 Billion by 2033

Yahoo

time15 minutes ago

  • Yahoo

Automotive Turbocharger Market to Reach US$38.15 Billion by 2033

Automotive turbocharger market is currently thriving on the dual demand for enhanced fuel efficiency and high performance. Driven by strict emissions regulations, OEMs are universally adopting advanced turbo systems, particularly in expanding hybrid and downsized gasoline engine applications. Chicago, Aug. 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The global automotive turbocharger market was valued at US$ 16.72 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach US$ 38.15 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 9.6% during the forecast period 2025–2033. Switch Auto Insurance and Save Today! Affordable Auto Insurance, Customized for You The Insurance Savings You Expect Great Rates and Award-Winning Service Industry titans are cementing their positions through high-value, long-term supply agreements. These deals highlight a clear trajectory towards hybrid applications and smaller, more efficient gasoline engines. BorgWarner has been particularly aggressive, securing a contract to supply wastegate turbochargers for a major OEM's 1.0-liter gasoline engines in Europe, with production set to begin in August 2027. Further demonstrating its hybrid focus, the company also won a high-performance turbocharger program for a 3.0-liter gasoline hybrid application in North America, with production commencing in September 2028. This momentum is sustained by extended contracts for midsized gasoline engines with a major North American OEM, ensuring production continues through 2028 and beyond. Download Sample Pages: The company's global reach is evident in a significant contract with a major East Asian OEM to supply turbochargers for their 1.6L engine for hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) SUVs. This deal builds upon a robust 18-year partnership with the customer. Production for this East Asian contract is scheduled to begin in 2027 at BorgWarner's Pyongtaek facility in Korea. These strategic victories solidify revenue streams and underscore the trust OEMs place in established players within the competitive automotive turbocharger market. Key Findings in Automotive Turbocharger Market Market Forecast (2033) US$ 38.15 billion CAGR 9.6% Largest Region (2024) Europe (37.8%) By Turbo Type Twin Turbo (26.70%) By Vehicle Type Passenger Vehicle (56.90%) By Propulsion Diesel (47.30%) By Distribution OEM (83.20%) By Propulsion Type Diesel (47.3%) By Distribution Channel OEM (83.26%) Top Drivers Stringent global emissions standards mandate more efficient engine technologies. Engine downsizing trend to improve fuel economy remains prevalent. Growing consumer demand for high-performance and high-torque vehicles. Top Trends Electrification of turbochargers (e-turbos) to eliminate turbo lag. Integration of turbocharging in advanced hybrid powertrain systems. Use of advanced, high-temperature resistant materials and new alloys. Top Challenges Increasing complexity and cost of advanced turbocharging systems. The long-term market threat from battery electric vehicle (BEV) adoption. Maintaining reliability and durability under higher thermal and pressure loads. Next-Generation Turbocharger Technology Redefines Performance and Efficiency Standards Innovation in automotive turbocharger market is delivering tangible performance gains across the board. Cummins Turbo Technologies (CTT) is set to launch its 8th generation Holset series 400 Variable Geometry Turbocharger (VGT) in 2024, a unit specifically designed for the demanding 10 to 15-liter heavy-duty truck market. In July 2024, Cummins also made its HE200WG turbocharger commercially available to meet stringent new emission standards. The consumer-facing performance segment is also seeing significant upgrades. The 2024 GM L5P engine features a new turbocharger with an 11 mm cage width on the turbine side, a notable increase from the previous 9.4 mm. This new L5P turbo has a 10-blade turbine, compared to the previous 11-blade design, suggesting higher flow capabilities. Further dimensional changes include a compressor wheel inducer that grew to 61.3 mm, a 0.2 mm increase, and a turbine exducer that grew by approximately 1.5 mm to 63.9 mm. These modifications contributed to a significant power boost for the 2024 GM L5P engine, which now produces 475 hp, up from 445 hp—an impressive improvement of 30 horsepower. Advanced Aerodynamics and New Product Lines Intensify Market Competition in the Automotive Turbocharger Market The quest for superior performance is pushing manufacturers to launch highly specialized product lines. Garrett Motion launched the G-XRace series of turbochargers in late 2024, aimed squarely at the high-performance and racing world. The specifications speak for themselves: the Garrett GXR 4567 model has 29% higher compressor air flow compared to the G45 1125 horsepower model. Not far behind, the Garrett GXR 4573 