Ohio State's Ryan Day earns vindication along with Buckeyes' first national championship since 2014
Share:
Ryan Day deserved to feel vindication when he won a national championship less than two months after it seemed his Ohio State job was on the line. That relief only lasts so long. Day made that clear when it was suggested to him on Tuesday morning that Monday night's 34-23 national championship game victory over Notre Dame meant he would feel less pressure to win big in the 2025 season.
“Try losing the first game and see how that goes at Ohio State,” Day said. Leading the Buckeyes to their first national title since 2014 earned Day redemption when so many questioned his ability to win the big game following his fourth straight loss to Michigan in November.
Day praised his players, saying they deserved to be mentioned with the greatest teams in Ohio State history. Quarterback Will Howard, wearing a “National Champs” cap, and linebacker Cody Simon joined Day at Tuesday's College Football Playoff champions news conference.
“I’m proud of these guys,” Day said. “And again, we’ll go down in history and cement themselves as champions.". Day didn't say that he similarly deserved his place on the list of coaches who have led the Buckeyes to national championships. It includes Urban Meyer, Jim Tressel, Woody Hayes and Paul Brown.
“It’s an honor,” Day said when asked about joining that roster of greats. “It’s an honor to be the head coach at Ohio State. I’d probably say that this job is not for everybody.". Day earned his spot in Ohio State and college football history.
