Ryan Day Preps Buckeyes for Big Ten Title Clash with Indiana: “They’re Tough, They’re Talented”
As Ohio State gears up for a high-stakes Big Ten Championship showdown against No. 2 Indiana, head coach Ryan Day met with the media Tuesday at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center to break down what’s ahead-and reflect on what just happened.
Fresh off a gritty win over Michigan, Day didn’t waste time shifting focus to the Hoosiers. And make no mistake: he’s not taking Indiana lightly.
With Curt Cignetti at the helm and quarterback Fernando Mendoza leading the charge, this Indiana team isn’t just a feel-good story-they’re a real threat. Day praised their toughness, their talent, and the edge they’ve played with all season.
“This is a well-coached group,” Day said, pointing to Indiana’s physicality and discipline. “They’ve earned their way here.”
Cignetti’s squad has turned heads with a blend of aggressive defense and steady quarterback play, and Mendoza has been at the center of it. Day made it clear that Ohio State’s defense will need to be sharp, fast, and ready for a battle.
But before fully diving into championship prep, Day took a moment to look back at the win over Michigan-a rivalry game that always carries weight, but this year, had even more riding on it. One interesting wrinkle?
Ohio State had contingency plans in place in case their wireless communications went sideways in the Big House. It didn’t, but the Buckeyes weren’t leaving anything to chance.
“That’s just part of being prepared,” Day said. “You’ve got to expect the unexpected.”
As for the roster heading into Saturday’s title game, Day confirmed that standout wide receivers Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate are healthy and expected to be full participants in practice this week. That’s a big boost for a Buckeyes offense that’s finding its rhythm at the right time.
With a conference crown on the line and the College Football Playoff picture looming, this week is all about execution. Day’s message? Respect the opponent, trust the preparation, and bring the intensity.
Ohio State knows what’s at stake. And if Tuesday’s press conference is any indication, Ryan Day and his team are locked in.