Ryan Day Should Take Matters Into His Own Hands: Exit Ohio State No Matter College Football Playoff Outcome

As the Ohio State Buckeyes continue to compete at the highest level of college football, the spotlight remains on head coach Ryan Day, a figure who has come under intense scrutiny throughout his tenure. While Ohio State has experienced undeniable success during Day’s leadership, it seems the time may have come for him to take matters into his own hands and make a bold decision: leave Ohio State, no matter the outcome of the 2025 College Football Playoff (CFP). While this idea may seem radical, it is grounded in a comprehensive understanding of Day’s tenure, the current landscape of college football, and the broader implications for his personal and professional future.

Ryan Day’s Success at Ohio State

Since taking over as head coach of Ohio State in 2019, Ryan Day has overseen an impressive transformation of the Buckeyes’ football program. Under his leadership, Ohio State has become a perennial contender for the College Football Playoff, consistently competing for Big Ten titles and national championships. Day has led Ohio State to multiple conference championships, a 2020 CFP National Championship appearance, and has produced numerous high-profile NFL draft picks, especially on the offensive side of the ball.

In terms of his coaching philosophy, Day is known for his offensive ingenuity, consistently crafting explosive and high-scoring offenses. His ability to develop quarterbacks, such as Justin Fields, C.J. Stroud, and others, has been a testament to his skill as a coach. Moreover, Day has helped solidify Ohio State’s reputation as an offensive juggernaut, continually attracting top-tier talent and keeping the Buckeyes at the forefront of college football.

Despite these successes, Ryan Day’s tenure has not been without controversy. He inherited a program rich in tradition and expectations, with the shadow of his legendary predecessor, Urban Meyer, looming large. While Meyer left behind a championship-caliber program, Day’s reign has been marked by moments of frustration for fans and pundits alike, especially in critical moments during major games, most notably in losses to archrivals Michigan and in some of the Buckeyes’ biggest postseason matchups. These inconsistencies have raised questions about Day’s ability to achieve the ultimate goal: a national championship.

The Fallout from Ohio State’s Losses

While Ryan Day has led Ohio State to multiple College Football Playoff appearances, the program has yet to capture the elusive national championship under his watch. Most glaringly, his teams have struggled in key moments against Michigan, a rivalry that has become increasingly contentious during Day’s time as head coach. The loss to Michigan in 2022 was particularly damaging, as it not only ended Ohio State’s chance at a Big Ten Championship but also continued a troubling trend of struggles in high-pressure situations.

The 2021 College Football Playoff was another example of Day’s teams falling short on the biggest stage. Despite entering the CFP with high hopes, Ohio State was eliminated by the Georgia Bulldogs in a thrilling semifinal, showcasing the limitations of Day’s teams in critical moments against top-tier competition. These kinds of results have led to increasing pressure on Day to deliver a national title — a task that has thus far proven elusive.

For a program with such lofty expectations, these losses weigh heavily on the minds of fans, administrators, and, undoubtedly, Day himself. The growing frustration among Ohio State supporters, combined with their unwavering desire for national dominance, has created a precarious situation for Day. Despite leading the Buckeyes to regular-season success and consistently recruiting elite talent, his inability to close the deal in big moments has left a question mark hanging over his future in Columbus.

Ryan Day’s Personal Brand and Future Opportunities

While the external pressures on Ryan Day to win a national championship are significant, there is another crucial factor that should influence his decision to exit Ohio State — his personal brand and long-term career prospects. Coaching at Ohio State is a highly visible and high-pressure job, and Day’s profile as one of the top coaches in college football has made him a prime candidate for other high-profile opportunities.

In recent years, Ryan Day has been mentioned as a potential candidate for NFL head coaching jobs, with his offensive prowess and ability to develop quarterbacks making him an attractive option for professional teams. The NFL’s growing interest in college coaches who can quickly transition to the professional ranks makes this an enticing possibility for Day. A successful move to the NFL would not only elevate Day’s career but also provide him with a fresh challenge and the opportunity to prove himself on a new stage.

Additionally, if Day chooses to leave Ohio State after achieving success at the program, his reputation as a highly sought-after coach will likely remain intact. A departure from Ohio State could allow him to explore new opportunities at another college program or even leverage his success at Ohio State into a broader platform in the world of sports media or consultancy. In short, leaving Ohio State now — whether or not the Buckeyes win the national title — could open new and exciting doors for Ryan Day.

The Current Landscape of College Football

The college football landscape is shifting in significant ways, and these changes may make it more difficult for Ohio State, under Ryan Day’s leadership, to stay at the top. The implementation of the expanded College Football Playoff in 2024 introduces new dynamics, including increased competition from other Power Five programs and a larger pool of teams fighting for championship contention. Ohio State’s dominance is no longer as assured as it once was, especially with the emergence of schools like Georgia, Alabama, and Michigan continuing to strengthen their programs and recruit elite talent.

Furthermore, the rise of the NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) era has altered the way college football operates. Teams are now able to recruit players based on financial incentives, which has leveled the playing field in ways that previously did not exist. Ohio State, with its massive fan base and financial resources, is certainly one of the beneficiaries of NIL, but the rapidly evolving landscape presents new challenges for Ryan Day in maintaining long-term dominance.

Additionally, the growing influence of the transfer portal makes it more difficult for any team to maintain continuity and consistency. With players frequently moving between programs, coaches must constantly adapt and rebuild their rosters. This ever-changing environment is not only challenging for coaches but also places added pressure on Day to continue winning at the highest level year after year. The uncertainty of what the next season will look like in terms of roster composition makes it more difficult for a coach like Day to manage expectations, further complicating his position.

The Right Moment for Ryan Day to Leave Ohio State

Given the pressure surrounding Ryan Day and the challenges presented by the evolving landscape of college football, the 2025 College Football Playoff might mark the perfect moment for Day to step away from Ohio State — regardless of the outcome. Even if the Buckeyes achieve the ultimate success and win the national championship, it would be a bittersweet triumph if it meant continuing to work within an environment of intense scrutiny and expectations.

By leaving Ohio State, Ryan Day would ensure that his legacy remains untarnished by any potential future failures. He would be able to exit on a high note, having led Ohio State to continued success and positioned the program for future prosperity. Day’s departure would also give the Buckeyes the opportunity to bring in a new head coach who can take the program in a different direction, perhaps with a fresh approach to recruiting, player development, and overall program management.

For Day himself, leaving Ohio State could represent a new beginning. Whether in the NFL, with another college program, or even in a non-coaching capacity, stepping away from Ohio State would allow him to reset and pursue new challenges, free from the burden of meeting the high expectations that come with being the head coach of one of college football’s most storied programs.

Conclusion

Ryan Day’s tenure as the head coach of Ohio State has been marked by impressive achievements, including regular CFP appearances and a reputation as one of the top offensive minds in the game. However, the pressure to win a national championship, the mounting frustrations from fans, and the increasingly competitive college football landscape present significant challenges for Day moving forward. In light of these factors, it may be time for Day to take matters into his own hands and leave Ohio State, regardless of the outcome of the 2025 College Football Playoff. By doing so, he can preserve his legacy, explore new opportunities, and ensure that his career remains on an upward trajectory, free from the constant pressure of unmet expectations at one of college football’s most high-profile programs.