In the wake of Ohio State’s crushing defeat to Michigan, Urban Meyer, the former head coach of the Buckeyes, has raised serious concerns about the state of the program, calling out what he believes is “criminal” behavior. This bold statement comes after Ohio State’s 30-24 loss in The Game, a rivalry matchup that has long been one of the most anticipated and heated contests in college football. Meyer’s critique isn’t just about the loss itself, but about what he perceives as deeper systemic issues within the program that could jeopardize its future success.
Meyer, who coached Ohio State from 2012 to 2018 and led the team to a national championship in 2014, has a unique perspective on the inner workings of the Buckeyes’ football program. His frustration seems to stem from the performance of the team in crucial moments of the game, particularly in areas like discipline, preparation, and leadership. According to Meyer, Ohio State’s loss wasn’t just a matter of Michigan outplaying them on the field—it was a matter of the Buckeyes failing to hold up their end of the bargain off it.
The term “criminal” might seem harsh, but Meyer used it to describe a broader issue: the lack of accountability and focus that he believes is seeping into the Ohio State locker room. He pointed specifically to the team’s mental preparation, the absence of strong leadership on the field, and what he sees as a failure to execute under pressure. “This is Ohio State we’re talking about,” Meyer emphasized. “There’s no excuse for a team this talented to crumble like this when it matters most.”
One of Meyer’s primary concerns is the level of discipline within the program. For years, Ohio State has been a powerhouse with a history of winning and maintaining a culture of accountability. However, Meyer suggested that recent issues, such as missed assignments and sloppy play, are indicative of something much more troubling—an erosion of the standards that have long been the bedrock of the program’s success. He referred to this lack of discipline as “criminal” because it reflects poorly on the legacy of the program and the expectations that come with being a top-tier college football team.
Leadership—or the lack thereof—was another key point of Meyer’s criticism. While Ohio State has seen incredible individual talent in recent years, Meyer suggested that leadership within the locker room and on the field has been lacking. A team that fails to execute, especially in big moments, often lacks strong, decisive leadership. Meyer pointed out that in his years at Ohio State, strong captains and vocal leaders were essential in guiding the team through adversity, and that quality seems to be missing at a time when it’s most needed.
Meyer also seemed to take issue with the overall program management. Although Ohio State is consistently ranked among the best teams in the country, Meyer expressed concern that the Buckeyes have been losing their edge in high-stakes situations. Whether it’s poor game planning or failing to make adjustments during the game, Meyer believes that Ohio State’s coaching staff must take a hard look at their preparation methods moving forward.
The loss to Michigan, coupled with Meyer’s harsh criticism, raises significant questions about the direction of Ohio State football under head coach Ryan Day. Day, who succeeded Meyer in 2019, has experienced success during his tenure but is now under pressure to answer for the team’s failure to defeat Michigan in back-to-back seasons. The rivalry, which has defined Ohio State’s football culture for decades, now looms even larger as Day faces mounting scrutiny.
Meyer’s comments have set the stage for what could be a challenging offseason for Ohio State. With expectations at an all-time high and pressure mounting from fans, the program must confront the issues that have been exposed by this loss. For Ohio State to return to its championship-caliber form, both the coaching staff and players will need to reflect, rebuild, and restore the discipline and leadership that have historically made the Buckeyes a dominant force in college football.
