Brian Hartline is finishing the season with the Ohio State football team before moving on to be the head coach at USF. This was the first year that Hartline was in charge of calling plays. Now, he's going to be in charge of an entire program once the Buckeyes are done in the College Football Playoff.
Hartline was criticized for his play-calling in the Big Ten Championship in Ohio State's 13-10 loss to Indiana. Following that game, Ryan Day made it clear that Hartline would still be calling plays. Still, Hartline is trying to fill out his staff at South Florida while also preparing for the CFP.
On his way out the door, Hartline has done something that is very strange that the Ohio State Buckeyes certainly won't like. He has offered a scholarship to an Ohio State commit, and one who is the brother of the best player that the Buckeyes have on offense.
Brian Hartline tries to poach Angelo Smith from the Ohio state football team
Angelo Smith is a three-star safety from near the Miami area. He is also the younger brother of superstar receiver Jeremiah Smith. Angelo committed to the Buckeyes back in September and will be part of the 2027 recruiting class. It's unlikely he and his brother will ever play together.
Hartline has decided to offer Angelo Smith, which is a very strange move as he is preparing to leave for USF. Why would he try to offer the brother of Ohio State's best player right as he's about to leave town? It's highly unlikely Smith would flip to play for USF. He's also not a receiver, so it makes it even stranger.
Trying to poach a recruit from the program you are leaving is one of the weirder moves that Hartline could possibly pull. Yet, that's what he decided to do. That could create some awkward meetings over the next couple of weeks for the Ohio State coaching staff.