Ryan Day’s Speech Before the Cotton Bowl

Ladies and gentlemen, players, coaches, and the proud Buckeye Nation, thank you all for being here today.

Today is not just another game. Today is a moment in time that will echo for years to come. It’s a chance for us to prove who we are, not just as football players, but as people, as a family, and as a legacy. We are Ohio State. And we do not take a step back. We don’t shy away from challenges. We don’t look for the easy road. We forge our own path.

When you wear this jersey, when you step onto this field, you carry more than just your own hopes and dreams. You carry the hopes and dreams of every single person who has ever been part of this program. You carry the legacy of those who wore this jersey before you, who bled scarlet and gray, who fought with everything they had for this university, this team, and for each other.

As I stand here today, I’m reminded of a simple truth: We are a team built on excellence, driven by purpose, and united by a love for the game and for each other. But it’s not just about what happens on the field. It’s about how we respond when the world tells us we can’t. It’s about how we rise up when the odds are stacked against us. It’s about how we face adversity and make it our fuel, our motivation, our reason to keep pushing.

We’ve faced plenty of challenges this season. There have been highs, and there have been lows. There have been moments where we’ve been doubted, overlooked, and questioned. But those moments, those doubts, are the very reason we stand here today. Every setback, every challenge, has made us stronger. Every time someone said we couldn’t do it, we’ve shown them exactly what we’re made of. And now, it’s our time.

This game, the Cotton Bowl, is more than just a chance to play for a trophy. It’s an opportunity to show the world what Ohio State football is all about. It’s about coming together, as one, and taking on the best that’s out there. We’ve put in the work. We’ve put in the hours. And we’ve done it together. Now, we get to show everyone what we’ve got.

When you step onto that field today, I want you to remember what this program is built on. It’s built on relentless effort. It’s built on a never-give-up attitude. It’s built on the belief that no matter how tough things get, we are always going to keep pushing forward. We don’t quit. We don’t surrender. We don’t back down.

And that is exactly what I expect to see from each and every one of you today.

Every single play is an opportunity. Every single down is a chance to leave everything on that field. The Cotton Bowl is not just about playing for ourselves; it’s about playing for the legacy of Ohio State football. It’s about playing for the fans who live and breathe scarlet and gray. It’s about playing for every alumni who has ever worn this jersey and every future Buckeye who will wear it. It’s about making sure that the name “Ohio State” continues to stand for excellence, pride, and passion for generations to come.

But there’s one more thing I want you to remember as we get ready for this game.

This is your moment.

This is the moment you’ve worked for. This is the moment you’ve dreamed about. This is the moment you’ve sacrificed for. Every early morning, every late night, every ounce of energy you’ve put into this season has led to this game. This is the time to seize what’s ours. This is the time to show everyone what Ohio State football is all about. And I know, in my heart, that you have the strength, the heart, and the drive to get the job done.

Now, let’s go out there and take care of business. Let’s go out there and show the world that Ohio State football is a force to be reckoned with. Let’s play with passion, with pride, and with purpose. Let’s make a statement that will resonate long after this game is over. Let’s play for each other, for the fans, for the alumni, and for the history of this great program.

It’s time to rise up. It’s time to be great.

Let’s go out there and make it happen. Go Buckeyes!