Ohio State Fall Camp Updates: Latest on Key Position Battles; How NFL Coordinators Are Transforming Buckeyes

Posted By on August 14, 2026

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Here are the latest Ohio State Fall Camp updates on position battles and how Arthur Smith and Matt Patricia are transforming the Buckeyes.

As Ohio State football navigates through fall camp, the influence of new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith and the continued presence of defensive coordinator Matt Patricia are more evident by the day. Both coordinators bring extensive NFL experience to the table, so the Buckeyes are refining their operation and unlocking the full potential of a veteran-laden roster.

Offense: Operations and Cadence Take Center Stage

The offensive side of the ball, under the guidance of Arthur Smith, is evolving to add more layers of complexity while maintaining the core of Ryan Day’s existing scheme.

Perhaps the most significant change is the shift in how the offense operates. Smith emphasizes that “operation is key” and that “you want to be clean operating” when making substitutions and calling a play. As he notes, once the ball is put down, everyone wants that play called quickly.

“You want to be clean operating, and you want to be able to change up the pace,” Arthur Smith said. 

Smith highlighted how “cadence is a weapon,” noting that while analytics and technology mean everyone has the same numbers, consistency in snap timing matters: “If you’re not snapping the ball for two seconds, those guys are going to pin their ears back. If you’re late in the shot clock every time, that’s a game you’ve got to study yourself.”

Calling these the “games within the games,” Smith praised quarterback Julian Sayin for his unique ability to handle those mental complexities, pointing out that “Sayin can handle that stuff and really the whole offense… and that’s what makes Julian unique.”

Offensive Line + Julian Sayin

Sayin has shown significant growth in his physical stature, now weighing 215 lbs, and is demonstrating more comfort in the offense. His accuracy remains a hallmark, and he is expected to use his legs more effectively this year, providing an off-script element that puts pressure on opposing defenses.

The offensive line has four returning starters, making the focus on finding the best combination of five in a deep room. Versatile players like Austin Siereveld provide flexibility, allowing the staff to experiment with different line configurations during camp to ensure depth and an injury contingency plan.

Up front, Ian Moore and Josh Padilla are two names that keep generating buzz early in camp. As of today, my prediction is that Moore will be the fifth starter.

Defense: A Talented But “Different” Unit Than 2025

On the defensive side, Matt Patricia is entering his second year with the Buckeyes. This time, instead of inheriting a roster, he had a hand in assembling the personnel while continuing to instill his “do your job” mentality.

This year’s defense aims to be “different” rather than merely better or worse than last year’s highly productive unit. Speaking about the integration of new talent, Matt Patricia noted that with 51 new players on the team—including a mix of young guys and transfers from different conferences like the SEC, ACC, and Big Ten—it has been fascinating to watch the cultural backgrounds merge into the Buckeye culture.

Secondary Depth + Competition

The secondary remains deep, with players like Jaylen McClain and Earl Little stepping into leadership roles on the back end. The competition at cornerback, including Jay Timmons and Dominick Kelly, provides the staff with athletic options to complement the boundary corners. Timmons shed his black stripe earlier in the week and then received Silver Bullet of the Day honors after practice, skyrocketing his stock even higher. 

Davin Sanchez is poised for a big season, and the versatile Jermaine Matthews returns as well. Not to mention, Terry Moore is also fighting for time in the secondary, so the Buckeyes have options and will work with different packages based on the offense’s scheme and personnel. Matt Patricia said Thursday that will involve some groupings with three linebackers and some with five defensive backs.

Front Seven

A key focus for the defense is generating pressure on the quarterback. Christian Alliegro joins from Wisconsin, and 2025 adjacent starter Payton Pierce leads the linebacker room. Patricia said Thursday that those are the two top guys as of now, but TJ Alford and Riley Petijohn are making strides right behind.

Kenyatta Jackson and Beau Atkinson are the projected starters on the edge, with a hybrid “stand-up edge” role envisioned for Qua Russaw. The staff is working to find effective ways to collapse the pocket and stop the run.

Collaborative Coaching

A significant advantage for Ohio State this season is the collaboration between two former NFL head coaches, Smith and Patricia. The two coordinators are leveraging each other’s expertise to diagnose their respective units, creating an iron-sharpens-iron environment to elevate the team’s overall performance as they prepare for a challenging early-season test against Texas.

Patricia highlighted the collaborative dynamic with Arthur Smith, noting it has been “so much fun to have him here” and explaining how they work together by saying: “Different looks, different ideas, and I’m certainly looking at his eyes and, ‘Hey, scout the defense for me here. Let me know what you see,’ whether it may be disguised looks [or] different packages.”

The Ohio State defensive coordinator also emphasized their shared appreciation for football history, adding that they enjoy swapping old stories because “the history of the game is really important to both of us.”

Join Us for TSB LIVE at DICK’s House of Sport’s Tailgate Takeover

Join us at DICK’s House of Sport in Polaris, OH, on Saturday, August 29, from 12-3 pm for a Tailgate Takeover to kick off football season! TSB LIVE returns for an on-site show with special guests previewing Ohio State’s 2026 season. You do not want to miss this event! Register here

NEXT: Read Arthur Smith Pleased with Offensive Line Depth, High Football IQ of Julian Sayin

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