Throughout his tenure at Ohio State, head coach Ryan Day has experienced both triumph and scrutiny. With a career record of 70-10, Day has led his team to numerous victories, yet the pressure to perform in high-stakes situations has often overshadowed his accomplishments. This season, however, marked a significant turning point as he celebrated his first national championship, a moment that allowed him to reflect on the journey and the lessons learned along the way.
Finding Joy Beyond the Game
After the exhilarating victory in the national championship, Day emphasized the importance of finding happiness outside of just on-field results. “If you define your happiness by the results, then you can find yourself focusing on those things,” he explained. “I don’t. I’m just as proud of this team no matter what happened. But now the best thing is, again, you get to hear about these guys for the history of college football, and these guys get to go back to the Woody and put their arm around their wife and their kids and say, look what dad did. To me, that’s all that matters because that’s why you get into coaching.”
Day’s perspective is refreshing in a world where success is often measured solely by wins and losses. He believes that the essence of coaching lies in helping young men achieve their dreams and goals, not just in hoisting trophies. This philosophy resonates deeply with his players and staff, fostering an environment where personal growth is valued as much as athletic achievement.
Overcoming Adversity
Reflecting on the challenges faced during his time at Ohio State, Day acknowledged the criticism he has received for not winning more, particularly in high-profile games. The four-game losing streak to Michigan loomed large over his early years as head coach. Yet, he remains undeterred. “When that’s your focus, then you wake up and you realize that as awful as some things can happen during the season, you look at those as opportunities,” Day stated. “And now you get to tell an unbelievable story behind it. That’s exactly what life is all about.”
This season, Day and his team transformed adversity into a powerful narrative. The joy and elation in the locker room after their national championship victory were palpable. “Nothing great was ever achieved without going through adversity along the way. That’s what makes this team special,” he added, highlighting the resilience that defines his squad.
A Historic College Football Playoff Run
As Ohio State embarked on their College Football Playoff journey, Day couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride. The Buckeyes finished the 2024-25 season with an impressive record of 14-2, culminating in four playoff victories. “Not only that, I think it’s easy to say — or not easy to say, I guess, but can be argued that this was the best run in the history of college football,” Day said, reflecting on the remarkable achievements of his team.
The path to the championship was anything but easy. The Buckeyes faced formidable opponents, including a home game against a strong Tennessee team, a thrilling victory over the top-ranked Oregon at the Rose Bowl, and a challenging road game against Texas. “And then play a really good Notre Dame team like this, I think in the history of college football, I don’t think there’s been Top 5 wins like that. All things that we’re very proud of,” Day noted.
The Legacy of a Champion
Winning the national championship not only solidified Day’s legacy as a coach but also created lasting memories for his players. The opportunity for them to return to the Woody Hayes Athletic Center and share their accomplishments with family is a testament to the impact of their hard work and dedication. “That’s why you get into coaching. It isn’t to hoist trophies or make big contracts or anything like that,” Day reiterated.
As he looks back on the season, Day understands that the journey is just as important as the destination. The bonds formed, the lessons learned, and the growth experienced by his players are what truly matter. “Just the feeling of seeing our guys and the elation in the locker room, the euphoria, everything about it makes it all worth it,” he said, encapsulating the spirit of college football.
Looking Ahead
With the national championship now under his belt, Ryan Day is poised to continue building on this success. The challenge of maintaining excellence in college football is ever-present, but with a strong foundation and a clear vision, he is ready to face whatever comes next. The future looks bright for Ohio State, and Day’s commitment to his players and their development will undoubtedly shape the next generation of Buckeye football.
In the world of college football, where the stakes are high and the pressure is relentless, Ryan Day has proven that true success is measured not just by trophies, but by the lives he touches and the dreams he helps fulfill. As he embarks on the next chapter of his coaching career, one thing is clear: the legacy of this season will resonate for years to come, both on and off the field.
