3 Things We Learned About the New Ohio State Football Offense

It would seem that Ohio State’s Arthur Smith is changing the system up – for the better.

And that is a scary prospect ahead of the upcoming season, considering that the Buckeyes had one of the most lethal offenses in the nation last year, averaging 33.4 points per game, en route to a 12-0 record, before their season crumbled in the Big Ten Championship Game against Indiana and then the College Football Playoff against Miami. For a season that had so much promise and excitement, it ended suddenly.

Going into this offseason, the Ohio State offense was in question as to how it would respond, and returning defensive end Kenyatta Jackson Jr. responded emphatically.

“It’s like night and day,” said Jackson in an interview with Big Ten Network after practice on Thursday. “I believe last year was their first year together, and now they are older and more mature.”

So, what has changed? Well … not much. Sort of

It seems Smith is taking a more controlled approach, which will be an adjustment for quarterback Julian Sayin, but one he will be up for given his skill level.

The overall plays don’t seem to be altering too much; however, the style of it, the manner in which it will be played out on the field, will be different. In other words, opposing defenses will struggle to contain them.

“I think there’s plays off plays off plays,” tight end Bennett Christian said to The Athletic. “We’ll set you up one way and then come back. It might look the same, but it’s a different play. I was talking to (linebacker Payton Pierce) about what he sees in the middle. He was like, ‘I don’t know how defenses are going to stop this.’”

The tight ends should be a major asset for Smith, who has experience coaching the position.

While the group isn’t as top-heavy as it was a year ago with Max Klare and Will Kacmarek, it remains a deep and versatile unit. Ohio State believes the tight ends can line up in the slot, on the line of scrimmage and create mismatches through pre-snap motion.

Continuity is a positive, and it will fit with Smith’s style

As mentioned by Buckeyes on SI writer Dylan Buganski, the fact that four of the five offensive linemen are returning is a positive for the Buckeyes. It has helped that junior Ian Moore has been showered with praise for his adjustment and work ethic in slotting in at left tackle this year.

“They’re more aggressive,” said Jackson, “I don’t know what Coach Bowen and Coach Day are doing in the o-line room, but it’s working.”

And that will be key, as the Buckeyes will continue to play a fierce running game with Sayin and Jeremiah Smith at the heart of it all.

Sayin returns for his third season at Ohio State and his second as the Buckeyes’ starter, coming off a 2025 campaign in which he was a Heisman Trophy finalist.

Last season, Sayin threw for 3,610 yards, 32 touchdowns and just eight interceptions while completing 77% of his passes - the best completion percentage in the country.

Much of the offseason buzz has centered on Sayin’s physical development under strength coach Mick Marotti, as well as his growth as a leader. He will command the offense and so far, that buzz has been positive, with Smith giving him added pre-snap freedom.

And that will benefit Smith, as he enters his final year with Ohio State with a point to prove after last season’s heartbreak. If all goes according to plan, he’ll set program records for receiving yards, touchdown receptions and receptions. He will look to lead the Buckeyes to the promised land.

Add us as a preferred source on Google