With an Asterisk, Ohio State Supporters and Ryan Day Go From Love to Hatred to Love Again
The story of Ohio State head coach Ryan Day is a tale of passion, scrutiny, and resilience—a journey marked by the intense highs and painful lows that come with leading one of the most storied programs in college football. From the moment he took the helm in 2018, Day was thrust into the spotlight, inheriting a program accustomed to national championships, Big Ten titles, and a long-standing rivalry with Michigan. Expectations were sky-high, and with them came the pressure of maintaining Ohio State’s dominance in the college football landscape.
Over the years, Day’s relationship with Ohio State supporters has experienced extreme fluctuations, reflecting both the loyalty and the unforgiving nature of Buckeye Nation. For a time, Day was adored—praised for his offensive prowess, leadership, and continued success. But after a series of near-misses, particularly in critical games against rival Michigan and in the College Football Playoff, his tenure was met with growing frustration. Fans who had once hailed Day as the future of Ohio State football began to question his ability to deliver on the program’s lofty expectations, casting doubt on his future.
And then, just when it seemed like the tide had turned for good, a new season, a new chapter, and a series of remarkable victories led to a re-embrace of Ryan Day. But this love, marked with an asterisk, is different—it’s built on a foundation of both success and lingering skepticism, where every win comes with the weight of unspoken challenges that Buckeye supporters now acknowledge, but also understand.
The Rise of Ryan Day
When Urban Meyer announced his retirement following the 2018 season, the Ohio State program was left searching for a new head coach, one capable of continuing the tradition of excellence established under Meyer. Day, who had been the offensive coordinator under Meyer, was a natural successor. His rise within the coaching ranks had been meteoric—starting as an assistant at Boston College, moving to the NFL as a quarterbacks coach for the Philadelphia Eagles, and then returning to college football as a coordinator at both Temple and Ohio State.
Under Day’s leadership as offensive coordinator, the Buckeyes had one of the most potent offenses in the country. His ability to adapt and innovate, combined with a knack for developing quarterbacks, caught the attention of Buckeye fans and administrators alike. When Day was named the head coach, there was a sense of optimism and excitement surrounding the program. The transition seemed seamless; he was a known commodity, someone who had already shown he could lead and win at the highest level.
In his first season as head coach in 2019, Day led Ohio State to an 13-1 record, winning the Big Ten Championship and earning a spot in the College Football Playoff. His offense, powered by star quarterback Justin Fields, was explosive, and the defense—coordinated by Jeff Hafley—was just as dominant. Ohio State seemed poised for greatness. The future appeared incredibly bright under Day’s leadership, and the Buckeye faithful felt a sense of renewed hope and pride.
The Tipping Point: The Losses That Changed Everything
However, with great expectations came inevitable pressure, and it didn’t take long for that pressure to manifest. After a dominating 2019 season, in which Ohio State came within a few inches of a national title appearance, the 2020 season set the stage for an even higher level of scrutiny. COVID-19 had forced changes to the season, and it created an unprecedented challenge for college football coaches. Ohio State was still a powerhouse, but the year was clouded by uncertainty, and there were only a handful of games played in the truncated Big Ten schedule.
Despite making it to the College Football Playoff again, Ohio State faced a familiar nemesis in the CFP semifinal: Clemson. This was a rematch of the controversial 2019 game, which had ended with a questionable targeting call that eliminated Fields in the second half. This time, however, Ohio State dominated, winning decisively. Ryan Day had proven that he could succeed in the playoff, and Buckeye fans could breathe a sigh of relief.
But it wasn’t enough. In the national championship game against Alabama, Ohio State fell short. While the Buckeyes played admirably, the Crimson Tide was simply too strong. The loss was disappointing, but it was clear that Ohio State was still among the elite programs. Day had been through some of the highest highs of his career, but the moment was bittersweet—especially when looking ahead to the 2021 season.
