Ohio State Buckeyes offensive coordinator Arthur Smith has confidence from a good number of hopeful fans. Count CBS Sports' Brad Crawford among those who believe OSU is in great hands with the former Atlanta Falcons head coach and, more recently, ex-Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator during the Russell Wilson/Justin Fields/Aaron Rodgers era.
Particularly, Crawford sees Smith helping propel Buckeyes quarterback Julian Sayin to "a significant leap" during his third year in Columbus, but second as Ohio State's starter. Crawford sees Smith translating to the college game like Matt Patricia did last year.
"Ryan Day's decision to hire former NFL coach Arthur Smith as offensive coordinator has drawn mixed reviews, much of which is tied to Smith's results at the professional level. The college game presents a different equation, however, particularly when elite programs can overwhelm opponents with superior talent. That setting could allow Smith to thrive," Crawford wrote.
"At Ohio State, Smith is expected to employ a streamlined, run-oriented approach while creating calculated downfield opportunities for Jeremiah Smith and others. Quarterback Julian Sayin ranked among the nation's most efficient passers as a redshirt freshman, and a significant leap is anticipated from the Heisman hopeful."
"Despite transfer portal losses at wide receiver, the Buckeyes remain loaded at the position, highlighted by the additions of five-star prospects Chris Henry Jr. and Jerquaden Guilford. Smith, Devin McCuin, and Brandon Innis are projected starters, with Bo Jackson back at tailback."
"Solidifying the offensive line rotation looms as a key offseason priority. Day has emphasized the need to play at least eight linemen with positional versatility, underscoring the importance of depth and flexibility up front."
Bo Jackson needs to be transcendent in 2026 to make Arthur Smith's offense work
Smith's offense will be a slog. Sayin was elite in 2025, earning Heisman candidate status and making Carnell Tate a first-round NFL draft prospect and Jeremiah Smith the most-hyped sophomore, now junior, in the sport. To say Smith will get more out of Sayin is bold.
And it only works if Bo Jackson has a transcendent season. Ohio State's offensive line will largely look the same, and the player many felt was the weakest link, right guard Tegra Tshabola, is gone and now with the Kentucky Wildcats. Jackson has a good chance to eat up yards and help slow the game down.
Talent can overcome anything, but maybe there's a chance that Smith's game can unleash Jackson in a way Brian Hartline's play-calling couldn't. And maybe setting up the run so effectively will allow Sayin to move up even higher in a Heisman conversation he's already near the mountaintop in.