Ryan Day Shuts Up Critics with Ohio State Title: “What They Gonna Say Now?”

In the high-stakes world of college football, few coaching figures have been as divisive as Ryan Day. Known for his offensive prowess, Day took over as head coach at Ohio State in 2019, inheriting a program that was not just a powerhouse, but one with a legacy of national championships, Heisman winners, and championship aspirations. Yet, despite all of this, Day has faced his share of critics and skeptics. The question that loomed over his tenure was simple: Could Ryan Day live up to the immense expectations at one of college football’s most prestigious programs?

In January 2025, those critics had their answer. With a national championship under his belt, Ryan Day has silenced the naysayers and firmly established his legacy as one of the game’s elite coaches. But more than that, he’s ensured that his critics have nothing left to say.

The Weight of Expectations

When Ryan Day was hired to replace Urban Meyer in 2019, he knew exactly what he was walking into. Meyer had built Ohio State into a juggernaut, consistently competing for national championships and winning numerous Big Ten titles. Day was thrust into the role of continuing that success, but also dealing with the high expectations that came with it.

For most of his early years at the helm, Day seemed to be living up to the challenge. In his first season, he led the Buckeyes to a 13-1 record, a Big Ten title, and a berth in the College Football Playoff (CFP) semifinals. But despite that impressive start, Day’s critics were quick to point out that Ohio State had fallen short in crucial moments under his watch.

The most glaring example came in the 2020 College Football Playoff National Championship game, where Ohio State fell to Alabama in a game that highlighted several of the team’s weaknesses. The Buckeyes were overpowered by Alabama’s offense and, despite strong individual performances, Day was unable to guide his team to the title. Critics were quick to say that Day’s inability to win the big one raised questions about his coaching pedigree.

This narrative continued in subsequent seasons. Although Ohio State remained a perennial contender, questions about Day’s leadership and his ability to get his team over the hump persisted. The 2022 season was another high-profile disappointment, as the Buckeyes lost in the CFP semifinals to a Georgia team that seemed to have a more cohesive unit. Critics wondered whether Day could ever take that final step and win a national championship.

Day’s detractors often cited his struggles in close games, particularly against top-tier competition. While his offenses were dynamic and often put up gaudy numbers, there was a sense that his defensive strategy—particularly in key games—was lacking. Fans and analysts alike questioned whether Day could manage the various facets of the game, or if his teams were simply too reliant on offensive firepower.

A Championship Season

Fast forward to 2025, and Ryan Day has a national championship on his resume. The 2024 season was one for the ages, as Ohio State stormed through the regular season, winning the Big Ten once again and earning a spot in the College Football Playoff. From the very beginning of the campaign, Day’s team looked different. The offense was firing on all cylinders, and the defense had made noticeable improvements, particularly in the secondary.

But what really set Ohio State apart in 2024 was their ability to perform in the clutch. Ryan Day’s squad had learned from past disappointments and managed to stay calm under pressure. In the CFP, the Buckeyes faced formidable opponents in Michigan, Georgia, and ultimately, in the national championship game, they squared off against a juggernaut from the SEC. Despite a back-and-forth affair, Day’s Ohio State team emerged victorious.

In a thrilling national championship contest, Ohio State displayed an all-around game. Quarterback J.T. Daniels—who had emerged as one of the nation’s top signal-callers under Day’s tutelage—led the offense with poise and accuracy. The running back duo, dynamic in its own right, punished opposing defenses, while the defense, once a liability in big games, delivered in the game’s most critical moments. Key plays by the defensive line and secondary stymied the opposition, and Day’s special teams made plays when it mattered most.

When the clock hit zero and Ohio State was crowned national champions, it wasn’t just a victory for the program—it was a personal triumph for Ryan Day. After years of scrutiny and skepticism, he had finally reached the summit. In an emotional moment, Day spoke to the media: “What they gonna say now?”

What Critics Had to Say

Critics, of course, were quick to offer their thoughts. But this time, they couldn’t argue with the results. Day had done what was once thought to be out of reach: he had led Ohio State to a national title.

Former critics who had doubted his ability to win the big one were forced to admit that Ryan Day had answered the questions about his coaching ability. His offensive mind was no longer questioned; he had adapted and shown the ability to build a defense capable of winning championships. His leadership, once doubted in key moments, was now lauded. Day had gone from being a perceived offensive mastermind to a coach who could manage all aspects of the game—offense, defense, and special teams.

The championship also cemented Day’s place among the elite in college football coaching circles. His ability to keep Ohio State competitive while also evolving in the face of changing dynamics—such as NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) and the growing influence of the transfer portal—demonstrated his adaptability. More importantly, he had shown that he could handle the pressure and expectations that come with coaching one of college football’s most storied programs.

In many ways, Ryan Day’s victory was a testament to resilience. He had endured criticism, self-doubt, and public scrutiny, but through it all, he kept his eyes on the prize. His response to his critics was simple, but profound: he delivered the ultimate proof that he was the right man for the job.

Legacy and Future

With a national championship now in his portfolio, Ryan Day’s legacy at Ohio State is secure. His coaching journey, while filled with ups and downs, has led to a championship that will forever be a part of the Buckeyes’ rich history. The 2024 Ohio State team will be remembered as one of the greatest in school history, and Day will be remembered as the coach who finally brought a title back to Columbus after years of near-misses.

Looking forward, Ryan Day is now positioned to build upon his success. With a national championship in hand, he has the credibility and the momentum to recruit at the highest level, attract top-tier assistant coaches, and continue to evolve Ohio State’s program. The pressure that once mounted from critics has been replaced with a renewed sense of respect.

As for the critics themselves, the question remains: “What are they gonna say now?” The answer is simple—nothing. Ryan Day has done what many doubted he could do. He’s silenced the doubters and answered the calls for a championship. For Day, the victory is not just a personal achievement, but a testament to his growth as a coach, and his ability to weather the storms that come with leading a team at the highest level.

Ultimately, Day’s 2024 national championship will be remembered as a defining moment in his career—a moment where he proved that, indeed, he had what it took to get the job done and bring Ohio State back to the top of the college football world.