Ryan Day has led Ohio State through some impressive seasons since taking over as head coach in 2019, but the question now lingers: Should he stay at Ohio State no matter the outcome of the College Football Playoff, or is it time for him to take matters into his own hands and move on from the program? To answer that, it’s essential to evaluate the state of the program, the trajectory of his coaching career, and what may be the best move for both Day and Ohio State going forward. This analysis will explore Day’s tenure, the challenges ahead, and whether the future might lie beyond the Ohio State program for him.
The State of Ohio State Football Under Ryan Day
Ryan Day inherited a program that had already reached elite status under Urban Meyer. His first year as head coach in 2019 was an immediate success, with a 13-1 record and a trip to the College Football Playoff. In his second season, the Buckeyes again found themselves among the nation’s elite teams, finishing with an 8-1 record and securing a spot in the Playoff. Day continued to demonstrate an ability to recruit at a high level, particularly at quarterback, where players like Justin Fields became central figures in Ohio State’s offense.
Despite the initial success, Day’s tenure has been marked by frustrations, particularly in the postseason. The Buckeyes have consistently reached the College Football Playoff or New Year’s Six bowl games but have not been able to secure a national championship, which has become the program’s ultimate goal. In both 2020 and 2022, Ohio State fell short against their bitter rivals, the Michigan Wolverines, which has only amplified the pressure on Day to deliver a national title.
The inability to win a championship in a program with such lofty expectations naturally invites questions about the leadership and future of the head coach. It’s clear that Day has built a program that is consistently competitive, but the ultimate goal of Ohio State football has remained elusive.
The Pressure to Win a National Championship
Ohio State’s football program is synonymous with winning. The Buckeyes have won eight national championships, with the most recent coming in 2014 under Urban Meyer. The expectation is clear: winning a national title is the benchmark for success, and anything less will be considered a disappointment. Day, coming from Meyer’s shadow, knew the expectations would be high, but the pressure to secure a championship has intensified since his arrival.
In his first three years as head coach, Day achieved impressive regular-season records and continued Ohio State’s dominance in the Big Ten. But with each passing season, the expectation for a national title only grew. His team has consistently made it to the College Football Playoff, but they have been unable to win the championship.
There’s also the matter of rivalry games—most notably the Michigan game. The Buckeyes’ losses to Michigan in 2021 and 2022 were particularly devastating for Ohio State fans, not only because of the nature of the rivalry but because Michigan had been struggling under Jim Harbaugh for much of the previous decade. These defeats have further increased the scrutiny on Day and have fueled speculation about his ability to win the big games, particularly in comparison to Meyer’s 7-0 record against Michigan during his time in Columbus.
Day’s Recruiting Success
One of Ryan Day’s greatest strengths has been his ability to recruit at a high level. Under his leadership, Ohio State has continued to sign top-tier talent, especially at quarterback, where he has brought in elite players like Fields and C.J. Stroud. The program has consistently been ranked among the nation’s best in recruiting classes, which is essential to building a championship-caliber team.
Ohio State’s talent level, particularly on offense, remains exceptional. Players like Marvin Harrison Jr., a potential future NFL star, showcase the kind of high-level talent Day has been able to attract. The success of Day’s offense, which is known for its explosive passing game, has kept Ohio State among the top programs in the country.
However, recruiting success does not guarantee championships, as the last few seasons have demonstrated. Despite having elite players, Day has yet to win a national title, which has left many questioning whether there is a deeper issue in the program.
The College Football Playoff and the Elusive Championship
The College Football Playoff has become the ultimate proving ground for college football programs, and in that arena, Ohio State has been both dominant and disappointing. The Buckeyes have made the Playoff multiple times under Day but have failed to capture the championship, falling short in key games against teams like Clemson, Alabama, and Georgia. These defeats raise critical questions about Day’s ability to win the biggest games when it matters most.
In the 2020 season, Ohio State reached the national championship game but was overwhelmed by Alabama, which showcased the power of a well-coached, all-around team. The loss to Georgia in the 2022 semifinals was similarly disheartening, as it was a tightly contested game that saw Ohio State miss a last-second field goal attempt that would have sent them to the title game.
The nature of these losses—close, hard-fought contests against superior teams—speaks to the fact that Ohio State is not far from reaching the pinnacle, but Day has yet to solve the puzzle of winning in the biggest moments. It’s also worth noting that in both of those seasons, Ohio State had to face a loaded team like Alabama or Georgia, teams with similarly high-level talent but perhaps slightly better execution on both sides of the ball.
The Michigan Problem
It is impossible to discuss Ryan Day’s tenure at Ohio State without addressing the Michigan problem. The Buckeyes’ losses to their biggest rivals, particularly in 2021 and 2022, have been the source of immense frustration for the Ohio State fanbase. Michigan had struggled for years under Jim Harbaugh but managed to turn the tide in the rivalry in recent seasons. For an Ohio State program with such high expectations, failure to beat Michigan in back-to-back seasons is simply unacceptable.
The pressure on Day to win this game and reclaim dominance in the Big Ten is overwhelming. Michigan has become a powerful force under Harbaugh, and with back-to-back victories over Ohio State, they have claimed the upper hand in the rivalry. This shift has put even more scrutiny on Day’s ability to lead the Buckeyes to victory, not only in the Big Ten but also in the broader college football landscape.
Should Ryan Day Exit Ohio State?
Given the context of his tenure at Ohio State, the question of whether Ryan Day should leave the program, regardless of the outcome of the College Football Playoff, is a tough one to answer. There are compelling arguments on both sides.
On one hand, Day has established himself as one of the premier coaches in college football. He has built an elite program that continues to compete at the highest level. His recruiting prowess has ensured that Ohio State will remain a force in college football for the foreseeable future. His leadership has transformed the team into an offensive juggernaut, and while there have been disappointments in the postseason, the program is still in a very strong position. In this context, staying at Ohio State could allow him to further cement his legacy as a head coach capable of delivering championships, even if it takes time.
On the other hand, the pressure to win a national title is overwhelming. With each passing season, the gap between Ohio State and other elite programs like Alabama, Georgia, and Michigan has only grown. Day faces mounting expectations to not only win the Big Ten but also to deliver a national championship, something that has eluded him so far. If he is unable to secure that elusive title soon, there may be calls for his departure, and leaving on his own terms could allow him to avoid becoming a casualty of those high expectations.
Another possibility is that Day might look to take on a new challenge. While Ohio State is a prestigious program, the pressure that comes with coaching there may outweigh the potential rewards. He could choose to leave and take on a less high-profile job where the expectations might be more manageable.
