First-year Ohio State offensive coordinator Arthur Smith hasn’t been in Columbus for a long time, but he already knows the significance of star players such as Jeremiah Smith and Julian Sayin.
When asked if it was possible to throw the ball to Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State’s rising junior wide receiver, too often, Arthur Smith simply said no.
“That’s like asking if you can give the ball too many times to (Baltimore Ravens running back) Derrick Henry,” Smith said. “Derrick, I think, carried the ball more than anybody in the postseason in 2019.”
Arthur Smith was the offensive coordinator of the Titans during their run to the AFC title game in 2019. Smith’s success in Tennessee paved the way for him to become the head coach of the Atlanta Falcons from 2021-24 and the offensive coordinator of the Pittsburgh Steelers from 2024-25.
It was in Pittsburgh that Smith coached Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who is more than twice the age of Ohio State’s starting quarterback. But despite his age, Sayin has plenty of maturity, according to Smith.
“In my career, I’ve been lucky,” Smith said, “I’ve probably had more quarterbacks than anybody. I’ve had guys who are rookies, and then I had Aaron last year, who’s my age, so I’m at every end of the spectrum. Obviously, these guys are closer to the rookies I’ve coached, but it’s a very mature group.”
“Coach Day has done a great job, not only getting great players, but great people in here, and that’s been fun too. Take a guy like Julian, there’s a lot he can handle. I think he’s very mature, very intelligent, and so it’s been fun to work with him.”
Like Rodgers, Sayin is not short on talent. The former five-star proved as much in his first season leading the Buckeye offense. The Heisman Trophy finalist threw for 3,610 yards, 32 touchdowns and eight interceptions while completing 77.0 percent of his passes last year.
Smith said Sayin’s presence on the offense, along with the other quarterbacks in the room, helped attract him to Columbus.
“I enjoy seeing guys from different points in their careers,” Smith said. “Just from Julian to (sophomore Tavien St. Clair) to (true freshman Luke Fahey) or (senior Justyn Martin). But it certainly does entice you a little bit when you’ve got a quarterback coming up that’s been a Heisman finalist.”
On paper, it will be tough for Sayin to improve upon a sensational first season, considering he was already one of the best players in the country last year. However, one area of potential growth outlined by both Sayin himself and his head coach, Ryan Day, was at the line of scrimmage.
Smith said Sayin growing at the line of scrimmage would be a huge advantage for Ohio State’s offense.
“I would like (the quarterbacks to have more responsibility at the line of scrimmage), absolutely, because it allows you a lot more flexibility,” Smith said. “You’re trying to take advantage of what the defense is giving you.”
Sayin is only one part of a dynamic duo that fueled Ohio State’s efficient passing attack last season. Jeremiah Smith has been one of the best receivers in college football over the last two seasons, going for well over 1,000 receiving yards in both his freshman and sophomore years.
Jeremiah Smith has already made an impression on his newly-hired offensive coordinator.
“I saw him on film, and heard a lot about him, but getting to know him, I’m just really impressed with his mindset,” Arthur Smith said. “He doesn’t feel like you’re dealing with a college player. He feels like a veteran. He’s got great humility for somebody who is that talented and has had the success he’s had. You understand that he’s a unique weapon, but he’s a great person. I enjoyed my conversation with him and I’m just trying to help him expand his game, because I think his potential is limitless.”
