A Roller Coaster of Emotions: Ohio State Supporters and Ryan Day’s Tumultuous Relationship
From the moment Ryan Day took over as head coach at Ohio State, expectations were high. A successor to Urban Meyer, who had built the Buckeyes into a powerhouse, Day was thrust into the spotlight of one of college football’s most storied programs. However, his tenure has been marked by extreme emotional reactions from the fan base, oscillating between adoration and disdain.
In this article, we’ll explore how Ryan Day’s relationship with Ohio State supporters has evolved over the years, characterized by a volatile blend of high expectations, championship dreams, and the often unforgiving nature of college football fans.
1. The Arrival of Ryan Day: Promise and Immediate Success
When Day was named head coach in 2018 after Meyer’s retirement, he inherited a roster loaded with talent and a winning tradition. The early signs were promising: Ohio State quickly went 3-0 under Day as interim head coach in 2018 after Meyer’s suspension, and the future looked bright. Fans rallied behind Day, praising his offensive acumen, leadership style, and smooth transition from the Meyer era.
Ryan Day’s first full season as head coach in 2019 further solidified his credibility. The Buckeyes went 13-1, securing a Big Ten Championship and a spot in the College Football Playoff. Quarterback Justin Fields thrived under Day’s offensive system, and the defense—while not without flaws—improved under his watch. The future seemed bright, and Ryan Day was a beloved figure in Columbus.
2. The Shift: Frustration Amid Championship Expectations
Despite Day’s early successes, the following years began to expose the pressures and pitfalls of Ohio State’s high expectations. The 2020 season, which culminated in an appearance in the national championship game, was a prime example of Day’s ability to build a strong team. However, the loss to Alabama in the national championship game, coupled with an underwhelming performance in key moments, sparked a more critical response from fans.
Critics began to question whether Day, despite his offensive genius, was able to win the biggest games. The Buckeyes lost critical matchups in 2021 and 2022, including heart-wrenching losses to rival Michigan in back-to-back years. These defeats were especially difficult given Ohio State’s dominance over Michigan for nearly two decades prior. Fans expressed frustration, with some calling for changes in the coaching staff, questioning Day’s ability to win on the national stage, and even wondering if he could sustain the Buckeyes’ elite status.
3. The Backlash: Calls for Change and Criticism of Leadership
The losses to Michigan, combined with disappointing performances in the College Football Playoff and big bowl games, led to vocal dissent among Ohio State supporters. Social media platforms, radio shows, and local newspapers became rife with criticism. Ryan Day’s play-calling was scrutinized, his lack of defensive dominance became a sore point, and his failure to beat Michigan became a source of embarrassment.
During this period, many fans expressed frustration at what they perceived as Day’s inability to replicate Meyer’s success, especially in terms of recruiting and fostering a championship culture. Some critics pointed to Day’s calm demeanor and questioned if he lacked the fiery competitive spirit needed to motivate his players in critical moments.
4. The Turnaround: Reclaiming the Love of Buckeye Nation
Just when it seemed like the criticisms might define Day’s tenure, the 2023 season showed signs of rejuvenation. Ohio State delivered an impressive campaign, highlighted by a thrilling victory over Michigan and an appearance in the College Football Playoff. Ryan Day’s leadership, especially his ability to rally the team after several years of disappointment, won back much of the fan base.
Day’s resilience in the face of adversity, his efforts to rebuild the team’s defensive identity, and the development of players like quarterback C.J. Stroud and others gave Ohio State fans hope once again. Despite losing to Georgia in a dramatic CFP semifinal, Day’s coaching ability, recruiting success, and commitment to excellence had restored much of the optimism that had been lost in previous seasons.
5. The Emotional Roller Coaster: Understanding the Cycle of Love and Hate
Ohio State supporters, like fans of many top-tier programs, often hold their coaches to impossibly high standards. Ryan Day’s relationship with the fan base is emblematic of this dynamic. Success is celebrated, but anything short of national championships is often met with disappointment. The swings between love and hate reflect the very nature of high-level college football, where coaches can quickly go from being heroes to villains based on a single game, a single play, or a single season.
6. Ryan Day’s Legacy: Will the Love Last?
Looking ahead, Ryan Day’s future at Ohio State remains a subject of intense discussion. His ability to adapt and learn from past failures will be key to his longevity in Columbus. With his recruiting efforts continuing to produce top-tier talent, and the Big Ten conference becoming more competitive, Day faces the task of maintaining Ohio State’s status as a national powerhouse.
The trajectory of Day’s career will likely continue to be marked by periods of intense scrutiny and praise. If he can overcome the challenges posed by Michigan, secure a national championship, and solidify his place in Buckeye lore, the love from Ohio State fans may once again become unwavering. However, if the pattern of early success followed by high-profile disappointments persists, the cycle of love and hate may continue.