model features 11% higher flow compared to its G series equivalent. Meanwhile, Cummins' High Power Ratio-C (HPRC) technology, now integrated into its latest turbochargers, increases flow range capability by up to 25%. This breakthrough has been a game-changer for some customers, allowing them to uprate engines by as much as 25-40% without needing a more complex 2-stage architecture. This level of innovation highlights the dynamic nature of the automotive turbocharger market. A Booming Aftermarket Responds to a Diverse and Aging Vehicle Fleet The service and aftermarket segment is expanding rapidly with new components and remanufacturing options. In February 2024, BORG Automotive launched an impressive 28 new turbocharger models. These new units in the automotive turbocharger market cover over 1,226 unique vehicle applications across the European continent, including offerings for light commercial vehicles (LCVs). UK-based specialist Melett introduced new products in Q2 2024, including a complete turbocharger for the popular AUDI A4/A5/A6/Q5 2.0L models. Melett also released a bi-turbocharger assembly kit for MAZDA CX5/3/6 2.2D models in the same quarter. Recognizing the importance of supporting components, NRF launched a new range of turbo hoses in 2024, consisting of 282 references for passenger cars and LCVs. Every turbo hose kit from NRF is designated "Easy Fit," meaning it includes at least four hoses and the necessary clamps for a complete installation. Component specialists are also active; Prime Turbo added new models of CHRA (Center Housing Rotating Assembly) and turbo spare parts to its catalog in January 2024. Finally, two new HELLA actuators were added to Melett's range in Q2 2024 for Ford, Alfa Romeo, and Fiat models. Stringent Euro 7 Emission Standards Catalyze Advanced Turbocharger Demand The upcoming Euro 7 regulations are a primary catalyst propelling the automotive turbocharger market toward greater sophistication. The standard will apply to all new cars and vans sold from July 2025. It mandates significant reductions in pollutants. Under Euro 7, NOx emissions for diesel cars will be reduced to 60 mg/km, a substantial drop from the current Euro 6 limit of 80 mg/km. The proposed NOx limit for petrol cars under some of the more robust Euro 7 considerations is as low as 30 mg/km. For the first time, regulations will also target non-exhaust brake particle emissions, with a proposed initial limit of 7mg/km in 2025. A stricter brake particle limit of 3mg/km is being advocated for 2025, a target that available technology can already meet. Durability requirements are also being drastically increased. The compliance longevity requirement for cars under Euro 7 will be up to 10 years or 200,000 km, effectively double that of the previous Euro 6 standard. For buses and lorries, the largest vehicles are expected to meet the minimum standards for an incredible 875,000 km (544,000 miles). Finally, testing protocols will become more demanding, covering a broader range of conditions including cold starts at -10°C and extreme heatwave conditions up to 45°C. The Electrification Wave Reshapes Turbocharging for Hybrid Powertrains Electric and hybrid turbocharging technologies in the automotive turbocharger market are moving from concept to commercial reality, promising to revolutionize engine response and efficiency. Electric turbochargers, which use an electric motor to spin the turbo, provide instant boost and virtually eliminate turbo lag, which can traditionally last from milliseconds to over a second. Garrett Motion is at the forefront, developing a pioneering 3-in-1 E-Powertrain that combines a high-speed electric motor, inverter, and reducer into a single, compact unit. This integrated E-Powertrain is engineered to be up to 40% smaller and lighter than comparable industry systems. In a landmark achievement, IHI Corporation became the first in Japan to commercialize an electrically assisted turbocharger, which is now installed in super sports cars as of 2025. The ultra-high-speed motor in IHI's e-assist turbo, supplied by NHK Spring, achieves a maximum rotational speed several times higher than general automotive drive motors. This motor rotates at high speed the moment the accelerator is pressed, contributing to powerful acceleration without any perceptible lag. BorgWarner's July 2025 announcements of contracts for both a 3.0-liter gasoline hybrid in North America and a 1.0-liter hybrid in Europe signal this trend's mainstream adoption. Strong Financial Maneuvers Signal Confidence and Strategic Market Positioning Key players across the global automotive turbocharger market are demonstrating financial strength and strategic foresight through significant capital activities in 2024. Garrett Motion has been particularly active, repurchasing $65 million of its common stock in the second quarter of 2024 alone. This brought the company's total share repurchases in the first half of 2024 to an impressive $174 