How OSU's Jeremiah Smith, Julian Sayin Will Be Impacted By Arthur Smith's Reported OC Contract

Ohio State stars Jeremiah Smith and Julian Sayin will get to work under an offensive coordinator with NFL experience next season.

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported Saturday that Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith is expected to become Ohio State's next OC.

He will work under Ryan Day, who is heading into his ninth season as Ohio State's head coach and his second since leading the 2024 team to a national title.

Smith will now look to use his seven years of NFL experience, including three as head coach of the Atlanta Falcons, to build another championship-caliber offense around Smith and Sayin.

Day will have to rebuild his defense this offseason given that stars Sonny Styles, Arvell Reese, Caleb Downs and Kayden McDonald have all declared for the 2026 NFL draft.

Smith, on the other hand, will get the chance to work with an established starting quarterback, a star wideout and running back, and an offensive line built around multiple returners.

Smith led the Big Ten and ranked top-four in the nation in receiving yards for a second straight season after recording 87 catches for 1,243 receiving yards and 12 receiving touchdowns during his sophomore campaign with the Buckeyes.

He seemingly announced his intention to return to Ohio State for his junior season in a Jan. 6 post on social media.

Ohio State is also bringing Sayin back for a second full season alongside running back Bo Jackson, who rushed for more than 1,000 yards during his freshman season, and starting offensive tackle Austin Siereveld.

Smith had worked with multiple top NFL rushing offenses during his career as coordinator and coach prior to the Steelers' struggles on the rush in 2025.

His offenses have historically focused on both the run games and usage of tight ends. Former Buckeyes tight ends Max Klare and Will Kacmarek are both entering the NFL draft, so Smith could be tasked with working either transfer tight ends Mason Williams and Hunter Welcing or returning backup Nate Roberts into the scheme next season.

Ohio State will ultimately hope Smith's scheme can help Sayin take a step forward as the Buckeyes look to take a step back toward title contention next winter.