Navigating the Crucible: Ryan Day’s Crucial 2024 Campaign to Overcome Michigan and Restore Ohio State to Big Ten Dominance
Understanding the world Ryan Day inhabits is a challenge for most of us. Despite an impressive record of 56-8, three College Football Playoff appearances, and two Big Ten titles in five seasons, such achievements fall short in the context of Ohio State life.
It might be premature to label Day as being on the “hot seat,” but for ardent Buckeyes fans, his three consecutive losses to Michigan overshadow all other accomplishments. The pressure on the Ohio State coach is palpable, urging him to break free from the losing streak and reclaim Big Ten championships.
Fortunately for Day, several factors may propel Ohio State back to the pinnacle of NCAA football in the coming year. The defense, ranked second nationally last season with only 11.2 points allowed per game, boasts nine returning starters. Defensive linemen J.T. Tuimoloau, Tyleik Williams, and Jack Sawyer, responsible for 14.5 of Ohio State’s 28 sacks, add strength to the lineup.
In the secondary, Denzel Burke, Davison Igbinosun, Jordan Hancock, and Lathan Ransom return, contributing 19 pass break-ups and four interceptions. Additionally, the transfer of former Alabama safety Caleb Downs bolsters the defensive backfield, with 70 tackles and two interceptions in his debut year at Tuscaloosa.
While the defense appears promising in 2024, the offensive line, Day’s specialty, requires improvement. The Buckeyes, however, seem well-positioned with a mix of returning talent and additions from the transfer portal.
Former Kansas State quarterback Will Howard, with 2,643 passing yards, 351 rushing yards, and 33 touchdowns, provides a dual-threat option. Running back TreVeyon Henderson and receiver Emeka Egbuka opt to stay for the 2024 season, and the addition of transfer Quinshon Judkins adds depth.
The offensive line, including starters Donovan Jackson, Carson Hinzman, Josh Fryar, and Josh Simmons, remains intact, with the addition of transfer Seth McLaughlin from Alabama.
Ohio State’s advantageous position is further accentuated by Michigan’s need to replace ten offensive starters from the national championship squad and the departure of 18 players from their defense. The uncertainty surrounding Michigan’s head coach, Jim Harbaugh, adds to Ohio State’s advantage.
While new challenges arise with the inclusion of West Coast teams in the Big Ten, Ohio State’s schedule for 2024 seems manageable. They face only one of the new teams, Oregon, and crucial matchups against Penn State and Michigan.
With all the elements in place, 2024 may be Day’s best—and possibly last—opportunity to prove his ability to defeat Michigan and return Ohio State to Big Ten supremacy. The administrative transition at Ohio State adds an additional layer of scrutiny, with athletic director Ross Bjork and new school president Ted Carter closely monitoring the Buckeyes.
Despite Day’s overall success in the past three years, the discontent among fans persists due to the winless record against Michigan and the absence of a Big Ten championship. The pressure intensifies, as Day must navigate a championship-caliber Michigan team standing in the way.
In 2024, there are no more excuses for Day. Even with an impressive 11-2 record the previous year, the inability to conquer Michigan and vie for a national championship is deemed insufficient for Ohio State standards.
