COLUMBUS, Ohio- Ohio State celebrated its 34-23 victory over Notre Dame in the national championship at Ohio Stadium on Sunday, and head coach Ryan Day took the opportunity to spotlight one of his standout assistants. Day praised safeties coach Matt Guerrieri, calling himone of the brightest minds in college football after his impressive work with the Buckeyes secondary this season.
Guerrieri, who has coached standout players like Caleb Downs, Lathan Ransom, and Denzel Burke, played a pivotal role in Ohio State defense, which ranked as one of the best in the country. Downs was a Consensus All-American, Ransom was a semifinalist for the Thorpe Award, and Burke earned Third-Team All-Big Ten honors. Guerrieri defense helped Ohio State allow the third-fewest passing yards per game (167), with only Washington and Iowa State surpassing them in that category.
We are talking about one of the brightest minds in college football, and I’m telling you, a star in the making, Day said during his speech. Guerrieri coaching pedigree includes roles at Indiana in 2023 and Duke from 2012-2021, as well as serving as Ohio State’s defensive senior analyst in 2022. His work this season has helped elevate Ohio State secondary to national prominence.
However, Guerrieri will face challenges heading into next season, as two of his top players, Ransom and Burke, have declared for the 2025 NFL Draft. Downs has yet to announce his plans for the upcoming season. Despite these departures, Guerrieri contributions remain vital to the Buckeyes continued success.
