Brian Hartline Makes His Move to South Florida - and He Might Not Be Leaving All of Ohio State Behind
COLUMBUS, Ohio - Brian Hartline’s fingerprints are all over Ohio State’s early momentum in the 2027 recruiting class. But now, as he prepares to take the reins at South Florida, it looks like he might be trying to bring a piece of that Buckeye future with him to Tampa.
Hartline, a former standout Buckeye wide receiver and most recently the team’s offensive coordinator, is officially stepping into his first head coaching job with the Bulls. While he spent much of the past year juggling responsibilities - building his new staff at USF while still helping guide Ohio State’s offense - the recruiting shift is now fully underway.
And one of his first big moves? Extending an offer to a player he once helped land for the Buckeyes.
That player is three-star safety Angelo Smith, a 2027 commit currently pledged to Ohio State. The Hollywood, Florida native is ranked No. 586 nationally and No. 56 among safeties. He’s also the younger brother of current Buckeyes star wide receiver Jeremiah Smith - a name Ohio State fans know well, and a player who chose Columbus largely because of Hartline’s influence.
Angelo committed to Ohio State back in September after receiving an offer during the summer. But with Hartline now building his own program in his home state, he’s clearly not afraid to circle back on familiar names, especially ones with Florida roots and family connections.
As for Jeremiah Smith, there’s no indication his plans are changing. He’s expected to finish out his college career in Columbus, with his eyes likely set on the NFL after the 2026 season.
But the younger Smith’s recruitment is far from over - and with a full year until Signing Day, Hartline has time to make his pitch. If he can flip a Buckeye commit this early in his tenure, it would be a statement move for South Florida’s new era.
Ohio State’s 2027 class, which currently includes eight commits, sits third in the national rankings. Holding onto that standing won’t be easy, especially with former Buckeye coaches now recruiting against them - and targeting their own pledges.
Graduation Day for the Buckeyes
While the Buckeyes are deep in preparation for the College Football Playoff, several players just hit another major milestone: graduation.
Ohio State held its fall commencement ceremonies recently, with 43 student-athletes receiving their degrees. Thirteen of those were from the football program, including a handful of key contributors who will be suiting up for the postseason.
Among the scholarship players earning diplomas:
- Caden Curry, defensive end
- Jayden Fielding, kicker
- C.J. Hicks, defensive end
- Davison Igbinosun, cornerback
- Kenyatta Jackson, defensive end
- Tywone Malone, defensive tackle
- Sonny Styles, linebacker
These aren’t just depth chart names - many of these players have played significant snaps this season. Their ability to balance academics and elite-level football speaks volumes about the culture Ryan Day and his staff have built in Columbus.
Mark Your Calendars: Buckeye Football’s Big Dates Ahead
The Buckeyes’ postseason journey is just getting started, and the next few weeks are packed with critical dates. Here’s what’s on the horizon:
- Cotton Bowl vs. Miami: 9 days away - December 31, 2025
- Transfer Portal window opens: 11 days away - January 2-16, 2026
- College Football Playoff Semifinals: 17 days away - January 8-9, 2026
- National Championship Game: 28 days away - January 19, 2026
- The Game (2026 edition): 341 days away - November 28, 2026
With a playoff run looming and the transfer portal about to heat up, this Buckeyes team is entering a pivotal stretch. And with names like Hartline now on the other sideline, the off-field storylines are just as compelling as the ones on Saturdays.