As Ohio State gears up for another College Football Playoff run, the spotlight shifts back to a familiar face in a familiar role: Ryan Day, once again calling plays for the Buckeyes' offense. After a Big Ten Championship loss to Indiana-a game where the offense looked just a tick off-there’s been chatter about distractions, particularly surrounding Brian Hartline’s new head coaching job at South Florida. But with Hartline staying on through the Playoff and Day stepping back into the play-calling seat, the Buckeyes are putting their offense in the hands of someone who knows it better than anyone.
Let’s be clear: this isn’t a panic move. It’s a calculated decision by a head coach who’s been here before and knows exactly what it takes to win at the highest level.
Day isn’t just assuming control-he’s making a statement. He’s not delegating the keys to the offense anymore.
He’s behind the wheel, and he’s driving with purpose.
This version of Ryan Day isn’t the same one who faced questions about conservative decisions in past postseason games. He’s evolved.
He’s more aggressive, more confident, and more willing to lean into the strengths of his roster. And let’s not forget, this is a roster loaded with elite talent.
Julian Sayin, Jeremiah Smith, Carnell Tate-these aren’t just names, they’re difference-makers. They’re the kind of players who can flip a game with a single snap, and Day knows exactly how to put them in positions to do just that.
That’s not to take anything away from Hartline. In his first year as the Buckeyes’ offensive play-caller, he did a commendable job, helping guide the offense through a tough, competitive Big Ten slate.
But this move isn’t about replacing Hartline-it’s about Day taking full ownership. If things go south, he wants the responsibility squarely on his shoulders.
And if Ohio State goes the distance and repeats as national champions? Then Day earns every bit of the credit that comes with it.
There’s precedent here. Look back to last year’s Playoff run.
Day was more involved in the offensive game plan, working closely with Chip Kelly. The result?
The Buckeyes’ stars shined brightest when it mattered most. That’s not a coincidence.
That’s a head coach knowing when to take control and trusting his instincts.
And the track record speaks for itself. Under Day’s leadership, Ohio State’s offense has been one of the most explosive units in college football.
Think back to the 2019 win in Ann Arbor, the Rose Bowl thriller against Utah, or the fireworks during the Justin Fields and C.J. Stroud eras.
Those teams didn’t just win-they overwhelmed opponents with an offensive engine that rarely sputtered.
So yes, the offense stumbled against Indiana. But with Day back at the controls, the Buckeyes are leaning into what they do best: letting elite talent play fast, free, and fearless. This isn’t a team searching for answers-it’s a team tightening the screws, sharpening the edges, and preparing to unleash a full-throttle attack on college football’s biggest stage.
It all falls on Ryan Day now. And for Ohio State, that might be the best-case scenario.