After winning a national championship, what does Ryan Day’s future with Ohio State football hold?

When Ryan Day was hired as the head coach of Ohio State football in 2018, he inherited one of the most storied programs in college football history. Expectations were high, as Ohio State fans and alumni had grown accustomed to winning and championship contention. Day stepped into big shoes, following in the footsteps of Urban Meyer, who had led the Buckeyes to a national championship and numerous Big Ten titles. But Ryan Day, with his poised demeanor, innovative offense, and unwavering commitment to excellence, quickly proved he was more than up for the challenge.

However, it wasn’t just the fast start to his tenure that impressed fans and experts alike. It was Day’s ability to adapt and lead the program into the future—helping Ohio State stay at the pinnacle of college football. After securing a national championship victory, Day’s future with Ohio State is brighter than ever. But while the championship represents a major milestone in his career, the question looms: What does the future hold for Day and Ohio State football? Is this the beginning of a dynasty, or will there be challenges ahead that could shape the trajectory of his legacy?

The National Championship Victory: A Defining Moment

Before delving into the future, it’s essential to recognize the weight of the national championship that Day helped bring to Ohio State. It wasn’t just any championship win; it was a symbol of Day’s success in navigating the unique challenges of leading such a high-profile program. After a year filled with highs and lows—ranging from key victories to tough losses—Day’s leadership, strategic decisions, and the team’s resilience paid off with a national title.

Day’s ability to maintain a competitive team in a college football landscape that is becoming increasingly competitive and unpredictable was key to Ohio State’s title. Not only did he maintain continuity in recruiting and program culture after Meyer’s departure, but Day also showed he could lead with innovation. His offensive prowess, exemplified by the development of elite quarterbacks like Justin Fields, and his ability to recruit some of the nation’s top talent, have firmly established him as one of the top coaches in college football.

Securing a national title reaffirmed Day’s place among the elite coaches in the country. He had successfully taken Ohio State back to the pinnacle of college football—a place where the Buckeyes are expected to reside each season. But now, as the confetti settles and the championship banner is hung in Ohio Stadium, the question arises: How does Day move forward and continue to build on this success?

The Expectations: A Double-Edged Sword

Winning a national championship at Ohio State brings with it an added layer of expectation. The program’s tradition, the passionate fanbase, and the resources available to the team mean that success is not just a goal—it’s a requirement. Ohio State football isn’t just competing to win the Big Ten or make the College Football Playoff (CFP); it’s expected to contend for national championships every year.

For Day, this national championship win raises the stakes. No longer will he be judged simply on his ability to field competitive teams or win big games—he will be judged on his ability to consistently bring titles to Columbus. Success is no longer a question of “if” but “how often.” With the title now under his belt, Day’s future will depend on how well he can navigate the pressure of sustaining success and continuing to recruit and develop elite talent.

This expectation is nothing new for coaches at powerhouse programs like Ohio State, but it represents a challenge even for someone as talented as Day. Coaches at schools like Ohio State, Alabama, and Clemson have to meet sky-high expectations, and while that comes with the prestige of coaching at such an elite program, it also means that failure to win at the highest level will inevitably lead to scrutiny and criticism.

If Day can continue to build on this national championship victory and consistently deliver championship-contending teams, his legacy at Ohio State will be cemented. However, if he struggles to repeat this success in the coming seasons, his future could be questioned. This is the nature of coaching at the highest level, and Day must be prepared for the challenges that lie ahead.

Recruiting: Building for the Future

One of the cornerstones of any great program is recruiting, and Day has proven to be exceptional in this area. Under his leadership, Ohio State has consistently ranked among the top programs in the country in recruiting, bringing in top-tier talent year after year. From five-star quarterbacks to elite wide receivers, the Buckeyes have been able to consistently attract some of the best high school players in the nation.

As Day looks ahead, maintaining this level of recruiting success will be crucial. While winning a national championship is a massive boost to any program, the challenge lies in ensuring that the next generation of players is just as talented and motivated as the current group. The pressure to maintain this level of recruiting excellence will be a defining factor in Day’s future with Ohio State.

The addition of new facilities, advancements in NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) rights, and a growing media presence are all factors that have influenced recruiting in recent years. Day has embraced these changes and used them to his advantage, ensuring that Ohio State remains a premier destination for top recruits. However, with other programs—such as Alabama, Georgia, and even Michigan—competing for the same talent, Day must remain vigilant in his recruiting efforts.

In particular, Day will need to continue to recruit at the quarterback position, where Ohio State has seen remarkable success in recent years. Fields, the quarterback who helped lead the team to the national title, was one of the key pieces to the Buckeyes’ championship run. The ability to recruit and develop another elite quarterback to follow in Fields’ footsteps will be critical in sustaining Ohio State’s success at the national level.

Culture and Leadership: Maintaining the Ohio State Standard

One of the most significant challenges Day faces moving forward is ensuring that the culture of excellence at Ohio State remains intact. Culture is an essential part of any program’s success, and Day has worked hard to create an environment where players are held accountable, work hard, and strive for greatness. His leadership style, characterized by a focus on discipline, accountability, and team-first mentality, has been a significant factor in Ohio State’s continued success.

To maintain that culture, Day will need to ensure that his players are continually motivated to perform at the highest level. The temptation to rest on one’s laurels after a championship can be strong, but Day must foster an environment in which players stay hungry and continue to work hard. The challenge will be particularly great for the underclassmen who weren’t part of the championship-winning team—ensuring that they understand what it takes to reach that level and continue to uphold the standard of excellence will be crucial.

In addition, Day’s ability to develop his assistant coaches and keep his coaching staff intact will be a key factor in maintaining the program’s success. College football programs are often in a state of flux, with coaches moving on to other opportunities. Day has already had success in building a strong, talented coaching staff, but he’ll need to continue to ensure that Ohio State’s staff remains one of the best in the country. Stability within the coaching ranks will be essential as Day looks to build a sustainable program that remains a national title contender for years to come.

The Big Ten: Competition and Challenges

As Day looks to the future, he must also consider the competition within the Big Ten. While Ohio State has dominated the conference for much of the past two decades, the Big Ten continues to evolve. Programs like Michigan, Penn State, and Wisconsin have made strides in recent years, and the increased competitiveness of the conference means that the road to the College Football Playoff won’t be as easy as it once was.

In particular, Michigan, under head coach Jim Harbaugh, has emerged as a stronger rival in recent years. Michigan’s victory over Ohio State in 2021 was a wake-up call for the Buckeyes, reminding them that dominance in the Big Ten is never guaranteed. Maintaining that edge within the conference will be vital for Day, as a strong conference performance is often necessary to secure a spot in the CFP. As Michigan and other Big Ten teams continue to improve, Day will need to ensure that Ohio State remains the class of the conference, both on the field and in recruiting.