South Florida coach Brian Hartline revealed that Ohio State receiver Jeremiah Smith nearly followed him to Tampa when he left his role as Buckeyes offensive coordinator.
Hartline broke down the recruiting conversation on this week’s The Triple Option podcast. The Bulls’ new coach said Smith wanted to transfer to South Florida but that he talked the Biletnikoff Award finalist out of making the move.
“(Smith) actually wanted to come, and I said, ‘Listen, just stay at Ohio State.’ It’s probably best for them.”
The revelation shows how close Ohio State came to losing its star receiver. Smith and Hartline developed a relationship that went beyond football during their time together in Columbus.
Smith’s departure would’ve been huge for South Florida’s rebuild under Hartline.
The sophomore receiver put up monster numbers in his second season at Ohio State. Smith caught 87 passes for 1,243 yards and 12 touchdowns across 13 games in 2025. He also rushed for one touchdown.
He averaged 95.6 receiving yards per game and is considered one of college football’s top offensive weapons.
This is how close Jeremiah Smith was to following @USFFootball coach Brian Hartline to South Florida. #collegefootball #USF #ohiostate pic.twitter.com/ixCcPTMx9G
— The Triple Option (@3xOptionShow) March 11, 2026
Hartline knows what Smith could’ve brought to his new program. But he’s focused on developing similar talent in Tampa going forward.
The Buckeyes have dealt with plenty of ups and downs recently. The program won a national championship with Will Howard at quarterback but also saw Julian Sayin struggle in his first season as starter. Ohio State also suffered a playoff loss to Miami that ended their title hopes early.
Ryan Day’s team heads into spring practice with Smith still in the fold. That’s partly thanks to his former coordinator’s advice to stay put in Columbus.
