After winning their ninth national title in the 2024 College Football Playoff National Championship, Ohio State proved to be a program with huge turnover. They have sent 14 players to the NFL Draft, which was an incredible number.
But the even crazier part is what’s coming from Coach Ryan Day as he prepares for the 2026 College Football Championship run. Despite losing many top names in this year’s draft, his team is still stacked and ready to compete at the highest level, thanks to the new offensive coordinator, Brian Hartline.
Joel Klatt Explains Why Ryan Day Is Leaning Heavily on Brian Hartline
Joel Klatt recently discussed his post-spring top 5 teams on his latest episode of “The Joel Klatt Show.” Ryan Day’s Ohio State landed at No. 3 on his list. Klatt began his analysis with a surprising take, saying, “They just have 14 players drafted, and the two best football players in America are still in Columbus,” Klatt said. “Jeremiah Smith, the receiver. Caleb Downs, the safety. That’s wild.”
Klatt then shared a specific concern about the quarterback role. He believes the position battle is still in the air, but whoever wins will be surrounded by elite talent.
Klatt also discussed Ohio State’s coaching changes, noting that the program lost both coordinators this offseason. With Chip Kelly moving on to the NFL, Klatt believes Day isn’t looking outside for answers—he’s putting his trust in Hartline, who has been waiting for this opportunity.
He stated, “Brian Hartline has been the best position coach in America for the last five years. You look at his position room, and that is clear. It is unequivocal.”
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Day has structured the Buckeyes’ coaching philosophy to allow greater flexibility. Klatt pointed out that Day didn’t have to game plan or call plays offensively last season, especially for the position where he is now leaning heavily on Hartline.
The Fox analyst explained, “Ryan didn’t have to game plan and call the plays offensively. He thought it was a great position to be in, to sit back, evaluate the way the team was playing, in particular after losses to Oregon and Michigan, and adjust and manipulate the way that their philosophy was playing out.
KEEP READING: Brian Hartline’s WR Empire Grows With 25th Blue-Chip Receiver Addition in Last 5 Years
With Hartline stepping into an upgraded coaching role, Day will continue to rely on him to help shape the offensive strategy and keep things steady as they head into the next season.
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