Ohio State’s recent hire of Arthur Smith as their new offensive coordinator has folks talking, especially when it comes to Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals. This move follows a rough 2025 season that ended with a quarterfinal loss in the College Football Playoff.
Smith’s arrival, along with his family’s impressive wealth, adds another twist to Ohio State’s already high-profile football program. It’s got people wondering what might happen next.
Ohio State’s Disappointing 2025 Season
The 2025 season ended for Ohio State in a way nobody saw coming. They’d won 11 straight games in the regular season and were feeling good heading into the postseason.
But the Buckeyes lost 24–14 to Miami in the College Football Playoff quarterfinals. Miami was just too physical, and an early 72-yard interception return changed everything, tilting the game in Miami’s favor.
Post-Season Changes: Arthur Smith’s Arrival
After that tough finish, Ohio State decided to shake things up by hiring Arthur Smith, a former NFL offensive coordinator. Smith brings a fresh perspective to the Buckeyes’ offense.
His hiring has also sparked new conversations about NIL deals and the financial side of the program. It’s a hot topic, and Smith’s name just adds fuel to the fire.
Arthur Smith’s Background and NFL Experience
Arthur Smith has been around, coaching at both the college and NFL levels. He started out at North Carolina and Ole Miss, then made a name for himself as Tennessee’s offensive coordinator from 2019 to 2020.
He went on to be the head coach for the Atlanta Falcons from 2021 to 2023. Most recently, he served as offensive coordinator for the Pittsburgh Steelers from 2024 to 2025.
Smith’s Offensive Philosophy
Smith’s NFL offenses have leaned on a strong running game and solid execution, especially on third downs. Those traits should show up at Ohio State, where he’ll have plenty of talent to work with.
Heisman finalist quarterback Julian Sayin and All-American wide receiver Jeremiah Smith are just two of the standout names on his roster. Expectations are sky-high, but who knows—maybe Smith’s style is exactly what they need.
The Smith Family Wealth and NIL Implications
Arthur Smith is the son of Fred Smith, who founded FedEx and turned it into a global giant. Fred Smith’s net worth was estimated at about $5.8 billion in 2021 and around $5.3 billion when he passed away in June 2025.
This kind of wealth has definitely fueled NIL chatter around Arthur Smith’s arrival at Ohio State. People can’t help but speculate about what it might mean for the program.
NIL Ecosystem at Ohio State
Ohio State already has one of the biggest and most sophisticated NIL setups in college football. Bringing in Arthur Smith, considering his family’s financial background, only adds more intrigue to the conversation about recruiting and support.
There isn’t any public evidence yet of direct financial contributions or NIL deals from Fred Smith’s estate, FedEx, or the Smith family to Ohio State collectives. Still, the potential impact is hard to ignore, and it’s got everyone talking.
Looking Forward: Ohio State’s Future
Arthur Smith’s stepping in to run the offense, and honestly, there’s a buzz about what that could mean for Ohio State. He’s got a solid background and his approach, paired with the talent already here, might just shake things up in a good way.
There’s also chatter about NIL deals getting bigger, which could give recruiting a noticeable boost. More financial backing never hurts, right?
If you want all the details on Arthur Smith’s hiring and what it could mean, check out the full article here.
- Schools Covered
- College Football Articles
- Men's College Basketball Articles
- Men's College Soccer Articles
- Women's College Basketball Articles
- Olympic Athlete Articles
- Men's College Baseball Articles
- College Sports Media Professionals Articles
- Hall of Fame Member Articles
- Former College Player Articles
- Game Previews
