Ohio State has had an eventful offseason, with numerous changes taking place in just two weeks. Following their national championship win, there’s been little time for relaxation as coaching changes have been made on both sides of the ball. These moves, including departures to both NFL and college programs, signal the success of the program.
On Wednesday, the Buckeyes made significant updates to their offensive coaching staff. Brian Hartline has been promoted to offensive coordinator, while Virginia Tech’s offensive coordinator, Tyler Bowen, is joining as the new offensive line coach. Additionally, Billy Fessler has been elevated to full-time quarterback coach.
With defensive coordinator still to be determined, head coach Ryan Day has been hard at work, and these hires not only showcase talent but reward in-house candidates for their efforts. Now, the real work begins for these three in their new positions.
Despite the coaching changes taking center stage, Ohio State has still found time to focus on recruiting. On Wednesday, they extended an offer to Damari Simeon, a 6-foot-3, 275-pound defensive lineman from New Jersey. The 2026 prospect, who already has offers from top programs like Auburn, Florida State, Michigan, Notre Dame, and others, adds Ohio State to his list of suitors. Though currently unranked, Simeon’s impressive offer list shows his potential, and the Buckeyes hope to bring him to campus for a visit during spring ball. Defensive line coach Larry Johnson has had success recruiting on the East Coast, and this move puts Ohio State firmly in the mix.
Hartline’s promotion is a major boost to Ohio State’s recruiting efforts. As the team’s top recruiter, Hartline consistently brings in some of the best players, particularly at the receiver position, and is a key reason why the Buckeyes’ offense remains so potent year after year.
While some fans may have hoped for a big national hire as offensive coordinator, Hartline’s promotion, alongside the addition of Tyler Bowen to strengthen the running game, will ensure the offense stays on track. Beyond the on-field impact, Hartline’s recruiting success is expected to keep rolling, with several top recruits already expressing their support for his new role.
A prime example is Chris Henry Jr., the No. 5 player nationally in the 2026 class and Ohio State’s top recruit. Despite recent rumors of other schools, like Oregon and Michigan, making a push for him, Henry Jr. has made it clear that he will stick with the Buckeyes as long as Hartline is in Columbus. Henry Jr. views the opportunity to play under Hartline as “too good to pass up,” and this promotion should help reassure fans that the top recruit is likely to stay in the fold.
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According to On3, Ohio State will host four-star edge rusher Cam Brooks for an official visit in late June. Ranked No. 89 nationally and the 10th-best edge rusher in the 2026 class by the 247Sports Composite, Brooks’ decision to cancel a planned trip to Miami in favor of visiting the Buckeyes adds extra excitement to this recruitment update.