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

As college football evolves, so too do the roles of the coaches behind some of the sport’s most successful programs. The Ohio State Buckeyes have long been one of the premier programs in the nation, and in 2025, the future of the program is once again on the rise. With head coach Ryan Day at the helm, the Buckeyes are preparing to tackle another season, but one crucial question has emerged: Who will call the plays for the Ohio State offense in 2025?

For years, Day has been the chief architect of Ohio State’s dynamic offense. Known for his sharp offensive mind and ability to produce high-scoring units, Day has seen his offensive philosophy evolve as the landscape of college football has changed. However, with the promotion of Brian Hartline, Ohio State’s longtime wide receivers coach, to offensive coordinator, the Buckeyes have entered a new era where a fresh perspective on play-calling is now at the forefront of the program’s identity.

As fans and analysts debate the shift in roles, Ryan Day—who has spent considerable time developing Ohio State’s offensive game plans—has provided insight into his decision-making process and why he believes this change will benefit the team in 2025 and beyond. With Hartline’s promotion, the question remains: Will Brian Hartline take over the responsibility of calling plays, or will Day maintain his role as the play-caller while allowing Hartline to focus on other aspects of his offensive coordinator duties?

In this article, we will delve into the significance of this coaching shake-up, examining Brian Hartline’s rise to prominence, the potential implications of Day’s decision, and how this move could shape the future of Ohio State football in 2025.

1. Brian Hartline’s Rise to Offensive Coordinator

Before examining the play-calling situation, it’s important to understand how Brian Hartline came to occupy such a pivotal role within the Ohio State football program. Hartline, a former NFL wide receiver with the Miami Dolphins, joined Ohio State’s staff in 2017 as a graduate assistant. His early years in coaching were spent learning the nuances of teaching and developing wide receivers, and it quickly became clear that he had a special gift for cultivating talent.

Under Hartline’s leadership, Ohio State’s wide receiver unit has flourished. He’s helped produce some of the best receivers in college football, including Chris Olave, Garrett Wilson, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba, all of whom have gone on to have successful NFL careers. The wide receiver room at Ohio State became a virtual assembly line of future professional talent under Hartline’s watch, making him one of the most highly regarded position coaches in the nation.

In 2022, Hartline was promoted to offensive coordinator, a move that immediately turned heads in the college football world. As the coordinator, Hartline’s primary focus has been on further developing Ohio State’s offensive identity, specifically within the passing game. Ohio State has maintained its reputation as one of the most potent offensive teams in the country, regularly ranking among the top offenses in both total yards and scoring.

Hartline’s background as a player and a coach with an expertise in the passing game has made him the perfect candidate to take on the offensive coordinator role. His ability to develop and coach up wide receivers has been a hallmark of Ohio State’s success, but he has also shown an evolving understanding of how to shape the entire offense into a well-rounded, efficient unit.

With Day’s endorsement, Hartline has earned the opportunity to shape the offense more broadly in 2025, and the question now turns to whether he will assume the responsibility of calling plays on game day or if Ryan Day will continue to call the plays himself.

2. Ryan Day’s Legacy as Play Caller

For years, Ryan Day has been regarded as one of the top offensive minds in all of college football. As the head coach of Ohio State, Day has engineered some of the most potent offenses in the country, consistently ranking among the top 10 in total offense, passing yards, and scoring. His offensive philosophies are rooted in up-tempo play, precision passing, and a balanced attack that stretches defenses both vertically and horizontally.

As the team’s play-caller, Day has orchestrated high-powered offenses with multiple quarterback options, including Dwayne Haskins, Justin Fields, and C.J. Stroud, each of whom benefited from Day’s innovative approach. His ability to blend the passing game with a strong run game has been one of the signature elements of Ohio State’s offensive identity.

That said, coaching a high-profile program like Ohio State requires a delicate balancing act. Day’s success as a play-caller has meant that he’s often been deeply involved in the offensive game plans, but with the increased complexity of managing an elite program, it can be difficult for a head coach to do everything. Day has often expressed the desire to not only focus on the offense but also take a step back and manage the entire program, overseeing all facets of Ohio State football, including the defense and special teams.

This growing responsibility raises the question of whether Day should continue calling plays in 2025 or delegate the responsibility to his offensive coordinator, allowing him to focus on other areas of his coaching duties.

