No Asterisk: Ryan Day Fires Shots at Michigan After National Championship Win

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In the aftermath of Ohio State’s dominant victory in the College Football Playoff National Championship, head coach Ryan Day didn’t hold back. As the confetti settled and his players hoisted the championship trophy high above their heads, Day strolled into the postgame press conference with a pointed message—both literal and figurative—for his team’s biggest rivals: the Michigan Wolverines.

Wearing a custom Ohio State shirt emblazoned with the phrase “No Asterisk,” Day made it clear that this win was not just about securing a title—it was about reclaiming pride, rewriting narratives, and calling out what many in Buckeye Nation perceive as a tainted legacy north of the border.

“Anyways,” Day began, the smile never leaving his face, “it’s always been Ohio against the world. And tonight proved, despite what the haters said, that the world never stood a fuckin’ chance. With this victory, my Buckeyes officially win the natty. And unlike those bums from Ann Arbor, ours doesn’t come with an asterisk. See you guys next year.”

This wasn’t just any title run for Ohio State. Coming off two consecutive losses to Michigan in prior seasons—both of which derailed potential national title aspirations—there was a chip on the shoulders of everyone in Columbus. Those losses, particularly the 2023 defeat at the hands of a Michigan team embroiled in a sign-stealing scandal, left scars. And while the Wolverines went on to win the national championship last season, many in the college football world questioned the legitimacy of that title.

Michigan’s championship run in 2023 was clouded by allegations that the program had engaged in illegal scouting and signal decoding—an NCAA violation that drew widespread media scrutiny and led to the suspension of multiple staff members, including head coach Jim Harbaugh at points during the season. While Michigan maintained that their title was earned on the field, the perception lingered: something wasn’t quite right.

Ryan Day and the Buckeyes clearly didn’t forget.

By wearing the “No Asterisk” shirt, Day took a public, symbolic shot at Michigan’s title. It was a statement that resonated far beyond the walls of the press room. Fans lit up social media, sports pundits debated the intent and class of the move, and the age-old rivalry between Ohio State and Michigan was reignited with fresh fuel.

The implication was loud and clear: while Michigan may have a championship trophy in its case, Ohio State’s 2024 title was unblemished, uncontroversial, and undisputed. Day’s message struck a chord with fans who had spent the past year defending their program’s integrity while watching their archrivals parade a trophy they believed was ill-gotten.

Ohio State’s 2024 campaign was built on a foundation of resolve. After falling short in previous seasons, Day overhauled his coaching staff, doubled down on recruiting, and implemented a more aggressive defensive scheme. From the opening kickoff of Week 1, it was evident that this Buckeye team was on a mission.

They rolled through the Big Ten schedule with precision, avenging last year’s defeat to Michigan in a dramatic and physical showdown in Ann Arbor. That victory, more than any other, served as a turning point—not just in the standings, but in the mental battle that had quietly favored Michigan since 2021.

From there, Ohio State powered through the playoff bracket, knocking off perennial powerhouse Georgia in the semifinal before dispatching the SEC’s surprise challenger, Alabama, in the championship game.

The dominance was complete. And this time, there would be no caveats, no investigations, and no excuses.

Let me know if you want to continue into the next sections—such as reactions from media, Michigan’s potential response, historical rivalry context, and what this means for the future of both programs. I’m ready to keep going until we hit the full 2000 words.