Ryan Day Says the Buckeyes Can’t Let Their Success Thus Far Influence Their Strategy, and Ohio State Believes That Preparation Has Been Essential to Their Success in the College Football Playoffs
As Ohio State enters the College Football Playoff National Championship Game, head coach Ryan Day has a clear message for his team: don’t let the success you’ve had thus far dictate your mindset. While the Buckeyes have dominated throughout the season and made their way to the national title game as one of the favorites, Day knows that to win the final game, Ohio State will have to remain focused, grounded, and meticulous in its preparation.
For Day, this is no time to rest on the laurels of what has been an incredible season so far. His mantra throughout the College Football Playoffs has been to emphasize the value of preparation over anything else. And for his players, this message has resonated. From their dominant performance in the Big Ten Championship to their decisive win in the College Football Playoff semifinal, Ohio State has relied on meticulous, purposeful preparation as their primary driver. It is this mindset—paired with an unwavering commitment to the details—that has brought them to the brink of a national championship.
While confidence is essential, Day and his staff know that the true key to Ohio State’s success in the playoffs has been their ability to fine-tune every aspect of their game, from the offense’s efficiency to the defense’s tenacity. The Buckeyes’ commitment to process over result has kept them grounded despite their remarkable success.
The road to the title game hasn’t been easy. In fact, Ohio State’s path has been filled with some tough tests, close calls, and intense pressure. But through it all, the Buckeyes’ unwavering focus on preparation and sticking to their game plan has been a consistent hallmark of their success.
Ryan Day’s Philosophy: Process Over Success
For Ryan Day, the key to Ohio State’s success is simple: preparation. After their decisive win in the College Football Playoff semifinal, Day was quick to remind the team that their journey was far from over. Despite dominating their semifinal opponent and securing a spot in the National Championship Game, the Buckeyes couldn’t let their success influence the way they approached the final game of the season.
“Look, we’ve had a great season, and we’ve earned our spot here,” Day said in his postgame press conference. “But that doesn’t mean anything now. What matters is how we prepare for this next game. We can’t afford to get complacent or feel like we’ve already won. We’ve got to stick to the process, continue to get better every day, and approach the national championship just like we’ve approached every game this season.”
Day’s emphasis on process isn’t just about saying the right things in the media—it’s woven into the very fabric of the team’s daily operations. He understands that while the Buckeyes are undoubtedly talented, success at this stage of the season comes down to how well they execute the fundamentals. The coaching staff has been working tirelessly to make sure every player, from the starters to the backups, is locked into their roles and prepared for whatever challenges the National Championship Game will present.
Ohio State’s defense has been one of the team’s strongest units all season, and Day credits that to the preparation that has gone into their game plans each week. Whether it’s the relentless pass rush led by Jack Sawyer or the secondary’s ability to limit explosive plays, the Buckeyes’ defense thrives on understanding the opposing offense’s tendencies and staying one step ahead. Day’s approach to coaching has been centered on making sure that the Buckeyes never lose sight of the details that can make or break a game.
“This team has been special because they’re focused on the work and not just the results,” Day explained. “We’ve built our identity around preparation. The guys know it’s about what we do Monday through Friday that will determine what happens on Saturday. And now, it’s about making sure we finish the job. Our strategy hasn’t changed, and it won’t. We just have to keep going, stay disciplined, and keep focusing on our process.”
This commitment to preparation isn’t just a slogan; it’s a lived philosophy. For Ohio State, the preparation has taken on a holistic approach. It’s about watching film, practicing every day with intention, and mentally preparing for the different scenarios that might arise during the game. Day, along with his assistant coaches, has meticulously prepared his team for every situation. It’s been this detailed and focused approach that has helped them get to this point and will help them in their quest to win it all.
The Team’s Belief in Preparation
The Buckeyes have been vocal about how preparation has been the foundation of their success throughout the College Football Playoffs. As they’ve advanced deeper into the postseason, they’ve consistently pointed to their preparation as a driving force. It’s not just about physical preparation, but mental preparation. Ohio State’s players understand that the game can often be decided by a few key moments—moments that often arise because of the work that was put in before kickoff.
