Which Ohio State Assistant Will Impact Championship Hopes Most?

Which Ohio State Assistant Coach Will Have the Biggest Impact in 2026? | Buckeye Weekly Podcast

On the Buckeye Weekly Podcast, Tony Gerdeman and Tom Orr discuss which Ohio State assistant coach will have the biggest impact on the Buckeyes reaching their ceiling this season. The most common pick is new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, with the hosts focusing on his experience as a play caller and the potential for a step forward from last year’s offense. They also highlight offensive line coach Tyler Bowen and the importance of improved line play, running backs coach Carlos Locklyn's challenge developing a young backfield, and first-year wide receivers coach Cortez Hankton’s need to build production beyond Jeremiah Smith. Defensive coordinator Matt Patricia is mentioned as a factor again despite major personnel losses, and special teams coach Robby Discher is discussed in light of punt rule changes that could increase blocked punts.

00:00 Welcome and Tressel Day
00:52 Biggest Assistant Impact
01:32 Arthur Smith Boost
04:20 Fixing the O Line
06:05 Young Backs and WR Room
08:03 Patricia Repeatable Defense
10:49 Special Teams and Punt Rule
13:56 Wrap Up and Callouts