I hate to say it, but if the Buckeyes drop this one, and don’t have an impressive post-season run, we may be seeing the last of Ryan Day. And that’s a shame.
It’s hard to deny that Ryan Day has faced increasing pressure in recent seasons, especially as the Ohio State Buckeyes fall short of expectations in key moments. While his tenure has been marked by impressive regular-season success, the Buckeyes’ struggles in critical games, particularly in the College Football Playoff (CFP) and against their biggest rivals, have left many fans and analysts questioning his future. If Ohio State were to drop another pivotal game this season and fail to make an impact in the postseason, it could mark the end of Day’s tenure in Columbus. That, in itself, would be a tough pill to swallow.
When Ryan Day took over as head coach in 2019, expectations were sky-high. He inherited a program with elite talent and a strong foundation left by Urban Meyer. Day didn’t disappoint early on, posting a 13-1 record in his first season, a Big Ten Championship, and a trip to the CFP. His offensive genius, highlighted by an explosive passing game, and ability to recruit at a high level, seemed to position the Buckeyes for long-term success. However, it’s the postseason, particularly losses to rivals Michigan and early exits from the CFP, that have stunted his ability to reach the next level.
Ohio State’s inability to finish strong in high-pressure games—most notably their recent loss to Michigan and the failure to win a national championship—has cast a shadow over Day’s tenure. Despite producing elite quarterbacks like Justin Fields and C.J. Stroud, and maintaining a powerhouse roster, Ohio State has yet to secure another national title under Day. His critics argue that a coach of his stature should have at least one championship by now. In addition, when the Buckeyes fail to reach their goals, it’s easy for fans to point the finger at the head coach.
If this season ends in disappointment, with Ohio State missing the CFP or failing to make a deep postseason run, it could spell the end for Day. The expectation at a program like Ohio State is nothing short of excellence, and anything less feels like failure. While it would be a shame to see him go, especially considering the talent and success Day has brought to Columbus, the reality is that coaches are often judged by postseason success, and Day has not been able to close the deal when it matters most.
It’s unfortunate, because Ryan Day is undoubtedly a talented coach with an impressive record and a knack for developing top-tier talent. But in the world of college football, where the margin for error is razor-thin, postseason results are what ultimately define a coach’s legacy. If Ohio State cannot make a strong postseason run this year, it may be time for a change, even if it feels premature.
