Eric Boggs
Ohio State football stands as one of the most storied programs in college football history, and with that history comes an unparalleled set of expectations. The origins of these expectations, explored on The OHIO Podcast, stem from multiple sources: the coaching staff, the players, and the passionate fan base. But where did these expectations first take root, and how have they evolved over the decades?
Many argue that Ohio State’s modern expectations were cemented by Woody Hayes. While Paul Brown won the Buckeyes’ first national championship in 1942, it was Hayes who set the gold standard, winning five national championships and creating a culture of winning that has persisted for generations. His tenure was more than just victories—it established a mindset that success was not just hoped for, but demanded. The fan base embraced this standard, and the pressure to win became ingrained in the program’s DNA.
Since Hayes, every Ohio State head coach has had to measure up to his legacy. Jim Tressel, Urban Meyer, and now Ryan Day have all faced the weight of those expectations. Tressel famously declared in his introductory press conference that his team would make Ohio State fans proud “in 310 days in Ann Arbor,” setting the tone for his tenure. Urban Meyer, with his relentless pursuit of championships, further cemented that Ohio State was not just a contender—it was a national powerhouse.
Ryan Day inherited this culture, and his early success only fueled the fire. His first press conference reinforced the expectation: beat That Team Up North, win every game after that, and compete for national titles. This messaging, from the coaches themselves, perpetuates the belief that anything less than dominance is unacceptable.
Ohio State fans are often labeled as one of the most passionate and demanding in college football. As mentioned on The OHIO Podcast, Buckeye Nation has little tolerance for anything short of excellence. This is reinforced by the team’s incredible consistency—since 2002, Ohio State has had only two seasons without double-digit wins, COVID-year excluded. Losing is simply not part of the fan base’s collective memory.
The emotional investment of fans creates a feedback loop. Success breeds high expectations, and when those expectations aren’t met, dissatisfaction grows. The fervor with which some fans called for Ryan Day’s firing after a 10-2 season exemplifies how deep-seated these expectations have become. Ohio State is a program where even great records can be seen as failures if they don’t lead to championships.
The expectations don’t just come from fans and coaches—the players themselves internalize them. Statements from players like Denzel Burke and Jack Sawyer about their goals to win national titles illustrate that the standard isn’t just external pressure—it’s something deeply embedded in the locker room. Ohio State players don’t just come to Columbus to play football; they come to compete for championships.
Other programs do not necessarily operate under the same conditions. For example, Syracuse, as discussed on the podcast, has vastly different expectations. A nine-win season there is celebrated, whereas at Ohio State, it might be seen as a disappointment. Even other blue-blood programs like Nebraska and Miami, which were once dominant, have struggled to maintain the expectations of their past success. Ohio State, by contrast, has remained remarkably consistent, further reinforcing the idea that anything short of greatness is unacceptable.
With generational expectations passed down, maintaining them becomes a double-edged sword. As The OHIO Podcast panelists noted, Ryan Day has one of the highest winning percentages in modern college football, yet after losing four straight to Michigan, there were widespread calls for his removal. The standard at Ohio State is not just about winning—it’s about winning the biggest games and hoisting trophies. If those goals aren’t met, the perception is failure, even if the reality is a highly successful program.
Another unique factor in Ohio State’s elevated expectations is the landscape of Ohio sports. With the Browns and Bengals struggling historically, Ohio State football has become the state’s most consistently successful team. This has only intensified the scrutiny and the demand for continued excellence, as the Buckeyes serve as Ohio’s de facto pro team.
Ohio State’s expectations come from a combination of history, coaching success, player mentality, and an intense fan base. Woody Hayes may have started the tradition, but every generation since has carried the torch. With each passing season, the standard remains the same: win every game, beat Michigan, and compete for a national championship. It’s a pressure few programs can match, but it’s what makes Ohio State one of college football’s true giants.
