Ryan Day spoke on Friday’s episode of “The Herd With Colin Cowherd” on what it means to be an Ohio State Buckeye.

Ryan Day Speaks on “The Herd With Colin Cowherd” About What It Means to Be an Ohio State Buckeye

On Friday’s episode of “The Herd with Colin Cowherd,” Ryan Day, the head coach of the Ohio State Buckeyes football team, had an open and candid discussion about what it truly means to wear the scarlet and gray and represent one of the most storied programs in college football history. His appearance on the show came at a crucial time, with Ohio State coming off another highly successful season, making a deep run into the College Football Playoff (CFP), and gearing up for a new season filled with high expectations.

Ohio State football has long been associated with excellence, tradition, and a relentless pursuit of national championships. It is one of the flagship programs in the Big Ten Conference and has consistently competed for the top spots in college football, producing some of the most iconic players and teams in the sport’s history. For many, Ohio State is synonymous with success, and leading the program is an immense responsibility. As one of the sport’s most recognizable coaches, Ryan Day has become the face of this program, guiding the Buckeyes to a level of sustained success and championship contention since he took over as head coach in 2019.

During his appearance on “The Herd,” Day discussed not only his experiences leading the Buckeyes but also his vision for the program’s future. He delved into the culture, tradition, and expectations that come with wearing the Ohio State uniform, and the immense pride that comes with representing the program both on and off the field. This conversation provides a unique window into Day’s mindset and offers fans an opportunity to better understand the complexities of leading one of college football’s premier teams.

The Legacy of Ohio State Football: A Culture of Excellence

Ohio State football isn’t just a program; it’s a culture. The Buckeyes are one of the most decorated teams in college football, boasting a rich history filled with legendary coaches, players, and moments. The Buckeyes have won eight national championships, produced a countless number of All-Americans, and sent hundreds of players to the NFL. The team’s tradition is built on hard work, resilience, and a never-ending drive for greatness.

Day spoke in detail about how significant the legacy of Ohio State is. He emphasized that when you become the head coach at Ohio State, you inherit not just a program but a community that is deeply passionate and heavily invested in the success of the team. “What it means to be a Buckeye is something that’s hard to put into words,” Day remarked during the interview. “When you put on that uniform, you are carrying a legacy, a tradition of excellence. You are playing for people who have invested so much into the program over the years – the fans, the alumni, the coaches, and the players who came before you.”

Day went on to mention the iconic figures who have helped shape the program’s history, from Woody Hayes, the legendary coach who led the Buckeyes to multiple championships, to Urban Meyer, who revitalized the program in the 2000s and led Ohio State to a national title in 2014. Day acknowledged that while these figures are synonymous with the success of Ohio State, it’s the collective effort of the entire team, coaching staff, and fanbase that makes the program special.

For Day, leading Ohio State isn’t just about winning games; it’s about continuing the legacy set by those who came before him. The pressure to maintain that success is immense, but Day embraces it fully, knowing the weight of representing one of the top programs in college football. “It’s not just about me,” he said. “It’s about everyone involved with the program—our staff, our players, our fans. It’s about keeping this program at the top, year in and year out.”

The Intensity of the Ohio State Experience: High Expectations and Relentless Competition

One of the defining characteristics of Ohio State football is the incredible level of competition. The Big Ten is one of the most challenging conferences in college football, with programs like Michigan, Penn State, and Wisconsin always posing a threat. Beyond that, the Buckeyes consistently compete with national powerhouses such as Alabama, Georgia, and Clemson. Ohio State’s stature in college football means that every opponent circles them on their calendar, knowing they are going up against one of the sport’s elite programs.

Ryan Day spoke on the unique challenges that come with leading a team at Ohio State. “The level of competition is so high here,” he said. “We are always going to have a target on our back, and every team wants to beat Ohio State. That means we have to bring our best every single week. We can’t afford to take a step back. The expectations are sky-high.”

This level of pressure is something that both Day and his players understand intimately. The fans expect nothing short of excellence, and Day has made it clear that the only way to meet those expectations is by embracing the pressure and using it as motivation. “The fans here are passionate. They want to win, and they want to see us be the best. That’s why we’re working every day to make sure we are always improving. The journey never stops.”

Day also acknowledged that the expectations aren’t limited to just the regular season. The Buckeyes have been a fixture in the College Football Playoff since its inception, and the bar for success is always set higher. The goal is not just to win the Big Ten but to compete for national championships. “We want to win championships, plain and simple,” Day remarked. “Every season is a chance to compete for that. And if we’re not doing that, we haven’t done our job.”

This relentless drive to compete at the highest level is ingrained in Ohio State’s culture. Day noted that it’s this mindset that separates Ohio State from many other programs. “We’re not just aiming for good seasons. We’re aiming for greatness. And greatness is defined by being in the hunt for championships every single year.”

The Importance of Developing Players: Ohio State’s Commitment to Player Growth

Another core aspect of Ryan Day’s philosophy is his commitment to player development. While recruiting elite talent is crucial to sustaining success, Day emphasized that the true value of the program lies in how it develops players once they arrive on campus. Ohio State’s reputation as a program that prepares players for the next level is one of the key reasons the Buckeyes continue to be a powerhouse in college football.

“We’re not just about recruiting the best players,” Day said. “We’re about developing those players and helping them reach their full potential, both on the field and off the field. Every player that comes to Ohio State has the chance to play in the NFL, but they have to put in the work. It’s about giving them the tools they need to succeed, and that’s something we take very seriously here.”

The Buckeyes’ success in developing NFL-caliber talent speaks for itself. Over the years, Ohio State has produced numerous first-round NFL draft picks, especially in recent seasons. From quarterbacks like Justin Fields and Dwayne Haskins to defensive players like Chase Young and Jeff Okudah, Ohio State has consistently churned out top-tier talent that thrives at the next level. Day has continued this tradition, creating a culture of excellence where players know that their development is the program’s top priority.

In addition to football development, Day emphasized the importance of molding well-rounded individuals. “Being a Buckeye is about more than just football,” he said. “It’s about developing as a person. We want our players to be leaders in the community, to be role models for others. We want them to be prepared for life after football.”

Day’s commitment to holistic development is evident in his approach to coaching. He recognizes that Ohio State’s stature as a premier program comes with the responsibility of producing not just great football players, but well-rounded individuals who will be successful in whatever they pursue after their time in college.

The Future of Ohio State Football: A Program in Perpetual Motion

As Ryan Day reflected on the current state and future of Ohio State football, he remained focused on the constant pursuit of excellence. “We are always looking ahead,” he said. “It’s about building a program that is sustainable and that competes at the highest level year after year. The job never stops, and neither does the work.”

Looking to the future, Day is laser-focused on keeping Ohio State at the forefront of college football. The Buckeyes have an impressive roster of talent, with high-level recruits joining the program each year. Day emphasized that the goal is always to continue evolving and to never settle for anything less than the best.

“We’re constantly evaluating how we can improve, whether it’s in the way we recruit, the way we coach, or the way we develop players,” Day explained. “The moment you think you’ve reached the top, someone will pass you. And that’s something we can never allow to happen.”