Ohio State Pays New Receivers Coach Cortez Hankton $900K in First Year

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Ohio State football has hired Cortez Hankton as their new receivers coach, signing him to a two-year deal. In his first season, Hankton will earn $900,000, with the potential to earn up to 47% more through various performance incentives. Hankton previously served as receivers coach and co-offensive coordinator at LSU, making $1 million last season.

Why it matters

The hire of Hankton is significant as he replaces Brian Hartline, who had been Ohio State's receivers coach since 2018 and was recently hired as the new head coach at South Florida. Hankton's contract details provide insight into the high salaries commanded by top assistant coaches in college football.

The details

Hankton's two-year deal with Ohio State will pay him $900,000 in the first year and $1 million in the second year. He can also earn up to 47% of his salary through various performance incentives, such as Ohio State making the Big Ten Championship Game (8%), winning the Big Ten Championship (4%), and advancing through the College Football Playoff (up to 35% for winning the national title). Hankton will also receive six complimentary tickets for every home football game and two tickets for every home men's basketball game.

• Hankton was hired on January 1, 2026.
• In the 2025 season, former Ohio State receivers coach Brian Hartline had a $2 million salary as the team's offensive coordinator.

What’s next

Arthur Smith is reportedly in line to be hired as Ohio State's next offensive coordinator, taking over the play-calling duties previously held by Brian Hartline.