Jeremiah Smith has been the cornerstone of the Ohio State Buckeyes since he joined them in 2024. As a freshman, the wide receiver broke the FBS freshman receiving record and helped the program lift the CFP National Championship.
There were several people who contributed immensely in their respective roles to make the Buckeyes the national champions. Offensive coordinator Brian Hartline was one of them.
Recently, Hartline was offered a head coaching job by the South Florida Bulls. He took the offer and is now actively working to make the USF roster better, even if it costs the Buckeyes, while still at OSU for the time being.
Jeremiah’s brother, Angelo Smith, a class of 2027 safety committed to the Buckeyes in September this year. The move made sense on multiple levels, and it is expected to add more depth to the Buckeyes’ roster.
In a shocking turn of events, Hartline recently offered a scholarship to Angelo. The safety acknowledged the same on social media, sending shockwaves across the Ohio State fanbase.
“Extremely blessed to receive an offer from University of South Florida,” he wrote.
In response, fans expressed their shock and frustration while calling out the former offensive coordinator for this sneaky move.
“@Jermiah_Smith1 better stay where he is. If he doesn’t hartline is dead to me,” a fan wrote.
@Jermiah_Smith1 better stay where he is. If he doesn’t hartline is dead to me
— Brandy (@brandylynn0597) December 21, 2025
“current osu coach recruiting osu commits to a school that isn’t osu is hella weird to me,” a fan wrote.
“Wait so @brianhartline is actively recruiting OSU commits while on our staff?? He needs to just go,” a fan wrote.
“Time to let hartline go to his new home before he tries to sabotage us. Day better take over play calling now,” a fan wrote.
“Brian Hartline please report to Day’s office he would like a word…” a fan wrote.
“Hartline already an op,” a fan wrote.
While it’s understandable that Hartline wants to have a proper roster at USF because, as a head coach, he will have more pressure on him, working toward that while still with the Buckeyes isn’t sitting right with fans.
Jeremiah Smith Showed Love to the Coach
Hartline is a former NFL player who was active from 2009 to 2015. Two years after his retirement, he joined the Ohio State Buckeyes as an offensive quality control assistant. In 2018, he became the wide receivers coach.
In 2023, he was made the offensive coordinator for the program, and since then, he helped shape several athletes. When he decided to leave Ohio for a better opportunity with USF, he was showered with love.
Love Coach 🤞🏾 pic.twitter.com/59GGPJhkzO
— Jeremiah Smith (@Jermiah_Smith1) December 3, 2025
Smith posted a picture with him on X with the caption, “Love Coach,” to bid farewell to Hartline. In the same month, the fans have now turned against him because of his strategic moves.
Read More:
Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith, Julian Sayin and More Left in Splits Over Nostalgic Snaps
Paul Finebaum Reveals How Chip Kelly Underused Jeremiah Smith’s Talent Last Season
Jeremiah Smith’s Draft Eligibility: Revealing Surprising Struggle for OSU Star and His NFL Timing
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