Three reasons for Ohio State's offensive explosion in the College Football Playoff

Ohio State's offense has been a powerhouse, especially since Ryan Day took over as the offensive coordinator in 2018. For several years, the Buckeyes consistently averaged over 40 points per game, but the 2023 season marked a noticeable decline in offensive production, dropping to 30.5 points per game and ranking 45th in the nation. It was a signal that Day needed to rethink his offensive strategy.

Following a disappointing bowl loss to Missouri, he made significant changes, including hiring his mentor, Chip Kelly, to take over as offensive coordinator. Although Ohio State’s points per game didn’t fully rebound, the Buckeyes' offense has found its rhythm in the playoffs, putting together an explosive performance. Here are the top three reasons for Ohio State’s resurgence in the College Football Playoffs.

1. Keeping players fresh

One of the more subtle yet critical factors in Ohio State's playoff offensive success has been Ryan Day's decision to manage the workload of his key players during the regular season. Although Day hasn’t directly confirmed this, it seems clear that Ohio State has been intentionally limiting the number of plays per game (ranking 123rd nationally at 62.9 plays per game), possibly to preserve the health and stamina of players for critical moments, like the playoffs.

This approach has been especially beneficial for offensive stars like running back TreVeyon Henderson and wide receiver Jeremiah Smith. By keeping them fresh during the regular season, these players have been in peak condition during the playoffs.

For example, Henderson, who dealt with injuries in previous seasons, looked as explosive as ever in the postseason. Against teams like Tennessee and Oregon—both of whom were dealing with injuries to key players—Ohio State’s top athletes appeared to be faster, stronger, and better prepared to deliver in these high-stakes games.

2. Ryan Day's renewed involvement in game-planning

Another major shift that has fueled Ohio State’s playoff offensive explosion is Ryan Day's increased involvement in game planning. After handing over play-calling duties to Chip Kelly, Day stepped back from the day-to-day offensive operations during the regular season. However, during the playoffs, Day has returned to his roots, becoming more involved in preparing the offense.

In a press conference ahead of the 2025 Cotton Bowl, Day was asked about giving up play-calling and what the benefits have been for himself and the team. He began his answer by saying, “I actually think this time of year in the playoffs, I've had more time to actually be part of the football." He went on to say, "I’ve been able to step aside really in terms of some of those other things and really get more involved with the football, which has been great.”

With Kelly handling play-calling duties and Day focusing on the overall game plan, the Buckeyes have found a potent balance. This collaborative approach between Day and Kelly in the playoffs has allowed the offense to reach new heights, showcasing an impressive mixture of Day's passing game and Chip Kelley's running game.

3. The emergence of Jeremiah Smith

One of the standout factors in Ohio State’s offensive explosion is the rise of star wide receiver Jeremiah Smith. Throughout the regular season, Smith showed flashes of brilliance, but it wasn’t until the playoffs that he truly emerged as a dominant force. In just two playoff games, Smith has racked up 13 receptions for 290 yards and four touchdowns, solidifying his status as the go-to target for quarterback Will Howard.

Smith’s breakout performances have been a direct result of Ohio State’s increased aggression on offense. With Chip Kelly’s creative play-calling and Ryan Day’s renewed focus on offensive strategy, Smith has been featured much more prominently.

His ability to make difficult catches, even when double or triple-covered, has made him an invaluable weapon. Against Oregon, Smith made an eye-popping catch over two defenders that was so surprising that the Oregon DB came up to celebrate as if the pass was incomplete. Point blank: Jeremiah Smith is a nightmare for opposing defenses.

Ohio State’s offensive resurgence in the College Football Playoffs has been driven by a combination of strategic player management, Ryan Day's increased involvement in game planning, and the emergence of young stars like Jeremiah Smith.

By keeping key players fresh, refining their game plan, and unleashing their top talent at the right time, the Buckeyes have rediscovered the offensive firepower that makes them the most feared teams in college football. With the perfect blend of coaching and talent, Ohio State’s offense has become an explosive force once again on the biggest stage.