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Brian Hartline taps into Jeremiah Smith's high school for latest offer, is told 'big names are coming' to Ohio State

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Ian Valentino | Last updated May 13, 2025 4:43 PM ET

Paying too close attention to the recruiting trails is enough to drive most fans up a wall because so much changes in the blink of an eye. Getting top-tier recruits matters in the race for National Championships, but it isn't the sole indicator or predictor of success.

But when the best recruiters make a move for someone they're willing to stake their reputation on, there's always an increased level of attention across the country.

The shortlist of elite recruiters and talent developers includes Ohio State offensive coordinator and wide receivers ace Brian Hartline. He offers a small number of athletes each year and rarely looks into transfer talent. He's been a machine on the recruiting trail.

Hartline recently focused on 2028 receiver Peter Pierre. The massive 6-foot-4, 210-pound sophomore from South Florida is from the same program as dynamo freshman Jeremiah Smith. Smith obviously played an immense part in the Buckeyes' 2024 National Championship run.

'A bunch of big names coming out of South Florida and going to Ohio State and ballin’.'

6'4 210-pound rising sophomore receiver Peter Pierre @Peterpierr76216 loving what he's seeing from @brianhartline and Ohio State.https://t.co/nv8JiXZrbR
— Marc Givler (@MarcGivler) May 13, 2025

This week, Pierre pulled the curtain back on his recruitment and why Ohio State is such a special offer.

“It hit hard,” he said. “I was very excited. My mom, my family (were very excited), got a couple of laps around the neighborhood, it was very fun.”

“I really like their receiver corps,” he explained. “They’ve been producing NFL products. A guy that just came through Chaminade, Jeremiah Smith, you know, a bunch of big names coming out of South Florida and going to Ohio State and ballin’.”

Pierre will be visiting Columbus in June for the Buckeyes' one-day camp. This is a great opportunity to display his growth as a route-runner and his physical potential. Being so large, it wouldn't be surprising if he develops into a tight end.