Ohio State Hires Cortez Hankton as New Wide Receivers Coach

Ohio State University has appointed Cortez Hankton as its new wide receivers coach, effective January 1, 2026. This decision comes less than 24 hours after the Buckeyes' season concluded with a loss to Miami in the College Football Playoff quarterfinals. Hankton replaces Brian Hartline, who departed to become the head coach at the University of South Florida. Ohio State head coach Ryan Day expressed confidence in Hankton's ability to integrate into the program, citing his experience in recruiting and developing top-tier wide receiver talent.

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Cortez Hankton, 44, has spent the last four seasons at Louisiana State University (LSU), where he served as co-offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach. During his tenure, he played a pivotal role in the development of standout players like Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas Jr., both of whom were first-round selections in the NFL draft. Prior to his time at LSU, Hankton was a wide receivers coach at the University of Georgia, contributing to their national championship win in 2021. His coaching career follows a six-year stint in the NFL, where he played for teams including the Jacksonville Jaguars.

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The announcement of Hankton's hiring has elicited a range of responses from the Ohio State community. Supporters highlight his impressive resume, which includes coaching at elite programs and developing NFL-caliber talent. They argue that his experience in high-pressure environments will be beneficial for Ohio State's aspirations. Conversely, critics express skepticism regarding his recent performance at LSU, where the passing game ranked 63rd nationally in 2025. Concerns have been raised about his recruiting effectiveness compared to Hartline, who was renowned for his ability to attract five-star recruits.

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Ryan Day stated, “His experience recruiting and developing some of the best wide receiver talent in the country speaks for itself.” This sentiment reflects the optimism surrounding Hankton's potential impact on the Buckeyes' offense. However, dissenting voices within the fanbase question whether Hankton can replicate Hartline's success, particularly in light of the perceived drop-off in LSU's offensive performance during his final seasons there.

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As Hankton steps into his new role, the Buckeyes face the challenge of redefining their offensive identity following Hartline's departure. The upcoming season will be critical for Hankton to demonstrate his ability to recruit and develop talent effectively. Ohio State's expectations remain high, with the standard set at "championship or bust," placing significant pressure on Hankton to deliver results quickly.

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• “His experience recruiting and developing some of the best wide receiver talent in the country speaks for itself,” — Ryan Day, Head Coach, Ohio State

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Cortez Hankton's hiring marks a significant moment for Ohio State as it seeks to maintain its competitive edge in college football. The coming months will reveal whether he can meet the high expectations set by the program and its supporters.

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