Brian Hartline is walking a tightrope right now - still coaching Ohio State’s offense while already recruiting for his next job at South Florida. And Buckeyes fans? Let’s just say they’re not thrilled.
The latest flashpoint came over the weekend when Hartline extended a scholarship offer to Angelo Smith, a three-star safety out of Chaminade-Madonna Prep in Fort Lauderdale. That name might sound familiar to Ohio State fans - and it should. Angelo committed to the Buckeyes back in September, and his older brother, Jeremiah Smith, just wrapped up an All-American season as one of OSU’s top wide receivers.
So, yes - Hartline, still on the Buckeyes’ payroll and still calling plays for their Cotton Bowl matchup on Dec. 31, is actively recruiting a player already committed to Ohio State. And not just any player, but the younger brother of one of the team’s current stars.
That’s where things get messy.
The backlash from Buckeyes fans has been swift and loud. Some are calling for Hartline to be shown the door immediately, arguing that his focus is clearly divided at a time when Ohio State is prepping for a major bowl game.
One fan didn’t mince words: “If he can’t focus 1000% on OSU in the middle of a playoff run then maybe he should just go. He’s distracted.
And he’s a distraction.”
Others are taking a more measured - or at least more cynical - view. “It’s a 3-star safety… let’s be real 😂,” one fan commented, downplaying the significance of the offer.
But the broader sentiment among many is frustration with what feels like a conflict of interest. Hartline is, in effect, building a future roster for South Florida while still coaching for Ohio State - and doing so by tapping into relationships he built in Columbus.
That includes Angelo Smith, who has openly praised Hartline during his recruitment. Before committing to Ohio State, the safety had offers from Miami and Oklahoma State, but it was Hartline’s pitch that ultimately won him over. Now, Hartline is using that same connection - forged while working for OSU - to try and flip Smith to South Florida.
It’s a tough look, especially considering the family ties. Jeremiah Smith isn’t just any Buckeye - he’s a cornerstone of the offense and one of the most talented pass-catchers in the country. The idea of his younger brother being pulled away by the same coach who helped bring him to Columbus doesn’t sit well with a lot of fans.
Some are calling for head coach Ryan Day to step in and make a decision. One fan put it bluntly: “Hartline should be relieved of his duties at Ohio State.
Day is crazy for keeping him.” Another took it a step further, labeling the whole situation as “tampering” and demanding Hartline be let go immediately.
And then there are those who feel personally let down. “Disappointed in Brian.
I thought his character was higher than this,” one fan wrote. Another put it even more succinctly: “Bruh get this dude off the team.”
Whether or not Hartline crossed a line is up for debate, but the optics are undeniably awkward. He’s still preparing to coach Ohio State in a high-stakes bowl game, but he’s also actively trying to build a future in Tampa - and doing so by recruiting against the very program still cutting his checks.
Angelo Smith, for his part, has options. He’s already committed to one of the top programs in the country, and he’s got a brother thriving in that system. But Hartline’s banking on his South Florida roots - and the relationship he’s built - to potentially sway the younger Smith south.
It’s a storyline that’s not going away anytime soon. And as long as Hartline’s straddling two sidelines, expect the spotlight to keep burning hot.