Head coach Ryan Day stands alongside Buckeye players following No. 2 Ohio State’s 13-10 loss to Michigan on Saturday at Ohio Stadium. Credit: Carly Damon | Asst. Photo Editor
In the playoffs, head coach Ryan Day has more to lose than just a game.
One of the most important parts of the head coaching job in college football is setting the program standard and living up to that every Saturday — something Day and his players have not been shy about discussing.
Every year, the Buckeyes’ goals remain consistent: beat Michigan, win the Big Ten Championship and win the National Championship.
In the past four seasons, Ohio State has achieved none of these goals, despite arguably having the most talented roster in the Big Ten.
If the Buckeyes bow out early in the new 12-team playoff, Day’s job status should be evaluated by the same standard he has designated for his program.
Ohio State’s 2021 recruiting class was ranked No. 2 in the nation, according to 247 Sports, and included stars like defensive ends Jack Sawyer and J.T. Tuimoloau, just two of the class’ six total recruits.
The class also featured lineman Donovan Jackson, wide receiver Emeka Egbuka and running back TreVeyon Henderson, all of who were top-11 recruits and returned for their senior years in 2024.
Those distinguished players and many other seniors will leave Ohio State with no gold pants and no Big Ten Championships.
Luckily for these athletes and their fellow Buckeyes, the expanded 12-team playoff presents Ohio State with an opportunity to salvage their season, as well as for Day to save his coveted position.
Though, in order for Day to remain as Ohio State’s head coach, the Buckeyes must first grasp this chance to compete for a national championship in the new playoff format.
At the very least, Ohio State must win its first-round matchup in the College Football Playoffs for Day to retain his role. If he loses, he will likely be ousted as the Buckeyes’ coach.
Day has a chance to secure another year with Ohio State if he makes a decent run, but that remains to be seen.
In 2024, Day was 2-1 against top-five teams with notable wins against Indiana and Penn State, but nevertheless committed a grave offense in losing to Michigan.
The Wolverines lacked their top performers on both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball in tight end Colston Loveland and cornerback Will Johnson.
Michigan went into “The Game” with a 6-5 record and just five returning starters from last season, showcasing a roster that absolutely should not have defeated Ohio State.
Some of the Buckeye faithful are now calling for Day’s firing, as he and offensive coordinator Chip Kelly demonstrated an inability to get the run game going due to passive play calling.
With frustration boiling over, Day must take advantage of possibly the best roster he’s ever had at Ohio State.
All in all, Day will be in the hot seat at Ohio State until further notice. He may live to survive another year by finding playoff success, but his job security faces real jeopardy until he gets over the hump that is Michigan.
