Ohio State fans don’t have to wait long to start getting answers out of preseason camp, but one question has already risen to the top: what exactly will Arthur Smith’s offense look like in Columbus?
That was the clear takeaway from last week’s fan survey, where half of the responses centered on Smith and the Buckeyes’ new direction on offense. It makes sense. Ohio State has a fresh coordinator with NFL head-coaching experience, and he’s stepping into a room loaded with talent and expectations.
Smith arrives after serving as head coach of the Atlanta Falcons and, most recently, as the offensive coordinator for the Pittsburgh Steelers. His background suggests a pro-style approach that can lean more heavily on the run than what Buckeye fans have grown used to under Ryan Day. That’s a notable shift, especially for a program that has often been associated with explosive passing games.
Still, there’s reason to think the pieces could fit. Ohio State’s 2024 national championship run with Chip Kelly calling plays featured the most inventive run game of Day’s tenure, and Smith could build something similar by leaning on a backfield that includes Bo Jackson, Isaiah West and Legend Bey. Add in a receiver group that includes Jeremiah Smith, Brandon Innis, Devin McCuin, Kyle Parker, Chris Henry Jr. and Brock Boyd, and the possibilities are obvious.
For now, camp has already produced plenty of other buzz. Bey was suspended for a few practices before returning, McCuin has drawn praise from the entire Buckeye beat, and West, now healthy, appears to be making a case for RB1. Even with those storylines unfolding, though, the biggest curiosity remains Smith’s offense and how he plans to use all of that talent.
The first real checkpoint may not come until Saturday, Sept. 12 in Austin. Until then, the best clues will come from camp reports out of the Woody - who’s getting reps, which formations are showing up and which players keep standing out. For Buckeye fans, that’s enough to keep the anticipation building.
In Other News...
Ohio States 2028 Recruiting Run Might Not Be Done Yet
Ohio States 2028 recruiting class is already shaping up as one of the earliest power statements in the cycle, with three five-star commits headlined by quarterback Christopher Vargas. Even with that kind of early momentum, the Buckeyes have not stopped pushing, and the class still has room to grow if the staff can keep building on the buzz it has created on the trail.
Two of the most intriguing names still watching closely are wide receiver Braylon Clark and defensive lineman Tyzon Swann, both of whom have drawn strong interest from Ohio State while also holding multiple offers from other programs. Their level of attention around the Buckeyes suggests the class could get even more impressive, but for now Ohio State is still in the waiting game as the next decisions loom. [Read more 🡒]
Ohio State Just Made A Huge Statement About Its QB Future
Ohio State added a major piece to its future on the recruiting trail with the commitment of Christopher Vargas, the No. 1-ranked quarterback in the 2028 class. Vargas picked the Buckeyes over Oregon, Virginia Tech and other schools, a significant win for a program that has long sold itself as one of the sports premier destinations for elite passers.
Vargas pointed to the coaching staff, the culture and the development opportunities under Ryan Day as the biggest factors in his decision, and that makes this more than just another early pledge. Day has built a strong reputation for grooming quarterbacks, with several of his former players going on to become first-round NFL draft picks, and landing a talent like Vargas only reinforces how powerful that pitch has become in Columbus. [Read more 🡒]
Ohio State Fall Camp Is Heating Up Behind Two Key Starters
Fall camp is starting to sort out a few of Ohio States early depth-chart questions as the Buckeyes turn toward their opener against Ball State. At running back, Isaiah West and Bo Jackson both entered camp after missing spring work because of shoulder injuries, and the early reps have been a good sign that both are back in the mix as the staff evaluates the room.
Wests offseason has given him a real foothold, while Jackson still has time to make up ground before the job is settled. The same kind of competition is playing out at receiver, where Jeremiah Smith looks lined up for the top spot and the battle for No. 2 is taking shape among Brandon Inniss, Chris Henry Jr. and transfer McCuin. [Read more 🡒]