3. Ryan Day’s Decision: What We Know So Far

Ryan Day has been clear about his desire to delegate play-calling duties to Brian Hartline. In an interview discussing the move, Day acknowledged that he was excited to see Hartline take on more responsibility, including potentially calling plays during games. According to Day, he’s ready to trust Hartline with the keys to Ohio State’s offense, understanding that Hartline has the necessary skills and vision to maintain the program’s offensive success.

However, Day also made it clear that the transition may not be as immediate as some expect. In 2025, he anticipates that there will be a gradual shift in play-calling duties, with Hartline taking on a more prominent role over time. Early in the season, Day may continue to call the plays, providing Hartline with the necessary mentorship and guidance as he acclimates to the full scope of the job. As Hartline becomes more comfortable, Day expects that the young offensive coordinator will assume a more hands-on role with game management and the flow of the offense.

For Day, the decision to trust Hartline with play-calling is one that aligns with his broader vision for the future of Ohio State football. Day has always been an advocate for empowering his assistant coaches, and he has seen firsthand the talent and leadership that Hartline brings to the table. In trusting Hartline, Day is not only giving him the opportunity to grow professionally but also ensuring that Ohio State’s offense continues to evolve under capable leadership.

4. Hartline’s Offensive Philosophy and What It Means for Ohio State

If Brian Hartline takes over full play-calling duties, it will signal a shift in Ohio State’s offensive identity. While the Buckeyes have been known for their high-powered passing game, Hartline’s focus on the wide receiver position could lead to a greater emphasis on explosive passing and vertical routes. Hartline is known for his creativity in scheming wide receivers open, and his understanding of route combinations and spacing could further enhance the Buckeyes’ ability to stretch defenses.

One area where Hartline’s influence will likely be felt is in the development of quarterbacks. As someone who has mentored elite talents like Chris Olave, Garrett Wilson, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Hartline’s ability to work with quarterbacks could take Ohio State’s signal-callers to the next level. He’s likely to emphasize quick decision-making, accurate throws, and the ability to read defenses at a high level—skills that will be critical for whichever quarterback earns the starting job in 2025.

That said, while Hartline’s focus on the passing game will be a major strength, he’ll also have to maintain balance in the offense. The Buckeyes have always been a team that relies on a diverse attack, incorporating a strong run game to complement the aerial assault. Under Hartline’s direction, Ohio State will likely continue to emphasize a balanced offensive attack, ensuring that the running backs, led by a talented stable of runners, remain a significant part of the offensive plan.

The Buckeyes will also benefit from Hartline’s strong understanding of the tempo and pace of the game. Hartline has spent years working with fast-paced offenses, and his ability to keep opposing defenses off-balance with quick snaps and up-tempo play could prove invaluable.

5. The Quarterback Battle and How It Impacts the Offense

One of the most pressing issues for Ohio State in 2025 is the quarterback battle. With Kyle McCord and J.J. McCarthy among the leading contenders, the Buckeyes are faced with the challenge of finding the right signal-caller to lead the offense. How Hartline’s play-calling style integrates with the strengths of the new quarterback will be a crucial factor in determining how successful Ohio State’s offense is.

McCord, a more traditional pocket passer, might benefit from a more structured, methodical approach to play-calling, while McCarthy, a dual-threat quarterback, might thrive in an up-tempo, spread offense with plenty of designed runs and RPOs. The way Hartline adapts his play-calling to suit the strengths of the quarterback will be a defining feature of Ohio State’s offense in 2025. Regardless of who wins the job, Hartline’s ability to adapt and build an offense around his quarterback’s unique abilities will be key to the success of the Buckeyes.

6. The Long-Term Outlook for Ohio State Football

As Ohio State moves

forward with Brian Hartline taking on an increasingly prominent role in the offense, the Buckeyes are positioned for continued success. With Ryan Day’s guidance and Hartline’s leadership, the team is well-equipped to compete at the highest level. The transition in play-calling may take time, but if all goes as planned, Ohio State will emerge from this change stronger and more cohesive, continuing its legacy as one of the nation’s premier football programs.

As the Buckeyes work to build a championship-caliber team for 2025, the Ryan Day-Brian Hartline partnership will be critical in achieving sustained excellence. If Hartline can maintain the offensive firepower that Ohio State has been known for while putting his own stamp on the play-calling, the Buckeyes will remain a powerhouse in the Big Ten and a contender for the national title for years to come.