Cody Croy
Writer
Ryan Day added another key piece to his staff: former Illinois special teams coordinator Robby Discher, who will serve in the same role. Discher also served as the tight ends coach at Illinois. The Buckeyes have a committee of assistants and advisors that help out with special teams, but Rob Keys has held the title of special teams coordinator since 2024. It is currently unclear how the approach in coaching special teams will change with the addition of Discher.
The Buckeyes’ special teams unit has faced immense criticism for its inconsistent play over the past couple of seasons. Whether it’s poor kick and punt returns, missed kicks, or poor punts, this unit has seen it all over the years. The Buckeyes have spent the offseason looking to change that, with additions at punter, kicker, long snapper, and now special teams coach. This emphasis on special teams could pay dividends for the Buckeyes and Ryan Day as they look to face the gauntlet that is their schedule.
Discher’s special teams units at Illinois have been among the best in the nation. The Fighting Illini finished 16th in special teams efficiency in 2024. In 2023, the Illini blocked 7 punts and kicks. In addition, kicker David Olano and punt returner Hank Beatty both excelled under Discher. Discher previously served at Tulane, where its special teams unit ranked among the top in the country in 2022. It is safe to say that the Buckeyes knocked it out of the park with this addition.
Discher will take on the tall task of rewriting the narrative and changing the way people see the Buckeyes’ special teams unit. He will look to get the most out of his guys and put together the last puzzle piece in the pursuit of another national championship season in 2026.
Cody Croy
Writer
The new two-week transfer portal period has passed, and the Buckeyes made headlines. Many former Buckeyes from this past season found new homes, but Ryan Day and his staff were able to replace all that was lost. With that being said, let’s take a look at all this movement and what the depth chart could […]
Cody Croy
Writer
The Buckeyes are hiring former Steelers Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith to the same role, according to ESPN’s Pete Thamel. After months of speculation, the Buckeyes have found their guy. Smith becomes the fourth offensive coordinator to join the Buckeyes staff since 2024, a list that includes Bill O’Brien, Chip Kelly, and Brian Hartline. Hartline announced […]
Tony Thomas
Writer
The Indiana Hoosiers are the champions of college football, their first in the sport of football.
