What Camp Tells Us About the Arthur Smith Offense

What to Expect from Arthur Smith's Offense

Ohio State's offense is going to look different in 2026 — and fall camp is beginning to show us how.

In this episode of The Buckeye Weekly Podcast, Tony Gerdeman and Tom Orr break down what they've learned so far about Arthur Smith's offense and how it could change the way the Buckeyes operate this season.

The guys discuss Ohio State's increased use of under-center formations, how that could affect the running game and play action, why Julian Sayin is being given more responsibility at the line of scrimmage, and how Smith's belief that “cadence is a weapon” could help solve some of the timing issues Ohio State dealt with last season.

They also get into the evolution of the passing game from spring to fall camp, the importance of yards after the catch, the return of more downfield shots, and how players like Devin McCuin could fit into the offense as Smith continues to put the pieces together.

0:00 — Welcome to the Buckeye Weekly Podcast
0:29 — What we've learned about Arthur Smith's offense
0:44 — Ohio State is going under center much more often
1:53 — How under center changes the running game
2:39 — More downhill runs and building play action off the ground game
3:15 — Why the pistol helped solve some of the same problems
3:46 — Play action and longer-developing throws
4:10 — Julian Sayin getting two plays at the line of scrimmage
5:12 — Why Ohio State's entire operation has to move faster
6:06 — Arthur Smith's experience as a play caller matters
7:16 — “Cadence is a weapon”
7:42 — Why predictable snap timing hurt Ohio State last year
8:11 — Expect tempo at times, but not a true up-tempo offense
8:57 — The passing game opening up more in fall camp
9:31 — Devin McCuin's role as a potential downfield threat
10:31 — How much offensive depth could Ohio State use?
10:49 — Running back, tight end and receiver rotations
11:25 — Final thoughts on what we've learned about Smith's offense
11:36 — More X's and O's coverage at BuckeyeInsiders.com

What are you most interested in seeing from Arthur Smith's Ohio State offense this season? Let us know in the comments.

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