Eric Boggs
As the Ohio State Buckeyes prepare to take the field for a national championship, the spotlight often shines brightest on Head Coach Ryan Day. However, his wife, Nina Day, offers a compelling perspective on the journey behind the scenes—a story of resilience, family, and an unyielding belief in one another.
“It feels amazing,” Nina said of the Buckeyes’ opportunity to play for the championship. “I’m just so happy for the players and the staff and everyone involved. It’s been a long journey, and I’m thrilled they get to experience something like this.”
That journey, filled with highs and lows, has tested the Day family’s resolve. Nina described how adversity revealed the true character of those involved: “We never stopped believing. The people in the Woody [Hayes Athletic Center] and in our house leaned on each other and kept fighting. Adversity teaches you who you are, and this team has shown incredible resilience.”
For Nina, family is the bedrock of navigating the pressures of football life. “Ryan and I try to stay steady and focused for our kids,” she explained. “It’s not always easy with middle school and high school-aged kids in this environment, but we help each other through it all. Some days, it’s hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel, but you just keep fighting.”
The couple’s shared commitment extends to their children, who have become an integral part of the Buckeyes’ extended family. Nina reflected on how her children have drawn inspiration from their father: “They’ve seen Ryan fail, face criticism, and fight his way back. That’s been a powerful lesson in resilience. After a recent game, my daughter told Ryan, ‘I never stopped believing in you, even when everyone else did.’ Moments like that bring us closer as a family.”
Nina views the challenges of football as an allegory for life. “Life doesn’t go as planned, and football teaches you to pick yourself up after failure and keep going,” she said. For the Day family, those lessons have come to life in real and personal ways, from handling public criticism to celebrating hard-fought victories.
Even game days, which some might expect to be celebratory, are anything but easy for Nina. “They’re hard for me,” she admitted. “The stress, the emotions—it can be overwhelming. I’ve had to learn to channel my anxiety and live in the moment, but the pressure never really goes away.
Reflecting on Ryan’s journey, Nina shared a poignant moment from the morning after their loss to Michigan: “He looked at me and said, ‘I have no other choice but to fight my way out of this.’ And that’s exactly what he’s done. He’s worked tirelessly, and he’s swinging as hard as he can.”
Nina’s pride in her husband extends beyond his coaching acumen. “Ryan’s entire life has been about overcoming adversity. From losing his dad at a young age to setbacks in his career, he’s always fought back. I’ve never doubted him, and I think he’s at his best when he’s backed into a corner.”
The Day family’s story is one of unwavering belief in each other. Nina shared the family’s mantra before big games: “No matter what happens, it’s me, you, and the kids. That’s all that matters.” This grounding principle has carried them through the ups and downs of life in the public eye.
As the Buckeyes prepare for their championship showdown, Nina’s hope is for her family, her team, and the community to savor the moment. “This program deserves that trophy. Seeing Ryan and the players lift it would mean everything to us. But at the end of the day, we always have each other, and that’s what matters most.”
Through resilience and steadfast belief, Nina Day reminds us that even in the intense world of college football, family remains the ultimate foundation.
