Ohio State head coach Ryan Day confirmed major news on Wednesday: newly hired USF head coach Brian Hartline will remain with the Buckeyes through the College Football Playoff, opting to finish the postseason before transitioning fully to his new role in Tampa.
For Ohio State, the timing couldn’t be better. Hartline has engineered one of the most explosive and efficient offenses in college football this season, all while stepping into the offensive coordinator role following former OC Chip Kelly’s departure to the NFL and the Las Vegas Raiders. Many wondered if OSU would take a step back. Instead, they’ve taken another leap forward, and Hartline is a major reason why.
A Transformative Coach Staying To Finish the Job
Hartline’s rapid rise, from wide receivers coach to passing-game guru to one of the most respected offensive coordinators in the country, made him one of the top young candidates in the nation. His hiring at USF, following Alex Golesh’s jump to Auburn, marked his first opportunity as a head coach.
A 5 star signing!! ✍️
Welcome to Tampa Bay, @brianhartline! 🤘 pic.twitter.com/xcywK2vbIb
— USF Football (@USFFootball) December 3, 2025
Despite the demands of building a new staff and roster in Tampa, USF is allowing Hartline to finish the postseason with Ohio State, an arrangement that speaks volumes about Hartline’s commitment and USF’s willingness to support a coach who wants to complete a championship run he helped create.
For Hartline, staying on for the playoffs isn’t just sentimental; it’s strategic. Ohio State is the No. 1 overall seed, locked into the CFP, and preparing to face Indiana in the Big Ten Championship. The Buckeyes are seeking to repeat as national champions after last season’s title run.
Elite Offensive Production Under Hartline
Ohio State’s offense has been nothing short of elite, with PFSN offensive impact grades illustrating Hartline’s importance:
- Team Offensive Impact Grade: 93.1 (3rd in the nation)
- QB Julian Sayin: 94.9 (3rd-best nationally), currently a leading Heisman Trophy candidate
- WR Carnell Tate: 84.6 (7th among all receivers)
- WR Jeremiah Smith: 84.5 (8th nationally)
Hartline has developed Sayin into one of the most polished young quarterbacks in the country and built a receiver room that remains the envy of college football. His fingerprints are all over Ohio State’s success, both schematically and in talent development.
In an era where coordinators often depart before bowl games, let alone playoff runs, Hartline staying on is a massive win for Ohio State’s national title hopes. Continuity matters, especially with an offense built on rhythm, timing, and trust between the quarterback and receivers.
Ryan Day says Brian Hartline will remain with the team through the College Football Playoff.
— Dan Hope (@Dan_Hope) December 3, 2025
It also underscores Hartline’s loyalty to the program that helped launch his coaching career. While USF undoubtedly wants its new leader on the ground as soon as possible, both sides recognize the importance of Hartline finishing what he started in Columbus.
The Buckeyes now move forward with clarity: Hartline will stay, the offense continues firing on all cylinders, and Ohio State enters championship season at full strength. With the nation’s No. 1 seed, one of the sport’s best offensive minds still calling plays, and a Heisman favorite under center, the Buckeyes are positioned as a heavyweight contender to repeat as national champions.
USF has its head coach of the future, but Ohio State gets to keep one of college football’s brightest offensive talents long enough to chase another trophy.
