Urban Meyer Jokes Rob Stone Needs Drug Test Over Ohio State Prediction

Urban Meyer took a playful jab at Fox analyst Rob Stone after Stone suggested Ohio State could finish third in the Big Ten this season. Meyer, the former Buckeyes head coach, fired back with humor during the September 4 episode of the Triple Option podcast, questioning Stone's judgment and even suggesting a drug test.

Stone had pointed to Ohio State's brutal 2026 schedule as a reason for caution, saying,

“I think there's an easy scenario, Coach, where the Buckeyes are third in the Big Ten because of that schedule. It's so brutal.”

Meyer responded with laughter:

“I'm going to drug test Stoner [Rob Stone] today. Something is off with Stoner. Rob's not right today, Mark. He's in that small room. There's no proper ventilation in that room. He's in the escape room. Lynn puts something in that coffee. You said Ohio State third.”

Stone stood by his take, noting that conference realignment and the expanded Big Ten mean the Buckeyes can no longer rely on soft stretches. He highlighted a Week 2 trip to Austin to face Texas, a top-5 powerhouse, as a key early test.

Ohio State's 2026 schedule is a gauntlet

The Buckeyes open with a massive home-and-home continuation against Texas, following a tight 14-7 win in Columbus in 2025. The Longhorns will be seeking revenge on their own turf, making this game an early College Football Playoff preview.

October brings an even tougher stretch: road games at Iowa, Indiana, and USC. The Buckeyes visit Iowa on October 3, host Maryland on October 10, travel to reigning national champion Indiana on October 17, and then face USC on October 31 after a bye.

Why Iowa City is a nightmare for visiting teams

Kinnick Stadium is known for putting the crowd right on top of the visiting bench, creating a wall of sound. Iowa's disciplined, physical defense thrives on choking out high-powered offenses. If Ohio State's offensive line shows any rust from the Texas game, the Hawkeyes will expose it.

Indiana and USC pose serious threats

Indiana has become a Big Ten powerhouse and will defend its national title with confidence at home. USC, meanwhile, has improved its physical identity, and the travel to the West Coast adds another layer of difficulty. The Buckeyes then return home to face Oregon the very next weekend, leaving zero room for a letdown.

Meyer still believes in the Buckeyes

Despite the tough schedule, Meyer remains confident in Ryan Day's squad. He called this 2026 team the most talented roster Day has ever recruited, with elite talent at every position, including quarterback Julian Sayin and wide receiver Jeremiah Smith.

Meyer stated plainly:

“If they stay healthy, I pick the Buckeyes.”

He believes Ohio State can out-talent and out-depth the grind of the Big Ten schedule, as long as key starters avoid major injuries.

For Iowa fans, the October 3 matchup in Iowa City is a chance to prove the Hawkeyes can knock off a top-tier opponent. The game will be a defining moment for both programs early in the season.

This article was adapted from a report by EssentiallySports.