At Ohio State, will Brian Hartline call plays? The answer is revealed by Ryan Day.

As college football continues to evolve, one of the most interesting shifts in the game is the change in coaching responsibilities, particularly when it comes to offensive play calling. The Ohio State Buckeyes have long been a powerhouse program, known for their explosive offenses and consistent championship contention. Under Ryan Day, the Buckeyes have maintained their offensive prowess, but as the program looks toward the 2025 season, a pivotal question has emerged: Will Brian Hartline, Ohio State’s new offensive coordinator, be the one calling the plays?

For years, Day has been regarded as one of the top offensive minds in college football. He has built a program that produces high-powered offenses, guided by quarterbacks like Justin Fields, Dwayne Haskins, and C.J. Stroud, all of whom have thrived under Day’s play-calling. However, with the rise of Hartline to the role of offensive coordinator, Ohio State faces a crossroads. The question now is whether Day will continue in his role as the play-caller or whether Hartline, a former wide receiver coach turned coordinator, will take over those duties.

In a recent interview, Ryan Day provided clarity on this issue, and the answer has profound implications for the future of the Buckeyes’ offense. This article will explore the ramifications of Day’s decision, examine the evolving roles within Ohio State’s coaching staff, and analyze how the outcome will affect the team in 2025 and beyond.

1. Brian Hartline’s Journey to Offensive Coordinator

Before diving into whether Hartline will call plays, it’s important to understand his rapid rise within the Ohio State program. Brian Hartline came to Ohio State as a wide receivers coach in 2017 after a successful career in the NFL with the Miami Dolphins. In just a few short years, Hartline developed a reputation as one of the best position coaches in the country, turning Ohio State’s wide receiver room into a factory for NFL talent.

Under Hartline’s guidance, Ohio State produced a steady stream of first-round talent at the wide receiver position, including Chris Olave, Garrett Wilson, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba. His work with these players earned him recognition as one of the top young minds in the game. It wasn’t long before Hartline’s influence began to be felt across the entire offense. With Ohio State’s passing attack consistently ranking among the best in the nation, it became clear that Hartline’s offensive vision extended beyond the wide receiver room.

In 2023, Hartline was promoted to offensive coordinator after the departure of former coordinator Kevin Wilson, a move that signified Ohio State’s trust in Hartline’s ability to manage a more expansive offensive role. Hartline has never called plays at the collegiate level, but his reputation as an excellent teacher and strategist has made him a natural candidate for the role.

As Ryan Day continued to work with Hartline and integrate him into the broader scheme of the offense, the next logical question was whether Hartline would take on the responsibility of calling the plays—something Day has done since his arrival in Columbus in 2017.

2. Ryan Day’s Legacy as Play Caller

Since arriving at Ohio State in 2017, Ryan Day has been the primary architect of the Buckeyes’ high-octane offense. His reputation as a brilliant offensive mind was cemented with his ability to create dynamic systems that effectively utilized star quarterbacks, elite receivers, and an evolving run game. Whether it was Dwayne Haskins’ record-setting 2018 season or Justin Fields’ dynamic playmaking ability in 2019 and 2020, Day has consistently been known for his ability to design and execute high-powered offensive schemes.

Day’s philosophy is rooted in a balanced approach—using an up-tempo pace that creates mismatches, ensuring that the defense is stretched horizontally and vertically. Ohio State’s offensive schemes have often been complex, emphasizing precision passing, explosive plays, and a dynamic running game. His ability to call plays that fit the strengths of his players has made him one of the most respected offensive coaches in college football.

However, as Ohio State enters the 2025 season, Day has increasingly found himself pulled in multiple directions. As the head coach, his responsibilities extend far beyond just the offense. He must manage the defense, special teams, recruiting, and oversee the day-to-day operations of the program. For Day, this shift in focus raises the question of whether he should continue calling plays or hand over the reins to Brian Hartline, who is now in the position to take the offense in a new direction.

3. The Big Question: Will Brian Hartline Call the Plays?

In a recent press conference, Ryan Day was asked directly about whether Brian Hartline would take over the play-calling duties for Ohio State’s offense in 2025. The answer Day provided has wide-reaching implications for the future of the Buckeyes’ program.

“I trust Brian immensely,” Day said. “He’s been with me every step of the way in terms of building this offense. He’s learned under the best, and now it’s time for him to take on more responsibility. But I’ll still have a hand in the play-calling, especially early on in the season. We’ll work together, and I’m confident that Brian is going to do a great job. It’s about finding the right balance as we transition.”

