Brian Hartline, Jeremiah Smith and James Peoples Featured As Ohio State’s Offense Takes Center Stage in the Latest Episode of Defend the Shoe

By 11W Staff on September 26, 2025 at 5:03 pm
James Peoples
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In the latest episode of Anduril's Defend the Shoe, Ohio State's offense took center stage, as Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day, offensive coordinator Brian Hartline, quarterback Julian Sayin and wide receivers Jeremiah Smith were featured in a six-minute episode of the documentary.

"He's been here for a long time now and understands what we do," Day said of Hartline running Ohio State's offense. "He was a great player here, he was a great player in the NFL and he's become a great wide receivers coach. I feel like not only does he have a great feel for what we're trying to do on offense, but he's built great relationships. This is the next progression for him in his coaching journey, which has certainly been on a fast rise. He's done a great job in recruiting. You can see obviously what he's done with the wide receiver room."

Hartline called himself blessed to lead an elite offense and wide receiver room — now and in the future.

"It's a big blessing to have such elite players in the receiver room," Hartline said. "I would say what makes them elite, though, is not necessarily just their athletic abilities; it's their mindset. I think that the unsung hero part of the development of an athlete is all geared around their mindset and the way they view things and the way they apply their approach to the way they go about things, and I think that our ability to maximize an individual and find the right individuals to fit our culture and elevate our culture is ultimately why the recevier room has become so special.

"It's not about the athletic ability, as it is maximizing the individual and how they are wired mentally."

The episode ended with Sayin and Hartline praising running back James Peoples, who has collected 126 yards on 25 carries this season.

"He's explosive. He's got a chance to take it to the house every time he touches the ball," Hartline said. "Whatever his goals, he can reach them. The sky is the limit for James."

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