Ryan Day Should Never Have Had to Win a National Title to Prove Himself to Ohio State Fans
For a coach leading a program that is consistently in the hunt for championships, it’s baffling that Ryan Day has had to endure doubts about his legacy at Ohio State. Despite having an impressive record and establishing the Buckeyes as one of the top programs in college football, the pressure to win a national title has overshadowed his many successes.
Day took over for Urban Meyer in 2019 and, since then, has built on the foundation of Meyer’s success. Under his leadership, Ohio State has remained a powerhouse, regularly competing for Big Ten titles, making the College Football Playoff, and winning 45 games in just four seasons. Despite these accomplishments, the expectations of Ohio State fans seem to demand nothing less than a national championship.
The reality is that in the college football landscape, winning a national title is a difficult and sometimes unpredictable feat. The competition is fierce, and a single game can make or break a season. In a sport where luck, injuries, and timing often play significant roles, Day’s ability to keep the Buckeyes among the elite programs year after year is an achievement in itself.
Ohio State’s tradition of winning has created a fanbase that demands instant success. But that should not overshadow the remarkable consistency Day has brought to the program. His leadership has not only kept Ohio State competitive, but he has also developed standout players and brought excitement to the team’s offensive game plan.
While the quest for a national championship remains a central goal, Ryan Day should not be judged solely by this metric. His tenure has already proven he is one of the best in the business, and Ohio State fans should appreciate the sustained excellence he’s brought to the program.
