Brian Hartline’s coaching journey is taking a major turn - but not before he wraps up business in Columbus. The Ohio State offensive coordinator is set to become the next head coach at South Florida, stepping into his first head coaching role after a season that saw him take on play-calling duties for the first time. But even as the Buckeyes prepare for their College Football Playoff run, Hartline’s transition is already raising eyebrows - and not just because of Xs and Os.
Let’s start with the football side. Hartline’s debut as a play-caller came under scrutiny, especially after Ohio State’s 13-10 loss to Indiana in the Big Ten Championship.
The Buckeyes’ offense struggled to find rhythm, and questions about Hartline’s in-game decisions quickly followed. Despite the criticism, head coach Ryan Day stood by Hartline, confirming he would continue calling plays through the postseason.
That vote of confidence signaled stability - at least for now - as the Buckeyes chase a national title.
But while Hartline remains locked in with Ohio State for the playoff push, he’s also laying the groundwork for his next chapter at USF. That’s where things get interesting. In the middle of preparing for the CFP and assembling his new staff in Tampa, Hartline made a move that’s raised some internal tension in Columbus: he extended a scholarship offer to Angelo Smith, a current Ohio State commit - and the younger brother of Buckeye star wideout Jeremiah Smith.
Now, let’s be clear: recruiting is the lifeblood of college football, and coaches are constantly trying to find an edge. But this one hits a little differently.
Angelo Smith, a three-star safety from the Miami area, committed to Ohio State back in September as part of the 2027 class. While he and his brother Jeremiah likely won’t overlap in Columbus, the family connection is significant - especially when Jeremiah is arguably the Buckeyes’ top offensive weapon.
So why would Hartline, on his way out, try to flip a recruit from the very program he’s still coaching in the College Football Playoff? Especially one who plays on the other side of the ball and has a direct family tie to the face of Ohio State’s offense?
From a pure recruiting standpoint, offering Angelo Smith isn’t out of bounds. Hartline is building his program and looking for talent wherever he can find it.
But the timing and optics of the move are undeniably awkward. It’s rare - and frankly risky - for a departing coach to go after a player who’s already committed to his current team, especially when that player is tied to a superstar still in the locker room.
This decision could make for some uncomfortable conversations inside the Woody Hayes Athletic Center. Hartline is still part of the Buckeye coaching staff, still game-planning alongside Ryan Day and company, and still helping lead a team with national championship aspirations. Trying to recruit away a player from that same program - even a future recruit - adds a layer of tension that Ohio State probably didn’t need in December.
At the end of the day, Hartline is doing what head coaches do: he’s evaluating talent, building relationships, and trying to shape a roster that fits his vision at USF. But the move to offer Angelo Smith, given the circumstances, feels like a misstep in terms of timing and perception. It’s not about legality or ethics - it’s about the message it sends to the locker room, the coaching staff, and the broader Ohio State community.
As Hartline prepares to lead his own program, he’ll learn that being a head coach means more than just calling plays or recruiting talent. It means managing relationships, reading the room, and understanding when certain moves - even if technically fair game - might not be worth the fallout.
For now, Hartline remains on Ohio State’s sideline, helping guide a team with championship hopes. But with one foot already in Tampa, his latest recruiting move has added an unexpected wrinkle to his Buckeye farewell tour.