Eric Boggs
The culture of Ohio State football is one of the most debated and deeply ingrained aspects of the Buckeyes program. While teams across the nation strive for championships, Ohio State’s identity goes beyond trophies and accolades. The Buckeye culture, as discussed in a recent episode of The OHIO Podcast, can be distilled into three core principles: faith, family, and football—a mantra that head coach Ryan Day has continuously emphasized.
A Culture Built on Fighting for What Matters
Ryan Day often speaks about fighting—fighting for your team, fighting for your brothers, fighting for success in life. This mentality extends far beyond the football field. His son, RJ, recently echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of fighting in every aspect of life, from the classroom to personal relationships.
Day’s leadership philosophy aligns with the long-standing values of the Ohio State program. Faith, a key pillar, has been a presence in the Buckeyes’ culture dating back to Jim Tressel’s tenure. The second pillar, family, is embodied in the concept of the “brotherhood,” a bond that has been at the heart of the program for years. And the third pillar, football, represents the relentless pursuit of excellence that started with Woody Hayes and continues to drive Ohio State today.
More Than Wins and Championships
Interestingly, the podcast discussion noted that while football success is crucial, the defining aspects of Ohio State’s culture aren’t necessarily championships. Instead, the Buckeyes prioritize respect, integrity, and perseverance.
Ryan Day’s commitment to these values has created an environment where players are expected to uphold a standard of accountability. Unlike other programs, Ohio State operates under a principle of self-reporting infractions, holding itself to a higher ethical standard. “Everything we do is above board,” one of the podcast hosts noted, emphasizing the importance of integrity within the program.
Mental Health: A Key Component of Buckeye Culture
One of the most impactful cultural shifts under Ryan Day has been the focus on mental health. As an outspoken advocate, Day has helped create a space where players feel supported. The importance of this was highlighted by the story of Harry Miller, whose life was positively impacted by the program’s mental health initiatives. Day has also made significant personal contributions to mental health causes, reinforcing the idea that well-being is just as important as performance on the field.
Heather, one of the podcast contributors, pointed out how this aspect of Ohio State’s culture builds trust between players and coaches. “He’s made it okay for these players to say, ‘I am not okay,’” she noted, emphasizing how mental health awareness directly impacts performance and team chemistry.
High Standards Within the Brotherhood
Another key theme from the discussion was the high standards expected of Buckeye players. Former cornerback Denzel Burke revealed in a recent interview that the team considered anything short of a national championship a “losing season.” This speaks volumes about the internal expectations at Ohio State.
Yet, the high standards don’t just apply to winning. They apply to accountability, effort, and dedication to each other. “This year, they really had to lean on each other, especially after that Michigan loss,” one of the podcast members noted. The team’s resilience, fighting back to defeat Tennessee, Oregon, Texas, and Notre Dame in the postseason, is a testament to the brotherhood that defines Buckeye culture.
The Right Way to Win
Ryan Day has often said that Ohio State is about winning “the right way.” Unlike programs that have been plagued by off-field issues, Ohio State maintains a strong commitment to discipline and character development. This doesn’t mean the Buckeyes recruit only five-star prospects; rather, they look for the right players—those who fit within the culture of growth and responsibility.
In today’s era of NIL and transfer portal chaos, Ohio State has maintained stability by prioritizing its current players rather than simply chasing outside talent. While some critics argue the Buckeyes should be more aggressive in player acquisition, Day’s approach emphasizes retention, development, and culture as the foundation for long-term success.
Conclusion: A Culture That Stands Apart
Ohio State’s culture isn’t just about winning games—it’s about building better athletes, students, and men. Faith, family, and football form the foundation, but respect, integrity, perseverance, and mental health awareness are just as vital to the program’s DNA.
While other programs may focus solely on winning at all costs, Ohio State continues to prove that championships are not the only measure of success. The Buckeyes fight for more than just titles—they fight for each other, their beliefs, and the high standards that define what it means to be part of Ohio State football.
