Ohio State’s new OC A five-star wide receiver received blunt advice from Brian Hartline.

In the competitive world of college football, particularly in a powerhouse program like Ohio State, the need for clear, candid coaching is paramount. One of the most notable aspects of Ohio State’s football culture in recent years has been its ability to develop wide receivers into elite talents. Much of that success can be attributed to Brian Hartline, the new Offensive Coordinator (OC) for the Buckeyes, who has built a reputation not only as a former NFL wide receiver but also as one of the brightest young coaching minds in the country.

However, Hartline’s success as a coach hasn’t just come from teaching the X’s and O’s of the game—he’s known for his direct, often blunt approach when it comes to communicating with his players, particularly when it comes to the world of elite wide receivers. This approach is evidenced in his interaction with some of the top recruits in the country, including five-star wide receiver Brandon Ingram, a player who recently received some straight-talking advice from Hartline upon committing to the Buckeyes.

In this article, we will explore the dynamic between Brian Hartline and his wide receivers, focusing on his relationship with the five-star recruit, Brandon Ingram. We’ll examine how Hartline’s blunt advice plays a key role in shaping the development of young athletes, how it reflects the expectations at Ohio State, and what this means for Ingram’s future with the program.

Brian Hartline’s Journey from NFL Star to Elite Coach

Before diving into his relationship with Ingram and other recruits, it’s important to understand why Hartline’s coaching style is so effective. Hartline’s resume as both a player and a coach gives him a unique perspective on the challenges that wide receivers face in the college football landscape.

Hartline was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in 2009 and played six seasons in the NFL, during which he built a reputation for his precise route running, ability to read defenses, and leadership. Upon retiring from professional football in 2015, Hartline transitioned into coaching, initially taking on a role as Ohio State’s wide receivers coach. It didn’t take long for Hartline to prove himself as an exceptional coach, developing players like Chris Olave, Garrett Wilson, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba, all of whom became first-round NFL Draft picks.

Hartline’s success as a wide receivers coach has been rooted in his deep understanding of the game and his ability to relay that knowledge to his players. But more than just technical coaching, Hartline has become known for his no-nonsense approach. He doesn’t sugarcoat things for his players. His method of coaching is simple: if you want to succeed at Ohio State, you need to work hard, be disciplined, and have a mentality that matches the expectations of one of the country’s most storied football programs.

Now, as Ohio State’s new Offensive Coordinator, Hartline has inherited even more responsibility and more influence over the program’s offensive identity. His coaching philosophy remains largely unchanged, though now he has to adapt it to the broader offensive scheme while maintaining his sharp focus on wide receivers.

Brian Hartline and the Five-Star Approach

One of the more significant elements of Hartline’s coaching philosophy is how he handles recruiting. As one of the nation’s top programs, Ohio State routinely competes for the best recruits, particularly in the wide receiver and quarterback positions. Hartline, known for his ability to develop elite wideouts, has become a top target for five-star receivers across the country. And it’s here where his blunt coaching style truly shines.

Brandon Ingram, a highly-touted five-star wide receiver from California, is one of the latest recruits to commit to Ohio State. Ingram, known for his lightning speed, excellent hands, and impressive route-running abilities, is one of the most coveted wide receivers in the 2025 recruiting class. Like many five-star athletes, Ingram had numerous options in terms of where to play college football, and Ohio State’s prominence as a wide receiver factory played a large part in his decision to commit.

However, before committing to the Buckeyes, Ingram was given blunt, straightforward advice from Hartline that would shape his expectations for what was to come in his college career.

“You’re Not Special Yet”

When Ingram visited Ohio State for his recruitment meeting, Hartline wasted no time in setting the tone. According to multiple reports, Hartline’s first words to Ingram were simple but powerful: “You’re not special yet.”

At first, this might seem like a harsh or even demotivating statement, especially for a player like Ingram, who had already achieved success at the high school level. But Hartline’s bluntness was not an insult; rather, it was a critical piece of advice aimed at preparing Ingram for the intense competition and high expectations that come with playing at Ohio State.

