When Brian Hartline made the move to become South Florida’s head coach, it marked the end of an era at Ohio State. For nearly a decade, Hartline was more than just a position coach-he was a cornerstone of the Buckeyes’ offensive identity, particularly in the wide receiver room. From his days as a player in Columbus to his rise as one of the top recruiters and developers of talent in the country, Hartline’s impact was felt at every level of the program.
Replacing a coach of that caliber? That’s never easy.
When you’ve had one of the best in the business, even a strong successor can feel like a step down. But Ryan Day didn’t waste time trying to fill the void.
Just one day after Ohio State’s season ended in a College Football Playoff quarterfinal loss to Miami, Day announced Cortez Hankton as the Buckeyes’ new wide receivers coach.
So let’s break down the hire and what it means for Ohio State moving forward.
The Hankton File: A Closer Look
At first glance, Hankton and Hartline may not seem like mirror images. Hartline was a Buckeye through and through, a former NFL wideout who returned home and quickly became one of the most respected position coaches in college football. Hankton, meanwhile, comes from a different path-but one that’s quietly impressive in its own right.
Hankton has built a strong résumé over the years, with stops that include Georgia and LSU. He’s known for his ability to connect with players, develop talent, and recruit at a high level-three essential traits for any coach walking into the Woody Hayes Athletic Center. He’s coached some elite receivers and helped mold them into NFL-ready talents, and he brings a professional demeanor and deep understanding of the game that fits well within the Ohio State culture.
Recruiting Impact: Can Hankton Keep the Pipeline Flowing?
This is the million-dollar question. Hartline wasn’t just a great coach-he was a recruiting juggernaut.
He helped turn Ohio State into a factory for elite wide receiver talent, consistently landing five-star prospects and turning them into first-round draft picks. That kind of track record is rare, and it’s a big reason why his departure stings.
But Hankton’s no stranger to the recruiting trail. At Georgia, he played a key role in bringing in top-tier talent, including several receivers who made an immediate impact. He understands the grind, the relationships, and the strategy it takes to win in recruiting battles, especially in the ultra-competitive world of Big Ten and SEC football.
Will he be Hartline 2.0? That’s a tall order.
But can he keep Ohio State’s wide receiver room among the nation’s elite? Absolutely-especially with the infrastructure and resources the Buckeyes already have in place.
Development Matters: Coaching the Room
One of the most underrated parts of Hartline’s legacy is how well his players developed. It wasn’t just about landing blue-chip recruits-it was about turning them into stars.
That’s where Hankton’s coaching chops will be tested. Ohio State has no shortage of talent in the receiver room, but continuing that development pipeline is critical.
Hankton has shown he can do that. His receivers have played with polish, attention to detail, and a clear understanding of the game.
He emphasizes route running, ball skills, and situational awareness-traits that translate well to the next level. That’s good news for a Buckeye program that prides itself on preparing players for the NFL.
The Fit: Culture and Continuity
Ohio State’s wide receiver room has become a brand of its own in recent years. From Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson to Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Marvin Harrison Jr., the standard is sky-high. Hankton steps into a role with big expectations, but also with a strong foundation already in place.
Ryan Day’s decision to move quickly on this hire suggests confidence-not just in Hankton’s résumé, but in his ability to mesh with the Buckeyes’ culture. Continuity matters, especially in a program that’s consistently in the national spotlight. Hankton’s professional background and ability to connect with players should help him transition smoothly.
Final Thoughts
Losing Brian Hartline was always going to be a tough pill to swallow for Ohio State. He was more than just a coach-he was a program builder. But in Cortez Hankton, the Buckeyes are bringing in a coach with a proven track record, strong recruiting chops, and a coaching style that fits the program’s identity.
It’s not about replacing Hartline. It’s about continuing the standard he helped set. And with Hankton now leading the room, Ohio State’s wide receiver legacy is in capable hands.