Ryan Day should never have had to win a national title to prove himself to Ohio State fans. For a coach leading a program that’s consistently in the hunt for championships, it’s baffling that some are still questioning his future. The Buckeyes have reached four College Football Playoff appearances in six years and played in two national title games under Day’s watch. But to some, that’s not enough. After a fourth straight loss to Michigan and missing out on the Big Ten title, some are asking if this is the end of the line for Day. But when you break it down, his record speaks volumes. His win percentage outshines Jim Tressel’s during the same period, and his SP+ rating surpasses even Urban Meyer. Yet, despite all that, the pressure to win a national title remains. Day deserves recognition for what he’s accomplished—he’s proven himself year after year, and Ohio State fans should appreciate that, no matter the outcome of Monday’s game….

Ryan Day is arguably one of the best coaches in college football today, yet for some Ohio State fans, it feels like he’s still not getting the recognition he deserves. The idea that a coach of his caliber should have to win a national title to “prove himself” is baffling. Over the past six years, Day has led Ohio State to four College Football Playoff (CFP) appearances, two national title games, and an overall program that’s consistently in the hunt for championships year after year. Despite all of this, there is still a contingent of fans questioning his future in Columbus, mainly due to his inability to secure a national championship during his tenure.

For most programs in college football, competing for national titles would be considered a significant achievement. But Ohio State, with its storied history and the immense pressure to maintain a high level of success, is an outlier. In a way, the expectations surrounding the Buckeyes have become unrealistic. After all, even the most successful coaches are bound to have challenges, particularly in a sport as competitive as college football. Day’s tenure has been filled with constant achievement, and yet some people still view his career through the narrow lens of a single elusive title.

A Legacy of Consistent Success

When Ryan Day took over the Ohio State program in 2019 after Urban Meyer’s retirement, the bar was set high. Meyer had built Ohio State into a powerhouse, and Day was expected to keep the train rolling. It’s worth noting, however, that Meyer’s final years in Columbus weren’t without their own struggles, despite winning a national title in 2014 and consistently competing for championships. Day’s task was never going to be easy, and yet he has exceeded expectations time and again.

Under Day, the Buckeyes have remained one of the most formidable teams in college football. In his first season as head coach (2019), Ohio State finished 13-1, making it to the College Football Playoff and ultimately losing to Clemson in the semifinals in a game that was both contentious and heartbreaking. The following year, in 2020, Day led the Buckeyes to a 7-1 record in a season disrupted by the pandemic. That year, Ohio State reached the national championship game, where they faced Alabama—a team that was firing on all cylinders and would go on to win the title.

While Day may not have a national title to his name yet, his performance has been exceptional. Since 2019, the Buckeyes have remained a fixture in the CFP conversation. They’ve won the Big Ten title multiple times under Day’s leadership, consistently dominated in recruiting, and have sent numerous players to the NFL. In the modern era of college football, where dynasties are becoming harder and harder to build, this consistency alone should be enough to ensure Day’s place in Ohio State history.

The Numbers Don’t Lie

It’s easy to forget that the success Day has enjoyed at Ohio State is not a fluke—it’s been achieved through meticulous planning, excellent player development, and a system that has continued to evolve over time. Day’s coaching record speaks for itself, particularly when compared to other legendary coaches in Ohio State history.

Since Day took over, his winning percentage has consistently been among the best in the nation. At the time of writing, Day’s overall record stands at 56-7, a remarkable .889 winning percentage. To put that into perspective, Jim Tressel, one of Ohio State’s most beloved coaches, posted a .826 winning percentage during his first six years, while Urban Meyer, who is often considered one of the greatest college football coaches of all time, registered a .920 winning percentage at Ohio State, but Meyer had a much longer tenure, and his early years were marred by off-field distractions and controversies.

Day’s SP+ rating (a metric that adjusts for strength of schedule) consistently ranks among the best in college football, and his teams have shown a remarkable ability to perform in big games. Yes, he has a losing record to Michigan in his tenure (which remains one of the most significant blemishes on his resume), but the fact that his Buckeyes have consistently been in the hunt for championships despite the heightened pressure is something that should be celebrated.

Additionally, the consistent flow of top-tier recruits and the continued development of top-level talent like Justin Fields, C.J. Stroud, and countless others show that Day has built a sustainable and highly competitive program. These are not just good teams—they are elite teams capable of competing with anyone in the nation, year in and year out.

The Michigan Factor

Of course, the elephant in the room when discussing Ryan Day’s tenure is his record against Michigan. The Buckeyes’ four straight losses to their archrivals have stoked a firestorm of criticism toward Day, with some arguing that he can’t truly be considered a great coach until he wins “The Game” again. However, it’s important to remember that rivalries in college football, particularly one as heated as Ohio State-Michigan, are notoriously unpredictable. One bad day, one missed opportunity, or a few turnovers can swing the result of a season. Michigan, under Jim Harbaugh, has also fielded a very strong team during these years, and it’s not as if Ohio State has been consistently outplayed; rather, the rivalry has been incredibly competitive.

Still, that doesn’t take away from the fact that, in a year where expectations were sky-high, a fourth straight loss to Michigan stung deeply, and many fans have expressed frustration. But it’s essential to note that a single rivalry game should not define an entire coaching career. Day’s long-term success—his multiple Big Ten titles, consistent CFP appearances, and excellent recruiting—ought to be the metrics by which his tenure is judged.

A National Title Isn’t Everything

Ultimately, the pressure to win a national title, while understandable in such a high-profile program like Ohio State, shouldn’t overshadow the remarkable achievements that Ryan Day has already accomplished. In college football, championships are notoriously difficult to win, and many great coaches—such as the aforementioned Tressel and Meyer—had their own struggles before winning titles. Day has kept Ohio State in the conversation year after year, and that’s something that should be applauded, not criticized.

Ryan Day should never have had to “prove himself” with a national championship, but in the unforgiving world of college football, it’s clear that he’s been successful enough to continue shaping the program’s future. Ohio State fans should appreciate his efforts and recognize that his legacy, regardless of one game, will be one of sustained excellence, leadership, and dedication. The future remains bright under Day’s watch, and if his track record is any indication, it’s only a matter of time before he hoists that elusive national title.