Just a year removed from hoisting the national championship trophy, Ryan Day finds himself at a critical crossroads in Columbus. That 2024 title etched his name into Ohio State lore - one of just five coaches to ever lead the Buckeyes to the mountaintop. It was a legacy-defining moment, the kind that cements a coach’s place in program history.
But as any Buckeye fan will tell you, beating That Team Up North still carries weight that a trophy alone can’t erase. While this past season’s win over Michigan was a much-needed step in the right direction, Day’s record in The Game still tilts in the wrong direction. And in Columbus, that rivalry isn’t just another game - it’s the measuring stick.
Now, Day’s next move could be just as defining as that championship run. With the offensive coordinator position still vacant more than a month after it opened, all eyes are on who he brings in to take the reins of the Buckeye offense. This isn’t just about filling a role - it’s about shaping the future of Ohio State football.
From everything we’ve seen, Day appears to be targeting someone from the NFL ranks. There’s been no buzz around college names, no whispers of up-and-comers from the Power Five or Group of Five. That tells us he likely has a pro-level mind in his sights - someone who can bring a fresh perspective, perhaps even a schematic edge that can elevate the Buckeyes’ offensive identity.
And let’s be honest - the offense needs a spark. Despite the immense talent on the roster, Ohio State struggled to finish drives this season, especially in the red zone.
That inefficiency was a recurring theme and a key reason why the Buckeyes fell short of repeating as national champs. The offensive line also had its share of issues, particularly in high-leverage moments.
The next OC will need to address those problems head-on.
This hire isn’t just about Xs and Os - it’s about trajectory. Nail it, and Ohio State is right back in the national title conversation next season.
Miss, and the Buckeyes risk slipping behind the surging powers of a newly expanded Big Ten. With programs like Michigan, Penn State, and now Oregon and Washington all in the mix, there’s no margin for error.
Ryan Day knows that. That’s likely why he’s taking his time.
This isn’t a decision you rush. It’s the kind of hire that could either solidify his status as one of the greats or leave him in the “what could’ve been” category.
The stakes are high, but so is the upside. The right offensive mind could be the final piece to another championship puzzle.
For now, the Buckeye faithful wait. And if Day gets this right, they won’t be waiting long to see Ohio State back in the playoff spotlight.