Hartline’s point was clear: Ingram had the physical tools to succeed at the collegiate level, but those tools were far from enough. In order to thrive at Ohio State, Ingram needed to understand that his past accolades did not guarantee success. Every player on the roster would be hungry, disciplined, and working toward the same goal. Simply being a highly-rated recruit would not be enough to separate him from the pack.

For a five-star recruit like Ingram, who likely came from a place of being the best player on his high school team, this type of tough-love coaching might come as a surprise. But it was precisely this type of mindset that had helped Hartline shape some of the best wide receivers in college football, and it was a message Ingram needed to hear.

The Mentality Shift: What It Means to Be “Special”

Hartline’s comment wasn’t just about toughness—it was about mindset. Ingram had the opportunity to be great, but that greatness wouldn’t come automatically. It would come through effort, focus, and a relentless work ethic. Hartline’s challenge to Ingram was essentially an invitation to earn his place—not just in Ohio State’s wide receiver room but also as a contributor to one of the top offenses in the country.

For Hartline, success on the field starts with the right mentality off the field. Players who come in with the mindset that they are “already special” are often the ones who struggle to meet the expectations of a program like Ohio State. It’s the players who embrace the process, who accept that there is always room for growth, and who show up with humility and grit that ultimately thrive in his system.

Ingram, who has long been heralded as a star in the making, was now being tasked with proving it every day. The opportunity to be coached by Hartline meant embracing his no-nonsense approach, the kind of coaching that demands accountability and prioritizes effort and results over potential or accolades.

Embracing Competition at Ohio State

When Ingram officially committed to Ohio State, it was clear he had internalized Hartline’s message. Playing at Ohio State means competing against some of the best talent in the country, and the wide receiver position is no exception. Even though Ingram will be entering an already stacked group of pass catchers, including players like Marvin Harrison Jr. and Emeka Egbuka, he will be expected to compete for his place in the lineup.

Hartline’s coaching philosophy revolves around creating an environment where players must earn their minutes, and there’s no room for complacency. While Ohio State consistently brings in elite recruits, the program’s success is rooted in the competition between players in practice. This kind of environment pushes everyone to elevate their game, ensuring that only the most dedicated, hardest-working players see the field.

For Ingram, his competition at Ohio State will be fierce. But instead of shying away from it, he will have to embrace it. Ingram’s talent is undeniable, but it is the daily grind and his ability to compete with the best that will determine his success. If he can adapt to Hartline’s coaching style—focusing on improvement, discipline, and effort—he has the potential to be one of the top wide receivers in college football.

The Bigger Picture: Ohio State’s Legacy of Developing NFL Talent

Hartline’s coaching approach is not just about building great college players; it’s about preparing players for the next level. One of the primary reasons that top-tier wide receivers flock to Ohio State is the program’s track record of developing players for the NFL. Under Hartline’s tutelage, Ohio State has seen several wide receivers make successful transitions to the professional ranks, including Chris Olave, Garrett Wilson, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba, all of whom were first-round draft picks.

For Ingram, the allure of the NFL is strong, and Hartline is one of the best in the business at preparing wide receivers for that next step. But getting to that point requires not only natural talent but also a commitment to becoming the best version of oneself—both as a player and a person.

Hartline’s direct approach with Ingram sets the tone for what will be expected from him during his time at Ohio State. The road to NFL stardom is long and filled with challenges, but with Hartline’s coaching and guidance, Ingram will have the opportunity to develop into one of the best.

A Strong Foundation for Success

In the world of elite college football, the coaching that a player receives can make or break their career. For Brandon Ingram, Brian Hartline’s blunt advice may have initially seemed harsh, but it was exactly the type of guidance he needed. Hartline’s no-nonsense approach will push Ingram to grow not only as a player but also as a person. It is a mindset that has worked wonders for Hartline’s previous protégés, and it will likely do the same for Ingram.

Ingram’s journey at Ohio State will be filled with challenges, but with

Hartline leading the way, he will be equipped with the tools necessary to reach the highest levels of college football and beyond. For Ohio State, the combination of Hartline’s coaching expertise and Ingram’s elite talent promises a bright future for the program as it continues to develop wide receivers capable of excelling at the next level. The foundation has been laid, and the sky is the limit for Ingram as he embraces the grind and works to prove he’s “special” in his own right.