Ryan Day, Ohio State Turn the Page from Michigan Win to Big Ten Title Showdown with Indiana
Coming off a rivalry win that will be remembered in Columbus for years, Ryan Day is already steering Ohio State’s focus toward the next challenge: the Big Ten Championship Game against Indiana. In his second press conference since the Buckeyes toppled Michigan, Day made it clear - the celebration is over. It’s time to get back to work.
“We’re going to Indy to win the game,” Day said. “Great opponent. It’s been a long time since we’ve been there - too long.”
That “too long” is telling. For a program with Ohio State’s pedigree, missing out on the Big Ten title game has felt like a drought. Now, with a shot at the conference crown and a potential No. 1 seed in the College Football Playoff on the line, the Buckeyes are locked in.
Offensive Line Sets the Tone
Day didn’t hesitate to praise the offensive line’s performance in The Game, calling it their best outing of the season - and one they’d been building toward.
“That was the goal of the lead-up: to play our best game,” he said. “I think they did that.
You guys saw it. That’s what they’re capable of.”
It was a physical, disciplined showing up front, and it gave quarterback Julian Sayin the platform he needed to settle in after a rocky start.
Julian Sayin Shows Grit in Rivalry Debut
Sayin, making his first start in The Game - and his first ever in the snow - had every reason to fold early. His first or second throw was picked off. But instead of unraveling, he responded like a veteran.
“The way he played from there on out was special to me,” Day said. “He’s very methodical.
Doesn’t panic. Sees the field, gets the ball out quick.
The guys believe in him.”
Day also highlighted Sayin’s command of the huddle and his pre-snap routine, comparing his football IQ to former Buckeye quarterback Will Howard.
Bo Jackson’s Breakout Moment
Running back Bo Jackson stepped into the spotlight against Michigan as well. What stood out to Day wasn’t just Jackson’s production - it was how much he handled in a high-pressure environment.
“To me, it was the workload he managed in that game,” Day said. “He handled it.”
It’s clear the Buckeyes trust Jackson in big moments, and his performance may have earned him a larger role moving forward.
Respect for Indiana, and for Curt Cignetti
As the Buckeyes gear up for the Big Ten title game, Day made it clear that Indiana isn’t just a stepping stone. He spoke highly of the Hoosiers and new head coach Curt Cignetti.
“Indiana plays really hard. They’re well-coached,” Day said. “I have a lot of respect for what he’s put on the field and what he’s done.”
He also pointed to quarterback Fernando Mendoza as a player the Buckeyes have to be ready for.
“Very accurate. Sneaky athletic,” Day noted.
“He makes plays with his feet. Smart, situational player.”
Defending the RPO
One of the key matchups to watch in Indianapolis will be Ohio State’s defense against Indiana’s RPO-heavy offense. Day stressed the importance of discipline on defense, especially when it comes to limiting explosive plays.
“They’re going to run a lot of RPOs,” he said. “We’ve got to be disciplined. Can’t give up big plays.”
Preparing for Anything - Including Headset Failures
In a quirky but telling moment, Day revealed that Ohio State had a contingency plan in place in case headset communication went down during the Michigan game - which, as it turns out, it did.
“We lost communication in the second half,” he said. “But we were ready.
We had wristbands, we brought Julian over to the sideline. We had a plan.”
Day said he had a feeling earlier in the week that something might happen, and while some staffers looked at him sideways for preparing for the worst, the foresight paid off.
“You just got to be ready for anything,” he said with a wink.
On Discipline and Accountability
Day also addressed the unsportsmanlike conduct penalty Davison Igbinosun picked up after his interception against Michigan. While he gave Igbinosun a pass for the celebration - this time - he made it clear that the leash is short moving forward.
“No more passes,” Day said. “We had to run an extra sprint on Sunday for it, but the guys were happy to do it. They understood the moment.”
C.J. Hicks Back in the Mix
Linebacker C.J. Hicks is set to return, and Day noted the staff is working to figure out where he fits into the rotation. Hicks is eligible to play in the postseason without burning his redshirt, giving Ohio State another athletic piece on defense.
A Heisman-Worthy Roster?
When asked to pick between Julian Sayin and receiver Jeremiah Smith as Ohio State’s top Heisman candidate, Day didn’t take the bait.
“I’d vote for ‘em both,” he said with a smile. “Carnell [Tate] too.
Caleb Downs. Arvell Reese.
I could go on and on.”
It was a nod to the depth and talent on this Buckeyes roster - and a reminder that this team isn’t built around just one star.
Why the Big Ten Championship Still Matters
For all the national attention on the College Football Playoff, Day emphasized that winning the Big Ten still carries weight inside the Woody Hayes Athletic Center.
“These guys haven’t been there. They haven’t played in this game before,” Day said.
“It’s an electric atmosphere. It’s a great venue.
This was on the list of our goals every year.”
Now, with the rivalry win in the rearview mirror, Ohio State has a chance to check another box - and potentially punch its ticket as the top seed in the playoff.
There’s a lot at stake in Indy. But for Day and the Buckeyes, the mission is simple: win the game, and everything else will take care of itself.