Just recently, Ohio State and Ryan Day put the finishing touches on a brilliant 2026 class and things are already looking great for next campaign. However, no one can deny the fact that losing Brian Hartline is going to have a negative impact both on and off the field.
Off of it, Hartline was an ace recruiter for the Buckeyes and he has helped the team bring in several 5-star signees. The list of course includes receivers Jeremiah Smith and Chris Henry Jr., with the latter recently making things official with the Buckeyes. Rivals took note of Hartline's success, naming him one of the 10 best recruiters from the '26 cycle:
Top college football recruiters from the 2026 cycle, via @SWiltfong_✍️
— Rivals (@Rivals) February 4, 2026
Read: https://t.co/CypJs1cGME pic.twitter.com/wSxLh0G8QS
Ohio State is no question going to miss Brian Hartline recruiting for the Buckeyes
Seeing Hartline on this list isn't a stunner at all. Landing Henry was definitely the top prize of the class for the Buckeyes. His relationship with Hartline played a massive role in things, and despite Hartline leaving for USF, Day was able to keep the 5-star talent on board.
Fellow wideout Jerquaden Guilford was also a big-time get thanks to Hartline, with the youngster recently getting bumped up to 5-star status in the Rivals' updated rankings. Those were two major gets alone for Hartline and OSU fans are still thankful for that work.
It felt like it was only a matter of time before Hartline was given a shot to run his own program. South Florida caught plenty of people off guard, but he has hit the ground running in adding talented transfer portal talent, reminding everyone how great of a recruiter he is.
Ohio State has since brought in Arthur Smith to take over the offense, and he'll have to get used to learning what it means to recruit for the Buckeyes. That's not going to be easy and he's no question going to have massive shoes to fill now that Hartline has said goodbye to Columbus and hello to Tampa.