The Ohio State Buckeyes are gearing up for a special teams makeover in 2026, with a focus on improving their already-mediocre performance. The team has brought in new talent and a new coordinator, Robby Discher, to address their shortcomings. Discher, a former Illinois special teams coordinator, brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success. He's already making waves with his new acquisitions and strategic changes.
One of the key areas of improvement is the kicking operation. Ohio State has brought in Connor Hawkins, a talented kicker from Baylor, who sank 18-of-22 field goal attempts as a redshirt freshman with a long of 54 yards. Hawkins' performance and mindset, which Discher compares to that of David Olano, a top kicker at Illinois, make him a strong contender for the starting role. The addition of Hawkins and the continued development of the existing kicker, Jayden Fielding, could elevate the team's overall kicking performance.
Another area of focus is the punting game. Joe McGuire, the current punter, is expected to remain in his role, but Discher is calling for him to add more distance and hang time to his punts. The team is also working on improving the return game, with a focus on finding the right combination of players to maximize explosiveness while also ensuring they handle the football well. Brandon Inniss and Legend Bey are among the candidates for punt return duties, with Bey's game-changing speed and change of direction making him a strong contender.
Discher's leadership and the team's buy-in to improve on special teams are key factors in their success. With a competitive environment and a strong emphasis on performance, the Buckeyes are poised to make significant strides in this area. The addition of Discher and his strategic changes, along with the new talent, could elevate Ohio State's special teams from mediocre to great, as they should be.
In summary, the Ohio State Buckeyes are taking a proactive approach to improving their special teams performance in 2026. With a new coordinator, strategic changes, and a focus on key areas, the team is well-positioned to make significant strides. The addition of Connor Hawkins and the continued development of existing players could elevate the team's overall performance, making them a force to be reckoned with in the special teams phase of the game.
