With Brian Hartline off to lead the show at South Florida, Ryan Day didn’t waste time filling the offensive coordinator role in Columbus-and he didn’t go small. Enter Arthur Smith, a seasoned NFL play-caller with head coaching experience and a clear identity: run the ball, control the trenches, and build an offense from the inside out.
Smith most recently called plays for the Pittsburgh Steelers, but his resume runs deeper. He was the head coach for the Atlanta Falcons and previously served as offensive coordinator for the Tennessee Titans, where he helped turn Derrick Henry into a one-man wrecking crew. Now, he brings that same physical, ground-and-pound mentality to an Ohio State offense that, despite elite talent, didn’t quite hit its stride in 2025.
Let’s take a look at what Smith’s arrival could mean for the Buckeyes, and why this hire could quietly reshape the identity of one of college football’s most explosive programs.
1. The Run Game Could Finally Get Its Swagger Back
There’s no sugarcoating it-the Buckeyes' rushing attack fell flat in 2025. For a program used to churning out NFL backs and dominating the line of scrimmage, finishing 72nd in rushing offense was a clear red flag. That’s where Arthur Smith comes in.
Smith’s offenses have consistently leaned into the run game, not just as a complement to the pass, but as a foundational identity. Whether it was Derrick Henry in Tennessee or trying to establish the ground game in Atlanta, Smith builds from the backfield forward.
That’s great news for Bo Jackson, who enters 2026 with a year of experience and plenty of upside. Jackson showed flashes last season, but never quite had the runway to take off. Under Smith, expect a more creative and physical run scheme-zone looks, misdirection, play-action setups-the kind of system that can elevate a talented back and open up the rest of the offense.
If Smith can get the ground game humming, it won’t just help Jackson’s numbers-it’ll help the entire offense find rhythm and balance.
2. Offensive Line Consistency Could Finally Arrive
Ohio State’s offensive line was a rollercoaster in 2025. In big moments-like the Michigan game-they held up and gave Julian Sayin the time he needed. But there were too many stretches where protection broke down, and the run game never had a chance to get going.
That’s another area where Smith’s background could pay dividends. Before climbing the coaching ladder, Smith worked closely with offensive lines and tight ends.
He played guard at North Carolina, so he understands line play from the inside out. And that matters-because fixing the run game starts up front.
Smith will be working alongside offensive line coach Tyler Bowen, and that partnership could be key. Expect more cohesion between the line and the run game, more clarity in assignments, and a stronger emphasis on physicality at the point of attack.
If the Buckeyes can get even average consistency from the offensive line, the ripple effect could be massive-more time for Sayin, more lanes for Jackson, and fewer stalled drives.
3. A Top-10 Offense Is Within Reach
It’s easy to forget, but Ohio State had a Heisman finalist at quarterback last season and two of the best receivers in the country-Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate-and still didn’t crack the top 20 in scoring, passing, or total offense. That’s not a talent issue. That’s an execution issue.
Arthur Smith’s job isn’t to reinvent the wheel-it’s to patch the leaks. The Buckeyes already have one of the most explosive passing attacks in college football.
What they need is someone to stabilize the run game, protect the quarterback, and bring balance to the offense. That’s Smith’s wheelhouse.
Now, let’s address the elephant in the room. Smith’s track record with passing games in the NFL hasn’t exactly wowed anyone-his best finish was 16th in passing offense.
But this isn’t the NFL, and he’s not walking into a bare cupboard. With Julian Sayin returning for his second year as the starter and Jeremiah Smith back on the outside, the Buckeyes are loaded through the air.
And let’s not forget-Ryan Day is still in the building. Day isn’t handing over the whole operation.
He’ll step in when needed to make sure the passing game stays sharp and aggressive. Smith’s job is to complement that with a run game that can finally hold its own.
If that happens-if Smith can bring physicality and structure to the run game without stifling the passing attack-the Buckeyes have the pieces to be a top-10 offense in 2026. The talent is there.
The playmakers are there. And now, with Arthur Smith, the structure might finally be there too.
Bottom Line:
Arthur Smith brings exactly what Ohio State needs: a proven ability to build a physical, balanced offense. If he can get the run game back on track and the offensive line firing in sync, the Buckeyes won’t just be dangerous-they’ll be complete.