Ryan Day Faces High Stakes at Big Ten Media Days as Ohio State Looks to Set the Tone for 2024 Season

The pressure is on for Ohio State head coach Ryan Day as he steps up to the podium at Big Ten Media Days this week. For the Buckeyes, this isn’t just another preseason event—it’s a chance to send a message. After a heartbreaking loss to Michigan last season and another year without a national championship, Ohio State fans are hungry for answers. Day knows it. The players feel it. And now, as the face of the program, he has to set the tone for what could be a make-or-break year in Columbus.

Media days in college football are often filled with clichés—coaches talk about “taking it one game at a time,” players emphasize “hard work,” and everyone avoids saying anything too controversial. But this year, for Ohio State, the stakes feel different. The Buckeyes have loaded up on talent, made key changes to the coaching staff, and are laser-focused on one goal: winning it all. Day’s words this week won’t just be soundbites; they’ll be a reflection of whether this team is truly ready to meet sky-high expectations.

The biggest question looming over Ohio State is simple: Can they finally get over the hump? The last time the Buckeyes won a national title was in 2014, and since Day took over in 2019, they’ve been close—but not close enough. Losing to Michigan three years in a row has only added fuel to the fire. The rivalry isn’t just a game in this state—it’s a way of life. And right now, Michigan has the upper hand. Day has to find a way to flip the script, and it starts with how he handles the spotlight this week.

One thing working in his favor is the roster. Ohio State might have the most talented team in the country. Quarterback Will Howard, a transfer from Kansas State, brings experience and leadership to an offense loaded with playmakers. Receivers like Emeka Egbuka and Carnell Tate could be the best duo in college football. The defense, led by star linebacker Cody Simon and lockdown corner Denzel Burke, has the potential to be dominant. On paper, this team has everything it needs to win. But as any fan knows, games aren’t won on paper.

That’s why Day’s approach at media days matters. He doesn’t need to make bold proclamations or guarantee a championship, but he does need to project confidence. Ohio State’s players will be watching. So will recruits. And, of course, so will Michigan. If Day seems hesitant or unsure, it could ripple through the program. But if he strikes the right balance—acknowledging past shortcomings while making it clear this team is ready to compete—it could set the foundation for a special season.

Another key factor is how Day addresses the changes within the program. Ohio State brought in Chip Kelly as offensive coordinator, a move that surprised many but could pay off in a big way. Kelly’s up-tempo offense has worked everywhere he’s been, and if he can unlock Ohio State’s full potential, this could be one of the most explosive teams in recent memory. Day will likely be asked about the new dynamic, and his answers will give fans a glimpse into whether this partnership is clicking behind the scenes.

Then there’s the schedule. Ohio State opens with Akron and Western Michigan, but the real tests come later—at Oregon in Week 4, followed by the usual gauntlet of Big Ten games. The matchup against Michigan in late November will once again decide the East Division, and possibly a playoff spot. Day can’t afford to look that far ahead, but he also can’t ignore the elephant in the room. How he talks about these challenges will reveal a lot about his mindset heading into the season.

Perhaps the most important thing Day can do this week is connect with the fanbase. Ohio State supporters are passionate, but after the last few years, some are growing restless. They’ve seen elite talent come through Columbus, only to fall short when it matters most. Day needs to reassure them that this year is different. That doesn’t mean making promises he can’t keep, but it does mean showing that he understands the frustration—and that he’s doing everything possible to fix it.

At the end of the day, Big Ten Media Days won’t determine whether Ohio State wins or loses any games this season. But it will set the tone. Ryan Day has a chance to reset the narrative, to instill belief in his team, and to send a message to the rest of college football: The Buckeyes aren’t just here to compete—they’re here to win. If he delivers the right performance this week, it could be the spark that ignites a championship run. If he stumbles, the doubts will only grow louder.

The spotlight is bright, the expectations are enormous, and the clock is ticking. For Ryan Day and Ohio State, the 2024 season starts now.