With August camp just around the corner, Ohio State head coach Ryan Day joined Bobby Carpenter for a wide-ranging and insightful conversation that gave Buckeye Nation a clear look inside the mindset of a program on the brink of another championship chase. While the conversation covered everything from quarterback battles to coaching hires, the through line was unmistakable: leadership, culture, and legacy remain the bedrock of Ohio State football.

Day acknowledged that this summer has been critical for developing team chemistry and identifying new leaders. Veterans like Caleb Downs and Sonny Styles are stepping into prominent leadership roles, but Day emphasized the importance of allowing leadership to grow organically. Much of that cultivation happens under the direction of strength coach Mickey Marotti, whose influence remains foundational. Day praised Marotti and his staff for being the best in the business when it comes to forging teams in the offseason—mentally, physically, and culturally.

YouTube player

The Buckeyes’ cultural identity, what Day often refers to as “the brotherhood,” is more than a slogan. It’s a recruiting edge and a value system that keeps players committed even when personal adversity strikes. With the transfer portal offering a quick escape route, Day pointed to players like Carson Hinzman and CJ Hicks as examples of athletes who stayed not because it was easy, but because the culture made it worth it. From the Skull Session to Buckeye Grove, from Jesse Owens’ legacy to the ringing of the Victory Bell, Day made it clear that at Ohio State, tradition is not just remembered—it is lived.

For Day, recruiting is about much more than star ratings. It’s about identifying prospects who understand what it means to be a Buckeye. “A team with a past has a future,” Day said, underscoring the importance of connecting new players to Ohio State’s rich history. He acknowledged that while Ohio remains the foundation of the program, the growth of Columbus and the national draw of the Buckeyes means new players must be taught the traditions that define the Scarlet and Gray. It’s how a kid from California like quarterback Julian Sayin ends up embracing the culture that comes with wearing the Block O.

That culture extends to the coaching staff as well. With the departure of defensive coordinator Jim Knowles, Day brought in former NFL head coach Matt Patricia. While the hire may have raised eyebrows initially, Day is emphatic in his praise. Patricia has already built strong relationships with players and coaches alike, and his NFL experience—particularly his ability to place players in positions to succeed—is a huge asset. Day is excited to see how Patricia blends his ideas with the defensive foundation already in place under long-time assistant Larry Johnson and rising star Tim Walton.

As for Day himself, he remains centered by his purpose: to pour into young people and help them achieve their dreams. Echoing a recent interview by PGA star Scottie Scheffler, Day said that while winning championships is the expectation, it’s not the purpose. “The purpose is to help people reach their dreams and goals,” Day said. That belief permeates how he coaches, how he hires staff, and how he leads the program. He also credited former Navy SEAL Clint Bruce for teaching him that balance isn’t about equal time allocation—it’s about investing deeply in faith, family, and friends. That’s why Day intentionally integrates his own family into the fabric of the program. Whether it’s having his kids around the Woody Hayes Athletic Center or having dinner with his players, Day believes Ohio State should feel like a family.

XSport20Off

Heading into the 2025 season, the Buckeyes will rely on a new starting quarterback—either Julian Sayin or Lincoln Kienholz—without the luxury of easing into the schedule. The opener against Texas will be a trial by fire. Day was candid in saying he doesn’t yet know who will win the job but trusts that fall camp will bring clarity. What matters more, however, is the decision-making, toughness, and leadership that the position requires. “It’s not about throwing it 75 yards,” Day said. “It’s about converting third downs, protecting the football, and leading the team.”

After a grueling 16-game national title run last year, Ohio State is preparing for the reality that long seasons are now the norm. Day said the offseason has included tweaks to training and development to prepare for the marathon ahead. The goal is not to peak in Week One but to build and grow so that the Buckeyes are playing their best football in December and January. That means being brutally honest after every game—about personnel, scheme, and coaching—and making the necessary adjustments to stay championship-caliber.

There’s no doubt the 2025 Ohio State Buckeyes are entering a new chapter, but under Ryan Day’s leadership, the story remains rooted in timeless principles: accountability, brotherhood, and building something bigger than yourself. It’s not just about wins—it’s about legacy. And for Ohio State fans, there’s no better foundation for greatness than that.