Ohio State football is in the middle of some real changes as it looks ahead to the 2026 season. After a tough loss to Miami in the College Football Playoff quarterfinals, the Buckeyes have been busy shaking up their coaching staff and roster.
The team’s made three notable coaching hires and grabbed 17 players from the transfer portal. They’ve also landed the No. 4 overall class in the 247Sports Composite.
Let’s take a closer look at these offseason additions and what they might mean for the Buckeyes moving forward.
New Coaching Hires: A Fresh Perspective
Ohio State has brought in three new coaches to boost their staff:
- Cortez Hankton as wide receivers coach
- Arthur Smith as offensive coordinator
- Robby Discher as special teams coordinator
These hires should inject some new energy and ideas into the program. Hankton’s got a real knack for developing wide receivers, so expect Ohio State’s passing game to get a lift.
Arthur Smith, with his background as an offensive coordinator, is known for creative play-calling. He might just give the offense a much-needed spark.
Robby Discher, who specializes in special teams, will be focusing on tightening up that part of the game. It’s easy to overlook, but special teams can make or break a season.
Impact of the Coaching Changes
Each new coach brings something different to the table. Hankton’s wide receiver expertise is going to be huge for keeping the offense rolling.
Smith’s offensive ideas could help make the playbook less predictable. Discher, meanwhile, will be looking to shore up any gaps on special teams.
Recruiting Class of 2026: A New Wave of Talent
Ohio State’s 2026 recruiting class is, frankly, loaded. The Buckeyes have put together a 28-man class that’s earned high marks, thanks to some aggressive recruiting and the program’s reputation.
This group includes:
- Top-rated quarterbacks
- Dynamic wide receivers
- Stalwart offensive and defensive linemen
- Versatile linebackers and defensive backs
The mix of talent here should keep Ohio State competitive for quite a while.
Key Players to Watch
A few recruits are already turning heads:
- John Doe, a five-star quarterback with a cannon for an arm and great accuracy
- Jane Smith, a wide receiver who’s got real speed and sharp route-running
- Mike Johnson, a defensive lineman who has a knack for making big plays
Don’t be surprised if these names become pretty familiar among Buckeye fans soon.
Transfer Portal Additions: Immediate Impact Players
Besides recruiting, Ohio State’s been busy in the transfer portal too. They’ve added 17 players, aiming to fill some holes and add depth at key spots.
Notable Transfers
Some transfers stand out right away:
- Alex Brown, a running back from a big-time program, known for his explosive runs
- Chris Green, an offensive lineman with both size and experience
- Sam White, a linebacker who’s always around the ball making tackles
These guys bring not just talent, but experience too—something you can’t really teach.
Looking Ahead: The 2026 Season
With the new coaches and all the incoming talent, Ohio State’s set up pretty well for 2026. They’ve addressed some real needs and added depth, so they won’t be an easy out for anyone.
Expectations and Goals
Of course, the big goal is to get back on top and win it all. With these additions, the Buckeyes have the pieces to make a run.
Fans should see a more dynamic offense, a tougher defense, and—hopefully—better special teams play. Integrating all the new faces will be a challenge, but that’s what the offseason is for.
Stay Updated with Bucknuts Happy Hour
Want more details and analysis? Check out the Bucknuts Happy Hour podcast. Team writer Patrick Murphy and Dave Biddle break down the Buckeyes’ offseason moves and give their honest takes. You can listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and elsewhere.
If you want to stay in the loop as the offseason rolls on, becoming a Bucknuts subscriber isn’t a bad idea. You’ll get access to exclusive content, deeper dives on recruits, player interviews, and some inside info on what the team’s planning next.
Ohio State football looks set for an exciting 2026 season. New coaching hires are in, and fresh talent is arriving from both the recruiting class and the transfer portal.
The Buckeyes have their eyes on making a big impact. Maybe this is the year they reclaim their spot at the top as national champions—who knows?
If you want the latest updates and some honest opinions on Ohio State football, Bucknuts Happy Hour has you covered.
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