Eric Boggs
Ryan Day spoke with the media following another spirited fall camp practice, and it’s clear the Buckeyes’ head coach is pleased with where his team stands less than a month from the season opener against Texas. Day credited the players for bringing consistent focus and physicality on Monday when speaking with the media. “The guys are competing at a really high level,” Day said. “You can feel it in every drill, every period — there’s urgency.” That urgency isn’t just about Week 1; it’s about laying a foundation for a championship run.
Leadership was one of the first topics Day addressed, and he spoke with confidence about how both veterans and rising stars have stepped up. The captains, he said, have been instrumental in setting the tone for younger players, making sure no one lets up during practice. But it’s not just the seniors making an impact. “We’ve got some young guys who are showing they can lead too, not just follow,” Day noted. That blend of experience and fresh energy is something he believes can carry the team through tough stretches this fall.
The quarterback competition remains one of the most closely watched battles in camp, and while Day didn’t declare a starter, he praised the growth of the contenders. He emphasized that leadership, poise, and the ability to make sound decisions under pressure are key factors in the evaluation process. “At Ohio State, the quarterback is expected to do more than just throw the football,” Day said. “You’ve got to manage the game, rally your teammates, and execute when it matters most.” The offense, he explained, is being tested daily by a defense that’s playing with speed and discipline, which has helped accelerate the quarterbacks’ development.
Up front, the offensive line has been challenged by an aggressive defensive front, something Day said has brought out the best in both units. The back-and-forth nature of camp — with the defense winning some days and the offense winning others — is exactly what he wants to see. “Iron sharpens iron,” Day said. “If you’re not getting pushed in practice, you’re not getting better.” That competition is building the physical and mental toughness the Buckeyes will need when the lights come on against Texas.
On the defensive side, Day praised the communication and discipline that has been developing under the current scheme. He pointed out that several players have made big strides in reading plays and reacting without hesitation. “We’ve got guys playing fast, playing confident,” Day said. “That’s what you need when you’re going up against the kind of offenses we’ll see this year.” With Texas looming, he made it clear that the defensive preparation in August is geared toward being ready for one of the most explosive attacks in the country.
Special teams also got a mention, with Day noting that field position will be a key factor in big games. He spoke positively about the kicking and return units, though he emphasized the need for continued improvement. “The little things — coverage lanes, ball placement, blocking angles — those win or lose you games in the margins,” Day said. It’s a reminder that in high-stakes matchups, the difference often comes down to execution in the hidden phases of the game.
Day closed by stressing that the team’s current focus is on stacking good days, not looking too far ahead. Every practice, he said, needs to build on the last one. “We’ve got to keep getting better,” Day said. “That’s the standard here. If we keep doing that, we’ll be where we need to be when we take the field against Texas.” For Buckeye fans, those words signal a coach confident in his team’s trajectory — one that is fueled by competition, defined by discipline, and driven by the pursuit of championships.
If this level of intensity and preparation continues through the rest of camp, Ohio State will enter the 2025 season not only ready for Texas, but ready to set the tone for the months ahead. From leadership to execution, Day’s Buckeyes appear locked in — and in Columbus, that’s exactly what the scarlet and gray faithful want to hear.