In 2021, the honeymoon phase ended. After suffering a shocking loss to Oregon early in the season, Ohio State’s playoff hopes were seriously jeopardized. Even more devastating was the annual loss to Michigan—the first time the Wolverines had defeated the Buckeyes in nearly a decade. It wasn’t just the loss that stung, it was the manner in which Ohio State played. The offense, which had been one of the most feared units in the country under Day’s tenure, was stifled by Michigan’s defense, and the Buckeye defense was exposed as vulnerable in critical moments. Fans were livid. Ohio State had long prided itself on dominating its rivals, but here, on home turf, they were outcoached, outplayed, and outmuscled by their most hated rival.
The fallout was swift. Fans took to social media, calling for Day’s resignation or questioning his ability to lead the team back to the pinnacle of college football. The mounting losses, coupled with the perceived failure to win a national title, led many to call Day’s coaching methods into question. The narrative shifted from “Ryan Day is the future of Ohio State football” to “Ryan Day is underperforming.” As the 2021 season ended, Day was left to contend with criticism, an unhappy fanbase, and a program that was no longer content with merely being competitive—they expected championships.
The Inflection Point: A New Chapter
In the offseason that followed, Day found himself at a crossroads. He had to decide how to respond to the mounting pressure and intense scrutiny. The criticism was harsh, and the weight of expectation was greater than ever before. He responded by shaking up his coaching staff, making changes on defense, and retooling his offensive approach. Day wasn’t just going to accept mediocrity; he was determined to fix what was broken and prove that he was still the right man for the job.
The 2022 season started with renewed focus and energy. While Ohio State was not invincible, they showed a new sense of urgency and commitment, both offensively and defensively. The return of quarterback C.J. Stroud, along with a high-powered offense led by an elite group of wide receivers, had Buckeye fans hopeful again. But once again, the ultimate test came in late November—the annual showdown against Michigan.
This time, however, the stakes were even higher. With the loss to Michigan the previous year still fresh, and the added pressure of competing for a national championship berth, Ohio State faced its biggest game of the season. Day knew this game would define not only his legacy but the future of the program. Would Ohio State finally overcome the Michigan hurdle, or would the frustrations continue?
When the day finally came, Ohio State took the field with determination, executing a game plan that was both aggressive and precise. The Buckeyes were relentless, and this time, they delivered. Ohio State defeated Michigan in a thrilling, hard-fought contest, reasserting its dominance in the Big Ten. The win was a cathartic moment for Day and the entire program. Not only had they avenged the painful loss of 2021, but they had also positioned themselves for a potential return to the College Football Playoff.
Day’s critics were silenced, at least temporarily. Ohio State went on to finish the season strong, clinching a spot in the playoff and once again proving their worth as one of college football’s premier programs. But even in the midst of triumph, Buckeye supporters could not entirely shake their skepticism. The pressure would always be there. Day had delivered on the field, but a national championship remained elusive.
The Asterisk: A Love Built on Tension
As the 2023 season approached, Ryan Day found himself in a unique position: he was both loved and scrutinized by the Ohio State fanbase. The asterisk hanging over his love from supporters was clear: yes, he had delivered victories, including the crucial win over Michigan, but the ultimate goal—the national championship—remained just out of reach.
The love for Day was palpable, but it was a love tempered with expectations. While his tenure had been marked by impressive victories, especially on offense, there was an underlying acknowledgment that the Buckeyes were still falling short of college football’s highest honor. Ohio State fans loved Ryan Day for his intelligence, his leadership, and the way he revitalized the offense, but they also understood that the true legacy of a coach is shaped by championships. As long as Day’s teams remained in the conversation without finishing the job, a lingering doubt would remain in the minds of the Buckeye faithful.
In the end, Ryan Day’s relationship with Ohio State supporters mirrors the fluctuating tides of college football itself—one filled with highs, lows, and moments of doubt, followed by renewed optimism. Whether he ultimately wins that elusive national title or not, the story of Ryan Day and Ohio State will forever be one of love, hatred, and a love once again. But like the fine print of a contract, that love will always come with a critical asterisk: championships are the true measure of greatness. Until that elusive national title is hoisted, the love will always carry that weight.