Ohio State Hires NFL Offensive Coordinator to Elevate Star QB Julian Sayin

Arthur Smith's arrival at Ohio State could be a game-changer for Julian Sayin as Ryan Day's Buckeyes look to build on last season.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 11:27pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fractured, geometric painting depicting the various angles and perspectives of a college football quarterback's throwing motion, with sharp planes of scarlet red, metallic gold, and deep navy blue, conceptually representing the multi-faceted development of Ohio State's Julian Sayin under the guidance of new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith.A cubist interpretation of Ohio State's star quarterback Julian Sayin, as he prepares to elevate his game under the tutelage of new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith.Columbus Today

Ohio State has hired former NFL offensive coordinator Arthur Smith to join Ryan Day's staff, with the goal of elevating the development of star quarterback Julian Sayin. Smith's extensive pro experience, particularly in building offenses around quarterbacks, is seen as a major boost for Sayin, who is already generating significant Heisman buzz.

Why it matters

Ohio State had the third-best offense in the country last season, but the Buckeyes are hoping Smith can help them take the next step by maximizing Sayin's potential as a pro-style passer. With a talented supporting cast around Sayin, including star receiver Jeremiah Smith, the Buckeyes believe Smith's hire could be a game-changer in their quest for a national championship.

The details

Smith is joining Ohio State after serving as the offensive coordinator for the Pittsburgh Steelers last season. Prior to that, he had stints as the head coach of the Atlanta Falcons and offensive coordinator of the Tennessee Titans, giving him a wealth of NFL experience to draw from. The Buckeyes are hoping Smith's expertise in quarterback development and pro-style offenses will help Sayin take the next step in his progression.

  • Ohio State made the hire shortly after the 2025 season ended.
  • Sayin discussed the benefits of working with Smith in an interview last month.

The players

Ryan Day

The head coach of the Ohio State Buckeyes football team.

Julian Sayin

The star quarterback for the Ohio State Buckeyes, who is generating significant Heisman buzz.

Arthur Smith

The former NFL offensive coordinator who has been hired by Ohio State to help develop Sayin and the Buckeyes' offense.

Jeremiah Smith

A star wide receiver for the Ohio State Buckeyes, who has been graded as one of the top receivers in the country in recent seasons.

Bo Jackson

A running back for the Ohio State Buckeyes, who provides another offensive weapon for the Buckeyes.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Coach Smith has been great. He's brought a lot of knowledge and experience. Just learning from him and seeing how he sees the game has been really valuable... There are some differences, but a lot of it is just learning how he wants things done and how he sees certain concepts. It's been good for us. Just executing the offense the way it's supposed to be run. When everyone is on the same page, it can be really good.”

— Julian Sayin

What’s next

Ohio State will look to build on its strong 2025 season and make a push for a national championship, with the development of Julian Sayin under Arthur Smith's tutelage being a key factor.

The takeaway

The hiring of Arthur Smith, with his extensive NFL experience in quarterback development and pro-style offenses, represents a significant investment by Ohio State in maximizing the potential of star quarterback Julian Sayin. If Smith can help Sayin reach new heights, it could be a game-changer for the Buckeyes' offense and their national championship aspirations.