Ryan Day’s tenure as head coach of Ohio State football has been filled with both remarkable success and an unyielding amount of pressure. The Ohio State Buckeyes, one of college football’s most storied programs, have always been expected to contend for national championships year in and year out. So when Day took over the reins from Urban Meyer in 2019, the expectations were clear: lead the program to glory, continue its national prominence, and bring home a national title. The fact that Day has accomplished much of this while under constant scrutiny only adds to the complexity of his situation.
In a world where college football fans and media alike are quick to forget the details and only focus on what’s missing, Ryan Day has been tasked with achieving what only a few programs in the country can even dream of. Under Day’s leadership, Ohio State has maintained its place among the elite, making four College Football Playoff (CFP) appearances in six years and playing in two national title games. While these accomplishments are undoubtedly impressive, they have, unfortunately, been overshadowed by a fourth consecutive loss to Michigan and another missed Big Ten championship. Despite all that, Day’s record—both in terms of win percentage and his success relative to the past Ohio State coaching legends—demonstrates that he deserves recognition and praise for his work. But the reality remains: his critics are still calling for more.
A Legacy of Consistency
Ryan Day took over as head coach at Ohio State after Urban Meyer’s retirement following the 2018 season. Meyer, one of the most successful coaches in college football history, left behind a program that was among the best in the nation. Day stepped into the role with a challenging task: maintain the Buckeyes’ elite status while filling Meyer’s giant shoes. Yet, Day did more than maintain—it can be argued that he improved Ohio State’s football program in some important areas. Under Day, Ohio State has been a consistent contender for the national championship every year, which is a testament to his ability to build and sustain a powerhouse.
In his first year as head coach (2019), Day guided Ohio State to a 13-1 record, the Big Ten championship, and an appearance in the College Football Playoff. The only blemish on that season came in the form of a heart-wrenching loss to Clemson in the CFP semifinals, a game that many Buckeye fans still debate due to controversial officiating calls. Despite that defeat, it was clear that Day had inherited a high-quality program and that he was more than capable of keeping it at the elite level.
The following seasons only reinforced this notion. In 2020, Day’s team finished 7-1, capturing another Big Ten title, and once again making the CFP. While the Buckeyes fell short in the title game against Alabama, it was a season filled with unique challenges due to the pandemic. The circumstances made it even more impressive that Day was able to keep the program functioning at a high level, competing for a championship during such a turbulent time in college football.
By 2021, Day had solidified his place as one of the top coaches in college football. Ohio State finished the season with an 11-2 record, despite losing to Michigan in a rivalry game that set the Buckeyes back. Nevertheless, Day and his program had continued to show resilience and the ability to bounce back. This was evident in their high-powered offense and the strong recruiting classes that were consistently bringing in top-tier talent.
However, it was 2022 when Day faced his most significant scrutiny. A second consecutive loss to Michigan, this time on home turf, was enough to ignite criticism from parts of the fanbase who had begun to expect more. Losing to Michigan four straight times has undoubtedly been a blow to Day’s legacy, especially given the high expectations surrounding the rivalry. For Ohio State fans, the rivalry with Michigan is as much about pride as it is about championships, and a lack of victories over their biggest rival has led to doubts about Day’s ability to lead the program back to its full potential.
Nonetheless, Day’s overall resume still stands as a testament to his excellence. While missing out on the Big Ten title and suffering back-to-back losses to Michigan stung, Day’s ability to reach the College Football Playoff year after year cannot be understated. A program like Ohio State, with its resources, history, and expectations, requires a coach who can navigate through the highs and lows of a grueling season, and Day has shown time and time again that he can do just that.
Day vs. Meyer and Tressel: A Comparative Legacy
One of the most telling comparisons of Ryan Day’s tenure is to previous Ohio State coaches Jim Tressel and Urban Meyer. Both of these men built incredible legacies at Ohio State, and their successes are measured in national titles. Meyer, in particular, helped the Buckeyes win a national championship in 2014, while Tressel’s tenure was marked by a national title in 2002, along with an unmatched level of consistency.
But when comparing Day to both Meyer and Tressel in terms of win percentage, Day’s numbers tell a compelling story. As of the 2024 season, Day’s win percentage surpasses that of Tressel during the same period, and his SP+ (a performance rating metric developed by ESPN) rating exceeds that of Meyer. These statistics show that Day has been able to maintain Ohio State’s elite status in a very competitive environment, and his teams have consistently performed at a high level. His ability to recruit, develop talent, and adapt his coaching strategies to modern football trends has made Ohio State a perennial powerhouse.
Furthermore, Ryan Day has adapted to the evolving nature of college football, particularly with the growing prominence of the passing game. Day has implemented an offensive philosophy that suits today’s fast-paced, high-scoring football environment. While Tressel was known for his “smash-mouth” style and Meyer was revered for his spread offense, Day has taken Ohio State’s offense to new heights with elite quarterbacks, explosive wide receivers, and a creative approach to offensive scheming.
When it comes to overall consistency, Day’s teams have been in the hunt for a national title every year, often dominating the Big Ten and securing a place in the College Football Playoff. This continued excellence is something both Tressel and Meyer were known for, but Day’s ability to remain among the elite programs despite the increasing challenges of the modern college football landscape is a testament to his coaching prowess.
The Unrelenting Pressure of Expectations
While Day’s resume is filled with accomplishments, the pressure to win a national championship remains at the forefront of his tenure. In a program like Ohio State, where championship aspirations are not just encouraged but demanded, a coach’s success is often defined by the ultimate prize—a national title. This is where the criticism of Day has been most pronounced. Despite his impressive record, including multiple appearances in the CFP, some fans and analysts argue that his inability to win the final game of the season is a failure. The fourth consecutive loss to Michigan in 2022 seemed to push the fanbase to a breaking point. Ohio State fans, some of the most passionate in the country, have grown weary of coming so close but falling short.
It’s important to recognize that the landscape of college football has changed. While the Buckeyes have been able to reach the CFP year after year, winning a national title is no longer a simple task. The playoff format itself is filled with challenges, with programs like Alabama, Georgia, Clemson, and others vying for the same prize. The increased competition and the unpredictable nature of a single-elimination format make winning a national championship an incredibly difficult feat. And yet, Day’s teams have managed to consistently put themselves in a position to compete for the title, something few coaches can claim.
Ryan Day’s Future at Ohio State
So, should Ryan Day’s future at Ohio State be in question? In many ways, no. Day has already proven himself to be one of the top coaches in the country, and his continued success at the helm of the program cannot be overlooked. His ability to recruit top-tier talent, maintain an elite program, and adapt to changing trends in college football is a testament to his coaching acumen. The fact that Ohio State has reached four CFP appearances in six years, played in two national title games, and consistently dominated the Big Ten under Day speaks volumes about his capabilities.
The calls for Day’s job security seem to miss the bigger picture. His record, his ability to develop players, and the success he’s achieved in a highly competitive environment should be celebrated. Ohio State fans need to remember that coaching at a program like Ohio State is about more than just winning a national title—it’s about maintaining excellence year after year, putting together competitive teams, and setting the foundation for future success. Day has done all of that.
In conclusion, Ryan Day has done more than enough to prove himself as the right coach for Ohio State. The criticisms surrounding his inability to win a national title should be viewed in the proper context. Ohio State’s success under Day has been unparalleled in many respects, and while the national championship has remained elusive, it’s important to recognize the incredible body of work that has been accomplished. Ryan Day deserves to be appreciated for his accomplishments, not just judged by what’s missing from his résumé.
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