The Ohio State Buckeyes are gearing up for what many expect to be a breakthrough season. Entering their 137th year of football, the program is loaded with talent and a clear mandate: capture the Big Ten title and secure a spot in the College Football Playoff.
A New Coaching Landscape
After offensive coordinator Brian Hartline departed for a head‑coaching role at South Florida, the Buckeyes tapped Arthur Smith, a former NFL head coach and longtime coordinator with the Tennessee Titans and Pittsburgh Steelers, to lead the offense. Complementing Smith is Cortez Hankton, whose track record of developing elite wide receivers at LSU and Georgia has already generated buzz among recruits.
Key Returners and New Faces
The returning core reads like a who’s‑who of recent standouts. All‑American wideout Jeremiah Smith returns, as does quarterback Julian Sayin, who showed flashes of playmaking brilliance last season. Running back Bo Jackson, still a household name, will join a line anchored by All‑American center Carlos Hinzman and several other All‑Big Ten selections.
The roster also welcomes a wave of newcomers. Five‑star wideout Chris Henry Jr. headlines a group that includes transfers Kyle Parker, Devin McCuin, Hunter Welcing and Ja’Kobi Jackson. Each brings a different skill set, but all are expected to make immediate impacts.
Coach Smith and Hankton have emphasized a renewed focus on the postseason, a stage where the Buckeyes have historically stumbled. By blending veteran leadership with fresh arms, the staff hopes to translate regular‑season dominance into playoff success.
With a schedule that tests them early and a fan base eager for a championship, the Buckeyes are poised to turn high expectations into tangible results. If the pieces click, Columbus could see its first playoff appearance in over a decade.