Will Ohio State’s plays be called by Brian Hartline? Ryan Day provides the solution.

As Ohio State heads into the 2025 season, one of the most significant storylines surrounding the program involves the question of who will be calling plays for the Buckeyes’ high-powered offense. Over the years, Ohio State’s offensive success has been built on the shoulders of elite talent, innovative schemes, and a coaching staff capable of developing top-tier players. At the center of that offensive brilliance has been head coach Ryan Day, known for his ability to design potent offenses and develop quarterbacks.

However, as the program evolves, questions have arisen about whether Ryan Day will continue to serve as the primary play-caller or if he will delegate that responsibility to his top assistant coach, Brian Hartline, who has been rising rapidly through the coaching ranks. Hartline, a former Ohio State wide receiver, has gained significant praise for his coaching abilities, particularly with the Buckeyes’ receiving corps, and many have speculated whether he might take over the play-calling duties in 2025. In response to these questions, Ryan Day has provided clarity on the situation, outlining his decision for the upcoming season.

In this report, we will examine the context of Ohio State’s offensive coaching structure, the potential for Brian Hartline to take over the play-calling duties, and the larger implications for the Buckeyes’ program as they aim for continued dominance in college football.

Ryan Day’s Leadership and Play-Calling History

Ryan Day’s tenure as Ohio State’s head coach has been marked by consistent success, especially on the offensive side of the ball. Since taking over as head coach in 2019, Day has crafted offenses that are among the best in the nation. Under Day’s leadership, Ohio State has produced explosive passing attacks, with some of the nation’s top quarterbacks, including Justin Fields and C.J. Stroud, thriving in the Buckeyes’ system. Day’s offensive schemes have been lauded for their creativity, tempo, and ability to stretch the field both through the air and on the ground.

As the head coach, Day has been actively involved in the play-calling process, particularly in critical moments of the game. His ability to manage the offense and make in-game adjustments has been a hallmark of his coaching career. Additionally, Day’s strong relationship with quarterbacks has allowed him to put players in positions to succeed and elevate their performances.

However, as with any program that maintains its position as a national championship contender, questions about the delegation of responsibilities often arise. In this case, the query centers on whether Ryan Day, who has served as the primary play-caller for Ohio State, will continue in that role or if he will shift the duties to one of his trusted assistants.

Brian Hartline’s Rise in Ohio State’s Coaching Ranks

One of the primary reasons why Brian Hartline’s name has come up as a potential play-caller for Ohio State is his rapid ascent within the coaching ranks and his demonstrated ability to develop one of the best wide receiver units in college football. Hartline, who played for the Buckeyes from 2006 to 2009, transitioned to coaching after a brief NFL career. His familiarity with Ohio State’s program, combined with his extensive playing experience at the highest level, made him a natural fit as an assistant coach.

Since joining Ohio State’s coaching staff in 2017, Hartline has excelled in his role as the wide receivers coach. Under his guidance, Ohio State’s wide receiver group has become one of the most feared in the nation. The Buckeyes have produced numerous NFL-caliber wide receivers, such as Garrett Wilson, Chris Olave, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba, all of whom have been highly successful at the professional level.

Hartline’s ability to recruit top-tier talent, along with his capacity to coach players to their full potential, has made him one of the most respected assistants in college football. His wide receiver room has been a key component of Ohio State’s offensive success, and many believe that his offensive acumen extends beyond just coaching the wideouts.

Given his success as a position coach and his understanding of Ohio State’s offensive system, it was only a matter of time before Hartline’s name came up in discussions about his potential future roles, including the possibility of taking over the offensive play-calling duties.

The Speculation: Will Brian Hartline Take Over Play-Calling?

Over the past few seasons, there has been growing speculation that Brian Hartline could eventually be given more responsibility within Ohio State’s coaching staff. In particular, many have wondered if 2025 could be the year when Hartline steps into the role of offensive coordinator and takes over the play-calling responsibilities. This question became even more relevant after Ohio State’s success on offense in recent years, and as Hartline’s reputation as a brilliant offensive mind continued to grow.

