Ohio State University: The New “WRU”
When you mention “OSU,” it might make you think of Oklahoma State or Oregon State. But there’s no mistaking Ohio State University’s dominance in the receiver department. With Colonel Tate set to be yet another first-round pick, it marks the fifth consecutive year that an Ohio State receiver has been drafted in the first round—totaling six since 2010, with nine of those since 2019.
“If you can’t make it in the NFL, you probably can’t start here,” says Brian Hartline, Ohio State’s receivers coach from 2018 to 2025. “You have choices. If you’re racking up catches in college but not making it to the NFL, that’s okay. You can choose to focus on getting good grades and not aim for the CEO position. My goal is to prepare you for the NFL. Your job is to master those skills to contribute to Ohio State’s offense.”
Before taking on the role of head coach, Hartline was a respected 1,000-yard receiver for the Dolphins. His reputation among NFL scouts has made him a sought-after coach, particularly given the area’s promising recruitment potential and financial support.
Ohio State’s training mirrors NFL practices, requiring two feet in bounds for a catch, unlike the NCAA’s single-foot rule.
“From a development standpoint, Brian Hartline has fostered a level of professionalism and work ethic in Ohio State receivers that outshines those from other programs,” says NFL Network analyst Daniel Jeremiah. Coaches who have released players trained by him often find it hard to believe those players wouldn’t succeed in the league.
While LSU boasts an NFL-high 16 receivers drafted since 2010, they might want to argue their point—especially with four of their alumni finishing in the top seven in receiving yards during the 2024 season.
As Tate is on the brink of possibly being the first receiver chosen next week, it’s important to note the stiff competition he faces, including the likes of Jackson Smith-Njiba, who was named Offensive Player of the Year, and Garrett Wilson, who snagged the Offensive Rookie of the Year award.
Hartline characterizes his top players with distinct labels: McLoughlin is a “CEO,” Wilson is “explosive,” Olave is “clean,” Harrison Jr. is an “artist,” Smith-Njiba is a “purist,” Egbuka is a “perfectionist,” and Tate is “smooth.” Yet, what ties them together?
“These are some of the best players in the league right now, but they all possess the right mindset,” Hartline explained. “They each have unique styles and approaches. It’s not a one-size-fits-all. It’s not just about doing the job your way, but also having the mental framework to be fiercely competitive, take on tough coaching, and dive deep into understanding the game.”
Hartline adopts a front-office perspective, akin to that of an NFL general manager.
“It’s not about just catching every possible opportunity. It’s about consistency. GMs want to know, ‘What happens when I throw the ball?'” Hartline stated. There’s a common understanding that good production doesn’t always mean everything. “It’s a complex situation, but it can still involve poor route running. My time in the NFL taught me the importance of urgency—I should have tackled those challenges yesterday instead of today. We expect the same diligence from our players.”
Tate embodies this mindset. Even if he’s drawing single coverage as Ohio State’s No. 2 receiver, he continues to stand out.
Teammate Jeremiah Smith is viewed as a top contender for the 2027 draft, while other former players, like Olave, Wilson, and even Jameson Williams, who had a brief stint at Ohio State before transferring, are thriving in their careers.
“Carnell is probably the smartest player I’ve ever coached,” Hartline praised. “As long as he wants to keep playing, he’ll continue to outperform younger, faster competitors, maintaining his position because he rarely makes mistakes. In a realm filled with unpredictability, he’ll be the most reliable player on the field.”
