The Ohio State Buckeyes lost their second game of the season to USC on Saturday night. It was a disappointing loss for the second-ranked team in the country. That loss means that the Buckeyes no longer have any room for error for the remainder of the season.
Ryan Day coached his worst game of the season against the Trojans. Despite having two full weeks to get his team ready to face USC, the Buckeyes looked like they didn't do much during the bye week. Now, Day was asked if he is considering making any in-season changes to his staff.
Ryan Day says he won't make changes to his staff...yet
During his weekly press conference, Day was asked if he would consider making in-season changes to the coaching staff. Day indicated that he wasn't going to do that yet, but it is under consideration if things don't improve.
Ryan Day said he’s not against in-season staff changes when appropriate, but “I’m not in that frame of mind right now.” Day said Ohio State needs to address several issues, from personnel to coaching and execution.
— Chase Brown (@chaseabrown__) November 3, 2026
Making changes now doesn't make a whole lot of sense. They don't really have anyone who can step up and perform if guys are let go. Tyler Bowen would be the one who is most in trouble. As offensive line coach, he has shown nothing in terms of being able to develop offensive linemen.
Recruiting-wise, Bowen has yet to land a blue-chip recruit, either. If he can't recruit or develop the guys he has now, what exactly is he doing on staff? That is something that will be addressed in the offseason. If there are any offseason staff changes that need to occur, he would be the first one on the list.
Ohio State's season is not over. They still have a chance to make the College Football Playoff. Of course, now that requires the team to win out. Of course, that won't be easy with a backup quarterback. Fahey will be the starter yet again, and he doesn't have the ceiling that Julian Sayin has.
Ohio State has its back up against the wall
The Buckeyes haven't had their back up against the wall like this since the 2024 season after they lost to TTUN. In that season, Ryan Day was catching hell from the fanbase. In fact, a large segment of the fan base wanted him to be fired, especially if they had lost to Tennessee.
Instead, Day was able to rally his team and get the Bucks to win a national championship. He has to rally the team again, but this time just to make the College Football Playoff. There are four games left, and Ohio State doesn't have any room for error just to make the dance.
If Day fails to make the CFP, things could get ugly in the offseason. His job is safe after winning the title in 2024, but it won't be next year if somethign similar happens in a 24-team expanded CFP. He understands the nature of this job.
He needs to make some changes to his staff once the season ends, but making them now doesn't do anything for the team. They need to rally around who they have.
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