Welcome to legendary status Coach Day!

Ryan Day has cemented his place in history. There have been 24 head coaches at Ohio State in 134 seasons. Only five have won National Titles. Welcome to legendary status Coach Day!

Ryan Day has unquestionably cemented his place in Ohio State football history, joining an elite group of coaches who have shaped the legacy of one of college football’s most storied programs. With the announcement that Day has led the Buckeyes to a National Championship victory, he solidifies his place as a true legend, a coach who will be remembered alongside the greatest to ever roam the sideline at Ohio State.

Over the course of 134 seasons of Ohio State football, the program has seen 24 head coaches come and go. Each of these men has played a role in shaping the direction of the program, leaving a unique mark on its rich history. From early days in the 1890s to the modern powerhouse that is Ohio State today, the program has been a model of excellence, consistently competing at the highest levels. Yet, even in the shadow of that legacy, Ryan Day’s achievement stands out. He has now earned a spot in an exclusive fraternity of five Ohio State head coaches who have won a National Championship.

### The Road to Legendary Status

Ohio State has long been considered a college football juggernaut. The school boasts a rich history, incredible tradition, and a rabid fan base that demands excellence year in and year out. For any head coach at Ohio State, the expectations are sky-high. The bar is set by legendary figures like Woody Hayes, Jim Tressel, and Urban Meyer, each of whom brought national prominence to the Buckeyes in their own era. But in Ryan Day, Ohio State found a coach capable of not just meeting but exceeding those lofty expectations.

Day’s journey to this point has been nothing short of impressive. He took over the program in 2018 after Urban Meyer’s retirement, inheriting a squad that was primed for success but still adjusting to the departure of a coaching legend. With Meyer’s shadow looming large, Day wasted no time making his mark. In his first season, he led the Buckeyes to an undefeated regular season, a Big Ten Championship, and a College Football Playoff appearance. Despite falling just short of a National Championship, Day proved he had the tools and mindset to lead Ohio State back to the promised land.

The following seasons only strengthened Day’s reputation as a top-tier coach. Ohio State continued to recruit at an elite level, bringing in some of the nation’s best talent year after year. Day’s offensive prowess, particularly his ability to develop quarterbacks, became the hallmark of his teams. He built an offense that was not only explosive but consistently efficient, blending a high-powered passing attack with a physical running game that wore down opponents. Quarterbacks like Justin Fields, C.J. Stroud, and others flourished under Day’s tutelage, further establishing his credentials as one of the brightest minds in college football.

But it wasn’t just offense where Day excelled. His teams were well-coached on both sides of the ball, and the defense began to improve steadily after early struggles. By the time the Buckeyes reached the pinnacle of college football, Day had created a balanced team capable of winning in all phases of the game. The 2025 National Championship victory was a culmination of years of hard work, recruiting, and strategic brilliance.

### Ohio State’s Legendary Coaches

To understand the significance of Ryan Day’s achievement, one must look at the history of Ohio State’s head coaches and the elite company he now joins. Since its founding in 1890, Ohio State has employed 24 different head coaches, each contributing to the program in varying degrees of success. However, only five of those coaches have led the Buckeyes to a National Championship.

The first of these legendary figures was **Paul Brown**, who coached Ohio State from 1941 to 1943. Brown’s influence extended beyond college football into the professional ranks, where he would go on to become a Hall of Fame coach with the Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals. His time at Ohio State was brief but impactful, as he helped set the foundation for future success.

Next came **Woody Hayes**, whose name is synonymous with Ohio State football. Hayes led the Buckeyes from 1951 to 1978, winning five National Championships and establishing a dynasty that dominated college football for nearly three decades. Under Hayes, Ohio State became a symbol of toughness, discipline, and success. His legendary status is forever etched into the fabric of Ohio State, and he remains the standard by which all future coaches are measured.

**Jim Tressel** followed Hayes, taking over in 2001 after a difficult period for the program. Tressel wasted little time returning Ohio State to prominence, winning a National Championship in 2002 and consistently competing for national titles throughout his tenure. Tressel’s calm demeanor and steady hand guided the Buckeyes to unprecedented success, and his 2002 championship team is still remembered as one of the best in school history.

**Urban Meyer** came to Ohio State in 2012, taking over from Tressel in the wake of NCAA sanctions that had temporarily crippled the program. Meyer immediately transformed the Buckeyes, winning a National Championship in 2014 with a thrilling victory over Oregon. Meyer’s ability to recruit top-tier talent and develop players into NFL-caliber prospects made him one of the most successful coaches of his era. By the time he stepped down in 2018, Meyer had revitalized Ohio State and left it in a strong position to continue competing for championships.

And now, we have **Ryan Day**, who has carried on the tradition of excellence at Ohio State. With his National Championship win in 2025, Day has placed himself in the same rarefied air as the likes of Hayes, Tressel, and Meyer. His ability to lead the Buckeyes to the pinnacle of college football in just a short amount of time is a testament to his coaching acumen and his vision for the program’s future.

### Day’s Legacy at Ohio State

So, what makes Ryan Day’s achievement so significant? It’s the combination of his rapid success, the high expectations of Ohio State football, and the historical context of the program. To win a National Championship at Ohio State is no small feat. The Buckeyes are one of the most successful and storied programs in college football history, and each new coach must live up to the legacy of those who came before them. Day has not only lived up to that challenge but has also crafted his own legacy in the process.

Day’s approach to coaching has been both modern and innovative. His offensive mind, particularly his emphasis on the passing game, has allowed Ohio State to keep pace with the evolving landscape of college football. At the same time, he has respected the tradition of Ohio State football by maintaining a strong defense and a relentless running game. Under his leadership, Ohio State has continued to be a top-tier program in all aspects, from player development to game planning.

Beyond X’s and O’s, Day has also been a strong leader who has cultivated a culture of excellence within the program. He has built relationships with his players that go beyond football, helping them grow as individuals and leaders. His ability to motivate and inspire has created a winning atmosphere at Ohio State, one that will likely continue long after his National Championship victory.

### Conclusion

Ryan Day’s National Championship win in 2025 is the crowning achievement of a coaching career that has only just begun. By leading Ohio State to its first national title in over a decade, Day has placed himself in the pantheon of legendary coaches who have graced the sidelines of this historic program. His success is a testament to his talent, work ethic, and ability to thrive under immense pressure.

In the 134 seasons of Ohio State football, only five head coaches have won National Championships, and Ryan Day is now among them. He has truly cemented his place in the history of Ohio State football, and as he continues to lead the Buckeyes into the future, it’s clear that his legacy is just beginning. Welcome to legendary status, Coach Day!