Ohio State Football Coach Ryan Day Sent Ultimatum by Big Ten Team It Beat Last Year in Way-Too-Early Rankings
As the college football offseason kicks into full gear, the Ohio State Buckeyes are facing increasing pressure from rivals within the Big Ten Conference, and it’s not just from traditional powerhouses like Michigan or Penn State. Ryan Day, the head coach of Ohio State, is reportedly receiving a serious ultimatum from a Big Ten team that the Buckeyes defeated just last season. This team, often overlooked in past years but rapidly rising in prominence, is now setting its sights on surpassing Ohio State and making a statement in the national rankings.
The team in question? The Iowa Hawkeyes.
Though it might seem surprising given Ohio State’s impressive record and constant championship aspirations, Iowa has been quietly making strides in both recruitment and on-field performance. The rise of the Hawkeyes is a challenge that Ryan Day must take seriously, especially considering their impressive performance in 2024, including a strong showing in last year’s matchup. Although Ohio State came away with a victory, the circumstances surrounding the contest, and the way the Hawkeyes pushed the Buckeyes to the brink, left some lingering questions that have only intensified the pressure heading into the 2025 season.
In a way-too-early preseason ranking analysis, many experts have placed Ohio State still within the top five, but Iowa’s upward trajectory, paired with bold offseason moves, has led many to wonder if the Buckeyes can maintain their dominance over the Big Ten or if this could be the year that they’re challenged more seriously by the Hawkeyes.
The Rising Threat from Iowa
Iowa, long known for its blue-collar approach to football and a defense that can stifle the most potent offenses, has begun to expand its scope beyond just being a competitive defensive team. Under head coach Kirk Ferentz (who is entering the twilight of his storied career but continues to field competitive squads), the Hawkeyes have added a much-needed offensive dimension. With Deacon Hill at quarterback and an offense that’s started to become more unpredictable and explosive, Iowa is not only competing but beginning to look like a real challenger in the Big Ten.
Last season, despite Ohio State’s win, Iowa showed they could go toe-to-toe with the Buckeyes’ defense, limiting their offensive output at times and making life difficult for the Ohio State playmakers. While Iowa couldn’t close out the victory, the effort was a clear sign of a team that’s starting to take the next step under Ferentz’s leadership.
Many analysts have pegged Iowa to be a top contender in 2025, particularly due to a favorable schedule and continued development on both sides of the ball. As the offseason progresses, the Hawkeyes are being viewed as a team that might just have the tools to knock off Ohio State and end their reign atop the Big Ten.
Ryan Day’s Ultimatum
For Ryan Day, the situation is becoming more precarious. The growing perception is that, despite Ohio State’s continued success, they’re not invincible — and a major challenge could be right around the corner, especially from Iowa, who is gaining momentum. Reports are surfacing that Day has been given a sort of “ultimatum” from within his own program and from Big Ten observers: prove that Ohio State can consistently perform at the highest level and defend their dominance in the conference.
The pressure on Day is not just coming from the competition on the field but also from the increased expectations of Ohio State’s loyal fanbase and administration. Having inherited a program with national championship aspirations, Day’s tenure has largely been successful, but there has been frustration after multiple playoff losses and the inability to secure another national title. To make matters more complicated, last season’s victory over Iowa, though important, didn’t feel as convincing as it might have in years past. This has left some wondering whether Ohio State’s star power and pedigree alone will be enough to carry them to the top again or whether Day’s leadership will be challenged by teams like Iowa that are quickly catching up.
“Iowa’s certainly been a thorn in our side, and they aren’t going away anytime soon,” Day admitted in an interview before the start of spring camp. “We’ve got a lot of work ahead of us to make sure we stay ahead of teams like Iowa. The Big Ten is as competitive as ever, and it’s on us to stay sharp and make sure we’re not overlooking anyone.”
Ohio State’s Strengths and Weaknesses Heading into 2025
Even with the mounting pressure, Ohio State remains one of the premier programs in college football, with one of the most talented rosters in the nation. However, Day must address a few key areas for the Buckeyes if they hope to fend off challenges from not just Iowa, but also other rising programs within the Big Ten.
Quarterback Play: One area where Ohio State has been in flux is at quarterback. After the departure of C.J. Stroud, the Buckeyes will need to rely on a new signal-caller. This transition could create growing pains, and with Iowa’s defense becoming stronger each year, Ohio State will need its new quarterback to be sharp from the start. Ryan Day’s ability to develop and trust his quarterback will be key, and if there’s any uncertainty or inconsistency, teams like Iowa will seize the opportunity.
Defensive Depth: Ohio State’s defense, while strong, has also been inconsistent at times. They have the talent to compete with the best in the nation, but in big games, particularly those against gritty teams like Iowa, they have struggled to close out games. Strengthening the defensive backfield and improving their ability to handle physical, run-heavy offenses will be crucial. Iowa, with its balanced offensive attack, will be looking to exploit any weakness in Ohio State’s defense.
Running Game: Ohio State is known for producing elite running backs, but their ground game took a step back in 2024. As the Big Ten continues to focus on power football, Ohio State will need to reestablish their ability to run the ball effectively. If the Buckeyes can dominate the line of scrimmage and provide a balanced offensive attack, it would make their passing game even more dangerous and take pressure off their young quarterback.
The Challenge from Iowa’s Defense
In contrast, Iowa’s strength continues to lie in its defense, where the Hawkeyes have consistently been one of the most disciplined and efficient units in the country. Iowa will look to build on its defensive prowess and become more potent offensively, making them a legitimate threat to Ohio State and other Big Ten teams. If the Hawkeyes can continue to improve their offensive capabilities, they’ll be a nightmare matchup for any team — including Ohio State.
Iowa’s physicality and ability to control the clock are major factors that have allowed them to challenge top teams in the conference. In the 2024 matchup with Ohio State, Iowa’s defense was relentless, keeping the Buckeyes from fully capitalizing on their offensive talent. If Iowa continues to improve, this could signal the end of Ohio State’s dominance over the conference.
The Pressure is On for Ryan Day
In a season where Ohio State is expected to be in the mix for a playoff spot, Coach Ryan Day is facing more pressure than ever. The Buckeyes are used to being the top dogs in the Big Ten, but Iowa’s rise signals a shift in the power dynamics within the conference. For Day, this presents an opportunity to prove that Ohio State can not only maintain its excellence but also rise to the occasion in the face of increasing competition.
“I think it’s great for the Big Ten,” Day said. “The more teams that are competing at a high level, the more we have to raise our game. It’s a challenge I’m excited for. Iowa is a great team, and we respect them, but we’ve got a job to do here at Ohio State. We’re not going to let anyone push us off that pedestal easily.”
As Ohio State heads into the 2025 season, all eyes will be on their ability to hold off the growing challenge from Iowa and other Big Ten contenders. With the pressure mounting on Ryan Day, it will be fascinating to see if he can lead the Buckeyes to another national title or if the tide is turning in the Big Ten.