Arthur Smith news
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The gist
Ohio State hired ex-Falcons head coach Arthur Smith to run its offense before Saturday's Texas game.
His NFL playcalling decides whether the Buckeyes can finally feature Jeremiah Smith.
Background
Ohio State's coaching staff underwent a significant change for the third consecutive offseason, and this time the Buckeyes brought in Arthur Smith — a former Falcons head coach (2021-23) and Steelers and Titans offensive coordinator — to lead the offense, paired with Matt Patricia on defense. Smith replaced Brian Hartline and has spent eight months on staff, helping the unit get more organized and faster; in the first half against Ball State, Ohio State's pace was 24.1 seconds per play, faster than any full game last season. The timing matters because Ohio State plays Texas for the third time in 20 months and for the first time in Austin since 2006, and Texas has shut down Jeremiah Smith in both previous meetings.
How it unfolded
- Sep 10, 2026The Athletic reports Ohio State hired former Falcons head coach Arthur Smith to lead the offense, paired with Matt Patricia, back for his second season.
- Sep 10, 2026Texas Film Room previews the matchup between Ohio State offensive coordinator Arthur Smith and Texas' new defensive coordinator Will Muschamp.
- Sep 11, 2026Eleven Warriors and Scarlet and Game report Ohio State is focused on making Jeremiah Smith more of a factor against Texas, unlike the two previous matchups.
- Sep 12, 2026USA TODAY notes Smith is the latest coordinator with NFL experience at Ohio State; Buckeyes Wire lists five reasons Ohio State will beat Texas, including Smith's playcalling.
Who’s saying what
- Party
- Ohio State running back Isaiah West said the offense has a structured plan with a few plays they are really good at, and that Arthur Smith is big on being brilliant in the basics.
- Analysts
- The Athletic reported Smith's NFL experience has helped develop second-year starter Julian Sayin faster this offseason and that the offense has been more organized and faster on the field.
- Caution
- Texas Film Room wrote that Smith will add more variety for the matchup with Texas, meaning Muschamp must be on top of his game, and whoever wins the battle-of-the-brains could lead their team to victory.
- Support
- Buckeyes Wire called it a luxury to have former NFL head coaches calling both offense and defense, and said to look for multiple sets and creative ways to get the ball to skilled players.