Ohio State’s playoff run Ryan Day created a foundation that was more robust than it appeared.

Ohio State’s Playoff Run: Ryan Day Created a Foundation That Was More Robust Than It Appeared

As the 2025 College Football Playoff (CFP) season unfolded, few teams were as scrutinized or as hyped as Ohio State. Led by head coach Ryan Day, the Buckeyes entered the campaign with high expectations but also with lingering questions about their ability to win the biggest games and secure a national title. While the Buckeyes had been a dominant force in the Big Ten, the road to the playoff was anything but straightforward. However, Day’s leadership throughout the season and his ability to refine the team’s identity revealed a foundation that was far more robust than it had seemed at first glance.

This season’s run to the CFP National Championship wasn’t just a triumph of talent or a result of simple dominance. It was a testament to Day’s ability to build a program that could adapt, grow, and come together when the stakes were highest. Ohio State’s path to the playoffs—and, ultimately, to a shot at a national title—showed that the foundation Ryan Day had laid was more resilient, adaptable, and deep-rooted than anyone might have expected.

A Foundation Built on Recruitment and Player Development

When Ryan Day took over as Ohio State’s head coach in 2019, he inherited a program that was already one of the most talented in the country. Urban Meyer’s tenure had brought the Buckeyes a national championship and a culture of dominance, but Day had his own vision for Ohio State’s future. He inherited a roster filled with top-tier talent, including future NFL stars, but what Day did that truly set the foundation for Ohio State’s playoff success was his ability to recruit and develop talent to fit his system.

Recruiting the Right Players for Day’s System

While Day inherited some outstanding pieces, including quarterback Justin Fields in his first year, he quickly proved he could recruit at an elite level. In fact, Day’s recruiting efforts have arguably been his most defining achievement since he became head coach. The Buckeyes have consistently ranked among the top five recruiting classes in the country during his tenure, and this season, Ohio State once again boasted a roster that was overflowing with talent. Day’s recruiting prowess shone through, especially when you looked at the young talent that had been injected into the program over the past few years.

However, Day didn’t just recruit well; he recruited with a purpose. He brought in players who fit his style of offense—aggressive, fast-paced, and dynamic—while also ensuring that his defensive recruits could handle the pressures of modern college football. Day’s ability to bring in top talent at all positions, including the defensive line and secondary, was crucial in building a program that could compete for national championships year after year.

In the 2025 season, for instance, players like Marvin Harrison Jr. and Emeka Egbuka—two of the most highly rated receivers in recent memory—stepped up to become primary offensive weapons. The Buckeyes also continued to develop high-level defensive players like Will Howard and Denzel Burke, key contributors to a defense that had grown from being a liability in previous years into a formidable unit.

Player Development and Adjustments

The true brilliance of Ryan Day’s approach lies in how he’s been able to get the most out of these recruits. Ohio State’s offense in 2025 was an exceptional example of player development. Under Day’s tutelage, quarterbacks like Kyle McCord—who stepped into the starting role in 2025 after a period of competition—showed incredible growth throughout the season. McCord, who had been solid but not spectacular early in the year, developed into a confident and efficient leader, capable of making all the throws necessary to win big games. His progression, from someone with promise to someone who could go toe-to-toe with the best quarterbacks in the country, is a testament to Day’s ability to develop quarterbacks.

The same could be said for Ohio State’s offensive line. Day’s teams have never been known for their pro-style ground-and-pound game, but the offensive line has consistently shown resilience and strength in the trenches. Paris Johnson Jr. and Luke Wypler, both integral pieces of Ohio State’s offense, developed into elite blockers, allowing the running game to thrive while also giving McCord the time to execute the passing game. Offensive linemen and skilled players alike grew under Day’s guidance, which allowed the Buckeyes to execute his high-tempo offense to perfection.

On the defensive side, Day made adjustments over the years that helped create a well-rounded defense. While Ohio State had traditionally relied on a high-flying offense and an opportunistic defense, Day understood that to win championships, the defense had to be as strong as the offense. Over time, he molded his defensive unit into a hard-hitting, playmaking group that could shut down top-tier offenses. Jim Knowles, Day’s defensive coordinator, played a pivotal role in this evolution, but it was Day’s commitment to recruiting and developing defensive talent that allowed Ohio State to create a defense capable of shutting down some of the nation’s best offenses.