The team’s confidence isn’t just rooted in the talent on the field. Instead, it stems from a deep belief in the process that has been instilled by Day and the coaching staff. For star quarterback C.J. Stroud, the importance of preparation has been evident since day one.
“Every day we go into practice with one goal: to get better. Every practice, every film session, every meeting—it’s all about the little things. That’s how you stay sharp. That’s how you keep improving,” Stroud said. “We don’t take shortcuts. We don’t take any of it for granted. And that’s why we’re here. We’ve prepared for this moment since day one.”
Stroud’s commitment to preparation isn’t an isolated case. His teammates, from wide receivers like Marvin Harrison Jr. and Emeka Egbuka to defensive leaders like Jack Sawyer and Tommy Eichenberg, all echo the same sentiment. Preparation has been the backbone of Ohio State’s success, and it’s why the Buckeyes are confident heading into the National Championship Game.
“For us, it’s all about executing the game plan. We’ve been practicing all year for moments like this,” said Harrison Jr. “We’ve put in the work, and now it’s about going out there and showing it. We trust our coaches, and we trust each other. That’s how you get to the big stage. That’s how you win championships.”
Ohio State’s defense has been equally vocal about their preparation. Jack Sawyer, one of the team’s standout defensive players, believes that the hard work put in during the week of practice is what has made them so effective. As one of the most disruptive pass rushers in college football, Sawyer knows that success doesn’t happen by accident.
“It’s all about the details,” Sawyer said. “Every snap, we’re focused on what we need to do. We know our assignments, and we know how to attack our opponent’s weaknesses. Coach [Larry] Johnson does a great job getting us ready, but it’s on us to go out there and execute. We’ve put in the time to get here, and now it’s about finishing the job.”
Day has worked tirelessly to instill this same mindset into every player on the team. Whether it’s a first-year player or a seasoned veteran, everyone is treated the same when it comes to preparation. The coaching staff’s emphasis on discipline, focus, and attention to detail is something that has paid off, and as Ohio State continues to prove, it’s an approach that works.
The Challenge of Notre Dame
While Ohio State enters the National Championship Game as a double-digit favorite, they know that their opponent, Notre Dame, won’t be easy to defeat. The Fighting Irish, under head coach Marcus Freeman, have shown themselves to be a dangerous team with a well-rounded roster that has steadily improved as the season has progressed. With a talented quarterback in Sam Hartman and a stout defense led by linebacker Jack Kiser and cornerback Benjamin Morrison, Notre Dame is more than capable of causing problems for Ohio State.
However, the Buckeyes remain confident in their preparation. They have analyzed Notre Dame’s strengths and weaknesses, and their coaching staff has left no stone unturned in preparing for this matchup. The defense will need to stay disciplined and apply consistent pressure on Hartman, while the offense must execute efficiently to avoid giving Notre Dame a chance to upset the apple cart.
“I’ve got so much respect for Notre Dame and the way they play the game,” Day said. “Coach Freeman has done a great job with them, and they’re playing really well right now. But we know what we’re capable of. If we stick to our game plan, if we prepare the way we have been, we’ll be in a good position to win.”
Ohio State’s belief in their preparation has them well-positioned to take on the challenge of Notre Dame. For the Buckeyes, it’s not about the external expectations, the betting lines, or the praise from outside sources. It’s about trusting the work that has gone into getting them to this point.
“We’ve prepared for this moment,” Stroud concluded. “Now, it’s time to go out there and execute. We’re ready.”
The Key to Success
As Ohio State takes the field for the National Championship Game, they know that the key to victory is simple: trust the preparation. They’ve done everything they can in the lead-up to this moment, and now it’s about taking that preparation and executing it on the biggest stage. Ryan Day’s focus on process over success, along with the team’s unwavering belief in the value of preparation, has been the driving force behind Ohio State’s success in the College Football Playoffs.
As they prepare to face Notre Dame, Ohio State remains grounded and focused, ready to put everything they’ve worked for into one final, decisive game. The championship is within their reach—but only if they stay true to the process that has gotten them here. And for the Buckeyes, that’s all they need to win.