As head coach of the Ohio State Buckeyes, there are two main expectations: defeat Michigan and win a national championship. It’s likely that the first priority, beating Michigan, is seen as the more critical of the two.
Ryan Day, the current head coach, has failed to meet that expectation, with his Buckeyes now on a four-game losing streak to Michigan following Saturday’s disappointing 13-10 loss. This marks the first time since 1988-91 that Ohio State has lost four straight to its biggest rival. This latest defeat could be the most damaging yet, not just for this season, but potentially for Day’s future with the program.
Ohio State entered the game ranked No. 2 and was a three-touchdown favorite, facing a Michigan team in what was supposed to be a rebuilding year. With the game at home and a chance to secure a spot in the Big 10 Championship and possibly earn a bye to the quarterfinals of the College Football Playoff, the stakes were high. Now, Ohio State’s chances of making the playoffs are uncertain, hinging on a Maryland upset of Penn State to keep their Big 10 title hopes alive. Even if they don’t win the Big 10 Championship, a home playoff game was still expected—until the loss.
This defeat has made Ohio State’s road to a championship much more difficult, and if they fail in the playoffs, Day’s position as head coach will be in serious jeopardy. Although Day boasts an impressive 66-10 record, including never losing more than two games in a season, Ohio State has higher aspirations.
The program is invested in national dominance, and beating Michigan is a critical part of that vision. With over $20 million spent on NIL deals this season to fuel this ambition, Day’s inability to secure a win in the rivalry game leaves his future in question. If he can’t deliver a national championship soon, it might be hard for Ohio State to justify continuing with him as head coach. Given the program’s recruiting advantages and talent pool, finding a coach who can consistently beat teams like Purdue, Illinois, and Minnesota isn’t difficult. What Ohio State needs—and demands—is someone who can defeat Michigan and bring home championships. Day has yet to do either, and he may be running out of chances to prove himself.