Presser Bullets: Ryan Day “Fired Up” for Ohio State’s “Monster” Schedule This Season, Julian Sayin Has “A Different Look in His Eye” This Offseason

Ryan Day opened his eighth season as Ohio State head football coach at Big Ten Media Days this week. He enters the preseason with a clear focus on the challenges ahead, specifically highlighting the team's difficult schedule. Day noted that the Buckeyes are prepared for the intensity of the upcoming season and views the difficult slate of games as an early indicator of the team's true capability.

During his media session, Day praised the development of several key players. He specifically pointed to Jeremiah Smith, who is moving into a more vocal leadership role, and Julian Sayin, whom he describes as a different person in terms of both physical stature and confidence. The coaching staff is also heavily invested in the progress of the running back room, noting that players like Bo Jackson and Isaiah West must make significant strides during camp to reach team goals.

Beyond individual growth, Day addressed the structural changes in college football. He voiced support for increasing revenue-sharing caps to better support athletes and suggested shifting the calendar to align the season schedule more closely with the postseason playoffs. He remains firmly committed to the primary goals of winning the rivalry game and securing a national championship.

As the team moves into camp, Day emphasized the necessity of physical preparation, noting that the squad will prioritize tackling during practice sessions to ensure readiness for game situations. With a stable roster coming off spring surgeries and a clear sense of purpose, the Buckeyes are set to move past the off-season and back into competitive play. Day remains optimistic about the current direction of the program and the strength of his coaching staff as they navigate a high-stakes environment in the Big Ten.