Ryan Day Takes Subtle Shot at Michigan After National Championship Victory with ‘No Asterisk’ Shirt
In the world of college football, rivalries are more than just games—they are the heartbeat of the sport. The Ohio State-Michigan rivalry, often referred to as “The Game,” is perhaps the most intense and storied in the history of college sports. For decades, the two programs have fought for supremacy in the Big Ten, with every meeting loaded with both athletic and cultural significance. This rivalry has spurred fierce competition, passionate fanbases, and dramatic moments that define college football in America.
But beyond the touchdowns and game-winning plays, there is another layer to this rivalry that often boils over in off-the-field moments, and that is exactly what unfolded following Ohio State’s national championship victory. Ryan Day, the head coach of the Buckeyes, known for his strategic mind and calm demeanor, made a statement that sent ripples through the college football world. In a subtle yet unmistakable jab at Michigan, Day appeared at the postgame press conference wearing a shirt that boldly declared, “No Asterisk.”
The implications of this seemingly innocuous phrase weren’t lost on anyone familiar with the rivalry and the context in which Day chose to wear it. For many, the shirt served as a reminder of the events that had unfolded the previous year, with Michigan’s College Football Playoff (CFP) appearance raising questions about the legitimacy of their success. This move, while not directly naming Michigan, was widely interpreted as a pointed swipe at their Big Ten counterparts. It was a moment that perfectly captured the blend of pride, rivalry, and subtle banter that defines this longstanding college football feud.
The Context of the Rivalry
To understand the significance of Ryan Day’s shirt, it’s essential to grasp the context of the Ohio State-Michigan rivalry. The two programs have met annually since 1897, with the stakes usually higher than any other regular-season matchup. Historically, Ohio State has been the more dominant force, but Michigan has remained a formidable opponent, with both schools consistently vying for conference titles, playoff berths, and national recognition.
In recent years, however, Michigan’s rise under head coach Jim Harbaugh, and the narrative of their national championship aspirations, has added even more fuel to the fire. Their successful 2022 season, in which Michigan won the Big Ten Championship and made a significant playoff run, marked a turning point. For the first time in over a decade, Michigan had overtaken Ohio State in the Big Ten standings, defeating the Buckeyes in the regular-season finale in a dominating performance. That victory, however, didn’t come without controversy.
The 2023 college football season was one of unprecedented drama, and Michigan’s national championship was one of the most talked-about stories. The Wolverines had made another strong push toward the playoffs, and many observers expected them to be one of the dominant teams in college football. Michigan’s journey to the national title game was remarkable, but it was not without its detractors.
The most significant question hanging over Michigan’s season was the cloud of controversy surrounding their program. In 2022, Michigan had been accused of violating several NCAA rules, including improper recruiting practices and a potential sign-stealing scandal. The NCAA’s investigation into these allegations cast a shadow over Michigan’s success. And while Michigan ultimately emerged unscathed in the form of a national championship, for many in Ohio State’s camp—and for Ryan Day—there remained the lingering belief that Michigan’s title was, at best, morally ambiguous.
Ohio State’s own heartbreaking 2023 season, which included a narrow defeat in the Big Ten Championship and another playoff appearance, left many Buckeye fans feeling as though their rivals’ championship was tainted. The “No Asterisk” shirt was a statement aimed directly at this lingering controversy. The shirt didn’t overtly criticize Michigan’s title or its players, but the message was clear: Ohio State felt that Michigan’s success wasn’t entirely above board.
Ryan Day, since taking over as Ohio State’s head coach in 2019, has become the face of a new era in the rivalry. Known for his offensive genius and poise under pressure, Day has often been the target of criticism for his inability to win consistently against Michigan, particularly in his first two seasons at the helm. The 2023 season, which ended with Day’s Buckeyes on top of college football, was seen by many as his redemption—a chance to prove himself as the leader Ohio State needed.
Day’s leadership style is often defined by his strategic approach, his cool-headed demeanor in high-pressure situations, and his focus on the bigger picture. But beneath that calm exterior, there’s a fiery competitor who understands the importance of the rivalry with Michigan. His decision to wear the “No Asterisk” shirt was not just a spur-of-the-moment choice; it was a calculated move, a way of acknowledging the rivalry and sending a message to Michigan fans and the college football world at large.
Day’s gesture wasn’t just about a subtle swipe at Michigan—it was also about asserting Ohio State’s position as the legitimate power in the Big Ten and on the national stage. Ohio State has long been regarded as the dominant program in the conference, and this was Day’s way of reaffirming that status. By wearing the shirt, he made it clear that, despite Michigan’s success in 2022 and 2023, Ohio State remained the measuring stick for excellence in the Big Ten.
The response to Day’s move was immediate and widespread. Michigan fans and pundits quickly took to social media and the airwaves to debate the implications of the shirt. Many Michigan supporters defended their team’s championship, citing the on-field performance and the hard-fought battles that led to their success. They pointed to the fact that Michigan had earned its place in the national championship game, regardless of the controversies surrounding the program.
On the other hand, Ohio State fans and some college football analysts applauded Day’s decision, viewing it as a strong stance against a rival who had benefited from a questionable season. The use of the “No Asterisk” message was seen as a call for respect for Ohio State’s own accomplishments and a demand for fairness in how Michigan’s title was viewed.
In the broader college football landscape, the controversy highlighted the ongoing tension between perception and reality in the world of sports. College football, with its intricate web of scandals, allegations, and shifting power dynamics, often finds itself in a gray area when it comes to defining what constitutes a legitimate championship. The fact that Day’s move sparked such a heated debate underscored the broader question of how college football fans and analysts view the integrity of the sport.
For Ryan Day and Ohio State, the “No Asterisk” moment was more than just a press conference gimmick—it was a statement. It was a way for Day to declare that, despite Michigan’s achievements, Ohio State remained the gold standard in the Big Ten. The shirt was a visual representation of the pride and determination that Day had instilled in his players, who had just won the national championship. It was also a reminder that, in the eyes of Ohio State fans and many college football insiders, Michigan’s success in 2023 was always going to be seen through a lens of skepticism.
For Michigan, the moment may have stung, but it also served as a reminder of just how deep the rivalry runs. The Buckeyes and Wolverines have never been shy about taking verbal jabs at each other, and Ryan Day’s choice to wear the shirt was just the latest chapter in an ongoing saga of one-upmanship. Whether it’s Ohio State fans criticizing Michigan’s postseason success or Michigan supporters downplaying Ohio State’s past championships, the rivalry remains as intense as ever.
For college football, this moment reinforced the drama and passion that make the sport so compelling. The intersection of on-the-field success and off-the-field banter between Ohio State and Michigan is part of what makes the rivalry so special. It’s not just about the final score; it’s about the emotions, the narratives, and the personalities that fuel this epic showdown.
Ryan Day’s decision to wear the “No Asterisk” shirt at the postgame press conference following Ohio State’s national championship victory was more than just a fashion choice—it was a calculated and pointed commentary on the state of college football and the ongoing rivalry with Michigan. By wearing the shirt, Day made a clear statement that Ohio State, under his leadership, was back on top and that Michigan’s championship run in 2023 would always carry a shadow of doubt in the eyes of Buckeye fans.
This moment will likely go down in the annals of college football history as one of the more memorable off-the-field interactions in the Ohio State-Michigan rivalry. It was a testament to the fierce competitive spirit that defines the Big Ten, a reminder of the weight of every victory and the tension that exists between these two powerhouse programs. As long as Day continues to lead Ohio State, and as long as the rivalry endures, moments like these will continue to fuel the drama and intensity that make college football so special.
