Breaking News :Ryan Day Deserves Credit for Ohio State’s Success—National Title or Not, For a coach leading a program that’s consistently in the hunt for championships.
Ryan Day Deserves Credit for Ohio State’s Success—National Title or Not
As Ohio State heads into yet another season of high expectations, it’s hard to ignore the mounting pressure on head coach Ryan Day. The Buckeyes have reached the pinnacle of college football consistently under his leadership, with four College Football Playoff (CFP) appearances in just six years. Yet, even with that remarkable track record, some fans and critics continue to question his future at the helm, focusing on one thing: the elusive national title.
This demand for a championship in a landscape where success is often measured in titles, rather than sustained excellence, is not only misplaced but also unfair. Ryan Day’s tenure at Ohio State is a story of consistency, development, and near-misses, but it should never have been a requirement for him to “prove himself” by winning a national title. The narrative that he must win a championship to justify his worth undermines the significant accomplishments he has achieved.
Ohio State’s Success Under Ryan Day
In just six years as head coach, Day has brought the Buckeyes to two national title games, with one of those contests coming down to a dramatic final play in the 2020 season. His record over that span has been nothing short of spectacular, with only a handful of losses. Ohio State’s consistent presence in the College Football Playoff speaks to Day’s ability to consistently field a championship-caliber team. That’s no small feat, especially in a conference as competitive as the Big Ten.
Yet despite all of this, the disappointment surrounding a fourth straight loss to Michigan and missing out on the Big Ten title has some questioning whether it’s time for Day to go. This fixation on one rivalry game or one season’s outcomes blinds fans to the bigger picture. After all, Ohio State’s position as a perennial contender is not something that happens by accident. It requires excellent recruiting, game planning, player development, and leadership—all qualities Day has demonstrated time and time again.
A Stronger Record Than Some Realize
When comparing Day’s record to his predecessors, it becomes even clearer just how impressive his tenure has been. His win percentage surpasses that of Jim Tressel during the same stretch, and his SP+ rating—an advanced metric that evaluates team performance—actually eclipses even Urban Meyer’s. Under Day, Ohio State has been one of the best programs in the nation year after year. His ability to develop top-tier talent, his handling of both the offense and defense, and his ability to adapt to new challenges has set a high bar.
The reality is that a national title is a rare and difficult achievement for any program, let alone in a year when the field is packed with talent and powerhouses. To suggest that Ryan Day has not proven himself because he hasn’t won the ultimate prize is short-sighted. Football is a team sport, and a single game (no matter how high stakes) cannot define a coach’s legacy.
The Pressure of Ohio State Football
The hunger for national championships is part of what makes Ohio State football such a powerful program. The fanbase, the administration, and the players all understand the tradition of success that has defined the Buckeyes for decades. However, this same drive for greatness can create unrealistic expectations that unfairly burden a coach’s tenure. It’s important to remember that winning a national title is the culmination of years of hard work, not just a byproduct of one coach’s efforts or failures.
Day’s record should be celebrated, not diminished. Ohio State football is in great hands, and while fans understandably want to see a national title, they should also appreciate the sustained excellence that Day has maintained in such a competitive landscape.
Ryan Day Deserves Recognition
As the Buckeyes prepare for another season, the focus should shift away from demanding a national title to recognizing what Ryan Day has accomplished. Four CFP appearances in six years and two national title game appearances are monumental feats. To suggest that Day has not “proven himself” because of a fourth straight loss to Michigan or a missed conference title is unfair and ignores the broader context of his success.
At the end of the day, Ryan Day doesn’t need to win a national title to justify his place in Ohio State’s history. His accomplishments speak for themselves. The fans should be grateful for the consistency, the elite-level play, and the championship-contending teams he’s delivered year after year. After all, when the ultimate prize is so elusive and difficult to achieve, appreciating the journey and the success along the way should be enough.
