Ohio State’s offensive juggernaut has been one of the most potent in college football for years, especially since Ryan Day became the offensive coordinator in 2018. For several seasons, the Buckeyes consistently averaged over 40 points per game, establishing themselves as a powerhouse. However, the 2023 season saw a significant dip in their offensive production, with the team scoring just 30.5 points per game, ranking 45th in the nation. This downturn signaled that Day needed to reevaluate his approach.
After a disappointing bowl loss to Missouri, Day made some bold changes, including bringing in his mentor, Chip Kelly, as the new offensive coordinator. While the offense didn’t fully bounce back in the regular season, it found its rhythm in the College Football Playoffs. The Buckeyes exploded offensively in the postseason, and here are the top three factors behind their resurgence.
1. Preserving Player Freshness
A key factor behind Ohio State’s offensive revival has been Ryan Day’s strategic approach to managing the workload of his key players throughout the regular season. Although Day hasn’t confirmed it directly, there’s a clear trend that the Buckeyes intentionally kept their play count low (ranked 123rd nationally with 62.9 plays per game). The goal was to preserve the health and stamina of key players for the most critical games—like the College Football Playoffs.
This approach has paid dividends, especially for standout players like running back TreVeyon Henderson and wide receiver Jeremiah Smith. By managing their workload during the regular season, Ohio State’s top stars entered the postseason fully fresh and in peak form. Henderson, who struggled with injuries in previous years, has looked particularly explosive in the playoffs, making big plays against teams like Tennessee and Oregon. While other teams dealt with injuries to key players, Ohio State’s athletes seemed faster and stronger, providing a significant edge when it mattered most.
2. Ryan Day’s Increased Involvement in Play-Calling
Another critical shift that’s fueled Ohio State’s offensive resurgence has been Ryan Day’s return to a more hands-on role in game planning. After Chip Kelly was brought in to handle the play-calling during the regular season, Day stepped back from day-to-day responsibilities. However, in the postseason, Day has returned to his roots, diving deeper into the strategic aspects of Ohio State’s offense.
In a press conference ahead of the 2025 Cotton Bowl, Day explained the benefit of his increased involvement: “I actually think this time of year in the playoffs, I’ve had more time to actually be part of the football,” he said. “I’ve been able to step aside from some of those other things and really get more involved, which has been great.”
This renewed focus has led to a more balanced and dynamic offense. With Kelly managing play-calling and Day overseeing the broader game plan, the Buckeyes have unlocked a potent combination of the passing attack that Day is known for and the up-tempo running game that Kelly is famous for. This balance has allowed Ohio State’s offense to explode in the postseason.
3. The Emergence of Jeremiah Smith
The most notable factor in Ohio State’s offensive revival has been the breakout performance of wide receiver Jeremiah Smith. While Smith showed flashes of brilliance during the regular season, it was in the playoffs where he truly emerged as one of the most dominant players on the field. In just two postseason games, Smith has accumulated 13 receptions for 290 yards and four touchdowns, quickly becoming the go-to target for quarterback Will Howard.
Smith’s ability to make difficult catches, even in double or triple coverage, has made him nearly impossible to stop. In Ohio State’s College Football Playoff quarterfinal against Oregon, Smith made an incredible grab over two defenders—a catch so spectacular that even the Oregon defensive back initially thought it was incomplete. His physicality, agility, and playmaking ability have made him a nightmare for opposing defenses, and he’s been a huge part of Ohio State’s offensive explosion.
Conclusion: A Resurgent Offense
Ohio State’s offensive resurgence in the College Football Playoffs can be attributed to a combination of factors: strategic player management, Ryan Day’s renewed involvement in game planning, and the emergence of star players like Jeremiah Smith. By keeping key players fresh, fine-tuning their offensive strategy, and unleashing their best talent at the right time, the Buckeyes have reignited their offensive firepower.
With a perfect blend of experienced coaching and dynamic players, Ohio State’s offense has once again become one of the most feared in college football—just in time for the biggest stage. The Buckeyes’ playoff resurgence showcases their ability to adapt, evolve, and hit their peak when it matters most.
