With an asterisk, Ohio State supporters and Ryan Day go from love to hatred to love again. “The Athletic”

In the often tumultuous world of college football, few fanbases are as passionate and demanding as Ohio State’s. The Buckeyes’ supporters are notorious for their unwavering love for the program, yet equally infamous for their ability to turn on coaches and players during times of adversity. Ryan Day, Ohio State’s head coach since 2019, has experienced the full spectrum of this affection, often with dramatic swings between love and disdain. His tenure, marked by moments of brilliance as well as frustrating near-misses, has triggered intense emotions in the Ohio State fanbase.

Day’s journey at Ohio State has mirrored the team’s on-field successes and failures, marked by high expectations, championship aspirations, and the ever-present pressure to beat Michigan. As the Buckeyes have come within striking distance of a national title but failed to cross the finish line, their supporters have been quick to offer both praise and criticism. This emotional roller coaster, shaped by the high standards set by the program and the relentless desire for perfection, has left many wondering: Why do Ohio State fans and Ryan Day go from love to hatred and back again?

1. The Ryan Day Era: Expectations and Early Success

Ryan Day’s appointment as Ohio State’s head coach in 2019 was met with excitement. The Buckeyes had just enjoyed one of their most successful seasons under Urban Meyer, finishing 13-1 and coming within a whisker of reaching the national championship. Day, who had served as Meyer’s offensive coordinator, was seen as the ideal candidate to continue the program’s success. His offense was high-powered, and his ability to recruit seemed almost as potent as his predecessor’s.

From the outset, Day appeared to meet the lofty expectations. His first season as head coach in 2019 was spectacular, with Ohio State finishing 13-1, winning the Big Ten, and advancing to the College Football Playoff (CFP) semifinals. The Buckeyes boasted one of the nation’s top offenses, led by quarterback Justin Fields, and a defense that was dominant at times. The only blemish on the season was a heartbreaking loss to Clemson in the CFP semifinals, a game that many Ohio State fans felt was decided by questionable officiating calls.

Despite the loss, Day’s first season was largely seen as a resounding success. He had quickly proven that he could coach at the highest level, and Ohio State’s championship window remained wide open. Fans were firmly behind him, and the program seemed poised for further greatness.

2. A Bump in the Road: 2020 and the COVID-19 Pandemic

The 2020 season, however, would prove to be a more complicated year for Ryan Day and Ohio State. The season was played in the shadow of the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced the Big Ten to initially cancel its football season. After much outcry from coaches, players, and fans, the Big Ten reversed its decision and played a shortened season.

The season itself had its highs and lows. Ohio State went 7-0 in the regular season, earning a spot in the Big Ten Championship and the College Football Playoff. While the team’s performance on the field remained stellar, there were underlying concerns. The Buckeyes struggled defensively at times, especially in a dramatic win over Indiana, where their defense was exposed by a high-flying Hoosiers offense. Fans began to question whether the team’s elite offense could carry them through the postseason without a more reliable defense.

Furthermore, Day was not immune to criticism during the season. Despite being an advocate for player safety during the pandemic, Day was forced to miss a game after testing positive for COVID-19. This led to increased scrutiny of his leadership, as some fans questioned how well Ohio State could function without him on the sidelines. The fact that the Big Ten had to adjust its rules to allow Ohio State to play in the conference title game after a minimal number of games played (due to COVID-19 cancellations) only added fuel to the fire. Opponents and critics of Ohio State pointed to the perceived “unfair advantage” the program enjoyed, further souring the mood.

Despite these challenges, Ohio State managed to reach the CFP, where they played Alabama for the national championship. Unfortunately, the Buckeyes were soundly defeated by the Crimson Tide, losing 52-24. The loss was another gut punch for Ohio State fans, who had high hopes of a national title after navigating such a tumultuous season. Fans were left wondering whether Day’s team could truly compete with the elite programs in college football, or if they were just another example of the program falling short when it mattered most.

