Brian Hartline’s exit from Ohio State is more than just a coaching change - it’s a seismic shift in one of the most consistently dominant position groups in college football. Over the past few seasons, Hartline helped turn the Buckeyes’ wide receiver room into a factory for elite talent, churning out NFL-ready stars like Marvin Harrison Jr. and mentoring future standouts like Jeremiah Smith. His fingerprints are all over an offense that ranked among the best in the country this season, and his departure leaves a big question mark in Columbus: Who takes the reins of Wide Receiver U now?
Head coach Ryan Day’s decision here isn’t just about filling a vacancy - it’s about setting the tone for the next phase of Ohio State’s offensive identity. And while the search is still active, a few clear paths are emerging, each with its own set of strengths.
Keenan Bailey: The Continuity Candidate
If there’s a name that keeps popping up in conversations around the Woody Hayes Athletic Center, it’s Keenan Bailey. He’s been part of the Buckeyes’ staff for several seasons and has worked closely with Hartline during the rise of Ohio State’s receiver room. Bailey knows the system, knows the players, and perhaps most importantly, knows what’s expected when you’re tasked with developing some of the most talented young receivers in the country.
Promoting Bailey would be a move rooted in stability. With several veteran receivers expected back next season, continuity could be critical - not just in terms of scheme, but in preserving the culture that’s helped this unit thrive. Bailey’s relationships with current players and recruits run deep, and his familiarity with Day’s offensive philosophy makes him a seamless fit.
This wouldn’t be a flashy hire, but it would be a smart one - the kind that keeps the train on the tracks without losing momentum.
Devin Jordan: A Rising Voice from Within
Another internal option gaining traction is Devin Jordan, currently serving as an assistant wide receivers coach. Jordan has been in the room, working side-by-side with Hartline and playing a key role in the development of the current crop of receivers. Though he hasn’t yet held a full-time WR coach title at the Power Five level, his hands-on experience within the program gives him a leg up in understanding the nuances of the job.
Promoting Jordan would send a strong message: Ohio State believes in developing not just players, but coaches from within. It would also reinforce a sense of trust and continuity for the current roster and incoming recruits - a signal that the program values the relationships and institutional knowledge already in place.
For a team with national championship aspirations, minimizing disruption is key. Jordan offers that, along with a fresh energy that could resonate with a younger generation of Buckeye receivers.
Cortez Hankton: The Proven External Option
Then there’s Cortez Hankton - the kind of name that turns heads when it shows up on an interview list. Recently with LSU as co-offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach, Hankton brings a résumé that includes stops at Georgia and a reputation for developing NFL-caliber talent. He’s recruited - and won - in the Southeast, and his national reach could help Ohio State expand its already strong recruiting footprint.
Bringing in Hankton would mean introducing a new voice to the room, one with a track record of success and a fresh perspective. That could be valuable as Ohio State looks to evolve its offense post-Hartline. It’s not just about maintaining the standard - it’s about finding ways to raise it even higher.
Of course, an external hire carries some risk. There’s a learning curve in adjusting to Day’s system and the culture inside the Buckeyes’ locker room. But Hankton’s experience and pedigree suggest he’d be up to the task.
What This Hire Really Means
This isn’t just about who can coach receivers. It’s about who can recruit five-star talent, develop them into first-rounders, and keep Ohio State’s offense among the most feared in the country. The wide receiver position has become a cornerstone of the Buckeyes’ identity - a calling card for the program - and whoever steps into Hartline’s shoes will be expected to carry that legacy forward.
Whether it’s Bailey’s steady hand, Jordan’s internal growth, or Hankton’s proven track record, each candidate brings something different to the table. And while no one will replicate Hartline’s impact overnight, the right hire can ensure that Ohio State remains the gold standard at the position.
As the Buckeyes continue their postseason push and begin shaping the 2026 roster, this decision looms large. It’s not just about next season - it’s about the next chapter in the story of Wide Receiver U.