Ohio State head football coach Ryan Day faced another bitter disappointment this past weekend, as the Buckeyes fell to rival Michigan for the fourth consecutive year. The loss dropped Day’s record against the Wolverines to 1-4, a stark contrast to the success Ohio State fans have come to expect in “The Game.”
And this particular defeat may be his most embarrassing yet, considering the circumstances leading up to the showdown.
The Buckeyes entered the highly anticipated matchup with a strong 10-1 record, featuring one of the most expensive and talented rosters in college football.
Michigan, on the other hand, came into the game struggling at 6-5, having lost four of their previous six contests. All signs pointed to Ohio State having a considerable advantage.
However, none of those factors mattered when the teams met in Columbus on Saturday. Michigan pulled off a stunning upset, defeating Ohio State 13-10 and effectively ending the Buckeyes’ hopes of a Big Ten Championship this season.
Almost immediately after the game, questions regarding Day’s job security began swirling, with critics pointing to the head coach’s inability to win the big game against Michigan as a major flaw.
A Disappointing Streak and Rising Doubts
Unlike the previous three losses during Day’s tenure, this year’s Michigan squad did not have the same caliber of success. In prior years, Michigan had a formidable run, making the College Football Playoff each season, going 40-3 overall, and even securing a national title.
There was no shame in losing to those powerful Wolverine teams, but this year was different. Michigan came in as a heavy underdog, with a lackluster season that seemed ripe for the Buckeyes to capitalize on.
Ohio State, with a roster that has reportedly cost more than $20 million in NIL deals, was widely expected to come out victorious, especially with the home-field advantage.
Instead, the Buckeyes struggled to gain control of the game, with fans left disillusioned and upset at the outcome. Without the narrative of an unstoppable Michigan squad, supporters were left to point fingers directly at Ryan Day.
Day’s critics argue that despite the talent he has at his disposal, he has consistently failed to deliver in the program’s biggest rivalry game.
There are now whispers that the issue with Ohio State may have less to do with the players and more to do with the man leading them. In other words, many are beginning to wonder if Ryan Day himself is the problem.
Athletic Director Offers Support
While Ohio State fans questioned whether Day was the right person to lead the Buckeyes, university athletic director Ross Bjork sought to quiet the chatter. He gave Day his vote of confidence shortly after the loss, aiming to put an end to any speculation about the coach’s future.
“Our full focus right now is on the College Football Playoff and making a strong run. We have a ton to play for. We have a great team made up of talented players and great young men. Coach Day does a great job leading our program. He’s our coach,” said Bjork.
Bjork’s statement was meant to convey stability and reassure both fans and the team that Day’s job was secure—at least for now. However, it didn’t take long for new rumors to start swirling that may complicate the picture even further.
Urban Meyer’s Rumored Interest in Returning
Just hours after Bjork publicly supported Ryan Day, reports surfaced suggesting that Urban Meyer, the former Ohio State head coach, may be interested in a return to Columbus. The rumors, which originated from Jay Crawford on the Ultimate Cleveland Sports Show, claimed that Meyer never wanted to leave Ohio State in the first place and that circumstances beyond his control led to his departure.
“Urban never wanted to leave Ohio State… His hand was forced because the administration at the time did not like how powerful he’d become at the university. So, there was a real power struggle,” Crawford said. He added, “Note that the two main players that forced Urban out—and that’s what it was—are gone.”
RELATED: Reporter Lists Top 3 Candidates to Potentially Replace Ryan Day
Crawford went on to explain that Meyer is not only open to a return but is potentially interested in stepping back onto the sidelines. According to Crawford, this intel comes from people close to Meyer who are aware of his interest in the job.
Urban Meyer stepped down from his head coaching position at Ohio State after the 2018 season, citing health reasons. He went on to have a brief stint as head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars, before taking on an analyst role at FOX Sports.
During his time with the Buckeyes, Meyer went 7-0 against Michigan, which is likely a major reason some Ohio State supporters are calling for his return. Meyer also led the Buckeyes to a national championship in 2014, establishing a legacy of dominance that the program has struggled to maintain under Day’s leadership.
Potential for Change at Season’s End?
With Ohio State set to take part in the College Football Playoff this month, it seems unlikely that any major changes will be made before the end of the season. However, the fact that rumors of Meyer’s interest have surfaced now suggests that discussions may already be underway behind closed doors.
The question of whether Urban Meyer could return to Ohio State remains speculative, but it’s not unreasonable to think that the university may reach out to gauge his interest once the season concludes.
Meyer’s track record speaks for itself, and given the discontent among fans following the recent losses to Michigan, the idea of bringing back the coach who dominated the Wolverines is undoubtedly appealing.
The Stakes for Ryan Day
The pressure is now firmly on Ryan Day to deliver results in the postseason. The College Football Playoff provides an opportunity for redemption, and a strong run could help quiet the critics, at least temporarily.
However, Day’s inability to get past Michigan in four consecutive years looms large, and if the Buckeyes falter in the playoff, those calls for a change may only grow louder.
Day inherited a program that was already a powerhouse, thanks to Meyer’s recruiting prowess and success on the field. The expectation was that Day would continue to build upon that foundation, not only winning games but dominating rivals and competing for national titles.
For a while, it seemed like he was on track—Ohio State has consistently been among the top teams in the country under his leadership.
But the inability to beat Michigan, particularly in games where the Buckeyes were favored, has led to significant doubts about whether he can lead Ohio State to the pinnacle of college football.
What Lies Ahead for Ohio State?
The remainder of the season will be crucial for Ryan Day, Urban Meyer, and Ohio State as a whole. Day still has the opportunity to prove himself in the College Football Playoff, and a championship run would go a long way toward securing his future with the program.
On the other hand, a lackluster performance could be enough for the administration to consider a change, particularly if Meyer is indeed interested in returning.
As for Urban Meyer, his legacy at Ohio State is firmly cemented. The idea of him returning to the sidelines is enticing to many, especially given his perfect record against Michigan and the national title he delivered.
If Meyer truly wants to return and the current leadership at Ohio State is open to the possibility, there could be a seismic shift on the horizon for the Buckeyes.
Ultimately, the fate of Ryan Day and the potential return of Urban Meyer will depend on what happens in the weeks to come.
For now, Ohio State fans can only watch and wait, hoping that whatever happens next will lead the Buckeyes back to the top of the college football world—and finally get them back to beating Michigan.
