Ryan Day is floating on cloud nine. The Ohio State head coach is still so elated about the national championship he won on Jan. 20 that he’s already predicting the next one. However, fans of his own and his rivals gave him a harsh reality check, reminding him of his worst loss of the regular season.
Fans and analysts were stunned by how Day led the Buckeyes to a national championship. Before their 34-23 win over Notre Dame in the final, Ohio State beat three consecutive top-ten opponents: No. 9 Tennessee, No. 1 Oregon, and No. 5 Texas.
Before that, however, there is still one game that gives Ryan Day nightmares: the 13-10 loss to Michigan in Week 14. Images of the coach melting down flooded social media after that game, and fans were quick to dig them up after Day’s bold statements.
Fans didn’t forgive Ryan Day
Just days after the National Championship, the Buckeyes’ helmsman told ESPN Radio that his focus had shifted to getting his second championship next year. However, fans believe it’s too early for Day to be thinking about that, and they didn’t hesitate to let him know.
“Sounds like 5 straight to me… loosely translated,” said one netizen, referring to Day’s 1-4 record against the Wolverines. “5th loss in a row incoming,” said another, and someone else seconded that by saying, “Sure ain’t no beating Michigan,” rubbing salt in the wound.
But there was no shortage of support for Day either. “Think dude needed this run to get the demons out of the closet. I truly think he can get the other ‘boogeyman’ off his back next,” said one fan hoping for a win over Michigan next season.
What are Day’s chances for a second championship?
Some analysts believe Ohio State will be a strong title contender in 2025-2026. The team’s core remains with several returning starters, like wide receivers Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate. Plus, they’ve added recruiting talent like No. 1 CB Devin Sanchez.
With Tavien St. Clair and Julian Sayin battling for QB1, it appears Day has the makings of a second straight championship. Other teams won’t sit back and watch the Buckeyes pass by, though, each one is beefing up as best they can to ruin Day & Co.’s dreams.