Ohio State football coach Ryan Day reveals mind-blowing truth about competing in the College Football Playoff

As college football enters another thrilling season, the Ohio State Buckeyes remain one of the top programs in the country, with high expectations for yet another playoff run. As head coach of Ohio State, Ryan Day has led the team to consistent success, including multiple appearances in the College Football Playoff (CFP). But with each new season, the competition grows more intense, and the challenges faced by Day and his team continue to evolve.

In a candid interview following the 2024 season, Coach Day revealed a mind-blowing truth about the complexities of competing in the College Football Playoff—a truth that offers new insight into the pressures, strategies, and decisions that shape the Buckeyes’ approach to postseason football. Day’s comments offer a deeper understanding of what it truly takes to compete at the highest level in college football and how Ohio State plans to maintain its place among the elite.

The Evolution of the College Football Playoff

Since its inception in 2014, the College Football Playoff has reshaped the landscape of college football. Gone are the days when a team’s destiny could be decided by a single bowl game. Now, teams are not just playing for bowl appearances but for a coveted spot in the playoff bracket, with an opportunity to compete for a national championship.

The change in format has meant that teams now face an entirely different set of challenges. What once was a straightforward postseason structure is now a high-stakes environment where one slip-up could lead to an early exit. The CFP brings not only physical challenges but also mental ones, as teams must contend with the pressure of performing on the national stage against the best of the best.

Coach Ryan Day’s Ohio State program has been at the center of the CFP conversation for much of the last decade. Year after year, the Buckeyes are in the mix for a playoff spot, and as the competition increases, so too do the expectations. With the constant evolution of the playoff system, the demands on Day, his coaching staff, and his players have grown exponentially.

The Mind-Blowing Truth: Recruiting and Depth Are Key

While discussing Ohio State’s future and the challenges of staying at the top, Coach Day shared a truth that might surprise some: the key to competing year after year in the CFP is not just about having great individual players—it’s about depth.

“People always talk about having elite talent, and yes, you need that,” Day said. “But what you really need is depth. You can’t just have a few good players. You need an entire roster of high-caliber athletes, and you need those athletes to be able to step up when it matters most.”

Day’s comments hit home, as Ohio State’s dominance over the years has been built on not just standout players but a consistent pipeline of talent across every position. It’s the depth of the roster that allows Ohio State to withstand the injuries, setbacks, and the brutal competition of the playoff schedule.

In the past, Ohio State has been able to lean on its star players, like quarterback Justin Fields, running back J.K. Dobbins, and wide receiver Chris Olave, but as Day points out, the true test of a championship-caliber team is how well the entire roster can execute in high-pressure situations.

“Look at the teams who have made multiple playoff appearances, like Alabama or Clemson. They have elite depth—guys who come in and perform at a high level no matter what,” Day explained. “That’s the difference. That’s how you compete in the CFP year after year.”

This perspective underscores the importance of recruiting and player development for Ohio State. It’s not enough for the Buckeyes to recruit top-tier players each season—they need to build a roster that can compete on every front, whether that’s in the trenches, at the skill positions, or in special teams.

The Impact of High Expectations

Another aspect of competing in the College Football Playoff that Day addressed is the weight of the expectations. At Ohio State, winning is the standard, and the pressure to succeed on the national stage is immense. But as Day explains, those expectations also serve as a driving force for his players.

“The expectations are always going to be there. It’s part of being at a place like Ohio State,” Day said. “But what I’ve found is that those expectations don’t weigh you down—they drive you. Our guys want to be great. They understand that playing for a program like this means playing on the biggest stage every year.”

That mentality, according to Day, is what separates Ohio State from other programs. While some teams may buckle under the pressure of being expected to win, Ohio State thrives on it. The players embrace the challenge, and the coaching staff encourages them to view every game, every opponent, and every opportunity as part of a larger journey toward greatness.

“When you’re competing in the playoff, every single game is a national championship game. That’s the mindset we want our players to have,” Day explained. “It’s about going out there and giving everything you have, knowing that this could be your last chance. That’s what makes the College Football Playoff so special.”

Game Planning for the Playoff

Another key aspect of competing in the CFP, as Day noted, is the strategic nature of game planning. Unlike regular-season games, where teams may have weeks to prepare, playoff games often require a rapid adjustment to the unique challenges posed by each opponent.

“One of the biggest differences between the regular season and the playoff is the level of preparation,” Day said. “You have to be able to adjust quickly. It’s not just about executing your game plan—it’s about being ready for anything. You have to study everything about your opponent, from their offensive and defensive schemes to their tendencies and weaknesses.”

In the high-stakes environment of the CFP, the margin for error is razor-thin. A single mistake or missed opportunity can result in a loss, and that’s why preparation is key. Ohio State’s ability to adjust on the fly, along with their deep roster of talent, allows them to remain competitive against some of the best teams in the country.

“Each team is different. They all bring something unique to the table, and you have to find a way to counter that,” Day said. “It’s about making sure that you don’t just have a plan, but a backup plan. You have to be ready for any scenario, because in the CFP, anything can happen.”

The Role of Leadership

While Ohio State has the talent to compete, another factor that plays a significant role in their playoff success is leadership. Day emphasized that having strong leaders in the locker room, particularly at key positions like quarterback and on the defensive line, is critical to maintaining focus and composure during the postseason.

“You need players who can take charge, who can keep the team level-headed, and who can inspire others to step up when the pressure is on,” Day said. “When you get to the CFP, it’s no longer just about individual talent—it’s about the collective effort. Leaders on the field make all the difference.”

Whether it’s a quarterback leading the offense, a veteran linebacker calling the defensive plays, or a wide receiver rallying the team after a tough loss, leadership is one of the intangibles that can make or break a team’s chances of success.

Looking Ahead to the Future

As Ohio State continues to chase its next national championship, the revelations from Coach Ryan Day offer invaluable insight into what it truly takes to compete in the College Football Playoff. The combination of elite talent, depth, preparation, and leadership is essential to staying at the top in an increasingly competitive landscape.

Looking ahead to the 2025 season and beyond, Ohio State will need to continue building on the foundation that Day has established, both on the field and in the recruiting trenches. With a talented roster that already includes players like quarterback Kyle McCord, wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., and a host of standout defenders, the Buckeyes are poised to remain a contender for years to come.

But as Day aptly pointed out, the journey is never easy, and every season presents new challenges. The competition for a spot in the College Football Playoff is fierce, and the margin for error is slim. But with the mindset, work ethic, and commitment to excellence that Day has instilled in his players, Ohio State will continue to be a force to be reckoned with in the world of college football.

As the countdown to the 2025 season continues, one thing is certain: Ohio State will be ready for whatever the College Football Playoff throws their way, and they will be doing everything in their power to bring another national championship back to Columbus.