Day’s answer makes it clear that Hartline will not immediately take over play-calling duties entirely in 2025. Instead, Day will continue to be involved, particularly early in the season, as they work to find the right rhythm and balance in the offense. This gradual handover of duties seems to be the preferred method, with Day acknowledging that Hartline is still evolving in his role as offensive coordinator.

Day’s decision reflects both his trust in Hartline’s ability to manage the offense and his understanding that the transition needs to be managed carefully. Ohio State’s offensive identity has been built over years, and for it to continue to thrive, the coaching staff must work together to ensure continuity while allowing for innovation and new ideas to flourish under Hartline’s leadership.

4. The Role of Ryan Day Moving Forward

Even though Hartline will take on more responsibility in the coming years, Ryan Day’s role in Ohio State’s offense will not disappear entirely. While Day will not be calling every play, his influence will remain strongly felt in the offensive game plan and in crucial moments of games.

As head coach, Day will continue to serve as the program’s leader, setting the overarching strategy and vision for the team. His experience calling plays will remain an asset, especially in high-pressure situations. For example, in close games or when adjustments are needed, Day could step in to call specific plays or provide guidance to Hartline on how to attack an opposing defense. This collaboration between Day and Hartline will be crucial as the season progresses.

Moreover, Day’s knowledge of the offense—gained from years of being the play-caller—will serve as a valuable resource for Hartline. If Hartline ever finds himself in a difficult situation or struggles with certain in-game decisions, Day can step in and offer insight or alternative strategies. This is an ideal setup that balances the transition of play-calling while still allowing Day to mentor Hartline and guide him through the process.

5. Brian Hartline’s Potential as Play Caller

Although Ryan Day will remain involved in play calling early in the 2025 season, there’s little doubt that Hartline’s evolution as a play caller will be one of the most fascinating aspects of Ohio State’s offensive development. Hartline has the natural ability to connect with players, particularly at the wide receiver position, and his creative approach to the passing game will be invaluable. His understanding of defensive coverages and his ability to scheme receivers open could inject a new dynamic into Ohio State’s attack.

One area where Hartline could make an immediate impact is in Ohio State’s vertical passing game. With the Buckeyes boasting a talented group of wide receivers, including Marvin Harrison Jr., Hartline is likely to implement a system that emphasizes deep shots and utilizing his playmakers in open space. His experience as a former wide receiver in the NFL means that he understands how to exploit defensive weaknesses and create mismatches on the outside. Hartline could implement more wide receiver screens, back shoulder throws, and routes designed to stretch defenses in ways that keep defenders on their heels.

Another area where Hartline’s influence could be felt is in Ohio State’s tempo. Known for fast-paced offenses, Hartline could take full advantage of his experience working under Ryan Day and push the pace of play even further. This could allow the Buckeyes to overwhelm opposing defenses and get the ball into their playmakers’ hands more quickly. The combination of a more up-tempo offense with deep passing concepts could make Ohio State even more dangerous, particularly with the talent they have at quarterback and wide receiver.

6. The Quarterback Position and Play Calling

The quarterback competition at Ohio State heading into 2025 will also play a major role in determining how play-calling unfolds. Whether it is Kyle McCord, J.J. McCarthy, or a newcomer taking over the starting role, the quarterback’s ability to execute the playbook will have a significant influence on Hartline’s play calling. The playbook will likely evolve based on the skill set of the starting quarterback, which may allow Hartline to tailor plays specifically to their strengths.

If McCord remains the starter, Hartline may lean into a more traditional passing attack, utilizing McCord’s precision and ability to read defenses. If McCarthy, a more dual-threat quarterback, wins the starting job, Hartline could adjust by incorporating more designed runs

and options to take advantage of McCarthy’s athleticism.

7. The Long-Term Future of Ohio State Football

Regardless of whether Hartline calls the plays from day one, the shift in responsibilities points to an exciting future for Ohio State football. With Ryan Day and Brian Hartline working together to create a potent offensive game plan, the Buckeyes are positioned to continue their dominance in the Big Ten and beyond. Hartline’s promotion represents the evolution of Ohio State’s offense, and his eventual transition to play calling will ensure that the Buckeyes remain at the cutting edge of offensive innovation.

The 2025 season will be a critical one for Ohio State as they look to reclaim the College Football Playoff and win a national championship. With Day’s leadership and Hartline’s emerging role as the offensive coordinator, the Buckeyes have the potential to take their program to even greater heights in the years to come.