Ohio State’s Stunning NFL Victory: How Ryan Day Silenced Michigan and Took Over the Draft Spotlight
For years, Michigan and Ohio State have been locked in one of college football’s fiercest rivalries, trading blows on the field and in recruiting wars. But in a shocking twist, the Buckeyes have just delivered a knockout punch where it matters most—the NFL Draft stage. With the latest combine invitations rolling in, Ohio State has officially dethroned Michigan as the top program feeding talent to the pros.
And for Ryan Day, this is more than just a win—it’s personal.
Ryan Day’s Revenge: Ohio State Crushes Michigan’s Draft Hopes
Let’s rewind to 2021, when then-Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh famously quipped:
“Sometimes people standing on third base think they hit a triple, but they didn’t.”
That was a direct shot at Ryan Day, who had inherited a juggernaut of a Buckeyes program but struggled to beat Michigan when it mattered most. Harbaugh’s words stung, and after a brutal losing streak to the Wolverines, Day’s legacy was starting to take a hit.
Fast forward to 2024. Harbaugh has bolted for the NFL, leaving Michigan basking in the glory of a national championship win. It seemed, for a moment, like Michigan had officially overtaken Ohio State as the premier football factory. The Wolverines sent a record-breaking 18 players to the NFL Combine, signaling a seismic shift in power.
But Ryan Day wasn’t about to let that narrative stick.
In a stunning reversal, Ohio State has stormed back with 15 combine invitees, knocking Michigan off its perch and reclaiming its place as a powerhouse pipeline to the pros. The message is loud and clear—when it comes to preparing players for the NFL, Columbus is king once again.
The Buckeyes Leave Michigan (and Alabama) in the Dust
For years, Alabama under Nick Saban was the undisputed leader in churning out top-tier NFL talent. Then Michigan stormed onto the scene, riding the momentum of Harbaugh’s final season to steal the spotlight.
Now? A new era has begun.
Ohio State stands tall with 15 combine participants, while Michigan and Alabama have shockingly fallen out of the top tier. Instead, Georgia and Texas have joined OSU at the top of the food chain, each sending 14 players to the combine.
- Georgia remains a dominant force, continuing to flood the NFL with elite defenders and playmakers. Just ask the Philadelphia Eagles, whose Super Bowl-winning defensive line was stacked with former Bulldogs.
- Texas has officially arrived as a recruiting and development powerhouse under Steve Sarkisian. Despite falling to Ohio State in the Orange Bowl, the Longhorns are proving they can compete with the best when it comes to NFL-ready talent.
The surprises don’t stop there.
- Oregon is making waves with 12 players heading to Indianapolis—another sign that the Pac-12’s exodus might not mean the end of its football relevance.
- South Carolina has sent 11 players, shockingly outpacing Alabama.
- Ole Miss and Miami round out the list with 10 invitees each, cementing their status as legitimate talent hubs.
For Ohio State fans, the math is simple: their program isn’t just back—it never really left.
The Will Howard Experiment: Ohio State’s Biggest NFL Wild Card
While the Buckeyes are celebrating their NFL dominance, one name stands out as a make-or-break story: Will Howard.
The former Kansas State quarterback took a massive gamble by entering the transfer portal, knowing that his NFL future was on the line. If he flopped at Ohio State, his draft stock would plummet. But instead, he delivered a season for the ages, proving to be the missing piece in the Buckeyes’ championship puzzle.
Howard’s rise was nothing short of cinematic.
- He showcased elite arm strength, threading impossible passes under pressure.
- He delivered clutch performances, proving he could handle the biggest moments.
- His final throw in the National Championship game was a masterclass in poise and precision, cementing his legacy at Ohio State.
Yet, despite his Cinderella story, Howard remains a polarizing NFL prospect.
The Big Questions: Is Will Howard a First-Rounder or a Bust Waiting to Happen?
For all his success, scouts still have concerns about Howard’s game.
- Unorthodox throwing mechanics – His release isn’t as clean as top QB prospects, raising concerns about consistency.
- Accuracy and pocket presence – While improved, he still struggles with post-snap adjustments.
- Limited mobility – Unlike today’s elite dual-threat quarterbacks, Howard isn’t a natural scrambler.
The NFL Combine will be his ultimate test. If he shines in drills and interviews, he could skyrocket up draft boards. But if he stumbles, his draft stock could take a hit—just like past Ohio State QBs who failed to live up to the hype at the next level.
Ohio State’s Message to Michigan: “You’re Not That Guy”
For Ryan Day, the real victory isn’t just about individual players—it’s about sending a message to Michigan and every other team that doubted him.
Yes, Michigan won the National Championship. Yes, Harbaugh got the last laugh on the field. But when it comes to NFL development—the real measure of a college program’s dominance—Ohio State has taken back the crown.
As the Buckeyes send 15 players to the combine and prepare for another title run, the rivalry with Michigan has entered a new chapter. And this time, it’s Ohio State fans who are grinning.
Because when the NFL comes calling, Columbus—not Ann Arbor—is where the best of the best are born.
