Ryan Day’s Ohio State Buckeyes silenced critics with a College Football Playoff National Championship victory over the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, triumphing 34-23. The win came after a rocky start to the season, which saw the Buckeyes lose to Oregon and arch-rival Michigan in “The Game,” which almost cost Day his job in November.
However, his postseason performance, including wins against Tennessee, Oregon, and Penn State, showed why Ohio State’s leadership kept him around and trusted his coaching brilliance.
Shannon Sharpe Calls Out Ryan Day for Not Achieving More Success
Despite the victory, NFL Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe didn’t shy away from pointing out Day’s perceived shortcomings.
“Congratulations to Ryan Day,” Sharpe began, acknowledging the championship win. However, he changed his tone after that. “I mean, he caused a lot of criticism, and I think it was warranted. People don’t want to just look at like he won the national championship, but he’s underachieved with the players that he had on that roster.”
Sharpe cited standout NFL talent like Marvin Harrison Jr., Garrett Wilson, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba as examples of Day’s rich pool of talent that should have yielded more titles. Ohio State’s recent draft class seconds Sharpe’s point. Harrison, selected fourth overall by the Arizona Cardinals, led a group of Buckeyes who transitioned to the NFL in 2024.
DT Mike Hall Jr., TE Cade Stover, and LB Tommy Eichenberg also joined NFL rosters, continuing Ohio State’s legacy of producing top-tier players. Over the past four years, Day has seen stars like C.J. Stroud, Chase Young, and Justin Fields enter the league, making Ohio State an NFL talent factory.
While Sharpe’s critique carries weight, Day’s 70-10 record as head coach and his first national championship validate his approach. The victory is a reminder of his resilience and leadership.
After defeating the Fighting Irish, Day said, “God made it hard for a reason. You just never know what’s in your path along the way. But this game can give you the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. It can take you to your knees some days as a player and as a coach. I’ve been there before.”
As Day basks in his championship glory, the conversation surrounding his tenure will make a comeback once again if the 45-year-old falters early on in the next season. After the pressure of winning a natty, Day will now face pressure to sustain this success.
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