Zain Bando

Joined: Oct 14, 2025

Zain Bando is a Sports Desk writer for BIGPLAY with a focus on covering the Ohio State Buckeyes and Cleveland Browns. Bando has been with the On SI network since October 2023, contributing across the Illinois Fighting Illini on SI and the Kansas State on SI sites, among others. Currently, Bando serves as a staff writer and columnist for MMA Knockout on SI, as well as the recently launched WNBA section of On SI, with a focus on the Dallas Wings.

Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day prepares for a tv interview during the Ohio State football spring game at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on April 18, 2026.

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Football

Ohio State Buckeyes defensive tackle Kayden McDonald (98) celebrates during the first half of the Big Ten Conference championship game against the Indiana Hoosiers at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Dec. 6, 2025.

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Ohio State Buckeyes safety Caleb Downs (2) celebrates an interception with cornerback Jermaine Mathews Jr. (7) abnd linebacker Sonny Styles (0) during the first half of the NCAA football game against the Grambling State Tigers at Ohio Stadium on Sept. 6, 2025.

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Sonny Styles heard his name called Thursday night in Pittsburgh.

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Arvell Reese heard his name called Thursday night during the NFL Draft in Pittsburgh.

Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Carnell Tate (17) catches a pass and scores a touchdown against Penn State Nittany Lions cornerback Zion Tracy (7) in the first half of the college football game at Ohio Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio.

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Tate, a Chicago native, has made it to the football pinnacle at only 21-years-old.

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The Buckeyes could be zeroing on on a massive in-state draw for their 2027 recruiting class.

Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day leads warm-ups prior to the Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas for the College Football Playoff quarterfinal game against the Miami Hurricanes on Dec. 31, 2025.

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The Buckeyes have an incredibly high ceiling entering the fall, which national analysts are beginning to recognize.

Feb 26, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Ohio State defensive back Caleb Downs (DB34) speaks to members of the media during the NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images

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The former Ohio State safety hasn't forgotten where his roots are as the NFL Draft begins Thursday in Pittsburgh.

Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day leads his team onto the field prior to the NCAA football game against the Texas Longhorns at Ohio Stadium on Aug. 30, 2025.

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The Ohio State Buckeyes landed a key interior piece upfront that holds major weight toward potential NFL dreams.

Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Chris Henry Jr. (15) leaves the field following Student Appreciation Day spring practice at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center on April 4, 2026.

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The Ohio State Buckeyes football program continues to maintain long-time traditions during spring football.

Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day addresses his team during Student Appreciation Day spring practice at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center on April 4, 2026.

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Coach Ryan Day previewed the Ohio State spring game, which is set to take place this Saturday.

Mar 13, 2026; Chicago, IL, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Jake Diebler directs his team against the Michigan Wolverines during the first half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

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The Ohio State Buckeyes are doing all they can to try to return to the NCAA Tournament under coach Jake Diebler. Diebler's team was left searching for answers a

Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Arvell Reese (8) reacts during the game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025 in Madison, Wisconsin.

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The former Ohio State linebacker was brutally honest about his off-ball intangibles.

Ohio State receiver Jeremiah Smith celebrates after catching a pass against Penn State on Nov. 1.

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Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith stayed loyal, even if it meant turning down life-changing money.

Zain Bando

Joined: Oct 14, 2025

Ohio State’s Ryan Day Offended Michigan Recruit

Ryan Day Delivers Stern Message Regarding Ohio State-Michigan Rivalry Importance

Ohio State's Kayden McDonald Finds New NFL Home During 2026 NFL Draft

Ex-Buckeye Safety Caleb Downs Lands With Iconic NFL Franchise To Start Career

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Ohio State Linebacker Sonny Styles Follows Pattern of Ex-Buckeyes in NFL Draft

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Arvell Reese Goes From Perennial Winner At Ohio State To Legendary NFL Team

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Ohio State Legend Carnell Tate Has Chance To Become NFL's Next Great Wide Receiver

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Ohio State’s Ryan Day Leaves Lasting Impression on Key Recruit Kaylon Bailey

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Ohio State Beats Out Defending CFP National Champs In Way-Too-Early Top-25 Poll

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Ohio State's Caleb Downs Tributes Grandfather Before NFL Draft

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Ohio State Adds NFL Legacy Commit to Boost Ryan Day's 2027 Recruiting Class

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Inside Chris Henry Jr. Losing His Black Stripe at Ohio State

Ryan Day Hints at One Aspect That Will Make Ohio State Spring Football Game Different

Ohio State Basketball One Step Closer to Landing a Top Notre Dame Transfer

Arvell Reese Admits Awkward Strategy That Makes Him Can't-Miss NFL Draft Prospect

Jeremiah Smith Shares Life-Changing NIL Offer He Turned Down To Stay With Buckeyes