Brady Smigiel, a highly rated quarterback in the 2026 recruiting class, has decided to step back from considering Ohio State after offensive coordinator Chip Kelly left for the NFL. Smigiel, a 6-foot-5, 205-pound standout from Newbury Park, California, will now explore other college football opportunities.
Despite his decision, Ohio State does not seem overly concerned. Smigiel is ranked among the top quarterback prospects in his class, though he trails recruits like Faizon Brandon, Ryder Lyons, Jared Curtis, Dia Bell, and Landon Duckworth. Known for his strong arm and pro-level potential, he has already received 33 scholarship offers from various programs nationwide.
Previously, Smigiel committed to Florida State in June but decommitted in January after offensive coordinator Alex Atkins was fired. Around the same time, Chip Kelly, then Ohio State’s offensive coordinator, visited California in an effort to recruit Smigiel, who had just reopened his recruitment. The Buckeyes, looking to build depth at quarterback behind Julian Sayin, saw Smigiel as a promising option.
However, Kelly soon accepted a position as the offensive coordinator for the Las Vegas Raiders, signing an $8 million-per-year deal. Following that move, Smigiel told On3 that Ohio State was no longer on his list of potential schools.
“It was Coach Kelly recruiting me at Ohio State, but now that he’s with the Raiders, it’s kind of off the table,” Smigiel explained. “Right now, I’m considering Washington, UCLA, Auburn, South Carolina, and Michigan.”
Although Smigiel’s decision changes Ohio State’s recruiting outlook, it may not be a significant loss. The Buckeyes remain in contention for Jared Curtis, the top-ranked quarterback in the class, and do not have an urgent need for a signal-caller in this cycle. There are still months left in the recruiting process, so things could shift.
For now, Smigiel’s decision raises questions about whether Kelly’s departure will impact other Ohio State recruits. Could more prospects reconsider their commitments? That remains to be seen.
