College Football Playoff: Will Ohio State Finally Unleash Its Elite Receivers?
As Ohio State gears up for its College Football Playoff quarterfinal matchup, there’s a growing sense that the Buckeyes might finally be ready to play to their offensive strengths - and that could mean a major shift in philosophy.
All season long, Ohio State leaned heavily on multi-tight end formations, often opting for 12, 13, or even 14 personnel. That approach helped in some areas, particularly in establishing physicality, but it also came at a cost - limiting snaps for their elite wide receivers and clogging up the field in tight spaces. The red zone issues were real, and they came to a head in the Big Ten Championship Game, where the Buckeyes managed just 10 points in a frustrating loss to Indiana.
Now, with three weeks to prepare and a full season’s worth of film to review, the Buckeyes have a chance to hit the reset button. And according to insiders, that’s exactly what might happen.
Ryan Day is reportedly taking a more active role in the offense as the team prepares for the CFP, and that could signal a return to what Ohio State does best - spreading the field and letting their playmakers go to work. The Buckeyes are built for 11 personnel - one running back, one tight end, and three wide receivers - and with the likes of Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate on the outside, it’s hard to argue against leaning into that identity.
The time off between the Big Ten title game and the playoff is crucial here. It gives players time to rest, recover, and recalibrate. And it gives the coaching staff time to reevaluate what’s working - and what’s not.
So what would this shift look like?
Picture this: instead of stacking the box with tight ends, Ohio State spreads the field. Smith and Tate lined up wide, stretching defenses vertically.
Julian Sayin, the freshman quarterback, finally gets the keys to a wide-open offense. And with Bo Jackson emerging as a legitimate threat out of the backfield, the Buckeyes suddenly become a matchup nightmare.
It’s not just about aesthetics - it’s about efficiency. The Buckeyes have the talent to win in a shootout, but they need to give their stars the space to operate. That means fewer jumbo sets and more speed on the field.
There’s also the setting to consider. The CFP game will be played indoors, on a fast track.
That’s tailor-made for a team with elite skill position players. And with everyone a little healthier after the break, the timing couldn’t be better.
The big question now: Will Ohio State fully commit to this shift?
If they do, it could be the difference between another early playoff exit and a national title run. Because when you’ve got the kind of firepower the Buckeyes have - from Sayin’s arm to the explosiveness of Smith, Tate, and Jackson - it’s not just about scheme. It’s about letting your best players take over the game.
And if Ohio State finally lets them loose, there might not be a defense in the country that can keep up.