Ohio State University has long been considered one of the top programs in college football. With top-5 recruiting classes every year and a reputation for producing NFL talent, the Buckeyes have consistently been a powerhouse in the sport. However, in recent years, they have taken their success to a whole new level under the leadership of head coach Ryan Day.
Day, who took over as head coach in 2019, has quickly established himself as one of the best coaches in the country. In just two seasons, he has led the Buckeyes to a 23-2 record, including a Big Ten Championship and a College Football Playoff appearance. But it’s not just the on-field success that sets Day apart from other coaches, it’s his ability to develop players and prepare them for the next level.
Under Day’s guidance, Ohio State has become the NFL’s best rookie pipeline. In the 2021 NFL Draft, the Buckeyes had 10 players selected, tying a record for the most players drafted from one school in a single draft. This is a testament to Day’s coaching and the culture he has created at Ohio State.
But it’s not just about the success on the field, it’s also about the culture and values that Day instills in his players. He prioritizes character and leadership, and it shows in the way his players carry themselves both on and off the field. This is something that has not gone unnoticed by other coaches, including Notre Dame’s new head coach, Marcus Freeman.
Freeman, who played at Ohio State from 2004-2008, recently admitted that he wants to replicate Day’s blueprint at his alma mater. In an interview with ESPN, Freeman said, “I want to build a program like Ohio State. I want to have the same type of culture, the same type of success, and the same type of impact on young men’s lives.”
This is a bold statement from a coach who has yet to coach a single game at Notre Dame. But it speaks to the impact that Day and Ohio State have had on the college football landscape. Freeman, who was a highly touted defensive coordinator at Cincinnati, chose to leave his alma mater for the opportunity to build a program like Ohio State.
It’s clear that Day’s success has not gone unnoticed, and it’s not just limited to the college ranks. His influence has also reached the NFL, with several former Buckeyes excelling at the next level. Players like Nick Bosa, Ezekiel Elliott, and Marshon Lattimore have all made a significant impact in the NFL, and they credit Day and Ohio State for preparing them for the next level.
But it’s not just about the players who have gone on to the NFL, it’s also about the players who have stayed at Ohio State and continued to develop under Day’s guidance. Quarterback Justin Fields, who was a Heisman Trophy finalist in 2019 and 2020, is a prime example of this. Fields transferred to Ohio State from Georgia, and under Day’s coaching, he has become one of the top quarterbacks in the country.
Day’s success has also translated to the transfer portal, where he has been able to bring in top talent from other programs. This past offseason, Ohio State added former Oklahoma quarterback and Heisman finalist, Spencer Rattler, to their roster. This move not only strengthens the Buckeyes’ quarterback room, but it also shows the trust and respect that players have for Day and his program.
It’s clear that Day has separated himself from other blueblood programs in college football. His success on the field, his ability to develop players, and his impact on the lives of his players have all contributed to this. And now, with Freeman at Notre Dame, we could see another program following in Ohio State’s footsteps.
Freeman’s decision to leave Cincinnati for Notre Dame may have been seen as the “wrong decision” by some, but it’s clear that he has big plans for the Fighting Irish. And with Day’s blueprint in hand, there’s no telling how far Freeman can take Notre Dame.
In conclusion, Ohio State’s success under Ryan Day has truly been remarkable. From top-5 recruiting classes to producing NFL talent, Day has taken the Buckeyes to new heights. And now, with Freeman at Notre Dame, we could see another program replicating Ohio State’s blueprint for success. It’s an exciting time for college football, and it’s clear that Ohio State is
