In a monumental moment for Ohio State football, head coach Ryan Day has reached a historic milestone that places him firmly among the legendary figures who have shaped the Buckeyes’ storied tradition. Day, who took over the program in 2019, has officially recorded his 50th career win faster than any head coach in Ohio State history, further solidifying his place among the elite in college football.
The achievement came after Ohio State’s commanding victory this past Saturday, a performance that showcased Day’s strategic brilliance, leadership, and the team’s continued dominance under his guidance. With this latest win, Day joins a select group of Ohio State coaches — including Woody Hayes, Jim Tressel, and Urban Meyer — whose impact on the program has defined generations of success.
“It’s an incredible honor to be a part of this program’s history,” Day said after the game. “At Ohio State, the expectations are always high, and that’s what makes it so special. I’m grateful for our players, our coaching staff, and Buckeye Nation for believing in what we’re building here. This achievement is not just mine — it belongs to everyone who’s been part of this journey.”
Since taking the reins from Urban Meyer, Day has kept Ohio State firmly entrenched as a perennial national title contender. Under his leadership, the Buckeyes have consistently dominated Big Ten competition, made multiple College Football Playoff appearances, and continued to attract some of the nation’s top recruits. Day’s coaching style — a combination of offensive innovation, disciplined fundamentals, and strong player development — has won admiration across the sport.
Beyond the wins and trophies, Day’s impact off the field has been equally significant. He has become a vocal advocate for mental health awareness, using his platform to support initiatives aimed at helping young people cope with mental health challenges. His leadership, both on and off the field, reflects the core values that have long been synonymous with Ohio State football: excellence, integrity, and relentless pursuit of greatness.
Athletic Director Gene Smith praised Day following the milestone victory. “Ryan Day is not just an outstanding football coach — he’s an outstanding leader and person,” Smith said. “He represents everything we want Ohio State football to be about. This milestone is a testament to his hard work, his vision for our program, and his incredible ability to connect with our players and staff.”
Looking ahead, Day made it clear that the journey is far from over. With the Buckeyes once again in the thick of the national championship conversation, Day emphasized that the team’s focus remains on bigger goals.
“We’re proud of what we’ve accomplished, but there’s still so much more we want to achieve,” Day said. “We’re not satisfied yet. Our eyes are on championships, on continuing to grow as a team, and on making our fans proud every time we step onto the field.”
As Ryan Day celebrates this latest career achievement, one thing is certain: his legacy at Ohio State is secure — and the best may still be yet to come.