Ohio State Playoff Run Shows Ryan Day Built a Foundation Stronger Than It Seemed

The Ohio State Buckeyes’ run to the College Football Playoff (CFP) in recent seasons has provided a deeper narrative than just the rise and fall of a football program. It’s been a story about the unseen strength and resilience of a program under Ryan Day’s stewardship, a journey that began with high expectations and skepticism alike. At the forefront of this, Ryan Day, the head coach of Ohio State since 2019, has faced immense pressure to continue the legacy of one of the most storied programs in college football. However, his tenure has quietly proven that the foundation he inherited is not only still intact, but has also been strengthened in ways that were initially unseen.

This journey, defined by challenges and triumphs, points to an Ohio State program that may have been underestimated, overshadowed by the brighter lights of rivalries and media focus. A closer examination, however, reveals that Ryan Day has masterfully constructed an enduring and sustainable powerhouse in Columbus, one that will continue to contend for national championships.

Building a Program from the Ground Up

When Ryan Day took over the Ohio State program in 2019, it was in the wake of Urban Meyer’s highly successful tenure. Meyer had transformed Ohio State into a perennial powerhouse, claiming national championships in 2002 and 2014, while consistently contending for Big Ten titles and playoff berths. Expectations for Day were sky-high from day one, but so were the challenges.

At first glance, it might have seemed like Ohio State would seamlessly transition from Meyer’s leadership to Day’s. But despite the talent, experience, and tradition in place, Day was tasked with navigating the inevitable hurdles of such a transition. Meyer had set an incredible bar, and the question on many minds was whether Day, a relatively young and unproven head coach, could maintain the program’s dominance and sustain its success.

Day’s leadership style was initially scrutinized by critics who questioned whether he could bring the same intensity and discipline that Meyer had. It became clear early on that Day’s approach, while different, was incredibly effective. He focused on building a balanced program that could contend on both sides of the ball. While Meyer’s system was centered around a powerful, often run-first offense, Day infused the offense with a high-flying, pass-heavy system, incorporating the spread offense in a more modern way. The hiring of key coordinators like Jeff Hafley and later Kerry Coombs demonstrated Day’s commitment to strengthening both sides of the ball.

Day’s first season in charge was a resounding success. The Buckeyes finished with a 13-1 record, their only loss being a controversial defeat to Clemson in the CFP semifinal. Despite the heartache of that loss, it was clear that Ohio State had found its new identity under Day, one that would continue to evolve over the next several years.

The Evolution of Ohio State Under Ryan Day

In the years that followed, Day’s Ohio State teams grew stronger in ways that were not immediately apparent to the casual observer. The program remained among the elite teams in college football, consistently competing for Big Ten titles, appearing in CFPs, and grooming high-profile talent for the NFL. However, the most important aspect of Day’s success wasn’t the trophies or the rankings—it was the strength of the foundation he was building.

Ohio State’s continued dominance on the recruiting trail became one of Day’s greatest strengths. Under Day’s guidance, the Buckeyes have signed some of the nation’s top high school talent. This success in recruiting helped maintain Ohio State’s status as one of the top programs in college football. Day recruited quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers, and defensive players who could compete at the highest levels, ensuring that the team’s depth would be as strong as its stars.

However, it wasn’t just the talent that Day was bringing in that mattered—it was the way he developed that talent. Players like C.J. Stroud, J.K. Dobbins, and Garrett Wilson, among others, were molded into stars under Day’s coaching. Stroud, in particular, emerged as one of the most potent quarterbacks in the country, breaking records and leading the offense with poise and precision. The development of these players was a testament to the strength of Day’s program and the culture of excellence he had instilled in Columbus.

While the offense received much of the attention, Day also made significant strides in improving Ohio State’s defense. One of the criticisms of Meyer’s teams was the occasional inability to stop high-powered offenses, particularly in big games. Day was determined to address this, hiring defensive coordinators like Hafley and Coombs to modernize the defense and ensure the Buckeyes could compete with elite teams across the country. This defensive improvement, though sometimes inconsistent, played a key role in Ohio State’s continued success and kept them competitive in high-profile matchups.

Day’s leadership was also evident in how he handled adversity, which became more pronounced as his tenure continued. The 2020 season, which was marred by the COVID-19 pandemic, was a true test of Day’s ability to adapt. The Big Ten initially decided to cancel the football season, but Day was vocal in his push for a return to play. His commitment to his players and his willingness to fight for their opportunity to compete was a defining moment of his leadership. The season, though shortened, culminated in Ohio State reaching the national championship game, showcasing Day’s ability to lead through uncertain times.

Overcoming Setbacks and Proving Resilience

Perhaps one of the most telling aspects of Ryan Day’s tenure at Ohio State has been his ability to respond to setbacks and continue to build a resilient program. The 2021 season, while a strong one overall, was marked by a bitter loss to Michigan, a defeat that ended Ohio State’s chances at a national title and raised questions about Day’s ability to overcome the program’s biggest rival. The loss to Michigan, coupled with some defensive struggles, led to increased pressure on Day to make changes and improve his squad.

Rather than succumb to external pressure, Day responded with a calm and methodical approach. He made key adjustments to the coaching staff and reevaluated the team’s defensive strategy, addressing the issues that had led to the loss. He also worked closely with his players to ensure they remained focused and motivated, ultimately leading them back to the CFP in the 2022 season.

In 2023, Ohio State’s playoff run showed the depth of Day’s work and the foundation he had carefully built. While the Buckeyes fell short of a national title, their run was a testament to the strength and resilience of the program. They had weathered storms, faced adversity, and emerged stronger for it. The program was not only still competitive, but it had also grown in its ability to adapt and evolve.

Strength in the Unseen: Day’s Cultural Impact

While Day’s tactical and technical expertise has been evident, one of his greatest contributions to Ohio State’s continued success has been his focus on building a positive, sustainable culture. In a sport where wins and losses often overshadow everything else, Day has prioritized player development, mental health, and overall well-being. He has worked hard to ensure that Ohio State’s players not only succeed on the field, but also develop into well-rounded individuals off the field.

This cultural foundation, built on trust, respect, and accountability, has allowed Ohio State to navigate the pressures of being a national contender year after year. The program has consistently produced players who excel not only as athletes but also as leaders and citizens. Day’s influence in this area has helped solidify Ohio State’s reputation as one of the most respected programs in college football.

The Future of Ohio State Football

Looking ahead, Ryan Day has built Ohio State into a sustainable national powerhouse, one capable of competing for championships year after year. The foundation he has laid is strong and poised for continued success, regardless of the challenges that may arise. Day’s ability to recruit top-tier talent, develop that talent, and adapt to the evolving landscape of college football ensures that Ohio State will remain a dominant force in the sport for years to come.

In many ways, the playoff runs and the successes of the past few seasons have shown that Ryan Day’s Ohio State program is stronger than it might have seemed in the early years of his tenure. What some saw as a program merely maintaining its place at the top has now proven to be a team that continues to build on its legacy. The growth, resilience, and sustained excellence of Ohio State under Day have proven that the foundation he inherited wasn’t just good enough to continue the legacy—it was strong enough to elevate the program to new heights.