When Ryan Day took the helm as the Buckeyes’ head coach in December 2018, he was well aware of the high expectations that came with the job. And, by most measures, he's certainly met them. The Buckeyes have clinched a National Championship, made five College Football Playoff appearances, competed for the national title twice, triumphed over Michigan in Ann Arbor twice, and secured two Big Ten championships while contending for a third.
However, the way last season concluded has left many wondering about Ryan Day’s current standing among Buckeyes fans. The season ended unexpectedly with Ohio State dropping the Big Ten Championship to Indiana and then falling to Miami in the CFP Quarterfinals. While those teams battled for a national championship, the Buckeyes have yet to take the field in 2026.
Drawing parallels to the Kentucky Wildcats Basketball program, where expectations are perpetually sky-high, we see a similar narrative. Fans expect Kentucky to reach the Final Four and clinch the national title annually. With a No. 9 preseason ranking, the Wildcats' season hasn't met these lofty goals, leading to discontent among fans and pressure on head coach Mark Pope.
For both programs, the expectations are rooted in a legacy of success. Winning is the ultimate remedy, but falling short often leads to criticism, regardless of past accomplishments.
Ryan Day earned significant praise when Ohio State captured the national championship in 2024, followed by an undefeated regular season. Yet, the recent loss to Miami has rekindled discussions about Day's performance in high-stakes games. The Buckeyes were outplayed by both Indiana and Miami, echoing past losses to teams like Clemson, Oregon, Alabama, Georgia, and Michigan.
The spotlight now intensifies as Ohio State prepares for The Game in 2026. Day has yet to defeat Michigan at home, standing at 0-2. Another home loss to Michigan could provoke a strong reaction from fans, with expectations as high as ever.
Failing to beat Michigan or compete for a Big Ten Championship could overshadow the 2024 National Championship. In the world of college football, it's all about recent achievements.
The Buckeyes are coming off a lackluster 2025, and there's no denying it. The goal at Ohio State remains a national championship.
Despite increasing parity in college football, elite programs like Ohio State continue to dominate. Talent and fan support are constants, but at Ohio State, winning is paramount. Ryan Day has delivered victories, but the two consecutive losses to end last season are significant.
Since 2020, the Buckeyes haven't claimed the Big Ten title, nor have they beaten Michigan at home since 2018. These factors weigh heavily on Day's approval rating at Ohio State. How he navigates these challenges will be crucial moving forward.