3. The Rising Criticism: 2021 and Beyond

The 2021 season began with high expectations. Ryan Day was tasked with rebuilding a defense that had underperformed the year before, and Ohio State was once again considered a top contender for the national championship. However, as the season wore on, frustration began to mount. While the offense continued to thrive—thanks in large part to another stellar season from quarterback CJ Stroud—the Buckeyes’ defense remained porous. Ohio State lost two regular-season games: a shocking home loss to Oregon and a devastating defeat at Michigan in the regular-season finale. The loss to Michigan, in particular, stung deeply for Ohio State fans, as it marked the first time in nearly a decade that the Wolverines had defeated the Buckeyes. It was a blow to Day’s reputation, as beating Michigan was seen as a non-negotiable expectation for any Ohio State coach.

The loss to Michigan pushed Ohio State fans to the brink. The frustration was palpable, with many questioning Day’s ability to navigate the program back to the top. How could a coach with such a potent offense and recruiting prowess allow such a disappointing season to unfold? The rivalry loss was the proverbial straw that broke the camel’s back for many fans, and Day faced significant criticism from the Ohio State faithful. The scrutiny was harsh—some called for his firing, while others claimed that his tenure was no longer as promising as initially thought. The Buckeyes, after all, had failed to deliver a national championship since his arrival.

During this period of frustration, Day’s relationship with the fanbase seemed to fray. The once-admiring Ohio State supporters who had lauded Day’s first season quickly turned on him when things went awry. The unrelenting criticism became difficult to ignore, and Day was forced to defend his program publicly. The scrutiny only intensified as the Buckeyes fell short of the ultimate goal year after year, leaving many questioning whether he was truly capable of leading the team to a national championship.

4. The Rebirth of Love: 2022 and the Renewed Optimism

Despite the rough patches, Ohio State’s 2022 season presented a chance for Ryan Day to redeem himself. After a tumultuous 2021, Day needed to prove that he could guide the Buckeyes back to elite status. Ohio State opened the season with impressive victories, and their offense once again looked potent, led by the likes of Stroud and a talented group of playmakers. However, the road to redemption would not be easy.

The Michigan game loomed large, and after the disastrous loss in 2021, Ohio State could not afford another setback. In a tense and thrilling matchup, the Buckeyes triumphed over Michigan, reclaiming their place atop the Big Ten. The victory was sweet revenge for Day and the program, as it silenced many critics who had been quick to write him off. Ohio State, once again, looked like a legitimate contender for the national title.

While the season had its ups and downs, the 2022 campaign showed that Ryan Day still had the ability to get the Buckeyes back on track. Fans who had questioned his leadership were once again filled with optimism. The victory over Michigan marked a key turning point, restoring much of the goodwill that had been lost after the disappointing 2021 season. Though Ohio State would ultimately fall short in the College Football Playoff, the team’s resilience under Day was evident, and many fans acknowledged that his program was still one of the best in the country.

5. The Emotional Roller Coaster: From Love to Hatred to Love Again

The journey of Ryan Day’s relationship with Ohio State fans can be described as nothing short of a roller coaster. He arrived with great fanfare, delivering success early on, but struggled to meet the ever-growing expectations of the program. His failures—particularly in critical games against Michigan and in the College Football Playoff—created a divide between him and the fanbase. Supporters who once loved him began to turn on him, questioning his ability to deliver a national championship.

Yet, as is often the case in college football, the pendulum swung back the other way. Day’s ability to rally his team and return to championship contention in 2022 reignited the affection of many fans. The emotional investment that Ohio State supporters have in their team is unmatched, and their fickleness is driven by the overwhelming desire for victory. A single win—such as Ohio State’s triumph over Michigan—can erase months of frustration, while a loss can plunge the fanbase into doubt.

Ryan Day’s tenure at Ohio State is a microcosm of the emotional highs and lows that come with being part of a program with such high expectations. For better or for worse, Ohio State fans live and die with every game, and Day’s tenure has been a reflection of that intensity. From love to hatred to love again, Day has weathered the storm, and the Buckeyes remain on the hunt for a national championship.