Ryan Day’s Playful Jab at Tennessee Adds Extra Fire to Ohio State’s Championship Celebration
Ryan Day took a subtle jab at Tennessee fans during Ohio State’s recent National Championship parade, bringing attention to the intense rivalry that had unfolded earlier in the College Football Playoff (CFP) season.
The Buckeyes’ dominant run to the title began with a highly anticipated match-up against Tennessee at The Shoe, a game that saw the Vols’ supporters attempting to take over the stadium. Their enthusiastic presence on social media referred to Ohio Stadium as “Neyland North,” signaling their attempt to make it feel like a home game.
However, the outcome was far from what Tennessee fans had hoped for. The Vols were soundly beaten by Ohio State in the opening round of the CFP, crushing their dreams of advancing.
Following that defeat, Ohio State’s journey through the playoffs was nothing short of impressive. The Buckeyes went on to defeat Oregon, Texas, and eventually Notre Dame in the National Championship Game, cementing their spot as the nation’s best team. Throughout this, Ryan Day and his squad displayed a level of excellence that left little doubt in their dominance.
Fast-forward to Sunday’s parade celebrating the National Championship, where Ryan Day couldn’t resist addressing the early playoff encounter.
While Ohio State basked in their victory, Day made sure to subtly remind everyone of the powerful statement the team made against Tennessee, highlighting how Ohio State showed “this is our stadium” during that memorable clash.
Day’s remarks were clearly a nod to the strong presence the Buckeyes had in front of their home crowd, and a reminder of how they handled the Vols with ease on the field.
Though the game ended in a lopsided score, Ohio State’s performance against Tennessee should be celebrated, as players like Will Howard, Jeremiah Smith, and Jack Sawyer stepped up in significant ways throughout the tournament. While Ryan Day’s comments may have been playful, it’s clear that the Buckeyes’ success spoke volumes.
On the flip side, Tennessee, despite the defeat, had a remarkable season. The Vols finished with a 10-win record and made their first-ever appearance in the CFP, an achievement that will be remembered for years to come.
Despite their disappointment after the loss to Ohio State, Tennessee fans have plenty to be proud of.
The 2024 campaign was historic for the program, and while the Buckeyes took home the championship, Tennessee’s future remains bright. A potential rematch between the two teams in the future, possibly next December, could offer another thrilling chapter in this growing rivalry.
Fans are left hoping that 2025 could be the year Tennessee takes that next step toward redemption.
