Ohio State Buckeyes Legend Gets Candid on Ryan Day
The Ohio State Buckeyes have long been a powerhouse in college football, known for their dominant teams, electrifying players, and passionate fan base. Over the decades, Ohio State has seen some legendary coaches and players come through their storied program, leaving a lasting legacy on the field. Among the many great figures to have donned the Scarlet and Gray, Ryan Day has risen to prominence as a coach who has helped maintain Ohio State’s status as a perennial college football contender.
However, despite his success, Ryan Day has faced plenty of scrutiny. Some of it comes with the territory of coaching at a school with such high expectations, and some of it stems from comparisons to his legendary predecessor, Urban Meyer, who left an indelible mark on the program. In this candid reflection, a Ohio State Buckeyes legend shares their thoughts on Day’s tenure, his coaching style, and what it means to be the face of one of college football’s most prominent programs.
The Legacy of Urban Meyer and the Weight on Ryan Day’s Shoulders
When Ryan Day took over as the head coach of Ohio State in 2019, he was following in the footsteps of one of the greatest coaches in college football history. Urban Meyer had transformed the Buckeyes into a national powerhouse, winning a National Championship in 2014 and consistently competing for Big Ten titles and playoff berths. Meyer’s departure left a large shadow for Day to fill, both in terms of expectations and in the hearts of Ohio State fans.
For Day, stepping into Meyer’s shoes was never going to be easy. Meyer built a program that not only dominated the Big Ten but was also competitive on the national stage year in and year out. As Ohio State’s offensive coordinator before becoming the head coach, Day was familiar with the system, but now he was tasked with maintaining the high standards set by his predecessor.
For Ohio State fans, who had become accustomed to Meyer’s success and the thrilling victories, there was an underlying sense of impatience when it came to Day. After all, he was taking over a team that had won at the highest level under Meyer’s leadership. Could Day continue that dominance, or would he struggle under the weight of the immense pressure that comes with coaching at one of the most successful programs in college football?
Ryan Day’s Early Years at Ohio State: A Promising Start
Despite the pressure, Ryan Day hit the ground running when he became head coach. In his first season (2019), Ohio State went undefeated during the regular season, including a Big Ten Championship and a berth in the College Football Playoff (CFP). With a high-powered offense led by quarterback Justin Fields, Day demonstrated that he had the coaching acumen to lead the Buckeyes to elite status, earning the respect of players, fans, and pundits alike.
Day’s offensive system, which emphasized a balanced attack with an explosive passing game, quickly became one of the most feared in college football. Under Day, the Buckeyes averaged over 40 points per game, and Justin Fields played at a Heisman-caliber level, leading Ohio State to a playoff appearance. Though the Buckeyes would ultimately fall to Clemson in the semifinals of the 2020 College Football Playoff, the program’s potential under Day was evident.
Ohio State’s success under Day continued in 2020, with the Buckeyes once again claiming a Big Ten title. While the season was shortened due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it still provided Day with another opportunity to showcase his coaching prowess. The program seemed to be on the fast track to national championships, with talented recruits pouring in year after year.
However, as the Buckeyes remained competitive, they encountered their fair share of challenges as well. Michigan, long considered Ohio State’s biggest rival, had been a thorn in the side of Day’s program, and even after multiple successful seasons, questions about Day’s ability to win consistently in critical moments began to surface.
A Buckeyes Legend Reflects on Ryan Day’s Leadership
In a candid interview, Chris Spielman, a legendary former linebacker for the Ohio State Buckeyes, provided his perspective on Ryan Day and his impact on the program. Spielman, a fan favorite during his playing days, was one of the best linebackers to ever wear the scarlet and gray, earning All-American honors and a special place in the hearts of Ohio State fans.
Spielman didn’t mince words when it came to his evaluation of Ryan Day’s tenure as head coach. He was quick to praise Day’s work ethic, his ability to recruit top talent, and his knack for adapting to the evolving landscape of college football. However, he also offered some constructive criticism and insights into what Day needed to do to take Ohio State to the next level.
