The Unbroken Buckeye: 5 Essential Facts About Devin Jordan's Journey From Star WR To Ohio State's Next Elite Coach
Devin Jordan’s story is a powerful testament to resilience, a narrative that has quietly become one of the most compelling at the Ohio State University football program. As of the current date in late 2025, Jordan is a key figure on the Buckeyes’ offensive staff, having transitioned from a promising wide receiver whose playing days were tragically cut short to a respected coach with over a decade of experience.
His return to Columbus in 2022 signaled a full-circle moment for the former Buckeye letterwinner. Now serving as the Program Assistant for Offense, Devin Jordan is not only helping to shape the next generation of elite wide receivers but is also at the center of speculation regarding the future leadership of the position, following the departure of one of the program’s most successful position coaches.
Devin Jordan: Biography and Career Profile
Devin Jordan’s life has been defined by his commitment to Ohio football, first as a decorated high school athlete and later as a dedicated collegiate player and coach. His journey is a rare blend of athletic promise, devastating setback, and ultimate professional triumph.
- Full Name: Devin Jordan
- Hometown/High School: Massillon, Ohio (Massillon Washington High School)
- High School Achievements: All-State standout, High School Captain
- Collegiate Playing Career: The Ohio State University (2003-2005)
- Position: Wide Receiver (WR)
- Scholarship: Received a full scholarship to Ohio State (2003-2008)
- Ohio State Status: Buckeye Letterwinner
- Career-Ending Incident: Suffered a career-ending injury during a practice in August 2004 (though he remained with the team until 2008)
- Coaching Start: Began as a student-coach/student assistant under Jim Tressel immediately following his injury in 2006.
- Pre-OSU Coaching History (Select): Wittenberg University (Wide Receivers Coach), Otterbein University (Wide Receivers Coach), Malone University, Youngstown State, University of Akron (Offensive Quality Control Coach)
- Return to Ohio State: 2022
- Current Role: Program Assistant for Offense (Wide Receivers)
- Notable Accolades: Part of three Big Ten Championship teams; associated with the 2006 and 2007 National Championship game appearances.
The Massillon Star: A Buckeye’s Playing Career Cut Short
Jordan arrived at Ohio State with significant pedigree, having been an all-state standout at the legendary Massillon Washington High School. He joined the Buckeyes in 2003 on a full scholarship to play the wide receiver position, a testament to his athletic potential.
His playing career, however, would be tragically brief. In August 2004, Jordan suffered a career-ending injury during a practice session. This devastating setback occurred early in his collegiate tenure, forcing him to pivot from the field to the sidelines much sooner than anyone anticipated. Despite the injury, he remained a vital part of the program, earning his letter and continuing on scholarship until 2008.
The experience of a sudden, career-altering injury provided Jordan with a unique perspective. He transitioned immediately into a student-coach role under then-Head Coach Jim Tressel, a move that laid the foundation for his future in coaching. This early start gave him invaluable experience in the inner workings of a major college football program, even as he pursued his bachelor's degree.
A Decade of Dedication: Jordan's Coaching Odyssey
Following his time as a student assistant at Ohio State, Devin Jordan embarked on a decade-long coaching journey that saw him hone his skills at various collegiate levels. This period was crucial in developing his topical authority and preparing him for his eventual return to the Big Ten powerhouse.
His early coaching stops were instrumental. He began at Wittenberg University in 2008, coaching the wide receivers—his former position. He then spent time as the wide receivers coach at Otterbein University for three seasons, where he notably coached two NCAA All-Americans. This success at the Division III level demonstrated his ability to develop talent and connect with players.
Jordan’s journey continued with roles at Malone University and Youngstown State before he secured a position as the Offensive Quality Control Coach at the University of Akron. Each stop added layers to his coaching philosophy, giving him diverse experience across different programs, coaching staffs, and recruiting landscapes. His cumulative experience, totaling over 10 years in college football coaching, made him a highly qualified candidate for a return to his alma mater.
The Return and The Future: Program Assistant to Potential WR Coach
In 2022, Devin Jordan completed his full-circle journey, returning to The Ohio State University as a Program Assistant for Offense, specifically working with the wide receivers. His role goes beyond simple support; he is deeply integrated into the offensive strategy and player development, leveraging his experience as both a Buckeye player and a seasoned coach.
His current position places him at the heart of one of the nation’s most competitive position groups, often referred to as "Wide Receiver U." He works closely with the elite talent pipeline that Ohio State has established, including highly touted recruits.
The most significant and current news surrounding Devin Jordan is the speculation about his future role. Following the departure of former Wide Receivers Coach Brian Hartline, reports and discussions within the recruiting community have strongly suggested that Jordan is being considered, or is already acting as, the primary Wide Receivers Coach in a recruiting capacity for the 2025 class. His deep ties to Ohio high school football, particularly from his Massillon roots, and his established relationship with current recruits like Chris Henry Jr. and Jerquaden Guilford, make him a logical and highly favored candidate to take over the crucial position full-time.
Jordan’s story of overcoming a career-ending injury to return to the pinnacle of college football as a coach is a powerful motivational tool for the players he mentors. He offers a direct, lived example of the Buckeye spirit: resilience, dedication, and a commitment to excellence, regardless of the path taken.
Additional Buckeye Jordan Entity: A Note on the Track Star
While the football coach dominates the headlines, it is worth noting a second prominent Devin Jordan at Ohio State. Devin Jordan, the student-athlete, is a current member of the Men's Track & Field team, specializing in jumps. He has been recognized as an Ohio State Scholar Athlete and achieved notable success in the high jump, including an eighth-place finish at the Big Ten Championships. This separate individual highlights the prevalence of the name within the university's athletic excellence, but it is the former wide receiver turned coach who is currently shaping the future of the football program.
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