Ryan Day, the football coach at Ohio State, receives a grave warning from CBS Sports regarding the possible outcome of the Michigan game.

As the Ohio State Buckeyes approach the 2025 season, one game on the horizon looms larger than any other: The Game — the rivalry matchup between Ohio State and Michigan. This annual clash between two of college football’s most storied programs is always packed with high stakes, intense emotions, and a history of unforgettable moments. For Ohio State head coach Ryan Day, the stakes are even higher this year. CBS Sports recently issued a grave warning about the potential ramifications of a loss to Michigan, urging Day to take the rivalry game more seriously than ever before. But what does this warning really mean for Day, his coaching legacy, and the future of Ohio State football? In this podcast, we’ll dissect the potential consequences of such a loss, explore the underlying reasons behind CBS Sports’ warning, and discuss what Ryan Day must do to ensure that Ohio State comes out on top in 2025’s most critical showdown.

The Importance of ‘The Game’

The Ohio State-Michigan rivalry is one of the most legendary in sports, with both teams having a storied history filled with passionate fan bases, high-profile matchups, and plenty of animosity. But for Ohio State, The Game is not just any rivalry — it’s a defining moment in their season. Historically, this game has not only determined the victor of the Big Ten Conference but often decided who advances to the College Football Playoff (CFP) and has a shot at a national championship.

In the context of Ryan Day’s tenure, this game has become even more pivotal. Since replacing Urban Meyer as head coach in 2019, Day has enjoyed significant success at Ohio State, leading the team to multiple Big Ten titles, playoff berths, and a national championship appearance in 2020. However, one blemish on his record stands out: his struggles against Michigan. Despite his overall success, Day has yet to secure a victory over Michigan in his head coaching career, with the Wolverines taking the upper hand in 2021 and 2022.

In 2024, Day’s Buckeyes came close to redemption, but Michigan’s continued dominance in the rivalry, along with some key mistakes, kept the Buckeyes from clinching a much-needed victory. This set the stage for a high-stakes 2025 encounter — a game that could have major implications for Day’s career and his legacy as a coach.

CBS Sports’ Warning: What’s at Stake for Ryan Day

CBS Sports, one of the most respected sports media outlets in the industry, issued a stark warning about the potential fallout from a loss to Michigan in 2025. While Day’s tenure at Ohio State has been marked by impressive accomplishments, the rivalry with Michigan has taken on a unique significance. The outlet noted that another loss to Michigan could significantly damage Day’s standing at Ohio State and lead to a reconsideration of his future with the program.

The Pressure of Ohio State’s Expectations

Ohio State football, as a program, is built on a foundation of excellence. The Buckeyes are consistently one of the most successful teams in college football, routinely competing for Big Ten titles, College Football Playoff berths, and national championships. This elite status comes with a level of expectation that places immense pressure on the coaching staff, particularly when it comes to the rivalry with Michigan.

The warning from CBS Sports emphasized the reality that Ohio State fans and administrators have little tolerance for failure in this rivalry. The Buckeyes’ season, no matter how successful it may be in other areas, is often judged by the outcome of this single game. And after two years of heartbreaking losses to Michigan, many are beginning to ask tough questions about Day’s ability to overcome the one obstacle that has eluded him — his archrival from Ann Arbor.

A loss to Michigan in 2025, especially with the talent and expectations surrounding this Ohio State team, could lead to serious consequences for Day. Fans might begin to question whether Day is the right leader to bring Ohio State back to its rightful place atop the Big Ten, and whether he has the necessary mentality and strategy to get the job done in this pivotal rivalry. The pressure would mount significantly, and suddenly, questions about his long-term future at Ohio State would be far more than just hypothetical.

Reputation and Legacy on the Line

Ryan Day’s reputation as a coach is also on the line. If he loses again to Michigan in 2025, it could mark three consecutive defeats to his archrival, something that is almost unthinkable for an Ohio State head coach. Urban Meyer, the coach who preceded Day, won a perfect 7-0 record against Michigan, and that legacy still looms large in the minds of Buckeye fans. Meyer’s dominance over the Wolverines became a defining part of his tenure, and Day has struggled to live up to that legacy.

For Day, the importance of beating Michigan is more than just about keeping his job or pleasing the fanbase. It is about securing his place in Ohio State lore. A coach’s legacy is often judged by their ability to win big games, especially in the most critical moments. Beating Michigan is a huge part of that equation. If Day continues to fall short in this area, his legacy could be tarnished, despite his many successes in other aspects of coaching.

