In the world of college football, building a championship-caliber team takes more than just talent. It requires vision, strategy, leadership, and—perhaps most importantly—dedication. For Ryan Day, the head coach of the Ohio State Buckeyes, this journey to national prominence has been years in the making. As he reflects on the path that led the Buckeyes to national championship contention, he sees it not just as a series of games won or lost, but as a culmination of individual bricks—each one representing a step, a decision, or a person that helped shape the team into the powerhouse it is today.
Ryan Day’s tenure at Ohio State began in 2017, when he joined the program as the offensive coordinator under Urban Meyer. Day was immediately thrust into the national spotlight when he filled in as the interim head coach for the 2018 Rose Bowl after Meyer was suspended. In the time since, Day has become a beacon of stability and success, guiding Ohio State to some of the most successful seasons in recent history. But, as Day reflects on how this team was built, it’s clear that the success of Ohio State football is not just a byproduct of a strong coaching staff—it’s the result of a deep commitment to excellence at every level.
The foundation of any successful program starts with leadership, and Ohio State football has long had a tradition of strong leadership. The Buckeyes were already a perennial powerhouse under Urban Meyer, and Day’s role as offensive coordinator was to build on that legacy, not just replicate it.
“When I first arrived here, I saw the incredible culture Urban had built. The foundation of everything—team-first mentality, discipline, and the pursuit of greatness—was already in place,” Day reflects. “But my job was to come in, learn from Urban, and take the offense to another level. The foundation was there, but the brick-by-brick process is never over. You’re always trying to build on it, to make it stronger, and to elevate it to new heights.”
Day’s offensive brilliance became evident in his first season as the offensive coordinator. Under his guidance, Ohio State’s offense exploded in new ways. They averaged more than 42 points per game, led by dynamic playmakers like quarterback Dwayne Haskins, who set numerous school records. That season was a stepping stone—an indication of what was possible, but also a reminder that success in college football is never guaranteed. Every season, every game, is another opportunity to build.
While coaching plays a critical role in the success of any team, Day knows that the key to sustained excellence lies in player development. Ryan Day has always put a premium on recruiting and developing talent, ensuring that each player reaches their full potential.
Under Day, Ohio State’s recruitment has been nothing short of remarkable. The program has consistently been among the top-ranked in the nation in terms of recruiting, and Day’s emphasis on character and work ethic has paid dividends on the field. But Day doesn’t just recruit talented players; he invests in their development as people, ensuring that they understand what it means to be a Buckeye.
“It’s not just about finding the most talented players; it’s about finding the players who fit our culture and are committed to getting better every single day,” Day says. “Every day is an opportunity to take a step forward, and we have to be committed to that process. It’s a long road, but with each player, it’s one more brick in the foundation of this program.”
One of the hallmarks of Day’s leadership has been his ability to develop quarterbacks. After taking over as head coach in 2019, Day continued his reputation as a quarterback whisperer, molding future NFL stars like Justin Fields, who helped lead the Buckeyes to the 2021 College Football Playoff National Championship game. Day’s ability to bring out the best in his quarterbacks has not only been a testament to his coaching acumen but also to his ability to build relationships with players that extend far beyond the field.
“Ryan Day has an incredible ability to connect with quarterbacks,” says Justin Fields, the former Ohio State quarterback who starred under Day’s tutelage. “He understood me not just as a player but as a person. I think that’s why he was able to bring the best out of me. He pushed me to be better every day and made me believe that I could be great.”
While Ohio State’s offense under Ryan Day is often the centerpiece of attention, the defense is equally crucial in building a championship contender. The Buckeyes have consistently fielded one of the most dominant defenses in the country, thanks to the work of Day’s coaching staff and the players themselves.
In particular, Ohio State’s defensive line has been a key area of success. The Buckeyes have produced some of the top defensive linemen in the nation, including Nick Bosa, Chase Young, and more recently, J.T. Tuimoloau. These players have been vital to Ohio State’s success, but their development began long before they stepped onto the field.
The defensive line is coached by Larry Johnson, a longtime assistant who has helped shape the careers of numerous NFL players. Under his tutelage, the defensive line has become a force to be reckoned with, disrupting offenses and creating opportunities for the rest of the defense to shine.
“Larry Johnson is one of the best defensive line coaches in the country, and he’s had a huge influence on this program,” Day says. “He’s a master of developing talent, but he also knows how to push guys to be their best. It’s a testament to the culture of this program that we have guys who want to come to Ohio State and play under him.”
The defensive line’s ability to control the line of scrimmage has been pivotal in Ohio State’s national title aspirations, especially in the College Football Playoff. From the front seven to the back end, Day has made sure that Ohio State’s defense is as strong and disciplined as its offense.
Perhaps one of the most important aspects of Day’s leadership is his ability to instill a championship mindset in his players. It’s not just about winning games; it’s about understanding what it takes to win at the highest level, and then going out and executing that vision day after day.
“Championships are built on the small details,” Day says. “It’s about consistency. It’s about accountability. It’s about doing what it takes to get better, even when no one is watching. That’s the mindset we instill in our players. It’s not just about being good on game day; it’s about building the habits that lead to greatness.”
Ryan Day’s commitment to excellence extends to every corner of the program. It’s reflected in the way his team practices, the way they prepare for games, and the way they handle success and failure. In Day’s mind, winning a national championship is not just a goal—it’s a process that requires relentless focus and an unwavering belief that every step taken is another brick in the foundation of the team’s success.
Of course, a championship-caliber team doesn’t exist in a vacuum. The fans and the culture of Ohio State play a vital role in building a team that can compete for national titles. The Buckeyes’ fanbase is one of the most passionate and dedicated in the country, and their support provides the team with the energy and motivation to continue striving for greatness.
“Ohio State football is special because of the fans. They are some of the most passionate and loyal people you’ll ever meet,” Day says. “We want to make them proud, and we know that we’re representing not just the university, but the entire state of Ohio. The energy they bring to every game, every season—it’s a big part of what makes this program what it is.”
The culture at Ohio State is steeped in history, and Day is acutely aware of the responsibility that comes with wearing the scarlet and gray. The tradition of excellence is ingrained in every player, coach, and fan, and it serves as a constant reminder of what is possible when the right people come together with a common purpose.
As Ryan Day reflects on how Ohio State has built a national championship-caliber team, he’s quick to acknowledge that the journey is far from over. “What a wild ride it’s been,” he says with a smile. “But this program is always evolving. We’re always looking for ways to get better. The next championship starts with today, and every day after that.”
For Day, the journey is just as important as the destination. The bricks are always being laid, and the foundation is always being strengthened. The path to greatness is never linear, but with every decision, every recruit, and every season, Ohio State continues to move closer to the ultimate goal: a national championship.
The future of Ohio State football looks bright under Day’s leadership, and the bricks that have been laid over the years are a testament to the hard work, dedication, and passion of everyone involved. As the Buckeyes continue to build their legacy, one brick at a time, there’s no telling how high they will rise. But one thing is certain: they’ll continue to climb, together.
