Ryan Day Reclaims Play-Calling Duties as Ohio State Eyes CFP Run
As the College Football Playoff looms, Ohio State is making a significant shift on the offensive side of the ball. Head coach Ryan Day has officially taken back play-calling responsibilities, a move that signals both urgency and intent as the Buckeyes prepare for a high-stakes postseason run.
The decision comes on the heels of a frustrating performance in the Big Ten Championship Game against Indiana-a game where Ohio State’s red zone offense stalled repeatedly. Despite outgaining the Hoosiers and controlling large stretches of the game, the Buckeyes couldn’t finish drives, ultimately costing them a shot at the conference crown. That inefficiency inside the 20 has been a recurring theme all season, and Day has decided it’s time for a change.
Red Zone Woes Prompt a Shift
Throughout the year, Ohio State’s offense has had moments of brilliance, but when the field shortens, the playbook has seemed to shrink with it. The inability to punch it in when it matters most has been a sore spot, and it came to a head against Indiana. That game may have been the final straw.
Brian Hartline, the Buckeyes’ offensive coordinator, had been calling plays this season. But with his upcoming move to take over as head coach at USF, questions have swirled about how fully he can commit to Ohio State’s title push. While Day publicly defended Hartline, the decision to reclaim the headset speaks volumes.
Day emphasized that the offensive game planning will still be collaborative, but make no mistake-he’s the one calling the shots now. It’s a return to a role he hasn’t held since the 2023 season, when he handed off play-calling duties to Chip Kelly after bringing him in as offensive coordinator.
A Familiar Voice Returns
Day has always been known for his offensive mind. His background as a play-caller helped build Ohio State into one of the most explosive offenses in college football during his early years at the helm.
But stepping away from those duties was supposed to allow him to take a broader view of the program. Now, with the stakes at their highest, he’s stepping back into the fire.
Whether this move sparks a turnaround in the red zone remains to be seen. Day has had his own ups and downs as a play-caller, and this isn’t a magic fix. But it does inject a sense of urgency and accountability into the offense-two things the Buckeyes will need in spades if they’re going to make a serious run through the CFP.
Locked In on the Task Ahead
Despite the turbulence, confidence inside the Ohio State locker room remains high. This is still one of the most talented rosters in the country, stacked with elite playmakers on both sides of the ball. The Buckeyes believe they can beat anyone in the field-including a tough Miami team up first and, potentially, a rematch with Indiana down the line.
The message from Day is clear: it’s time to tighten things up and get back to the fundamentals that made this team a national contender. With the CFP just around the corner, the Buckeyes are betting that returning to their head coach’s offensive roots will be the spark they need.
Ohio State doesn’t need to reinvent the wheel-they just need to finish what they start. And now, with Day back in control of the offense, the Buckeyes are hoping the next drive into the red zone ends with six points, not second guesses.