“Bold Prediction Declared: If Ryan Day Eventually Jumps to the NFL, Former Buckeye Stars Marcus Freeman or Brian Hartline Are Viewed as the Inevitable Next Head Coach at THE Ohio State University”
The world of college football thrives on speculation, passion, and bold declarations from fans who live and breathe every rumor, every coaching carousel whisper, and every potential long-term shift in program leadership. And few programs generate as much conversation as Ohio State. When a fan makes a statement about the future of the Buckeyes, especially regarding the head coaching position, it immediately commands attention. The declaration that if Ryan Day ever leaves for the NFL, the next head coach at THE Ohio State University will be either Marcus Freeman or Brian Hartline has already ignited debate, excitement, and curiosity. It speaks not only to the prestige of the program but also to the deep connection former Buckeyes have with the university and the belief that the next great leader could come from within the family.
Ryan Day has built an impressive legacy at Ohio State, consistently fielding dominant teams, developing quarterbacks at an elite level, and keeping the Buckeyes in the national title conversation every season. Still, the NFL has always loomed as a potential destination for a coach with his offensive mind, calm demeanor, and reputation for quarterback development. Should he one day choose to take on the professional challenge, it would create one of the most coveted vacancies in all of football. And when that moment comes—whenever it may be—names like Marcus Freeman and Brian Hartline immediately emerge as natural successors due to their history with the Buckeyes, their coaching acumen, and the trust they command within the broader Ohio State community.
Marcus Freeman, the current head coach of Notre Dame, has rapidly climbed the coaching ranks with a blend of discipline, energy, and an innate ability to relate to players. As a former Buckeye linebacker, he carries the DNA of the program within him, understanding its demands, expectations, and cultural heartbeat. At Notre Dame, Freeman has shown that he can recruit nationally, manage a massive brand, and weather the pressure of high-stakes football. His defenses have consistently been disciplined and physically imposing, traits that align perfectly with the traditional identity of Ohio State football. Many fans believe that, deep down, Columbus still feels like “home” to Freeman, and if the opportunity arose, the emotional and competitive allure could be powerful. His connection to the Buckeye brotherhood only strengthens the argument that he would be a seamless fit in leading the next era of Ohio State football.
Then there is Brian Hartline, the beloved former Buckeye receiver who has already made a name for himself as one of the best recruiters and position coaches in the country. Hartline has built Ohio State’s wide receiver room into the gold standard of college football. The pipeline he created has produced some of the brightest stars in the sport, sending elite talents to the NFL year after year. His ability to identify talent, develop players, relate personally to recruits, and embrace the evolving modern game makes him a compelling future head-coaching candidate. Many believe that Hartline’s trajectory points inevitably toward a top job, and what position could be more fitting than leading the very program where he became a household name?
Hartline’s deep roots within the program, his understanding of the culture Ryan Day has built, and his status as a recruiting powerhouse position him as someone who could maintain continuity while also adding his own vision. The players respect him, recruits admire him, and fans already view him as a foundational piece of Ohio State’s success. For many, the idea of promoting Hartline would feel natural—a passing of the torch to someone who understands firsthand what it means to wear the scarlet and gray at the highest level.
Both candidates bring different strengths. Freeman offers head-coaching experience at a major national program and a defensive pedigree that could restore a balanced identity to Ohio State. Hartline brings innovation, familiarity, offensive explosiveness, and cultural continuity that would ensure Ohio State remains a national recruiting juggernaut. Either direction would generate excitement and unify large segments of Buckeye Nation, because both men embody what fans believe the program should represent: toughness, excellence, loyalty, and an unwavering commitment to the rivalry, tradition, and championship expectations.
Speculation about the future does not arise because fans want Ryan Day gone. On the contrary, many appreciate the stability, success, and national relevance he has sustained. Rather, the conversation emerges from the recognition that elite college coaches often face NFL interest eventually, and Day’s reputation makes him a perennial candidate. Planning for the future is part of what keeps the Ohio State program strong. Fans aren’t simply looking at who might fill a vacancy one day—they’re envisioning what the next era could look like, and which former Buckeyes possess the fire, vision, and credibility to lead the way.
This bold prediction—that either Marcus Freeman or Brian Hartline will be the next head coach if Day makes the jump—reflects more than a simple wish. It reflects the power of Ohio State’s identity. The Buckeyes are a program built on legacy. Fans want leaders who understand the rivalry with Michigan on a personal level. Leaders who carry the lessons of Woody Hayes, Jim Tressel, and Urban Meyer. Leaders who don’t just coach at Ohio State but live Ohio State. Freeman and Hartline both connect emotionally and historically to that identity, which is why their names resonate so strongly in conversations about the future.
The passion behind such a prediction shows how deeply the fan base feels about the direction of the football program. Ohio State is not simply looking for someone who can call plays or conduct practice. They want someone who understands the expectations, the pressure, the tradition, and—above all—the responsibility of leading one of the most storied institutions in American sports. Whether it is the experienced leader in Marcus Freeman or the rising star in Brian Hartline, fans envision a future where the head coach is someone who has walked the halls, worn the uniform, and bled scarlet and gray.
As long as Ryan Day remains in Columbus, Ohio State will continue to chase championships and remain a dominant force. But if the NFL ever calls and Day decides to answer, the conversation will immediately shift to who can best carry the program into the next chapter. And for many passionate voices within Buckeye Nation, the answer feels clear: Marcus Freeman or Brian Hartline—two former Buckeyes ready to come home and lead THE Ohio State University into another era of greatness.
