The Buckeyes Rally Behind Their Frequently Criticized Coach, Ryan Day, and Defeat Texas in the CFP Semifinals
In the world of college football, where tradition runs deep and success is expected rather than celebrated, few programs have faced as much scrutiny as the Ohio State Buckeyes under their head coach, Ryan Day. Despite an impressive record of victories and numerous high-profile wins, Day’s tenure has often been met with sharp criticism, especially when it comes to the team’s performance in the biggest games. As the 2025 College Football Playoff (CFP) semifinals approached, it was no secret that Day’s future, in the eyes of many, hung on this game. Would his Buckeyes prove themselves as champions? Or would they again falter in the face of elite competition?
In a season filled with questions about Day’s leadership and the Buckeyes’ ability to win when it mattered most, they entered the CFP semifinals with something to prove. On the other side of the field stood the Texas Longhorns, a team with its own reputation for success but also burdened by its own recent shortcomings in big games. The matchup was set to be one of the most anticipated college football games of the year, with two elite teams, both hungry for a national title, squaring off on the grand stage.
Ryan Day’s Path to Redemption
Ryan Day’s journey as the head coach of Ohio State has been a rollercoaster of expectations and reality. When he first took over as head coach in 2018, following the retirement of legendary coach Urban Meyer, Day inherited one of the most storied programs in college football. Expectations were sky-high. The Buckeyes had just won the Big Ten Championship and were perennial contenders for the College Football Playoff. But for all his success in the regular season, Day found himself under fire in the postseason, especially after losses to Clemson in the 2019 CFP semifinal and a bitter defeat to Georgia in the 2022 CFP. In both instances, Day’s Buckeyes had been considered the favorites, only to fall short when it mattered most.
Despite the criticism, Day continued to recruit at a high level, assembling one of the nation’s most talented teams year after year. However, the Buckeyes’ inability to win the big game in recent years seemed to overshadow everything else. The media and fans alike were quick to question whether Day had what it took to lead the Buckeyes to the promised land. With the 2025 season unfolding, the pressure on Day had never been greater. If he couldn’t get past the CFP semifinals and onto the national championship stage, many speculated that Ohio State would begin to consider a coaching change.
This backdrop of skepticism and doubt provided the perfect setting for the 2025 CFP semifinal. The Buckeyes were determined to prove that Ryan Day’s leadership was more than enough to lead them to glory. The team, galvanized by their coach’s resilience and determination, had one goal in mind: to put those doubters to rest once and for all.
The Texas Longhorns: A Force to Be Reckoned With
Texas, on the other hand, entered the CFP with their own set of aspirations. The Longhorns had been among the best teams in college football in 2025, their offense humming under the leadership of dynamic quarterback Xavier Daniels and an elite group of wide receivers. Texas’ defense, while not as highly touted as the offense, had shown flashes of brilliance throughout the season, and the Longhorns had one of the most balanced teams in the country. Much like Ohio State, they had faltered in big moments in recent years, failing to make the most of their potential when it counted. But this year felt different for Texas; they were on the cusp of greatness, and they were determined to show that they were ready to take the next step.
The clash between Ohio State and Texas was set to be a battle of wills. The Longhorns’ high-powered offense against the Buckeyes’ staunch defense, with both teams boasting top-tier talent across the board, promised to be a thrilling spectacle. Yet, there was one underlying narrative that overshadowed everything else: Would Ryan Day’s Buckeyes finally break through and win when the stakes were highest, or would Texas, with their relentless offense and newfound confidence, prove to be the team that could knock Ohio State out once again?
The Game: A Defensive Masterclass and Offensive Explosion
As the game kicked off, it quickly became clear that both teams were ready for a heavyweight battle. The atmosphere in the stadium was electric, with both fanbases filled with anticipation and nerves. The Buckeyes took the field with a sense of urgency, knowing that their coach’s job and the future of the program were on the line. Day had spent the week preparing his team with an intensity that matched the stakes of the game. His players responded by playing some of their best football of the season, executing on both sides of the ball with precision and passion.
The first half was a defensive slugfest, with both teams struggling to get into a rhythm offensively. Texas’ explosive offense was stymied by Ohio State’s defense, which was led by their hard-hitting linebacker core and a secondary that had been improving all season. Ohio State, in turn, found little success on the ground against Texas’ stout defensive line, and quarterback Cade McNamara struggled to find open receivers downfield. However, despite the struggles, both teams managed to get on the scoreboard, with Ohio State taking a slight 10-7 lead into halftime.
In the locker room, Ryan Day remained calm and collected, knowing that his team had the talent to win this game, but they needed to adjust. He emphasized the importance of staying patient and trusting the game plan. He urged his offense to find a way to take advantage of the Longhorns’ defense and to give their defense time to catch its breath. The message was clear: this game was far from over, and everything the Buckeyes had worked for was within reach.
The second half began with an intensity that was palpable. Ohio State’s offense came out with a renewed sense of urgency, led by McNamara’s ability to deliver pinpoint throws under pressure. The Buckeyes were able to sustain longer drives, mixing in a balanced attack of pass and run plays. The Texas defense, which had held its own in the first half, began to show signs of fatigue. As Ohio State’s offensive line gave McNamara more time to survey the field, he found his top wide receivers, including freshman standout Marcus Parker, who made several crucial catches to keep the chains moving.
On the other side, Texas was still trying to make their offense click, but Ohio State’s defense had truly come alive. Defensive end Jalen Johnson was a constant presence in the backfield, sacking Daniels twice in the second half and forcing him into hurried throws. Despite the occasional explosive play from Texas’ offense, they were unable to sustain much momentum. Ohio State’s secondary, led by veteran cornerback Elijah Thomas, locked down Texas’ wide receivers, preventing Daniels from finding any rhythm.
The turning point came midway through the fourth quarter. With the game tied at 17, Ohio State’s offense orchestrated a masterful 12-play, 80-yard drive that consumed nearly six minutes of clock. The drive was capped off by a beautiful 24-yard touchdown pass from McNamara to Parker, who made a spectacular catch in the back corner of the end zone. The touchdown gave Ohio State a 24-17 lead with just over three minutes remaining.
Texas, however, wasn’t finished. They marched down the field with urgency, knowing they had one final shot to tie the game. But with the clock winding down and the game on the line, Ohio State’s defense stood tall. On a critical third-and-eight play from the 15-yard line, Daniels dropped back to pass, only to be swallowed up by Johnson for a game-clinching sack. With no timeouts left, Texas had no chance to get another play off, and the Buckeyes held on for the 24-17 victory.
The Aftermath: A Statement Victory for Ryan Day
As the final whistle blew and the Ohio State players stormed the field in celebration, it was clear that this win was about more than just advancing to the national championship. This victory was a statement — a statement that Ryan Day had, indeed, proven himself as the right man for the job. After years of criticism and doubt, Day had led his team to the brink of a national title. His game plan had been executed to perfection, and his leadership had inspired his players to perform when it mattered most.
In the postgame interview, Day was visibly emotional. “This is for the players,” he said, choking up. “They’ve worked so hard, and they’ve been through so much. We all believed in each other, and we knew this was our moment. I couldn’t be prouder of this team.”
For Ohio State, the 2025 CFP semifinal victory over Texas marked the culmination of years of hard work and perseverance. Ryan Day had silenced the critics and proven that he could lead the Buckeyes to greatness. As they prepared for the national championship, there was a renewed sense of confidence around the program. Ohio State was back on top, and with Day at the helm, the future had never looked brighter.
