Skull Session: Ohio Stadium Has New Turf, Bret Bielema and Curt Cignetti Fire Shots at the SEC, and Ryan Day Wants the Buckeyes to Leave a Legacy Behind This Year
Ohio State enters the 2026 season with a new playing surface installed at Ohio Stadium. The Shaw Sports Turf Forge Series system is now in place, designed to meet professional standards and improve player safety. Head coach Ryan Day highlighted the upgrade as a necessary step for the program, noting that the turf maintains both safety and performance for the team as they prepare for their home opener against Ball State in September.
Big Ten Media Days brought fresh commentary on the state of college football. Illinois head coach Bret Bielema challenged the SEC’s traditionalist approach, suggesting the conference remains stuck in 2005. His remarks follow a growing debate regarding conference strength and the reliance on circular logic to rank schedule difficulty. Indiana head coach Curt Cignetti added to the discussion by emphasizing a culture of merit in the Midwest, stating that success in the Big Ten is earned rather than given.
Ryan Day also spoke on the team's internal focus for the upcoming season, citing the book Legacy by James Kerr as the players' primary reading assignment. Day emphasized the importance of upholding the Ohio State tradition and prioritizing collective success over individual gain. He noted that while NIL is a factor in the modern game, the program’s focus remains on winning championships and leaving the jersey in a better place for those who follow.
Wide receiver Jeremiah Smith continues to demonstrate commitment to that mission. Despite reports of a $10 million offer to enter the transfer portal, Smith chose to remain in Columbus, citing the quality of his teammates and coaches. Smith has leveraged his position to support his family, notably purchasing his grandmother’s house. As he enters his third season, his contributions both on and off the field illustrate his personal commitment to the program’s standard.