“Ryan Day is an exceptional coach, no doubt about it,” Spielman said. “But at Ohio State, there’s an expectation that you don’t just win games—you dominate, you win championships, and you consistently compete for national titles. The fan base expects nothing less. Ryan has done an incredible job recruiting, and he’s got the program to where it’s constantly in the playoff conversation. But for Ohio State, it’s about finishing. It’s about getting to the next level.”
The Criticism: National Championships and Rivalry Games
For many, the missing link in Day’s early years at Ohio State has been his performance in the biggest games. Despite the program’s consistent success, including multiple Big Ten titles and playoff appearances, the Buckeyes have fallen short on several occasions when it comes to competing for a national championship. Fans and analysts alike have pointed to key losses, most notably in the College Football Playoff, as reasons for concern.
In 2021, Ohio State faced a crushing defeat against Michigan in their annual rivalry game. This loss, which snapped a seven-year winning streak over the Wolverines, sent shockwaves through the Ohio State fan base. Michigan’s victory was seen not only as a challenge to Ohio State’s dominance in the Big Ten, but also as a symbolic moment—one that many felt was a manifestation of the growing questions about Day’s ability to win in high-pressure situations. That loss seemed to hit harder than the team’s earlier playoff disappointments, as it was in the regular season and had direct implications for both conference and national standing.
Chris Spielman acknowledged the pressure of these rivalry games, noting that “Ohio State is built on winning those big games. That’s what separates the great programs from the good ones. Ohio State fans measure success by how we perform against Michigan, and when you lose that game, it stings. Ryan Day knows that, and I know he’s going to do everything he can to get back on track.”
While Day’s inability to secure a national championship has been a point of contention, Spielman also noted that it was important to recognize the larger context. College football is more competitive than ever, with programs like Alabama, Georgia, and Clemson also vying for supremacy. The competition for championships is fierce, and even the best programs occasionally fall short.
“What we’ve seen in recent years is an evolution in college football,” Spielman continued. “You’ve got programs that have been consistently at the top for a reason, and the playoff system has only made it more challenging. But Ryan Day knows how to build a program that can compete at the highest level. The key for him is getting the Buckeyes over the hump, and that’s something I’m confident he can do.”
The Recruiting Edge: How Ryan Day Stays Ahead
One area where Ryan Day has excelled is in recruiting. Spielman was quick to point out that Day’s ability to bring in top-tier talent has kept Ohio State at the forefront of college football. In today’s era of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals and the transfer portal, recruiting has become a more complex and competitive landscape. Yet, Day has maintained Ohio State’s position as one of the premier programs in terms of player acquisition.
“Ryan Day has an incredible ability to recruit, and that’s the lifeblood of any program,” Spielman said. “He’s brought in elite talent from across the country, and that’s a huge reason why Ohio State is always in contention for a national title. The recruits love playing for him, and they know that if they come to Ohio State, they’re going to be developed into elite players. That’s what makes him special.”
The Future of Ohio State Football Under Ryan Day
Looking ahead, the future of Ohio State football under Ryan Day is bright. Spielman acknowledged that Day’s program has the foundation needed to compete at the highest level for years to come. With a strong recruiting pipeline, excellent player development, and a commitment to excellence, Day has positioned the Buckeyes for sustained success.
“Ryan Day is going to get it done,” Spielman said with confidence. “Ohio State has everything it needs to win national championships, and with Ryan at the helm, I have no doubt that the Buckeyes will return to the top.”
Conclusion: A Coach in the Making
As Ryan Day continues to guide Ohio State through the ever-changing landscape of college football, the expectations on his shoulders remain high. Though he has faced criticism for falling short in certain areas, particularly in rivalry games and the playoff, his overall success cannot be denied. Under Day’s leadership, Ohio State has remained one of the most successful programs in the country, consistently competing for conference titles and playoff berths.
With the insights of Ohio State legends like Chris Spielman, it’s clear that Day’s journey as the Buckeyes’ head coach is far from over. As long as he continues to recruit elite talent, maintain a high level of development, and find ways to win in the biggest games, Ryan Day’s legacy at Ohio State will only continue to grow.
