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Brian Hartline's exit may impact Ohio State's WRU standing
Buckeyes offensive coordinator Brian Hartline is leaving Ohio State to become USF's head coach. Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

WRU no more?: How Brian Hartline's departure impacts Ohio State's ability to produce elite pass-catchers

By Clark Dalton  |  Last updated Dec 4, 2025 8:01 AM ET

The Ohio State Buckeyes are losing a coach who has helped make the program a wide receiver factory for NFL teams.

On Wednesday, the South Florida Bulls confirmed they have hired Ohio State offensive coordinator/WRs coach Brian Hartline as their next head coach. The coach, who has agreed to a six-year deal with the school, per ESPN's Pete Thamel, is set to remain with the No. 1-ranked Buckeyes during the postseason. 

Hartline — a former Ohio State WR — called plays for the Buckeyes for the first time this season, but the 39-year-old is more well-known for his ability to land and develop top wideouts.

Brian Hartline has an incredible eye for WR talent

In eight seasons as Buckeyes WRs coach, Hartline has churned out five first-round WRs, including Seattle Seahawks standout Jaxon Smith-Njigba (No. 20 overall in the 2023 NFL Draft) and Tampa Bay Buccaneers star Emeka Egbuka (No. 19 overall in the 2025 draft). Through 13 weeks of the NFL season, Smith-Njigba leads the league in receiving yards (1,336), while Egbuka ranks 14th (791).

Another notable who has played for Hartline is Washington Commanders WR Terry McLaurin. In seven seasons with Washington, the 76th pick of the 2019 draft has made two Pro Bowls. 

Ohio State's pipeline of stellar pass-catchers is expected to continue with junior Carnell Tate and sophomore Jeremiah Smith. NFLDraftBuzz.com lists Tate as the No. 4 WR for the 2026 class and Smith as the No. 1 WR for the 2027 draft.

Without Hartline, will the Buckeyes remain WRU? 

How Brian Hartline's departure impacts the Buckeyes' future at WR

Now, Ohio State had a strong tradition at the position even before Hartline's arrival. Pro Football Hall of Fame WR Cris Carter starred for the Buckeyes from 1984-86. More recently, WR Michael Thomas — who set the season record for receptions (149) with the New Orleans Saints in 2019 — played for the Buckeyes from 2012-15. 

So, it's safe to assume the Buckeyes will still find and produce big-name WRs without Hartline, but perhaps not as many. From 2000-18, Ohio State had four WRs selected in the first round. The best of the bunch was probably Santonio Holmes (2006, pick No. 25), who won Super Bowl XLIII MVP with the Pittsburgh Steelers. 

Now, the effects of this coaching change may not be felt immediately. Chris Henry Jr., the No. 1 WR in the 2026 recruiting class (via 247 Sports), is still committed to the Buckeyes. It's worth noting that other programs may have a chance to flip him after the Hartline news broke. 

Over time, however, WR talent may become more evenly dispersed in college football, and the Buckeyes may no longer be the top school at the position. 

Will heralded WR recruits follow Hartline to South Florida? It's hard to tell. The Bulls don't have the resources the Buckeyes have, which will make it harder to sign top players. Still, his track record gives them something to consider.

Regardless, Ohio State remains WRU. But after losing Hartline, it may be a matter of time before it can no longer claim that moniker.

Clark Dalton
Twitter/X Muck Rack

Dalton is a 2022 journalism graduate of the University of Texas at Austin. He gained experience in sports media over the past seven years — from live broadcasting and creating short films to podcasting and producing. In college, he wrote for The Daily Texan. He loves sports and enjoys hiking, kayaking and camping.

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