The loss to Miami is going to sting for quite some time for the Ohio State football team. Where in the world did things go wrong for this group after such a promising start? Ohio State was perfect during the regular season, including great wins over Texas and Michigan.
However, the loss to Indiana was one thing, and then the loss to Miami was deflating. In both defeats, special teams let Ryan Day down, with Jayden Fielding missing a field goal in each respective meeting. This is something that can't continue to happen moving forward.
The offensive line is obviously going to be a priority for this team, but going after a new place kicker needs to be a focus as well. Luckily for Day and his coaches, Illinois' David Olano has decided to leave the Fighting Illini and he's now looking for a new home after kicking the game-winning field goal vs. Tennessee in the Music City Bowl. Could Columbus be his next stop?
All-Big Ten kicker entering the portal. Had game-winners against USC and Tennessee this season. https://t.co/kGN9XR0Xx3
— Adam Rittenberg (@ESPNRittenberg) January 1, 2026
Ohio State football must target Illinois transfer David Olano immediately
With a game on the line, Ohio State needs to have someone reliable out there to step up in a huge moment and boot the ball in between the uprights. In back-to-back losses, Fielding simply did not get the job done for the Buckeyes.
Again, this is a concern that just can't be the case for the Buckeyes once the 2026 campaign gets here. Fielding just graduated from Ohio State and he won't be back with the Big Ten powerhouse next campaign. His late-season meltdown may have cost him a shot at playing in the NFL too.
We hate to pile on him, but Fielding played a role in the losses to Indiana and Miami getting posted. So, what's next for Day and the Buckeyes at the position? Some help is needed and a player of Olano's caliber would be a welcome addition for this team.
This season, the righty went 20-of-23 on his FG tries and he was a perfect 44-of-44 on his PATs. This is the kind of consistency that Ohio State needs. Ball State transfer Jackson Courville is already on campus and he'll be waiting for his shot, but the more competition here for Day and the Buckeyes the better.