Ohio State’s Playoff Run: Ryan Day Built a Foundation Stronger Than It Seemed

The 2024 season was one that provided Ohio State fans with an emotional rollercoaster, culminating in yet another College Football Playoff appearance for the Buckeyes. After a season full of highs and lows, some questioning whether Ryan Day’s tenure at Ohio State was destined to bring the program back to national glory, the team showed resilience and growth that affirmed Day’s ability to build a foundation far stronger than initially perceived. This season was more than just a playoff appearance for the Buckeyes; it was a testament to Day’s work in transforming the program into a consistent playoff contender and positioning it for continued success for years to come.

The Early Days of Ryan Day’s Tenure

When Ryan Day took over as head coach at Ohio State in 2019, the expectations were high. The Buckeyes were coming off a 12-1 season under Urban Meyer, which included a Big Ten Championship and a berth in the College Football Playoff. Day’s job was clear: maintain Ohio State’s dominance in the Big Ten and restore the Buckeyes to national title contention.

Day had big shoes to fill, following one of the most successful head coaches in college football history. Meyer had built Ohio State into a perennial national power, winning national championships and dominating the Big Ten for years. But Day quickly proved that he was ready for the challenge, guiding the Buckeyes to an 11-2 record in his first season and, more impressively, a spot in the 2020 National Championship Game. That team came within a few plays of claiming the title, ultimately losing to Alabama in a high-scoring affair. Despite the loss, Day’s early success solidified his reputation as one of the brightest young minds in college football.

However, the pressure to win big remained. The following two seasons were not without their struggles. The Buckeyes faced significant challenges, including a loss to Michigan in 2021 that ended a long winning streak against their archrivals, as well as an inability to get over the hump in big games against top teams like Georgia and Michigan. Many observers began to question Day’s ability to win the big one — something that had been a hallmark of Meyer’s tenure. Ohio State remained a top-tier program, but some fans and analysts were unsure if Day could deliver a national title.

The 2024 Season: A New Beginning

Heading into 2024, the pressure was mounting on Day. While Ohio State continued to recruit elite talent, the Buckeyes had not won a national championship since 2014, a decade-long drought that seemed to overshadow all the program’s other achievements. The 2024 season, however, became a defining year for Day’s legacy.

The season started off with optimism but also with questions. Could Day’s offense remain as explosive as it had been in previous years? Would the defense, under the leadership of defensive coordinator Jim Knowles, improve enough to contend with the nation’s best? And perhaps most importantly, would Ohio State be able to get past Michigan and reclaim dominance in the Big Ten?

The early part of the season saw some growing pains, as quarterback play — which had been inconsistent in previous years — seemed to be a potential issue. But Day and his staff worked to develop a more well-rounded offensive attack, one that was capable of grinding out wins when necessary, as well as showcasing the explosive playmaking ability the Buckeyes had become known for. The defense, on the other hand, improved significantly throughout the season, thanks to better player development and more efficient scheming.

As the season wore on, Ohio State found itself in familiar territory: positioned near the top of the rankings with a chance to make a playoff run. The biggest test of the year, however, remained on the horizon — a trip to Ann Arbor to face Michigan in the season finale.

The Michigan Game: A Defining Moment

Ohio State’s clash with Michigan in late November was more than just a rivalry game; it was a must-win for Day and the Buckeyes. After suffering two painful defeats in the previous two years, this game would define the direction of the program for the foreseeable future. The Buckeyes had to prove they could beat Michigan, a team that had not only claimed the Big Ten title the past two years but also eliminated Ohio State from the playoff conversation.

In a highly anticipated matchup, Ohio State came out with a determined focus. The game was a hard-fought battle, with both teams playing at an elite level. But Day’s ability to adjust and execute in critical moments was evident. Ohio State’s defense stepped up in a big way, and the offense executed when it mattered most. The Buckeyes emerged victorious, defeating Michigan in a thrilling contest that saw the Ohio State defense make key stops in the second half. The win not only secured the Big Ten Championship but also an automatic bid to the College Football Playoff, a place the Buckeyes had not reached since 2022.

The victory over Michigan was a testament to Ryan Day’s growth as a head coach. After two years of frustration, he had managed to outcoach Jim Harbaugh in the most crucial game of the season. This win validated Day’s ability to make adjustments, stay focused under pressure, and develop a team capable of overcoming adversity.

Playoff Success: The Foundation Is Stronger Than It Seemed

Once in the College Football Playoff, Ohio State had to face some of the nation’s toughest competition, but the team looked ready for the challenge. The Buckeyes squared off against top teams like Georgia, Alabama, and Oregon, each with formidable rosters and reputations for postseason success. What stood out about Ohio State’s playoff run in 2024, though, was the depth and execution on both sides of the ball.

Quarterback play was no longer a question mark. Ohio State’s quarterback, who had been inconsistent in previous seasons, was now playing at an elite level, capable of making every throw and managing the game with poise. The offensive line had improved significantly, providing better protection and opening up lanes for the running backs. The defense, led by standout players at linebacker and in the secondary, showed its mettle against high-powered offenses, with clutch stops and turnovers at key moments.

In the playoff semifinals, Ohio State faced off against an undefeated Georgia team that had dominated the competition all season. The Buckeyes’ defense, despite Georgia’s high-flying offense, held strong, forcing the Bulldogs into mistakes. On offense, Ohio State’s balanced attack kept Georgia on its heels, mixing the run and pass effectively. The Buckeyes won a hard-fought contest, advancing to the national championship game for the first time since 2020.

The national championship game against a talented Alabama team was a showcase of everything Day had worked to build. The game was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams making big plays. But in the end, Ohio State’s balanced offense and improved defense were too much for Alabama. The Buckeyes captured their first national title since 2014, fulfilling the lofty expectations that had followed Day throughout his career.

Building the Stronger Foundation

While the championship win was undoubtedly a crowning achievement for Ryan Day, it was the journey to get there that truly highlighted his growth as a head coach. The 2024 season proved that Day had built a foundation that was stronger than it had initially seemed.

Day’s ability to recruit and develop talent had been a constant strength, but his ability to adapt and improve the areas of his team that had been underperforming — particularly in the trenches, at quarterback, and on defense — showcased a level of coaching maturity that had not always been apparent in previous seasons. His decision-making, both in terms of game plans and in-game adjustments, had evolved, and his leadership had become more focused.

Ohio State’s success was not just about the stars on the roster but also the depth of the program, which had been built on strong recruiting and player development. The Buckeyes’ success in 2024 demonstrated that they were not just a team full of individual talent but a well-coached, well-rounded program capable of contending at the highest level.