Ohio State Navigates Transition and Talent on Eventful Signing Day
National Signing Day is always a headline-heavy affair in Columbus, but this year’s edition packed in more storylines than usual. Between coaching changes, big-time commitments, and a class full of future contributors, Ohio State’s recruiting efforts showed both resilience and vision in the face of a shifting landscape.
Hartline Heads South, But Leaves a Legacy
The biggest news of the day wasn’t just about who signed-it was about who’s leaving. Offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach Brian Hartline, widely regarded as one of the best in the business at his position, is heading to South Florida to take the next step in his coaching career. It’s a significant move, both for Hartline and for the Buckeyes, who have leaned heavily on his recruiting prowess and player development.
Head coach Ryan Day didn’t shy away from addressing the transition. He confirmed that Hartline will remain with the team through the College Football Playoff, giving Ohio State some continuity during its championship push.
Day praised Hartline’s growth and said it was gratifying to see one of his assistants land a head coaching opportunity-even if the timing wasn’t ideal. “That’s part of the profession,” Day said.
“It’s great to see one of your assistants get one of these opportunities. I think he’s going to do great.”
The ripple effects of Hartline’s departure are already being felt. Ohio State lost out on Kayden Dixon-Wyatt, a promising wideout who decommitted in the wake of the news. But the Buckeyes held on to five-star receiver Chris Henry Jr., who reaffirmed his commitment, though he has yet to officially sign.
Day Keeps Focus on the Bigger Picture
Despite the coaching shuffle, Day made it clear that Ohio State’s brand remains strong. “This job is bigger than any one person,” he said, emphasizing that the program’s structure, culture, and support system are what ultimately attract recruits and reassure families.
With the Big Ten Championship looming, Day admitted recruiting isn’t the only thing on the staff’s mind. Still, he was eager to celebrate the incoming class.
“It’s an excellent group,” he said. “These guys care about Ohio State.”
The 2026 class features 28 commits, and Day highlighted the importance of building from the trenches out. “Up front is very critical,” he noted, pointing to the offensive and defensive lines as key areas of emphasis.
Blaine Bradford, A Day-One Impact Player?
One name that lit up Day’s eyes was safety signee Blaine Bradford. “Unbelievable,” Day said.
“I can’t tell you how excited I am. He’s been amazing from the jump.”
Beyond the physical tools, Day praised Bradford’s leadership and said he expects him to make an immediate impact.
As the Buckeyes look ahead to the transfer portal, Day said the team will be proactive in addressing remaining needs. But the backbone of the roster, he emphasized, must continue to be built through high school recruiting.
Bowen, Laurinaitis, and Patricia Making Their Mark
This class also marks the first full recruiting cycle for offensive line coach Justin Frye’s replacement, Tyler Bowen. Day gave him high marks for his ability to connect with players and families.
“He’s done an unbelievable job,” Day said. “The guys in the room believe in what he’s doing.”
Linebackers coach James Laurinaitis also earned praise for locking in a strong linebacker group. Day credited Laurinaitis’ communication skills, toughness, and authenticity.
“He’s straight with them,” Day said. “He lets them know what it’s gonna be like when they get here.”
Senior advisor Matt Patricia has also gotten more involved in recruiting, and according to Day, his personality and experience have made a strong impression. “It’s group recruiting,” Day said. “We really sell our stability and the type of people we have here.”
Pantoni Breaks Down the Class
Ohio State’s general manager Mark Pantoni took the mic after Day and dove deeper into the class, offering his usual blend of insight and evaluation.
On Hartline’s departure, Pantoni echoed Day’s sentiments. “Very happy for Hart,” he said.
“He deserves it. He’s done a tremendous job.”
Pantoni joked that Day probably had 50 missed calls from wide receivers coaches across the country looking to fill the vacancy, but made it clear that Hartline’s standard has been set.
Pantoni emphasized that while his department provides support, it’s the position coaches who are in the trenches of recruiting. “They’re the ones in the weeds,” he said.
Standouts and Sleepers
Pantoni highlighted several key signees, starting with offensive tackle Sam Greer. “Tackles like him don’t grow on trees,” he said.
Greer was offered as a freshman and has been a leader in the class. Pantoni believes he has the tools to become a future left tackle in Columbus.
Another name that drew attention was Brock Boyd, a wide receiver from Texas. “I think Brock is probably the most underrated receiver in the country,” Pantoni said.
Boyd broke his school’s receiving record and plays in a major program, but hasn’t gotten the rankings buzz some others have. Ohio State clearly sees something special.
On the defensive side, Pantoni praised linebacker Jay Timmons for his energy and character, and called Khary Wilder a day-one priority. “We need him to be ready to go from day one,” he said.
The Buckeyes also signed two local standouts from Olentangy: CJ Sanna and Kaden Gebhardt. Pantoni described Sanna as tough and rangy-exactly the kind of linebacker Laurinaitis wants.
As for Gebhardt? “Every game you turn on, he’s making 10, 12, 15 tackles.”
Building the Right Way
Pantoni reinforced that Ohio State’s recruiting approach remains grounded in building through high school talent first, then supplementing through the portal. While NIL plays a role, he said the Buckeyes aren’t chasing the highest bidder. “We want guys who want to be in Columbus,” he said.
That said, Pantoni acknowledged the market realities-especially in the trenches. Offensive and defensive linemen are going to command a premium in the portal, which only raises the stakes for developing the ones you bring in early.
He also credited peer recruiters like Greer, Maxwell Riley, Tucker Smith, and Cincere Johnson for helping bring the class together. “Evaluations are more important than ever,” Pantoni said, especially in a landscape where timing and fit can make all the difference.
Bottom Line: Even with a major coaching change and the ever-shifting dynamics of modern recruiting, Ohio State showed once again why it remains a national powerhouse. The Buckeyes didn’t just sign a class-they built a foundation.
And as Day and Pantoni made clear, this is about more than one coach, one player, or one cycle. It’s about the program-and the standard isn’t changing.