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
Defensive Coordinator Matt Patricia and the Buckeyes have agreed to a new contract that will keep him in Columbus, ending speculation that he could return to the NFL. Patricia, who has been in Columbus for one year, set historic numbers in his first season as defensive coordinator. Matt Patricia and the Buckeyes ultimately fell short […]
Stephen Leonard
Writer
Desperation is a stinky cologne, but the Buckeyes are desperate for wins following the loss to Michigan State. Ohio State relied on every ounce of manpower against #15 Michigan State. They have been down a starter in John Mobley Jr for weeks, but without Devin Royal, the game felt like a prayer. Amare Bynum was […]
Stephen Leonard
Writer
The Buckeyes had not lost back-to-back games yet this year coming into tonight. Ohio State started the night in Joe Lunardi’s bracketology as one of the first four out of the 64-team tournament. With Selection Sunday looming and no ranked wins to show for it, the Buckeyes face a must-win scenario. The Buckeyes came out […]