million. In a strategic debt restructuring, the company issued $800 million of senior unsecured notes in Q2 2024. This move is expected to generate annual cash interest savings of approximately $15 million for Garrett Motion, freeing up capital for further investment. The company's Q2 2024 report showed a commodity deflation impact that reduced sales by $30 million, yet it still recorded a healthy adjusted free cash flow of $62 million. In Q1 2024, Garrett Motion delivered a strong adjusted EBITDA of $151 million, with capital expenditures coming in at $32 million. These numbers are supported by a global team of approximately 9,000 people in 2024, which includes around 1,400 highly skilled engineers dedicated to advancing the automotive turbocharger market. Regional Manufacturing and Future Regulations Define Global Market Dynamics Global strategy requires local execution. Manufacturing footprints and upcoming regional regulations are critical factors. The draft regulation for China 7 emission standards is anticipated to be published by the end of 2024 or early 2025. These new standards will introduce stricter limits on NOx, PM, and CO compared to the current China 6 standards. Critically, China 7 is expected to mandate the use of gasoline particulate filters (GPFs), creating new opportunities. In response to contract wins, major players are leveraging their global manufacturing bases. BorgWarner will manufacture its new turbochargers for European contracts at its advanced facility in Rzeszów, Poland. For its significant new North American contracts, BorgWarner will utilize its manufacturing facility in Ramos, Mexico. This regionalized production strategy is essential for navigating the complex global automotive turbocharger market. Material Science and Manufacturing Innovations Unlock Next-Level Turbo Performance The future of turbocharging is being built with advanced materials and manufacturing processes. New turbocharger designs for 2025 are increasingly using high-performance materials like ceramics and lightweight alloys to improve durability and heat resistance under extreme operating conditions. Cummins' latest Series 850 turbo features a thin wall stainless steel compressor cover, which significantly reduces component weight compared to traditional cast iron designs. This innovation is especially critical for commercial applications. The company in the automotive turbocharger market is also improving its Series 850 Holset turbocharger in 2024 for high-horsepower, off-highway applications, with an updated design that increases altitude capacity and power density. Specialized applications also drive material choice; turbochargers for natural gas engines require highly heat-resistant materials for their turbine stages to prevent thermal fatigue. Furthermore, additive manufacturing (3D printing), specifically selective laser melting (SLM), is a key trend in 2024 for creating complex turbocharger components with less material waste and optimized geometries. Looking for Country-Level or Section-Wise Data? Customize This Report: Global Automotive Turbocharger Market Major Players: BorgWarner Inc. Bullseye Power Turbo Chargers Continental AG Cummins Inc. Garrett Motion Inc. HKS Co., Ltd Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Engine & Turbocharger IHI Corporation Magnum Performance Turbos Inc. Hitachi Astemo, Ltd. Precision Turbo and Engine Man Energy Solutions MAHLE GMBH Melett Ltd. Other Prominent Players Key Market Segmentation: By Turbo Type Single-Turbo Twin-Turbo Twin-Scroll Turbo Variable Geometry Turbo Variable Twin Scroll Turbo Wastegate Electric Turbo By Vehicle Type Passenger Commercial Sports Car By Propulsion Type Petrol Diesel CNG & LPG By Distribution Channel OEM Aftermarket By Region North America Europe Asia Pacific Middle East & Africa (MEA) South America Understand the Report in Depth – Schedule a Guided Walkthrough: About Astute Analytica Astute Analytica is a global market research and advisory firm providing data-driven insights across industries such as technology, healthcare, chemicals, semiconductors, FMCG, and more. We publish multiple reports daily, equipping businesses with the intelligence they need to navigate market trends, emerging opportunities, competitive landscapes, and technological advancements. With a team of experienced business analysts, economists, and industry experts, we deliver accurate, in-depth, and actionable research tailored to meet the strategic needs of our clients. At Astute Analytica, our clients come first, and we are committed to delivering cost-effective, high-value research solutions that drive success in an evolving marketplace. Contact Us:Astute AnalyticaPhone: +1-888 429 6757 (US Toll Free); +91-0120- 4483891 (Rest of the World)For Sales Enquiries: sales@ us on: LinkedIn | Twitter | YouTube CONTACT: Contact Us: Astute Analytica Phone: +1-888 429 6757 (US Toll Free); +91-0120- 4483891 (Rest of the World) For Sales Enquiries: sales@ Website:

Kiara Romero wins Mark H. McCormack Medal as world's top female amateur golfer
Kiara Romero wins Mark H. McCormack Medal as world's top female amateur golfer

Yahoo

time15 minutes ago

  • Yahoo

Kiara Romero wins Mark H. McCormack Medal as world's top female amateur golfer

Kiara Romero, who's set to begin her third season at Oregon this fall after making a run to the quarterfinals of the 2025 U.S. Women's Amateur, has been named winner of the Mark H. McCormack medal, the United States Golf Association and R&A announced Wednesday. The McCormack medal is given to the leading female player in the 2025 World Amateur Golf Ranking. Lottie Woad won the award last year. Romero receives exemptions into the 2026 U.S. Women's Open at Riviera Country Club and the 2026 AIG Women's Open at the Royal Lytham & St Annes Golf Club in England, provided she remains amateur. 'It's an incredible honor to win the McCormack Medal,' Romero said in a release. 'This is a really nice reminder of how far I've already come in my golf career. I know how special winning this medal is, and I hope I can follow in the footsteps of the inspiring players who have won it before me.' Through two seasons at Oregon, she has risen to be arguably the best player in school history. As a sophomore, she was one of the finalists for the Annika Award after winning the Big 10 individual championship and the NCAA Gold Canyon Regional. The 2023 U.S. Girls' Junior champion also set a record for lowest final round by an amateur in a U.S. Women's Open, shooting 5-under 67 at Erin Hills earlier this year. 'On behalf of the USGA, we congratulate Kiara on this prestigious honor,' John Bodenhamer, chief championships officer of the USGA, said in a release. 'Kiara's commitment to the game is evident, with her first USGA championship victory already among her lengthy list of accolades. Her back-to-back starts in the U.S. Women's Open, along with her display of consistent top performances in her collegiate career, is an exceptional showcase of a player deserving of the McCormack Medal.' This article originally appeared on Golfweek: Kiara Romero wins McCormack Medal as world's top female amateur golfer

Ohio State's Jeremiah Smith learning how to handle swarms of attention — on and off the field
Ohio State's Jeremiah Smith learning how to handle swarms of attention — on and off the field

Yahoo

time15 minutes ago

  • Yahoo

Ohio State's Jeremiah Smith learning how to handle swarms of attention — on and off the field

