Ryan Day believes Ohio State “can play with anybody in the country” when they execute, and feels the Buckeyes are “far from done” in the College Football Playoff.

The Ohio State Buckeyes, under the leadership of head coach Ryan Day, have been one of the premier programs in college football over the past several years. With a history of success, including multiple Big Ten titles and appearances in the College Football Playoff (CFP), expectations for the Buckeyes are always high. Ryan Day, who took over as head coach in 2019, has continued this tradition of excellence, leading the team to numerous high-profile bowl games and a spot in the national conversation every season.

As Ohio State navigates another College Football Playoff (CFP) appearance, Ryan Day has been vocal about his team’s potential, despite the challenges they’ve faced. He firmly believes that when his team executes at a high level, Ohio State is capable of competing with and defeating any team in the country. Moreover, he’s confident that the Buckeyes, despite the ups and downs of the regular season, are “far from done” in their pursuit of a national title.

This article will delve into Ryan Day’s mindset, the state of Ohio State football as they head into the CFP, and what the future holds for the Buckeyes in their pursuit of the ultimate prize in college football. By examining the key factors that Day believes are crucial to Ohio State’s success, as well as the challenges and opportunities ahead, we will better understand why the Buckeyes are still very much alive in their quest for the national championship.

Ryan Day’s Confidence in Ohio State’s Potential

One of the key aspects of Ryan Day’s leadership is his unwavering belief in Ohio State’s potential to compete with the best teams in the country. Day’s confidence in his team is not just about their talent but about their ability to execute at the highest level. Throughout the season, there have been moments where the Buckeyes played at an elite level, dominating top-tier opponents and showing why they are consistently considered among the best teams in the nation.

However, Day has also acknowledged that Ohio State’s journey has not always been smooth. There have been games where the team underperformed or did not execute to the level expected of a championship-caliber program. Still, Day’s confidence has remained intact, and he firmly believes that when the Buckeyes are clicking, they can play with anyone, regardless of the opponent.

“I think we’ve shown at times this year that we can play with anybody in the country,” Day said in a press conference leading up to the CFP. “It’s just about making sure that when we execute, we’re at our best. I have no doubt that we can compete with the top teams, but it’s about making sure we bring it every time.”

Day’s belief in Ohio State’s potential is grounded in several key factors, including the talent on the roster, the experience within the program, and the high standards that the team has set over the years. Ohio State has produced some of the top players in college football, particularly on offense, where quarterback C.J. Stroud and wide receivers Marvin Harrison Jr. and Emeka Egbuka have emerged as some of the best in the country. On defense, Ohio State has consistently been strong, with players like J.T. Tuimoloau and Tommy Eichenberg leading a unit that can dominate on any given Saturday.

But what truly separates Ohio State, according to Ryan Day, is their ability to execute under pressure. When the Buckeyes are focused and disciplined, Day believes they can match up with any team in the country. That belief will be crucial as Ohio State faces off against some of the nation’s top teams in the College Football Playoff.

Ohio State’s Performance in the Regular Season

Ohio State’s regular-season performance set the stage for their return to the College Football Playoff. The Buckeyes had a few moments of brilliance throughout the season, including dominant wins over teams like Penn State and Notre Dame. The offense, led by C.J. Stroud, looked explosive at times, with the wide receivers making plays and the running back committee providing balance.

However, there were also moments where Ohio State struggled to put away opponents, especially in the latter half of the season. They faced a significant challenge in their rivalry game against Michigan, where the Wolverines defeated the Buckeyes in a game that was both physically and mentally taxing. Despite this loss, Day’s optimism remained unwavering.

“I know that one loss doesn’t define us,” Day said after the Michigan defeat. “We’ve been through a lot this season, and we’re still in position to compete for a national championship. We’re far from done, and I know this team has the ability to go all the way.”

The Michigan loss was a tough pill to swallow for both the team and the fans, but Ryan Day’s ability to keep the team focused and positive after such a setback was a testament to his leadership. Rather than allowing the loss to derail their season, Day emphasized that the team’s potential was still alive, and there was more to prove.

Key Players to Watch in the College Football Playoff

As Ohio State heads into the College Football Playoff, much of the team’s success will depend on the performance of key players who have the talent to make a significant impact in high-stakes games. Ryan Day has seen his team come alive when their star players are at their best, and the playoff will be no different.

C.J. Stroud – Quarterback

C.J. Stroud has been one of the most consistent quarterbacks in college football throughout his career at Ohio State. Known for his poise in the pocket, ability to make every throw, and leadership, Stroud is the engine that powers the Ohio State offense. His performance will be crucial in the playoff, where every throw and decision counts.

Stroud’s ability to make plays under pressure has been evident throughout the season. Whether it’s making a crucial throw on third down or leading the offense down the field in the game’s final moments, Stroud has shown time and time again that he is capable of delivering in clutch situations. If Stroud can continue to play at a high level, Ohio State will have a legitimate chance to make a deep playoff run.

Marvin Harrison Jr. – Wide Receiver

Marvin Harrison Jr. is one of the most dynamic wide receivers in the country, and his presence on the field makes Ohio State’s offense even more dangerous. Harrison’s ability to make contested catches, stretch the field, and create big plays is something that sets him apart from other receivers in college football. With Stroud’s ability to find him down the field, Harrison has the potential to be a game-changer in the College Football Playoff.

His size, athleticism, and ability to separate from defenders make him a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses. If Harrison continues to play at an elite level, he could very well be the difference-maker for Ohio State in the playoff.

J.T. Tuimoloau – Defensive End

On the defensive side of the ball, J.T. Tuimoloau is one of the most disruptive forces in college football. The Ohio State defense has been one of the best in the nation, and Tuimoloau has been a standout performer all season. Known for his ability to rush the passer, defend the run, and create turnovers, Tuimoloau is capable of taking over a game and putting the Ohio State defense in a position to succeed.

Tuimoloau’s ability to make plays on the edge will be critical in stopping high-powered offenses in the playoff. Whether it’s pressuring the quarterback or stopping the run, Tuimoloau will need to be at his best for Ohio State to reach their ultimate goal.

The Running Back Committee

While much of the focus is on the passing game, Ohio State’s running back committee has been a key component of their offense all season. With talented backs like TreVeyon Henderson and Miyan Williams, the Buckeyes have the ability to control the clock and pound the ball on the ground. In the playoff, where every possession is crucial, the ability to establish the run will be essential for Ohio State’s success.

If the running backs can perform well and take pressure off of Stroud and the passing game, Ohio State will be even more difficult to defend.

The Road Ahead: Ohio State’s Path to the National Championship

The road to the national championship will not be easy for Ohio State, but Ryan Day believes the Buckeyes are more than capable of overcoming the challenges ahead. With a deep roster, a championship-level quarterback, and a defense that can stifle opponents, Ohio State has all the tools needed to compete with the best.

“The key to our success will be how well we execute,” Day stated. “When we’re on our game, when we do the little things right, there’s no reason we can’t go all the way. We’ve got the talent, and now it’s about putting it all together.”

Ohio State’s road to the national championship will likely require them to face off against some of the top teams in college football, including potential matchups against teams like Georgia, Alabama, or Michigan. However, Day’s confidence in his team’s ability to execute and perform at the highest level is a strong indication that the Buckeyes are not just participants in the College Football Playoff—they are legitimate contenders.