Hartline’s background as a wide receivers coach and his success in developing Ohio State’s passing attack make him a logical candidate to eventually take over play-calling duties. His ability to craft routes, design passing concepts, and understand defensive coverages puts him in a strong position to call plays that take advantage of the Buckeyes’ talent on the outside. Additionally, his ability to motivate and connect with players has been a significant factor in the development of Ohio State’s receiving corps.

There are many reasons why Hartline would be a viable candidate for the role of offensive coordinator, but there are also challenges associated with making such a transition. While Hartline is undoubtedly an excellent position coach, play-calling at the collegiate level requires a deep understanding of all facets of the offense. This includes balancing the passing game with the running game, managing tempo, and making quick decisions under pressure.

Given Ohio State’s championship aspirations, the decision to hand over play-calling duties is not one to be taken lightly. Ryan Day’s comfort level with Hartline as a potential play-caller would be a major factor in whether or not Hartline takes over the role in 2025.

Ryan Day’s Solution: The Future of Ohio State’s Play-Calling

In a recent interview, Ryan Day addressed the ongoing speculation about the offensive play-calling situation at Ohio State and provided a clear solution. While he acknowledged the significant contributions of Brian Hartline and the possibility that he could take on a larger role within the offense in the future, Day made it clear that he will continue to call plays for the Buckeyes in 2025.

Day explained that his primary focus is on maintaining consistency and success within the offense, especially with a new quarterback taking over in 2025. With a program that is consistently competing for national championships, Day emphasized the importance of staying involved in the play-calling process, particularly as Ohio State seeks to continue its dominance in college football.

At the same time, Day indicated that Brian Hartline would continue to play a significant role in shaping Ohio State’s offense. Hartline, while not the primary play-caller, would still have a heavy hand in designing plays, particularly for the wide receiver group. Additionally, Day mentioned that Hartline would continue to be involved in the broader offensive game-planning process, collaborating with him and other members of the coaching staff to ensure that the offense is firing on all cylinders.

The decision to keep play-calling duties with Day allows for a sense of continuity and stability within Ohio State’s offense. Given the high expectations for the Buckeyes in 2025, with a new quarterback under center and the desire to maintain championship-level play, Day felt it was important for him to remain at the helm of the offense.

However, Ryan Day also acknowledged that Hartline’s progression as a coach is something the program takes seriously. He hinted that Hartline would likely continue to take on more responsibility over time and that the evolution of his role within the offense could lead to a larger play-calling role in the future. For now, though, Day will retain control over the offense, with Hartline continuing to develop the receivers and contribute to the game plan.

What Does This Mean for Ohio State’s 2025 Season?

With Ryan Day continuing to call plays, Ohio State’s 2025 season will feature a familiar offensive philosophy—one that has been successful for the Buckeyes over the past several years. Day’s play-calling has always been marked by a balanced attack that maximizes the potential of Ohio State’s explosive skill players. Whether it’s designing passing plays for the wide receivers, creating opportunities for the running backs, or developing the quarterback position, Day’s offensive acumen is unquestioned.

However, while Day will continue to call plays, the collaboration with Brian Hartline will be crucial. Hartline’s expertise with the wide receivers and his ability to design passing concepts that stretch the field will ensure that Ohio State’s passing attack remains one of the most potent in college football. His influence on the game plan and his ability to put players in position to succeed will help take Ohio State’s offense to the next level.

With a new quarterback in 2025, the continuity in play-calling is important for Ohio State to avoid any disruptions. Having Ryan Day call the plays while leaning on Hartline’s expertise allows for a seamless transition as the Buckeyes integrate a new signal-caller into their system. Additionally, Day’s decision to keep control of the offense means that Ohio State can maintain its identity as one of the most dynamic offenses in the country.