Ohio State head coach Ryan Day will call the offense in the College Football Playoff, handing duties back to play caller Brian Hartline as the Buckeyes face Miami.
Ryan Day Returns to the Play Call
Day has called the offense for the first five years of his tenure at Ohio State. In 2024, he handed the role to Chip Kelly. Kelly left for the NFL, and Hartline took over the play-calling duties for the regular season. For the CFP, Day is reclaiming that responsibility. Day said the timing was brutal but handled it well. “It’s such a strange calendar and the timing is brutal. But he’s handled it great, as you can imagine,” Day said on Monday. “It’s a lot on his plate. It’s a lot to manage. So we’re kind of taking it day-to-day right now, just in terms of as we move forward.” Day also explained that he has learned to manage the game better over the past seasons. “I think it’s more just about when you’re not calling it, your eyes aren’t down on the call sheet. You’re with the defense. You’re watching the offense. You’re watching the other side. You’re watching what’s going on as opposed to being down on your call sheet. And I think that’s where we got to be good upstairs,” Day said. “There’s not a game that’s gone by where I’m not involved or listening to every call and making sure it’s what we’ve agreed upon going in. So, it’s similar to the way it was before.”
Brian Hartline’s New Role
Hartline accepted the head coaching position at South Florida on Dec. 3. He remains on the Buckeyes’ staff through the CFP. He will coach the wide receivers while Day handles play calling. Hartline’s transition came after Kelly left for the NFL. The coaching staff has kept the offensive scheme consistent by retaining key personnel. Hartline’s experience as the previous play caller during the regular season has positioned him to support the offensive strategy. His presence on the staff ensures continuity for the receivers and for the overall offensive philosophy.
The Game Plan: A Team Effort
Day emphasized that the offensive game plan remains a collaborative effort. He works closely with co-offensive coordinator and tight ends coach Keenan Bailey, running backs coach Carlos Locklyn, quarterbacks coach Billy Fessler, and offensive line coach Tyler Bowen. Each of these coordinators is equally involved in crafting the Buckeyes’ strategy for the upcoming matchup. The collective input ensures that the offensive scheme reflects the strengths of the team and adapts to the specific challenges posed by Miami. By involving all coordinators, the staff can fine-tune play calls to match the strengths of individual players.
The Stakes: Buckeyes vs. Hurricanes
The second-seeded Buckeyes (12-1) enter the Miami game with the fifth-ranked offense among the remaining eight teams, averaging 429.5 yards per game. The 10th-seeded Hurricanes (11-2) advanced to the quarterfinals with a 10-3 victory over Texas A&M on Saturday. The matchup at the Cotton Bowl on Dec. 31 will decide which team moves forward in the College Football Playoff. The game will be played at the Cotton Bowl, a venue that will host the contest between Ohio State and Miami in this crucial quarterfinal. The outcome will determine who advances to the national championship game.
Player Perspective
Wide receiver Jeremiah Smith expressed confidence in Hartline’s coaching. “I know Coach Hartline will always continue to push me hard, no matter what it is,” Smith said. “But I always still want to be pushed, and I tell him to crank it up, because now it’s time to win another natty around here.” Smith’s comments highlight the team’s focus on preparation and the drive to secure another national title.
Season Summary
Ohio State finished the regular season with a 12-1 record. The Buckeyes’ record places them as the second-seeded team in the College Football Playoff.
Offensive Ranking
Ohio State’s offense is ranked fifth among the eight teams remaining in the playoff field. The Buckeyes average 429.5 yards per game.
Hurricanes’ Performance
The Hurricanes finished the season with an 11-2 record. They secured a 10-3 victory over Texas A&M on Saturday.
Game Timing and Venue
The quarterfinal game is scheduled for Dec. 31 at the Cotton Bowl.
Seedings
Ohio State holds the second seed in the playoff. Miami holds the tenth seed.
Play Calling History
Ryan Day called the offense for the first five years of his tenure. In 2024, he handed the role to Chip Kelly. Kelly left for the NFL, and Hartline took over play calling for the regular season. For the CFP, Day is reclaiming the responsibility.
Coordinators’ Roles
Keenan Bailey works with tight ends. Carlos Locklyn works with running backs. Billy Fessler works with quarterbacks. Tyler Bowen works with the offensive line. All coordinators collaborate on the game plan.
Player Quote
Jeremiah Smith said, “I know Coach Hartline will always continue to push me hard, no matter what it is.” He added, “But I always still want to be pushed, and I tell him to crank it up, because now it’s time to win another natty around here.”
Game Outcome
The winner of the quarterfinal will advance to the national championship game.
Key Takeaways
- Ryan Day will call the offense in the CFP, a role he had previously given to Chip Kelly and now to Brian Hartline.
- Hartline, who accepted a head coaching job at South Florida, remains on staff to coach wide receivers and support the offense.
- The Buckeyes enter the quarterfinal with a 12-1 record, fifth-ranked offense, and face a 10-2 Hurricanes team that beat Texas A&M 10-3.
As the College Football Playoff approaches, Ohio State’s coaching staff has realigned responsibilities to maximize performance. With Ryan Day at the helm of the offense and Brian Hartline providing key support, the Buckeyes are poised to bring their high-powered offense to the Cotton Bowl and compete for a national championship.
