BONUS: Buckeye Huddle Primetime - How Ohio State Is Trying to Get Explosive Again

In this bonus episode of The Buckeye Weekly Podcast, host Chuck dives into Ohio State's evolving offensive identity under Ryan Day, focusing on the team's struggle to regain explosive plays after shifting to a slower, ball-control offense in 2024. With Chip Kelly’s arrival and the adoption of heavy personnel packages, the Buckeyes won a national championship but saw a significant drop in explosive plays—ranking 20th in 10+ yard runs and 58th in 20+ yard plays in 2025. Day acknowledged the issue in his recent presser, emphasizing the need for players to make defenders miss at the second level and improve blocking downfield. Chuck analyzes the reasons behind the shift, suggesting Day’s move was strategic foresight to emulate NFL-style offenses, though it came at the cost of explosiveness. He highlights the potential return of Art Smith as offensive coordinator, which could bring a more hands-off, execution-focused approach that aligns with Day’s evolving role as a head coach and culture builder. The episode also covers spring scrimmage insights, including standout performances from tight ends Mason Williams and Hunter Welsing, improved defensive line depth, and the emergence of young defensive backs like Blaine Bradford and Jay Timmons. Despite missing key players like Turbo Rogers and Legend Bay, the team shows promise in developing a more dynamic, versatile attack. Key takeaways include: 1) Ohio State must balance efficiency with explosive plays to compete at the highest level; 2) The shift to a slower, heavier offense has reduced explosiveness, but the team is actively working to fix it; 3) Art Smith’s influence as offensive coordinator could be pivotal in restoring offensive creativity; 4) Tight end development is a strategic priority despite limited financial investment; 5) Young defensive talent, especially on the edge, is emerging as a major strength; 6) The team’s culture and adaptability under Ryan Day remain among the program’s greatest assets. Overall, the outlook is cautiously optimistic, with a clear focus on refining execution and identity.