Ohio State football begins a new chapter of the Ryan Day era with a revamped staff and roster

The Ohio State Buckeyes football program has long been a powerhouse in college football. Under the leadership of Urban Meyer, the team reached new heights, winning national championships and consistently contending for titles. However, following Meyer’s retirement after the 2018 season, Ryan Day stepped in as head coach and inherited a highly successful program. Now, after several seasons of immense pressure, expectations, and remarkable success, Ohio State enters a new chapter under Day’s leadership, one that is marked by significant changes to the coaching staff and a revamped roster.

These changes signal a fresh start, as Day continues to mold the team in his image. The landscape of college football continues to evolve, and for the Buckeyes, it’s essential to not just keep up with the times but also to stay ahead of the competition. As the 2025 season approaches, Ohio State’s revamped staff and roster are primed to take the program to new heights. In this article, we’ll explore the significant changes Ohio State has made to both its coaching staff and roster and how these shifts might impact the team moving forward.

The Ryan Day Era: A Brief Overview

Before delving into the changes, it’s important to recognize the impact Ryan Day has already made as head coach. Since taking over the program, Day has led Ohio State to consistent success. The team has remained a national contender, regularly competing for Big Ten titles and playoff berths. In just his second year, Day guided the Buckeyes to the College Football Playoff national championship game in 2020, where they narrowly lost to Alabama. His ability to develop elite quarterbacks, like Justin Fields and C.J. Stroud, has made Ohio State’s offense one of the most potent in the country.

However, despite Day’s success, the Buckeyes have yet to win a national title under his watch, which has led to increasing scrutiny. In particular, Ohio State’s defense has often been a point of criticism. While the offense has been explosive and among the best in the country, the defense has occasionally been inconsistent, particularly in big games. As a result, Day has made some bold moves in his staff and roster, seeking to address these issues and push the Buckeyes to the next level.

A Revamped Coaching Staff

One of the most significant changes for Ohio State is the restructuring of its coaching staff. Ryan Day has long been known for his offensive acumen, but in order to take Ohio State’s program to the next level, he has decided to make key changes to improve both sides of the ball, with an emphasis on building a more complete team.

1. Defensive Coordinator Overhaul

Perhaps the most crucial move Day has made is in the defensive coordinator position. After several seasons of struggling to build a consistently elite defense, Day parted ways with long-time defensive coordinator Kerry Coombs in 2024. Coombs, who had been with the Buckeyes for several years, was highly regarded as a dynamic recruiter, but his defenses underperformed, particularly in big games. While the Buckeyes still had top-tier talent, the defensive unit was inconsistent, struggling with coverage and tackling, which cost them in crucial moments.

To address these concerns, Day brought in Jim Knowles as the new defensive coordinator. Knowles, who previously served as the defensive coordinator at Oklahoma State, is known for his aggressive, multiple-scheme defense that emphasizes versatility and adaptability. He has a reputation for turning struggling defenses into formidable units, and his arrival in Columbus was met with great optimism. Knowles has already begun implementing his system, and the early returns have been positive, with many players noting the increased discipline, structure, and energy in the defensive room.

With Knowles in charge, Ohio State is hoping to finally achieve the level of defensive excellence that has eluded them in recent years. His ability to build tough, competitive defenses will be crucial to Ohio State’s championship aspirations, as the Buckeyes are often in shootouts with other high-powered offenses in the Big Ten and nationally.

2. Offensive Staff Changes

While Ohio State’s offense has been explosive under Ryan Day, there were some subtle changes to the offensive coaching staff that could help improve the team’s already potent attack. The Buckeyes have continued to churn out elite quarterbacks, running backs, and wide receivers, but Day has sought to inject fresh ideas into his offense to keep pace with other elite programs.

One of the most important additions to the staff is Corey Dennis, who has been promoted to the role of quarterbacks coach. Dennis, who had previously served as a graduate assistant and was a key figure in the development of quarterbacks like Justin Fields and C.J. Stroud, now has a more prominent role in ensuring that Ohio State continues to produce top-tier quarterbacks. His intimate knowledge of Day’s system and his ability to work closely with quarterbacks will be crucial as the Buckeyes look to find their next signal-caller after Stroud’s departure.

Day also brought in Keanon Lowe, a rising star in the coaching world, to work with the wide receivers. Lowe, who has been known for his ability to develop dynamic, game-changing wideouts, is expected to continue Ohio State’s tradition of producing NFL-caliber receivers. His presence should help keep the Buckeyes’ passing attack among the best in the country.

3. Special Teams Changes

While special teams are often overlooked, they can play a pivotal role in games, especially in close contests. Ryan Day’s decision to bring in Perry Eliano to oversee special teams shows his commitment to every aspect of the game. Eliano, who has experience coaching at multiple programs, will help improve Ohio State’s kicking and return games. His focus on discipline, consistency, and execution will be essential for Ohio State to have a well-rounded and efficient team.

Revamping the Roster

While changes to the coaching staff are a key component of Ohio State’s new chapter, the Buckeyes also underwent significant changes to their roster. The 2025 roster is filled with fresh talent and new faces, some of whom could be the next stars of the program. As college football continues to evolve, especially with the influx of transfer portal players, Ryan Day has worked hard to ensure the Buckeyes are as competitive as ever.

1. Quarterback Battle

One of the most anticipated storylines for Ohio State’s 2025 season is the quarterback battle. After C.J. Stroud’s departure to the NFL, Day faces the task of selecting the next quarterback to lead his explosive offense. The two most prominent candidates are Kyle McCord and Devin Brown, both of whom have shown flashes of brilliance during their time at Ohio State. McCord, who has experience as a backup, has the edge in terms of experience, while Brown has a strong arm and impressive mobility, making him a dynamic threat.

The decision at quarterback could shape the future of Ohio State’s offense for the next several years, and both McCord and Brown have the potential to lead the Buckeyes to greatness.

2. Recruiting Impact

Ohio State’s recruiting class for 2025 is one of the most highly regarded in the country. With Day’s ability to recruit top-tier talent, the Buckeyes have filled several key positions with incoming freshmen. Ohio State’s 2025 recruiting class features several five-star athletes who are expected to make an immediate impact, including wide receivers, offensive linemen, and defensive backs.

These young players, combined with Ohio State’s experienced roster, will give Day the depth and versatility needed to compete at the highest level. The mix of veteran leadership and fresh talent is a key component of the team’s future success, and it’s clear that Day’s recruiting efforts have put the program in a position to remain a national contender.

3. Transfer Portal Additions

With the rise of the transfer portal, Ryan Day has been active in adding experienced players who can contribute immediately. Ohio State brought in several transfer players in key positions, including defensive backs and wide receivers. These players add depth and experience to a roster that already boasts elite talent. The ability to quickly plug gaps with experienced transfer players is a luxury that many programs, including Ohio State, will continue to utilize as college football evolves.