Ohio State Buckeyes’ Ryan Day Takes Massive Jump in New Rankings
In the ever-competitive world of college football, rankings and reputation are a continuous point of pride and evaluation for coaches. For Ohio State head coach Ryan Day, the latest rankings have proven to be a major moment of recognition and a testament to his ability to build and sustain success in one of the most demanding programs in the nation. Day, who has been at the helm of the Buckeyes since 2018, has seen his stock rise dramatically in the most recent coaching rankings, reflecting not just his success on the field but his leadership, recruiting prowess, and long-term vision for the Ohio State football program.
In this article, we will explore the factors that have contributed to Ryan Day’s dramatic rise in the coaching ranks, what it means for the future of Ohio State football, and why his standing in these rankings is a significant milestone for both Day and the program. We’ll also take a closer look at Day’s evolution as a coach, his impact on the Buckeyes’ success, and the challenges that lie ahead for him in the fiercely competitive landscape of college football.
Ryan Day’s Rise to Prominence
Ryan Day was appointed as Ohio State’s head coach in 2018, following the retirement of legendary coach Urban Meyer. Meyer had built Ohio State into a perennial powerhouse, winning national championships and consistently competing for Big Ten titles. Taking over a program of that caliber is no small task, but Day has handled the transition with remarkable poise.
Before becoming the head coach at Ohio State, Day had a varied career that included roles as an offensive coordinator, quarterbacks coach, and assistant coach for several successful programs, including Boston College and Temple. His time as the offensive coordinator at Ohio State under Meyer, where he helped transform the Buckeyes’ offense into one of the most explosive units in college football, helped set the stage for his promotion to head coach. His knowledge of offensive schemes, particularly in the development of quarterbacks, made him an ideal candidate to take over the Buckeyes’ prestigious program.
Under Day’s leadership, Ohio State hasn’t missed a beat. In his first season as head coach (2019), Day led the Buckeyes to a 13-1 record, a Big Ten Championship, and a berth in the College Football Playoff. Though the team fell short of a national championship that year, the level of success he achieved in his first year was nothing short of impressive. This success has continued in the years following, with Day consistently leading Ohio State to national relevance.
What’s Behind Ryan Day’s Massive Jump in Rankings?
The latest rankings of college football coaches have Ryan Day making a substantial leap, and several key factors contribute to this rise. From his on-field achievements to his recruiting prowess and his ability to manage the pressure of one of the most demanding jobs in college football, Day’s performance as a head coach has been outstanding. Let’s take a closer look at what has propelled Day to the top of the coaching rankings.
1. Consistent Success on the Field
When it comes to the most important measure of a coach’s ability—wins and losses—Ryan Day has delivered in spades. In his tenure as Ohio State’s head coach, Day has posted an impressive overall record. As of the 2024 season, he has accumulated a 40-3 record, including multiple Big Ten titles and College Football Playoff appearances. His success has been largely driven by a potent offense, one that has consistently ranked among the best in the nation.
Day’s offense is known for its explosive playmaking, combining a dynamic passing game with a solid running attack. He has worked with some of the top quarterbacks in the country, including Justin Fields, C.J. Stroud, and now Kyle McCord. Each of these quarterbacks has flourished under Day’s tutelage, becoming NFL-caliber prospects, which speaks to Day’s ability to develop talent at the most critical position on the field.
His ability to consistently win against high-caliber opponents, including several victories over rivals like Michigan, has strengthened his reputation. Even though the Buckeyes have not secured a national championship during his tenure (yet), Day’s ability to keep Ohio State in the conversation for national titles every season is a testament to his coaching acumen and leadership.
2. The Evolution of Ohio State’s Offense
Ryan Day’s offensive philosophy has been one of the defining features of Ohio State’s resurgence under his leadership. While Urban Meyer’s tenure was known for a more traditional, power-running style, Day has modernized the offense to one of the most pass-heavy and innovative units in college football. His ability to adapt and evolve Ohio State’s offensive identity has been crucial in keeping the team competitive on a national level.
Day has embraced the spread offense, focusing on high-tempo, high-efficiency passing attacks that stretch the field and put pressure on opposing defenses. Under Day, the Buckeyes have become one of the best teams in the country when it comes to scoring, averaging over 40 points per game during several seasons.
Notably, the development of quarterbacks under Day has been one of his most impressive achievements. Justin Fields, who transferred from Georgia, was molded into a Heisman Trophy candidate under Day’s guidance. Fields’ success paved the way for C.J. Stroud, who took over as the starter and was a Heisman finalist in 2022. Stroud’s development and subsequent selection by the Houston Texans as the second overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft further cemented Day’s reputation as a quarterback whisperer.
With the ongoing success of Ohio State’s offensive scheme and Day’s ability to adapt to changes in the game, his jump in rankings is a reflection of his impressive ability to stay ahead of the curve in an ever-evolving sport.
3. Recruiting Success
Another major factor in Ryan Day’s rise in the coaching rankings is his success on the recruiting trail. Day’s ability to recruit top-tier talent has kept Ohio State consistently stocked with elite players at nearly every position. While the Big Ten is traditionally seen as a physical, grind-it-out conference, Day has emphasized skill positions, speed, and athleticism—attributes that have propelled the Buckeyes into the elite category.
Day has been able to recruit nationally, attracting players from across the country, including highly sought-after quarterbacks, wide receivers, and offensive linemen. His recruiting success has made Ohio State one of the top programs in the nation, and the depth of talent on the roster has given the Buckeyes a significant edge when it comes to competing at the highest level.
His ability to recruit has also extended beyond just offensive players. Day has continued to bring in top-tier defensive players, despite the emphasis on offense in recent years. His defensive recruiting is beginning to pay off, as Ohio State has become a more well-rounded team capable of competing on both sides of the ball.
4. Maintaining High Expectations Despite Competition
Another aspect of Day’s massive jump in rankings is his ability to maintain high expectations while navigating the intense pressure that comes with coaching at Ohio State. The Buckeyes are one of the most successful and storied programs in college football history, and with that success comes an immense amount of scrutiny and expectation. Day has been able to manage this pressure effectively, guiding his team through seasons with expectations that are sky-high every year.
Competing in the Big Ten, which is home to several powerhouse programs, and with a schedule that often includes tough non-conference games, Day has navigated the landscape with a steady hand. His ability to thrive in a conference dominated by the likes of Michigan, Penn State, and Wisconsin, while also managing the intricacies of national competition, speaks to his coaching ability and leadership.
Even in seasons where the Buckeyes faced setbacks—such as their loss to Michigan in 2021 and their near-miss in the 2022 College Football Playoff—Day’s ability to keep his team focused and poised for the next challenge has been one of his defining traits.
What’s Next for Ryan Day and Ohio State?
While Ryan Day’s rise in the rankings is certainly a cause for celebration, there are still significant challenges ahead. Although he has led Ohio State to several Big Ten Championships and playoff berths, Day’s ultimate goal is to bring home a national title. The Buckeyes have come close, but they’ve yet to secure another championship since their victory in 2014 under Urban Meyer.
With the competition in the college football landscape growing ever more intense—particularly with the expansion of the College Football Playoff in 2024—Day will need to continue evolving and adapting to ensure Ohio State remains among the elite programs. The addition of top-tier recruiting classes, further development of talent, and the continued success of the Buckeyes’ offense will be crucial to securing a national championship in the coming years.
Additionally, Day will need to continue building on the relationships with his players and staff to maintain the culture of excellence that has defined Ohio State under his leadership. His ability to keep the team focused, motivated, and cohesive, even in the face of adversity, will be key to securing the next step in his coaching journey.