Ohio State rewards Ryan Day, but that won’t lessen pressure to keep winning

In the world of college football, few programs boast a legacy as rich as Ohio State University’s. From legendary coaches like Woody Hayes to the iconic Urban Meyer, the Buckeyes have consistently been a force to be reckoned with, cementing their place as one of the sport’s premier programs. However, as is often the case in elite college football, success comes with an ever-increasing level of scrutiny. For head coach Ryan Day, Ohio State’s current leader, that scrutiny has been an ever-present factor in his tenure, and despite being rewarded with a contract extension, the pressure to maintain Ohio State’s winning culture and ultimately win a national championship is more intense than ever.

When Day was hired as Ohio State’s head coach in 2018, he was taking over a program already in the midst of a championship run under Meyer. Day inherited a team that was loaded with talent and had enjoyed sustained success in the Big Ten, including a national championship appearance in the 2014 season. As Meyer’s successor, Day was tasked with not only maintaining the program’s excellence but also continuing the trend of competing for national championships year after year.

Now, six years into his tenure, Day has led the Buckeyes to four College Football Playoff appearances, multiple Big Ten titles, and numerous high-profile wins. His teams have consistently been competitive, putting up huge offensive numbers and producing high-caliber NFL talent. However, the one thing that has eluded Day—and Ohio State—during his time as head coach is the coveted national championship.

The Reward and the Pressure

In 2024, Ohio State’s athletic department rewarded Ryan Day with a contract extension, a sign of confidence in his leadership and a recognition of his success. Under Day, Ohio State has maintained its place among the elite programs in college football. The decision to extend Day’s contract was a reflection of the program’s desire for continuity and stability, as well as an acknowledgment that the Buckeyes remain one of the most competitive teams in the nation. The extension included an increase in compensation, making Day one of the highest-paid coaches in college football.

However, with such a reward comes an undeniable burden. The expectations surrounding Ohio State football are immense, and the pressure to win a national championship only grows with each passing season. Despite Day’s impressive record, the lack of a national title has been a constant source of conversation and, in many cases, criticism. The Buckeyes are expected to win championships, and as a coach at one of the sport’s premier programs, Day is held to the highest standards.

While his job is safe in the short term thanks to the contract extension, the pressure to keep winning—and ultimately win a national championship—remains. The Ohio State fan base, alumni, and administration all have high expectations for the program, and the standard is simple: compete for national titles. As long as Day leads the Buckeyes, there will be an expectation to not only win the Big Ten but also compete for, and ultimately win, a national championship.

The Culture of Winning at Ohio State

Ohio State has long been a program that thrives on the tradition of success. The Buckeyes have won multiple national championships, claimed numerous Big Ten titles, and consistently produced some of the best players in college football history. The culture of winning that has been cultivated at Ohio State is ingrained in the very fabric of the program. From the fans to the players to the coaching staff, the goal is always to win at the highest level.

When Day took over as head coach, he was stepping into a program with sky-high expectations. While Meyer had brought the Buckeyes back to national prominence, Day’s arrival meant the torch had been passed, and the standard for success remained unchanged. The Ohio State fan base, known for its passionate support of the program, expects excellence on the field year in and year out. For Day, this means that no matter how successful he has been in his tenure, the job is never truly “safe” until he secures that elusive national championship.

It’s important to note that Ohio State is not a program where a single loss can be shrugged off. The Buckeyes are among the most successful programs in college football, and they are expected to perform at an elite level every season. The lack of a national championship during Day’s time as head coach has, at times, led to criticism from fans, analysts, and even former players. While Day’s teams have been dominant in the Big Ten, it’s the national championship that has become the focal point of his tenure.

The Roadblocks to a National Championship

While Ohio State has been a consistent contender in the College Football Playoff era, there have been several key moments where the Buckeyes have fallen short of their ultimate goal. These near-misses—often occurring in high-stakes playoff games—have highlighted both the talent of Day’s teams and the challenges they face in the competitive landscape of modern college football.

One of the most significant roadblocks for Ohio State has been its struggles in big games, particularly in the College Football Playoff. In 2021, the Buckeyes were dominated by Alabama in the national championship game. In 2022, they lost a heartbreaker to Georgia in the Peach Bowl semifinal, missing a field goal that would have sent them to the national title game. These close defeats have only fueled the narrative that while Ohio State is consistently among the best programs in the nation, they have yet to reach the pinnacle under Day’s leadership.

These losses have led to increased scrutiny from fans, analysts, and media members alike. The narrative surrounding Ohio State’s inability to win a national title has been a constant talking point. While Day has proven himself as one of the best offensive minds in the game and has consistently put together championship-caliber teams, these near-misses have created a sense of frustration among Ohio State supporters.

Furthermore, Day faces fierce competition from programs like Alabama, Georgia, and Clemson, all of which have become perennial national title contenders. The landscape of college football has become increasingly competitive, and while Ohio State remains an elite program, the level of competition has never been more intense. Each season, the Buckeyes are tasked with navigating a grueling schedule and overcoming some of the most talented teams in the country—making the road to the national championship even more difficult.

What’s at Stake for Ryan Day

Ryan Day’s contract extension is undoubtedly a sign of trust and confidence from Ohio State’s athletic department, but it also comes with heightened expectations. The reward for his efforts has come in the form of a more lucrative contract, but the pressure to deliver a national title is now even greater. The Ohio State administration has made it clear that the program’s goal is to win national championships, and Day’s ability to lead the Buckeyes to that pinnacle will be the ultimate measure of his success.

In college football, a coach’s legacy is often defined by national titles, and Day is no exception. While his success in the Big Ten and ability to develop NFL talent are impressive, a national championship remains the ultimate prize. The challenges of competing in a College Football Playoff system dominated by powerhouse programs have only intensified this pressure, and for Day, the clock is ticking.

The Buckeyes’ recruiting efforts remain strong, with Day continuing to bring in top-tier talent from across the country. But despite this success on the recruiting trail, the national championship remains elusive. It is clear that Ohio State is one of the premier programs in college football, but the championship banner is still missing.

The Road Ahead for Ohio State

As the 2025 season approaches, Ohio State and Ryan Day will face a new chapter in the program’s storied history. With the added pressure to win a national championship, Day’s leadership will be put to the test. Ohio State will once again enter the season as one of the favorites to contend for the College Football Playoff, but the ultimate goal remains a national title.

Day’s ability to navigate the challenges of the modern college football landscape—including the rise of NIL, the increased competition, and the demands of the Ohio State fan base—will determine his legacy in Columbus. While his contract extension reflects the faith that the Ohio State administration has in him, the pressure to succeed will continue to mount.

Ultimately, for Ryan Day and Ohio State, the task is clear: win a national championship. The reward of a contract extension is a recognition of past success, but the pressure to keep winning—and to win the ultimate prize—remains as intense as ever. As the Buckeyes continue to chase that elusive national title, the eyes of the college football world will remain firmly fixed on Ohio State.