Ryan Day of Ohio State football discusses why a starting cornerback didn’t play in the closing minutes against Texas.

In college football, high-stakes games often come down to a handful of key decisions, moments, and personnel choices. Ohio State’s 2025 season has been defined by both thrilling victories and tense, down-to-the-wire finishes, none more significant than their recent clash with the Texas Longhorns. The game, which had playoff implications on the line, ended in a narrow 35-31 victory for Ohio State. The Buckeyes’ defense was tested to the limit in the closing minutes, particularly in the secondary, where one question lingered: why didn’t starting cornerback Denzel Burke play in the final series?

After the game, the Ohio State football community, analysts, and fans were abuzz with speculation about Burke’s absence in such a crucial moment. As the Buckeyes were holding on to their slim lead, many expected their best defensive backs to be on the field, especially in critical passing situations with Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers driving the Longhorns toward the end zone. Head coach Ryan Day addressed the issue in his post-game press conference, explaining the decision to keep Burke off the field during those final moments.

In this article, we’ll explore Ryan Day’s reasoning behind the decision, analyze how this choice impacted the outcome of the game, and discuss what it means for Ohio State moving forward. We’ll also take a deeper look into the factors that coaches consider when making such pivotal in-game decisions, as well as the potential long-term effects on both Burke and the team.

The Context: A High-Stakes Game Against Texas

Ohio State’s victory over Texas in the 2025 regular season was not just another win on their schedule; it was a game that could make or break their playoff hopes. The Longhorns, led by head coach Steve Sarkisian and quarterback Quinn Ewers, were coming off a dominant stretch of performances and posed a significant challenge to Ohio State’s defense, which had already been tested throughout the season by high-powered offenses.

The game was a thriller from start to finish, with both teams trading punches in a highly competitive matchup. Texas had multiple opportunities to take control late in the game, but Ohio State’s defense, particularly their secondary, played a major role in stifling the Longhorns’ efforts. However, as the game progressed into the final minutes, it became evident that Ewers and his receiving corps were targeting key players in Ohio State’s defense. With the scoreline tight and Texas in a prime position to score, the absence of Denzel Burke from the field during the game’s final defensive possession raised questions.

Burke had been Ohio State’s standout cornerback throughout the season and was widely regarded as one of the top defensive backs in the nation. Known for his physicality, ability to lock down receivers, and ability to play in high-pressure situations, his absence in the game’s closing moments was conspicuous.

Ryan Day’s Explanation: Burke’s Absence

In his post-game press conference, Ryan Day addressed the situation head-on, offering an explanation for why Denzel Burke was not on the field during the final defensive series against Texas. Day explained that Burke had sustained a mild injury earlier in the game, and while he was able to continue playing for most of the contest, the medical staff made the decision to hold him out during the last few plays for precautionary reasons.

“Towards the end of the game, Denzel felt some discomfort after a tackle in the third quarter,” Day explained. “The medical team took a look at him, and while he was cleared to continue playing, we didn’t want to risk further injury with the game winding down. With the way the game was going, we felt that we had enough depth in our secondary to make sure we could finish the game strong without him out there.”

Day further emphasized that the decision was not a reflection of Burke’s ability or performance during the game but was a calculated choice based on the circumstances. “We trust Denzel completely, but when you’re talking about the game on the line and a player dealing with even a slight injury, sometimes the best decision is to keep them out of harm’s way,” Day added.

While Burke’s absence certainly raised some eyebrows among fans and analysts, Day made it clear that the decision was made with the long-term health of his player in mind. The Buckeyes have playoff aspirations, and losing a player of Burke’s caliber for the remainder of the season could have been a far greater setback than any short-term risks they might have faced in the final minutes of the game.

The Impact of the Decision

While Ryan Day’s explanation made sense from a medical and long-term perspective, the decision to hold Burke out during such a crucial moment did have an impact on the game. Texas, aware of the absence of Ohio State’s best cornerback, immediately began to exploit the situation. Quarterback Quinn Ewers, known for his ability to read defenses and attack weaknesses, targeted Ohio State’s other defensive backs in the final series.

Burke’s backup, Jyaire Brown, a highly touted recruit who had seen significant playing time throughout the season, was tasked with stepping up in his absence. Brown, a solid cornerback in his own right, had been a reliable presence in Ohio State’s secondary but was still considered less experienced than Burke in high-pressure situations. As Texas worked its way down the field, Ewers took advantage of some of the mismatches created by Burke’s absence, finding his top receiver, Xavier Worthy, on several key throws.

Fortunately for Ohio State, Brown was able to rise to the occasion. Alongside fellow defensive back Cam Brown and safeties Josh Proctor and Lathan Ransom, the Buckeyes managed to hold Texas out of the end zone. The defensive line, led by J.T. Tuimoloau and Mick McFadden, also provided significant pressure on Ewers, forcing him into hurried throws. The defensive stand, while not flawless, ultimately helped Ohio State preserve their narrow lead and seal the win.

Still, the absence of Burke in the final minutes had a lasting effect on how the game unfolded. Had Texas been able to capitalize on the situation, the narrative surrounding Day’s decision might have been drastically different. Ohio State’s defense faced a potential turning point, and although they held firm, the risk of leaving Burke off the field in such a critical moment was evident.

Burke’s Injury: A Closer Look

The question on the minds of many fans and analysts is whether Burke’s injury was more serious than Day initially let on. Day’s comments indicated that the injury was not severe, but it’s possible that Burke’s discomfort was greater than originally thought. The fact that he continued to play through the injury until the final moments of the game suggests that his toughness and determination were never in question. However, the decision to keep him off the field in the final moments highlights the coaching staff’s long-term thinking, prioritizing his health over the short-term risk of further injury.

Burke has been one of Ohio State’s top defensive players all season, consistently earning accolades for his ability to shut down top-tier wide receivers. His leadership in the secondary has been invaluable, and his absence in any future game—especially in a playoff situation—would be a significant loss. Therefore, Ryan Day’s decision to err on the side of caution was likely influenced by the need to preserve Burke’s health for the upcoming challenges, including the College Football Playoff.

It’s worth noting that Burke’s injury was not something that was widely reported before the game, which is why his absence in the final minutes came as such a surprise to many. Injuries are common in football, and the decision to keep a player off the field in critical situations is never an easy one. Coaches and medical staff are constantly weighing the risks and rewards of allowing players to continue playing, especially when a player is dealing with even the slightest discomfort.

What’s Next for Ohio State?

Looking ahead, Ryan Day and his coaching staff will undoubtedly continue to monitor Denzel Burke’s recovery and make sure he is fully healthy moving forward. With Ohio State’s playoff chances on the line, ensuring that Burke is at 100 percent is of the utmost importance. The Buckeyes are gearing up for a potential run to the national championship, and Burke’s play will be a key factor in their success.

Additionally, the performance of Ohio State’s other cornerbacks, including Jyaire Brown and Cam Brown, will be under close scrutiny as the season progresses. If Burke is forced to miss time or is limited in any way, the depth of the secondary will be tested. Fortunately for Ohio State, the team’s defense has shown resilience all season long, and their ability to adjust to situations like the one against Texas speaks to the strength of the coaching staff and the leadership within the locker room.

In terms of the immediate future, Ohio State’s next few games are crucial for positioning within the College Football Playoff. The team will need to stay focused, not only on the X’s and O’s but also on keeping their players healthy and making decisions that protect the long-term success of the program. Ryan Day and his staff will undoubtedly be keeping a close eye on all injuries, especially Burke’s, as they continue to chase their championship aspirations.