Overcoming Adversity and Handling Expectations

Entering the 2025 season, Ohio State faced significant scrutiny. The team had lost its previous two matchups with Michigan, including a heartbreaking defeat in 2024 that cost them a playoff berth. The Buckeyes were once again loaded with talent, but the question remained: Could they handle the pressure in critical moments? Ryan Day’s leadership would ultimately prove to be the difference.

Resilience in High-Stakes Games

Ohio State’s road to the playoff wasn’t easy, but Day’s ability to get his players to perform when it mattered most was crucial. One of the most notable moments in Ohio State’s 2025 run came in the Big Ten Championship Game against Michigan. With a win-or-go-home scenario, the Buckeyes found themselves facing a fierce rivalry and a team that had beaten them twice. In what was perhaps their most complete game of the season, Ohio State dominated Michigan, avenging their losses and securing a spot in the College Football Playoff.

What stood out about the win wasn’t just the final score, but how Day and his team handled the mounting pressure. Ohio State didn’t crack under the weight of the moment—instead, they thrived. McCord’s poise under center, the offensive line’s dominance, and the defensive unit’s ability to shut down Michigan’s high-powered offense spoke volumes about Day’s leadership. It was clear that Day had built a foundation of resilience—one that extended beyond just talent and into the mental and emotional strength of the team.

Bouncing Back After Early Struggles

Ohio State’s journey in 2025 wasn’t without its struggles. Early in the season, the Buckeyes were inconsistent, particularly in non-conference play. Some of their wins were closer than expected, and Day had to make some tough decisions to ensure his team would improve. Whether it was tweaking his offensive game plan or making adjustments on defense, Day showed a willingness to adapt.

That adaptability proved critical as the season wore on. The Buckeyes became more cohesive and focused, ironing out the kinks that had plagued them earlier in the year. Day’s ability to make midseason adjustments and keep his team motivated for the long haul was a testament to his leadership. By the time the playoff arrived, Ohio State had found its stride—an offensive juggernaut paired with a defense that had grown into one of the toughest units in the country.

Game Planning for the Playoff

Ryan Day’s ability to adjust and plan for high-stakes games is another crucial factor in Ohio State’s playoff run. Day’s meticulous preparation is often overshadowed by his ability to attract and develop talent, but his game-planning acumen cannot be ignored. The playoff run was marked by how effectively Ohio State was able to adapt to different opponents.

Whether facing high-octane offenses or teams with strong defenses, Day’s schemes were consistently effective. Ohio State’s offense, with its deep receiving corps and versatile quarterback, was able to attack in a multitude of ways. Day’s play-calling, particularly in big games, was a key reason why the Buckeyes were able to make it to the national championship game. On defense, Day worked with Knowles to craft game plans that neutralized opposing offenses, including Michigan’s run-heavy attack and the spread offenses of other playoff teams.

In short, Day’s ability to manage the moment and craft effective game plans against elite competition allowed Ohio State to rise to the occasion each week, ultimately guiding them to the final stage of the CFP.

Looking Ahead: The Legacy of Ryan Day’s Foundation

Ryan Day’s success in leading Ohio State to the 2025 CFP National Championship is more than just a reflection of the talent on his roster—it’s a reflection of the foundation he has built in Columbus. His ability to recruit elite talent, develop players, adapt in high-pressure situations, and plan for big games has laid the groundwork for a program that can compete for national championships year in and year out.

While Day’s career is still relatively young, his success at Ohio State has already left an indelible mark on the program. The Buckeyes are once again in the thick of the national title race, and the resilience and depth they’ve shown throughout this playoff run suggest that this could be just the beginning of a new era of sustained excellence.

As Ohio State looks ahead to the future, Ryan Day’s vision will continue to shape the program. Whether they win the national title in 2025 or fall just short, it’s clear that Day has established a foundation at Ohio State that is far more robust than it might have seemed when he first took over. And as the Buckeyes look to continue their playoff runs in the coming years, they do so with a coach who has proven he can build, adapt, and lead a championship-caliber program.