Additionally, recruiting is another key factor. Ohio State’s recruiting classes have consistently been among the best in the country, thanks in large part to Day’s ability to recruit top-tier talent. However, if the Buckeyes continue to lose to Michigan, it could have an impact on recruiting, as top recruits want to go to a program that is consistently competing for national championships and winning the biggest games. Michigan’s recent successes against Ohio State, coupled with the Wolverines’ growing momentum, could start to shift the balance in recruiting, and that’s a reality Day can’t afford to ignore.

The Challenges Ohio State Faces in 2025

Looking ahead to 2025, Ohio State faces a host of challenges in its bid to win the Big Ten and make a deep run in the College Football Playoff. While the talent pool remains stacked, there are a few areas where the Buckeyes must improve to ensure they are ready for the showdown with Michigan and beyond.

Ohio State’s Defense: A Key Area of Focus

One of the primary concerns for Ohio State heading into 2025 will be its defense. While the Buckeyes’ offense, led by quarterback Kyle McCord and wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., will likely remain among the best in the country, the defense has been a point of contention in recent years. Against Michigan in 2024, Ohio State struggled to contain the Wolverines’ physical running game, allowing running back Blake Corum to dominate the ground attack.

The Buckeyes must find ways to shore up their defensive front, particularly against the run. Michigan’s offense, while balanced, thrives when it can control the tempo with its rushing attack. The defense will need to match that physicality, and that starts with dominating the line of scrimmage. In 2025, Ohio State’s defensive line, led by pass rusher J.T. Tuimoloau, will need to be a dominant force. Linebackers like Steele Chambers must also step up to provide more consistency in both coverage and run defense.

Another area of concern is Ohio State’s secondary. While the Buckeyes have some strong individual players, their overall consistency has been a question mark, especially when facing high-powered offenses. Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy, while talented, was able to find success against Ohio State in previous matchups, and if the Buckeyes don’t improve their pass coverage, it could be another difficult day for them when they face Michigan.

Special Teams: Small Things Matter in Rivalries

In a game as high-stakes as Ohio State vs. Michigan, every detail matters. Special teams can often be the difference between victory and defeat, and Ohio State will need to be flawless in this area. Kicking, punting, and returning must be solid to avoid giving Michigan any unnecessary advantages. In the past, Ohio State has faced some mishaps in special teams, and that cannot happen in 2025 if they hope to secure a win over Michigan and continue their quest for a national championship.

What Ryan Day Must Do to Win

To secure a victory over Michigan in 2025, Ryan Day must do several things. First, he must continue to instill confidence in his players. The mental aspect of this rivalry cannot be overstated. Ohio State players need to understand that the past losses to Michigan do not define their team or their season. Day must ensure that the team remains focused, composed, and prepared to handle the pressure of the rivalry.

Second, Day needs to tweak his game plans and make the necessary adjustments. Against Michigan, the Buckeyes need to be able to counteract the Wolverines’ ground game with a stout defense. Day will need to put together a game plan that stops the run, pressures McCarthy, and creates turnovers when possible. He must be willing to take calculated risks in order to exploit Michigan’s weaknesses while protecting his own.

Finally, Day needs to make sure his players are well-prepared mentally and physically. This is where the coaching staff comes in, and Day will need to ensure that Ohio State is firing on all cylinders. Whether it’s focusing on conditioning, game planning, or maintaining a positive team culture, every aspect of Ohio State’s preparation will be under the microscope.

 The Stakes for Ryan Day in 2025

The 2025 Ohio State vs. Michigan game is about more than just another chapter in a historic rivalry. It could define Ryan Day’s career at Ohio State. A win would reaffirm his status as one of college football’s top coaches and keep the Buckeyes in the national title conversation. A loss, however, would bring serious questions about his ability to lead Ohio

State past Michigan, possibly jeopardizing his future in Columbus.

CBS Sports’ grave warning is a reflection of the high stakes involved, and it’s clear that the pressure on Day will only increase as the season progresses. To secure his legacy, his job, and Ohio State’s championship hopes, Ryan Day must finally overcome Michigan — and that starts with executing a perfect game plan in 2025’s most important contest. The road ahead is challenging, but with the right mindset, strategy, and preparation, Day can silence the critics and return Ohio State to its rightful place atop college football.