Ohio State head coach Ryan Day believes the Big Ten deserves four College Football Playoff bids due to its strength and depth.

As college football enters a new era with the expanded 12-team College Football Playoff format, conversations around conference representation are intensifying. Few voices carry more weight in this debate than Ohio State head coach Ryan Day. Speaking candidly at a recent media availability, Day made headlines by asserting that the Big Ten should have “four” teams in the College Football Playoff field. It’s a bold claim, but not without merit.

Day’s comments are not only a vote of confidence in his own program, but also a broader endorsement of the quality and competitiveness within the Big Ten conference. As expansion reshapes college football, and as power consolidates within a few mega-conferences, Day’s remarks speak to a larger conversation: who belongs in the playoff, and how should the field be determined?

This article will explore Day’s comments in depth, the context behind his assertion, the current state of the Big Ten, potential playoff implications, and reactions from across the college football world.

The Context Behind Ryan Day’s Comments

Ryan Day’s comments come at a time of transformation in college football. The CFP is set to expand from four to twelve teams starting with the 2024 season, a move that has been met with widespread support for increasing access and competition. Under the new model, automatic qualifiers (AQs) will be reduced or potentially eliminated, and at-large bids will dominate the structure—favoring depth-heavy conferences like the Big Ten.

During his offseason media session, Day was asked about the playoff outlook and what he believes the Big Ten’s representation should look like. Without hesitation, he stated:

“I believe the Big Ten should have four teams in the College Football Playoff. The strength of the teams, the competition, the scheduling—it’s as good as it gets anywhere in the country.”

Why Four Teams From the Big Ten?

Day’s argument hinges on a few core factors:

1. Increased Conference Strength

The Big Ten has recently undergone significant expansion. With the additions of USC, UCLA, Oregon, and Washington, the conference now features multiple historical powerhouses and rising programs. The top-end talent is undeniable, and the depth from top to bottom is stronger than ever.

2. High-Level Competition

Playing in the Big Ten now involves cross-country road games, elite defensive units, NFL-ready quarterbacks, and pro-style offensive lines. The schedule has become a weekly grind. Day noted that simply emerging with one or two losses from Big Ten play in the coming years will be a monumental achievement—and worthy of a playoff spot.

3. Consistent National Contenders

Ohio State, Michigan, and Penn State have all been consistent top-10 programs over the past several years. With USC and Oregon now joining that mix, there could reasonably be four top-12 Big Ten teams every season. If the playoff truly wants the “best” teams, Day argues, it would be illogical to exclude several of these squads.

Evaluating the Claim: Is Four Realistic?

Ryan Day’s claim is not outlandish when analyzed against recent trends.

CFP Rankings History

Historically, the final CFP rankings have often included three or more Big Ten teams in the top 12. In several seasons:

• 2022: Michigan (No. 2), Ohio State (No. 4), Penn State (No. 11)
• 2023: Michigan (No. 1), Ohio State (No. 6), Penn State (No. 10)

With the expanded field, all three would’ve made the playoff. Add in future contenders like Oregon and USC, and four becomes a genuine possibility.

Strength of Schedule

The Big Ten will now include more top-tier matchups and travel challenges. Big Ten teams will face schedules comparable to SEC slates—long held as the standard for playoff legitimacy.

The Expanded CFP: How It Works

Starting in the 2024 season, the CFP will move to a 12-team model:

• The top 4 seeds get a bye in the first round.
• The next 8 teams play in the first round (5 vs. 12, 6 vs. 11, etc.).
• No guaranteed spots for conference champions if automatic bids are removed.

This structure favors conferences with multiple elite teams. Under this system, a strong Big Ten showing could easily result in four teams in the playoff, especially if:

• One team finishes undefeated and earns a top-4 seed.
• Two others finish with one loss.
• A fourth finishes with two competitive losses but a strong resume.

Reactions Around the Country

Positive Reactions

Many analysts agree with Day’s logic. ESPN’s Kirk Herbstreit, a former Buckeye himself, commented:

“If we’re putting the best teams in, and not just the conference champs, then yeah—the Big Ten deserves three or four spots most years.”

FOX Sports’ Joel Klatt also chimed in:

“The Big Ten’s depth is unrivaled right now. Look at USC, Oregon, Washington, Penn State. It’s absurd. Four playoff teams is not only possible—it might be likely.”

Critics and Concerns

On the other hand, critics worry that too many bids for a single conference could harm the spirit of national competition.

An unnamed SEC assistant coach reportedly said:

“Let’s not forget the SEC is still the gold standard. You want four Big Ten teams in? Who are you leaving out from the SEC, Big 12, or ACC?”

Critics also argue that over-representation could diminish the playoff’s diversity and hurt Group of Five programs hoping for at-large berths.

What It Means for Ohio State

Ryan Day’s belief in four Big Ten teams making the playoff isn’t just about the conference—it’s also strategic messaging for Ohio State’s path forward.

Navigating a Brutal Schedule

With the new Big Ten scheduling format, the Buckeyes will likely play three or four top-15 teams annually. Day’s assertion prepares the public, the media, and the selection committee to view a one-loss or even two-loss Big Ten team favorably.

Recruiting Impact

Recruits want to play for a national title. Day is making it clear that the Big Ten—not just the SEC—is where those opportunities lie. It’s a signal to elite prospects that you can compete for the CFP and develop for the NFL in Columbus.

What Happens Next?

CFP Committee Decisions

The CFP selection committee will play a key role in validating Day’s vision. Will they favor a four-team Big Ten presence if the resumes support it? Early years of the new format will likely set precedents.

Big Ten Dominance?

If the Big Ten consistently places 3–4 teams in the CFP, it could further elevate the league’s national profile, revenue potential, and overall competitiveness. It may also push other conferences to consider expansion or scheduling adjustments.

Final Thoughts: Is Day Right?

Ryan Day’s claim that the Big Ten deserves four College Football Playoff bids is ambitious, but it’s grounded in data, recent rankings, and the reality of what the Big Ten has become. As the landscape of college football changes, so too must the expectations for postseason representation.

While some may dismiss his assertion as a coach advocating for his own league, the numbers support his case. If the playoff is truly about selecting the best teams, then there will be seasons—perhaps sooner than we expect—where four of them wear Big Ten logos.