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Three kids wearing Ohio State football jerseys stood on top of a brick seat wall during the second practice of fall camp. Buckeyes players stretched in lines more than 100 yards away. 'Where is he?' one of the kids asked. Another tried to zoom in with his phone, but a video recording wouldn't have captured the marvel he was searching for — not from that distance, anyway. Then they spotted him: the 6-foot-3, 226-pound first-team All-American wide receiver from South Florida who goes by the name of Jeremiah Smith, 'JJ' for short. He's a 19-year-old sophomore who could play in the NFL yesterday if he were eligible. As Smith stretched, his dreads hung over his face but not so far that they covered his famous No. 4, which now graces the video game cover of cult-classic-turned-online-arcade-phenomenon "EA Sports College Football." [Join or create a Yahoo Fantasy Football league for the 2025 NFL season] Moments later, he lined up to return punts with four other Ohio State players, including true freshman running back Anthony 'Turbo' Rogers, whom Smith dwarfed by 5 inches. After Smith fielded his first punt, he jogged a handful of steps before nonchalantly darting a pass to a Buckeyes staffer as if he was hurling a whistling Nerf football. He then rejoined his punt-return teammates and chatted up a water-bottle-carrying trainer whose hat brim stared only halfway up the number on his jersey. During 'indy,' a period of individual drills performed by position groups, Smith showcased his graceful, almost balletic, change of direction, wrapping around a bag, running an in-cutting route, catching a pass, dropping it and then turning back upfield for a quick out before catching another ball. A bit more than six months earlier, in the national title game, he dashed back to the backfield, where he was practically disguised, and then shot back out to the flat like a pinball, making him a wide-open target for a gentle, spiraling pass before waltzing in for Ohio State's first touchdown in a 34-23 win over Notre Dame. Smith's combination of size and speed has drawn comparisons to that of Julio Jones, the No. 6 overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft who became a five-time All-Pro with the Atlanta Falcons. While coaching Alabama's receivers from 2007-10, now-Indiana head coach Curt Cignetti got an up-close look at Jones, an All-SEC honoree each of his three seasons with the Crimson Tide. 'Julio was also a great player,' Cignetti said at Big Ten media days last month, comparing the two wideouts. 'Very similar, [Smith's] a little looser, more flexible I think. Maybe a hair faster.' Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian deployed Jones during his NFL prime. As the Falcons' offensive coordinator during the 2017-18 seasons, Sarkisian saw the 6-foot-3, 220-pound Jones combine for 201 catches, 3,121 receiving yards and 11 receiving touchdowns. 'Reminds me a lot of [Julio],' Sarkisian said of Smith on 'The Herd with Colin Cowherd' last month. 'So big and physical but yet fast and then [the ability] to cover ground; so strong at the point of attack when the ball's in the air, you see just the ability to make contested catches.' Smith had 12 of those contested catches last season — tied for the sixth most of any Big Ten player, according to Pro Football Focus — en route to his 76 total receptions, 1,315 receiving yards and 15 receiving touchdowns. 'You cover him as well as you can and hope the ball's not placed very well,' Cignetti said at Big Ten media days. 'He's a freak. He's a great player. He's the greatest at that position I've seen at that age.' No team wrangled Smith better last season than Sarkisian's Texas. Ten days after tweaking his hip flexor, Smith embarrassed No. 1 Oregon in the College Football Playoff quarterfinals with 7 receptions, 187 receiving yards and 2 touchdowns, just about all of which came in the first half of a Rose Bowl romp. A week after that, Texas held him to only one grab and a measly 3 receiving yards in a tightly contested Cotton Bowl, which doubled as a CFP semifinal. The Longhorns threw the kitchen sink at Ohio State: Cover 2, Tampa 2; they bracketed Smith with cone coverage and took away his deep threat with clouded coverage; they did everything they could to keep him in check and limit explosive plays. The attention on Smith, however, allowed fellow Buckeyes wide receivers, namely Carnell Tate and Emeka Egbuka, to stack yards over the middle of the field. While Ohio State certainly doesn't want Smith to ever be taken away by an opponent quite like that again, his impact without the football in his hands is hard to ignore. Smith doesn't always get the ball in practice, either. Granted it was just the second day of fall camp, and a lighter day overall, but he wasn't involved much for chunks of periods. During one 11-on-11 rep, Smith blocked for slot receiver Brandon Inniss downfield, staying stride-for-stride with a first-year safety. The next play, Smith gave top Buckeyes corner Davison Igbinosun a double move, but the ball didn't come his way. As for the position drills, he hardly ever goes first, second or third despite his stature. Instead, he stands in the back like the new kid at school, observing his position coach's teachings. 'He just always wants to learn,' Buckeyes wide receivers coach and offensive coordinator Brian Hartline said. 'As a coach, you can't baby him. You can't put him on a pedestal. He does not want that. There have been opportunities to maybe finish more without the ball in your hands, turn upfield — I identify it, and he applies it.' Hartline added: 'He's always trying to contribute, whether he knows there's a decoy-ish mentality or a blocking mentality 'cause he's a big guy or whatever that role is. He just loves learning the why and then applying it in that role, in that play.' Then there are practices where Smith is in the spotlight — like the first day in pads on Aug. 2 — when he teased a potentially dynamite connection with another former five-star prospect from the 2024 class, quarterback Julian Sayin. Despite being draped in coverage by second-year corner Bryce West, Smith reached out his left claw to retrieve the downfield pass from Sayin and make a diving, one-handed catch. On his speedrun from top player in high school football to top player in college football, Smith turned heads, including at Michigan State with not one, but two one-handed catches, and then he added another the following week against Iowa. He expects even more from himself in Year 2. 'Last year, certain games I'd hesitate doing certain things, not really going full speed,' Smith said. 'But this year, I know what to expect and know how to do it. So it's going to be scary this year, for sure.' Smith said he's better at identifying coverages now. Like Inniss and Tate, he's more vocal — although he said he's 'not overdoing it' and remains more of a lead-by-example kind of guy — and, of course, he's even bigger and stronger than he was in 2024. Maybe where he needs the most practice is handling off-the-field stardom. Smith's life-changing ascent up the sports ladder has even made trips to Target impractical. 'I'm still young, so I'm still trying to figure it out,' Smith said. 'Yeah, it has been pretty hard for me. I like to go out and shop like that. I've been doing it since I was a little kid. I like to go with my parents. Every time they went to the grocery store, I always went.' Now he's smothered everywhere, just like he is by determined defenses on the field. Smith was swarmed for autographs after that second fall practice. He'll face a different kind of coverage on Aug. 30 when Texas comes to town for a Cotton Bowl rematch. 'I'm definitely hyped by this one, especially how things went last year,' Smith said. 'Things people saying about me, about that game I had last year [against] them, so I'm definitely hungry for this one.' Sarkisian noted in his interview on 'The Herd' last month: 'You better know where No. 4 is at all times." That goes for opposing teams, and it goes for those three kids standing on top of that brick seat wall at Ohio State's fall camp.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store