As we gear up for the start of Ohio State’s 2026 spring practice, Buckeye Nation is buzzing with anticipation. With practice kicking off on March 10, it's time to switch gears from the offseason and dive back into football action.
Recently, a fan survey gave us a glimpse into the collective mindset following Ohio State's exit from the College Football Playoff. Here's a closer look at the responses and what they mean for the team moving forward.
The announcement of Arthur Smith, former Atlanta Falcons head coach and Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator, as Ohio State's new offensive coordinator sparked mixed reactions. While not everyone was thrilled-given Smith’s lack of a Super Bowl pedigree-his 17 years of NFL coaching experience have won over many fans. The excitement of having two former NFL head coaches, including defensive counterpart Matt Patricia, leading the charge is palpable among Buckeye supporters.
Smith’s arrival in Columbus brings a sense of optimism, especially if he can channel some of his NFL experience into the team’s NIL efforts.
Despite the stereotype of Buckeye fans as overly emotional, the response to offseason changes has been measured. Ohio State's recruiting and transfer portal efforts faced challenges, but finishing with the No. 2 class in the 2026 cycle is impressive. The team retained key players on both sides of the ball and brought in coaches with a wealth of experience from both college and the pros.
While there's a desire for more aggression in the transfer portal, especially along the lines of scrimmage and at skill positions, the overall roster-building results are hard to argue with. Some apprehension remains regarding new coaching additions like Smith and wide receiver coach Cortez Hankton. However, there's hope that these new faces will prove their worth, just as others have in the past.
In line with 67% of the fan base, the Buckeyes earn a solid B for their offseason efforts-B for Buckeyes, and a promising start to what could be an exciting season ahead.