Ryan Day’s ESPN Declaration of Second Title Focus Sparks Fresh Wave of Criticism
Ohio State head coach Ryan Day is no stranger to pressure, but his recent declaration during an interview with ESPN has reignited criticism from fans and analysts alike. Day, who has compiled an impressive record since taking over the Buckeyes in 2019, expressed his firm commitment to winning a second national championship for the program. While the statement was intended to signal his ambition and focus, it has instead sparked a fresh wave of scrutiny over his tenure and Ohio State’s recent shortcomings on the national stage.
Speaking to ESPN, Day confidently outlined his vision for Ohio State’s football future. “The expectation here is championships, and anything short of that isn’t acceptable,” he said. “We’ve built this program to compete for national titles every year, and I’m as focused as ever on bringing home a second championship under my watch.”
Day’s comments referenced Ohio State’s last national championship, which came in the inaugural College Football Playoff in 2014 under then-head coach Urban Meyer. Since Day took the reins, the Buckeyes have consistently been a top-tier team, earning multiple playoff berths, but they have yet to secure another title.
While the sentiment was well-intentioned, the statement has drawn mixed reactions, with some praising Day’s confidence and others pointing to recent failures as reasons for skepticism.
For all of Day’s success at Ohio State, including a 49-7 record and three consecutive victories over Michigan before the 2021 season, the Buckeyes’ inability to win a national title under his leadership remains a sore point for fans. The program has come tantalizingly close, most notably in the 2020 national championship game, where they were soundly defeated by Alabama, 52-24.
In the 2022 and 2023 seasons, Ohio State fell short of making the championship game, with crushing losses to Michigan both years overshadowing otherwise successful campaigns. The back-to-back defeats against their archrival have been particularly damaging to Day’s reputation, as beating Michigan is considered non-negotiable for any Ohio State head coach.
Critics argue that Day’s comments about focusing on a second title ring hollow when the team hasn’t addressed key issues, such as defensive lapses in critical games and a perceived lack of toughness.
The timing of Day’s statement hasn’t helped matters. Many Ohio State fans are still reeling from the Buckeyes’ 30-24 loss to Michigan in the 2023 regular-season finale, a defeat that cost them a spot in the Big Ten Championship Game and possibly the College Football Playoff. For a program with sky-high expectations, missing out on the playoff for two straight seasons is seen as unacceptable.
Social media reactions to Day’s comments were swift and divided. While some fans expressed support for their coach’s determination, others questioned whether he’s the right man to lead Ohio State to the promised land.
“Talk is cheap,” one fan tweeted. “We need to see results. Enough with the promises—beat Michigan and win a title.”
One of the recurring themes in Day’s tenure has been Ohio State’s struggles on defense, particularly in big games. The Buckeyes have been outplayed at the line of scrimmage against teams like Michigan, Alabama, and Georgia, exposing weaknesses in their defensive schemes.
To his credit, Day has made changes to address these issues, including the hiring of defensive coordinator Jim Knowles before the 2022 season. While the defense has shown improvement, there’s still work to be done to make Ohio State a complete team capable of winning on the sport’s biggest stage.
Despite the criticism, Day remains steadfast in his approach and optimistic about the program’s future. Ohio State continues to recruit at an elite level, consistently bringing in top-five classes nationally. The Buckeyes also boast one of the most explosive offenses in college football, thanks to Day’s prowess as a play-caller and quarterback developer.
The 2025 season will provide Day with another opportunity to silence his detractors and deliver the championship he has promised. However, the pressure will only intensify, especially if Ohio State falls short against Michigan or in postseason play again.
Ryan Day’s declaration of a second title focus underscores the high expectations at Ohio State, but it also highlights the scrutiny that comes with leading one of college football’s premier programs. While Day has achieved remarkable success in his tenure, the lack of a national championship and recent losses to Michigan continue to fuel criticism.
For Day, the path forward is clear: deliver results on the field, and the doubters will fade away. Until then, his words will remain a lightning rod for both optimism and skepticism.