Ohio State football: The Urban Meyer era vs the Ryan Day era

The Ohio State football program has a rich history of championships, rivalries, and a tradition of producing NFL talent. In recent years the Buckeyes have been led by two very different coaches, Ryan Day and Urban Meyer. Each coach has a pretty different way of coaching and how they use their talent.

Ryan Day

Ryan Day took over as head coach after Urban Meyer, bringing a more pass-heavy offense to Ohio State. Known for his strategic play-calling, Day has transformed the Buckeyes into one of the most explosive offenses in college football. Under his leadership, Ohio State quarterbacks like Justin Fields and C.J. Stroud have thrived, setting records for passing yards and touchdowns.

Even with these controversial successes, Coach Day has encountered obstacles in the past few years. Ohio State suffered significant setbacks, such as defeats to their rival Michigan three straight seasons, something that's uncommon in recent Buckeyes history. Then, to add to that the 2023 season ended on a low note with a defeat in the Cotton Bowl to Missouri.

Nonetheless, Coach Day's time so far at Ohio State is recognized not only by numbers but also by his focus on bringing in new players and their growth. He has kept up Ohio State's history of attracting top talent, especially in the area of offense, while also strengthening the defensive roster.

This success in recruiting guarantees Ohio State stays on the national map, keeping a solid footing in the Big Ten and setting the team up as a consistent powerhouse for conference titles and spots in the playoffs.

Ryan Day has created a team atmosphere that is both supportive and focused, highlighting responsibility, toughness, and an unwavering commitment to achieving the best. His approach to leading inspires the team, leading to a unified group that can tackle obstacles and adjust as the season progresses. This will sometimes lead to problems in bigger games, but we hope that particular problem is fixed for this next season.

Urban Meyer

Before Ryan Day took over, Urban Meyer left an unforgettable legacy at Ohio State football, building a reputation marked by a victory in the National Championship, a strong defense, and unmatched achievements against opponents.

Meyer's arrival in 2012 signaled a period of greatness, showcased by a national title in 2014 and several Big Ten wins. His teams used a well-rounded offensive approach, with quarterbacks like J.T. Barrett and Dwayne Haskins, who broke records for their school and conference in scoring.

On the defensive side, Coach Meyer created an environment of intensity and toughness, assembling teams that were consistently among the top in the country. Players like Joey Bosa and Chase Young flourished under Meyer's guidance, becoming key players in Ohio State's strong defensive presence.

A standout moment for Meyer was his remarkable record against Michigan. Throughout his time, Ohio State kept its lead in "The Game," never losing to the Wolverines. This ongoing victory in one of the most celebrated rivalries further cemented Meyer's reputation as a beloved figure among Ohio State fans.

During his time at Ohio State, Ryan Day has introduced new ideas and a powerful offense, yet his time there has been marked by difficulties. Ahead, Day's role as a leader will have to tackle these competitive challenges if he truly wants to keep his job.

There should be no excuse for a loss to Michigan this year, not with the team he's built. However, Day's focus on attracting the best players and creating a team-oriented atmosphere offers a solid base for future achievements.