[ad_1]
The last time a former NFL head coach was handling offensive play-calling duties for Ohio State football, Columbus celebrated a national championship. Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day is hoping to replicate the success he enjoyed with Chip Kelly during the 2024-25 campaign (co- offensive coordinator with Brian Hartline), as he hands the playbook over to Arthur Smith. Julian Sayin also has big plans with the new OC.
The star redshirt sophomore quarterback and Heisman Trophy finalist used an incredibly encouraging word to describe Smith’s offense.
“Exciting,” Sayin said, per Dan Hope of Eleven Warriors. “He’s done a lot of great things. You gotta wait for the fall and see. It’s going to be exciting.”
While the squad possesses a wealth of talent, some people view the 20-year-old signal-caller as more of a game manager rather than an elite playmaker. Sayin is determined to prove the doubters wrong and lead the Buckeyes to another title, but he may need Smith’s help to do so.
The Second-Team All-Big-Ten selection and Big Ten Freshman of the Year completed an FBS-best 77 percent of his passes for 3,610 yards and 32 touchdowns last season. He posted an 8.7 average depth of target and threw eight interceptions in 14 games. Unfortunately, inconsistent showings against Indiana in the conference title game and Miami in the College Football Playoff, both of which were Ohio State losses, overshadowed an otherwise stellar campaign.
Julian Sayin is eyeing redemption in 2026, and the same can arguably be said for Arthur Smith. The former North Carolina offensive lineman experienced a rocky three-year tenure as Atlanta Falcons head coach and also served as an offensive coordinator for both the Tennessee Titans and Pittsburgh Steelers. Although fans can certainly criticize some of his decision-making, Smith has been dealt some tough cards in the past. He is in a perfect position to thrive in Columbus.
Smith will have an impactful QB in Sayin, a potential top-three NFL Draft pick in wide receiver Jeremiah Smith and a difference-making running back in Bo Jackson at his disposal. That is the foundation of an exciting offense. He will be tasked with putting this dazzling blueprint into action.
The last time a former NFL head coach was handling offensive play-calling duties for Ohio State football, Columbus celebrated a national championship. Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day is hoping to replicate the success he enjoyed with Chip Kelly during the 2024-25 campaign (co- offensive coordinator with Brian Hartline), as he hands the playbook over to Arthur Smith.
[ad_2]
Source link
