In the unforgiving, headline-hungry world of college football, few names command as much attention — and scrutiny — as Ohio State’s head coach, Ryan Day. He’s a man who inherited one of the sport’s crown jewels and didn’t just keep the Buckeye machine humming — he supercharged it. And yet, despite a trophy case that would make most programs green with envy and a résumé shimmering with win after win, there’s one elusive achievement that continues to cast a shadow over Day’s legacy.
The New Sheriff in Columbus
When Ryan Day first took the reins at Ohio State, many wondered if he could maintain the ruthless efficiency Urban Meyer built into the program. Not only did Day answer that question with a resounding yes, he upped the ante. In just six full seasons at the helm, Day has amassed a jaw-dropping 70-10 record. To put that into perspective: the man’s worst season featured just two losses — a standard most blue-blood programs would sacrifice a mascot for.
And yet, in the land of scarlet and gray, excellence isn’t a suggestion. It’s an expectation. And while Day has delivered consistency, dominance, and one glittering national championship, there’s one name he can’t seem to shake: Kirby Smart.
The Rankings That Stirred the Pot
In CBS Sports’ latest ranking of the top head coaches in college football, Ryan Day finds himself perched at No. 2 — trailing only Georgia’s battle-hardened, ring-stacking mastermind, Kirby Smart. The pair’s last high-stakes encounter came in a nerve-shredding College Football Playoff clash, where a missed field goal as time expired sent Georgia through and left Ohio State haunted by a literal last-second heartbreak.
Tom Fornelli of CBS Sports put it bluntly:
“Ryan Day finished second in our rankings despite another Michigan stumble, but thanks to departures from Nick Saban and Jim Harbaugh, he inches closer to the summit. He’s now a national champion — but it wasn’t quite enough to dethrone Smart. Maybe a second title will finally get it done.”
It’s a tantalizing thought. A second ring wouldn’t just boost Day’s resume — it might silence doubters who cling to one maddening narrative: the Michigan problem.
The Buckeye Boogeyman: Beating Michigan
Let’s address the scarlet-and-maize elephant in the room. Day’s impressive overall record comes with a stubborn asterisk: a frustrating string of defeats to arch-rival Michigan. No matter how many playoff berths, top-5 finishes, or postseason triumphs Day collects, his reputation in Columbus will forever be tethered to The Game. And while those losses sting, they’ve also fueled Day’s relentless pursuit of perfection.
Last season’s postseason run served as a ferocious rebuttal to his critics. After a gut-wrenching defeat to Michigan, the Buckeyes bulldozed through college football royalty — dispatching Tennessee, Oregon, Texas, and Notre Dame in a gauntlet run for the ages. It wasn’t just a comeback. It was a statement.
The Quest for a Dynasty
Now, with one national title finally secured, Day sets his sights on what could be a defining 2025 campaign. The mission? Defend the crown and, perhaps, unseat Kirby Smart from his ironclad perch atop the sport. The Buckeyes have the talent. The schedule is daunting. The expectations are monstrous. And for Day, it’s a golden opportunity to trade silver medals for history books.
At just 45 years old, Day is still scripting the early chapters of what could become an all-time coaching legacy. Ohio State isn’t just chasing titles anymore — they’re chasing a dynasty. And Ryan Day, with his cerebral offensive schemes, ice-cold game management, and unshakeable confidence, is the architect poised to make it happen.
The Final Showdown Looms
The 2025 season feels like destiny. A reloaded Buckeye roster, a lingering rivalry grudge, and a national title to defend. If Day can add another championship to his collection and, perhaps most importantly, finally conquer Michigan when it matters, the conversation shifts forever.
No longer would he be the guy “behind Kirby Smart.” He’d be the guy.
So college football fans, keep your eyes on Columbus. The Buckeyes are charging. And Ryan Day’s revenge tour might just be the story of next season.
