With the Ohio State victory, Ryan Day silences his detractors. “Now what are they going to say?”
For years, Ryan Day’s tenure as head coach of the Ohio State Buckeyes had been marked by significant success, but also a consistent, sometimes loud, undercurrent of criticism. Despite compiling impressive win totals, securing multiple Big Ten championships, and regularly guiding the Buckeyes into College Football Playoff contention, the naysayers remained ever present. They were quick to point out what they perceived as shortcomings—particularly his failure to capture a national championship, the inability to defeat rival Michigan in key moments, and, perhaps most infamously, his struggles in the biggest games.
But after leading Ohio State to a dramatic, improbable National Championship victory over the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, Ryan Day has silenced his critics—perhaps once and for all. And the most pointed question now hangs in the air, one that he himself poses, reflecting on his triumph: “Now what are they going to say?”
1. The Pressure That Defined Ryan Day’s Career
Ryan Day was never going to have an easy job when he succeeded Urban Meyer as Ohio State’s head coach. Meyer, a Hall of Fame coach, left behind an indelible legacy in Columbus, with three national championships, seven Big Ten titles, and a winning record against Ohio State’s biggest rival, Michigan. Day inherited a program that was used to greatness, and the expectations that came with such a prestigious position were immense.
From the very start, Day’s tenure was set up to be a tough challenge. His first year as head coach in 2019 was a rousing success, with the Buckeyes making it to the College Football Playoff and narrowly losing to Clemson in the Fiesta Bowl. However, the loss to Clemson, in a game that was marred by controversial officiating calls, left many questioning Day’s ability to win in the biggest moments. The doubters only grew louder as Day’s teams made multiple appearances in the playoff in the subsequent years but failed to capture a national championship.
In particular, the repeated losses to Michigan in the 2021 and 2022 seasons seemed to deepen the pressure on Day’s position as head coach. As the rivalry between Ohio State and Michigan intensified, with the Wolverines finally breaking their long losing streak against the Buckeyes in 2021, Day became the target of more pointed criticism. Ohio State fans and national pundits alike questioned his ability to rise to the occasion in the most important games—especially in the high-stakes contests against Michigan, the College Football Playoffs, and the National Championship.
Despite the constant questioning, Ryan Day remained resolute, maintaining that his focus was solely on improving his team and getting the Buckeyes back to the top of college football. He consistently downplayed the outside noise, but the weight of expectation was always there—always lingering.
2. The Road to the 2025 National Championship
After several seasons of playoff berths, Ohio State’s 2025 season had arrived with heightened expectations. Day knew that this was the year to silence the critics once and for all. The stakes were higher than ever, and though the Buckeyes were loaded with talent—including a strong defense, a balanced offense, and experienced leaders like quarterback Will Howard—there remained a looming cloud of doubt about their ability to get over the final hump. It was a simple equation: win the National Championship or risk further cementing the narrative that Day, while successful, could not deliver when it mattered most.
The season itself had been full of ups and downs, with Ohio State encountering some tough battles in the Big Ten. But they ultimately fought their way to the College Football Playoff, where they took down formidable opponents in dominating fashion. Even as they entered the National Championship game against Notre Dame, the narrative remained focused on Ryan Day’s perceived inability to seal the deal on the biggest stage.
Then came the unthinkable.
In an astonishing display of resilience and adaptability, Ohio State not only overcame the loss of starting quarterback Will Howard, but also rallied from a late deficit against Notre Dame. Backup quarterback Devin Brown stepped into the spotlight, with star wide receivers and a strong offensive line backing him up. And then, in a dramatic final sequence, it was the leadership of Ryan Day that steered the team toward victory. With his calm demeanor, sharp game management, and inspiring guidance, Day showed that he was more than capable of winning when it mattered most.
The 2025 National Championship was a culmination of years of hard work, persistence, and an unwavering belief in the players and the system Day had built. The victory, delivered on the grandest stage, finally proved what many had doubted for so long—that Ryan Day had the coaching chops to lead Ohio State to the ultimate prize.
3. “Now What Are They Going to Say?”
When Ryan Day took the podium after the game, it wasn’t just a celebration of Ohio State’s triumph—it was also a personal victory over the many critics who had doubted him along the way. There was a certain sense of relief in his words, as he confidently asked the rhetorical question that had plagued him for years: “Now what are they going to say?”
Day’s victory silenced the persistent chorus of critics who had long questioned his ability to deliver on the biggest stages. The doubts about his ability to win big games, to close out crucial moments, and to handle the pressure of high-stakes competitions seemed trivial in light of this incredible achievement. Ryan Day had earned his place in Ohio State’s storied history, not as the coach who couldn’t win when it counted, but as the leader who brought a National Championship to Columbus in the face of adversity.
The importance of this moment cannot be overstated. Not only had Day proven his doubters wrong, but he had also proven to his team, to the recruits, and to the entire Buckeye Nation that Ohio State could rise to the occasion in the most challenging of circumstances. The victory was a clear message: Ryan Day was the right man for the job, and no amount of criticism could overshadow his accomplishments.
4. The Emotional Release
After the game, the emotional release for Ryan Day was palpable. The weight of years of scrutiny had built up to this moment, and the National Championship victory was not just a validation of his coaching ability—it was a personal vindication. Day had put in countless hours on the recruiting trail, in the film room, and on the practice field. He had worked tirelessly to develop young talent, to maintain the integrity of Ohio State’s football program, and to bring success to the university. And, finally, all that hard work had paid off.
For Day, this victory was about more than just silencing critics—it was about proving that his vision for Ohio State football was the right one. He had taken over a program that was already in great shape and had continued to build upon its success. Despite the pressure and constant questioning, he never deviated from his goals, and in doing so, he had led the Buckeyes to the pinnacle of college football.
5. What This Victory Means for Ohio State’s Legacy
Ryan Day’s National Championship victory isn’t just a personal triumph—it is a monumental achievement for Ohio State as a program. The Buckeyes have long been one of the most successful football programs in college football history, with multiple championships and legendary coaches like Woody Hayes and Urban Meyer leading the way. Day’s victory ensured that the Buckeyes’ rich legacy would continue under his leadership.
By winning the 2025 National Championship, Day not only secured his place among Ohio State’s great coaches, but he also strengthened the program’s national stature. The victory reaffirmed that Ohio State remains a top-tier program capable of competing at the highest level. It also reaffirmed the Buckeyes’ reputation as a program that can develop elite talent, attract top recruits, and compete for championships year in and year out.
As Day and his coaching staff celebrate their success, they know that this victory will be remembered for years to come. It will serve as a blueprint for future Ohio State teams, showing that with hard work, determination, and leadership, anything is possible. The victory, in many ways, has solidified Day’s legacy not just as a coach, but as a key figure in Ohio State’s football history.
