Ohio State fans weren’t the only ones celebrating Ryan Day’s crowning achievement of bringing a national championship back to Columbus. Among those applauding was ESPN analyst and former Alabama quarterback Greg McElroy, who recently shared his deep admiration for Day as both a coach and a person. In McElroy’s words, Day isn’t just one of the best minds in college football—he’s one of the best people.
“I’ll be honest,” McElroy began. “In this profession, we don’t often root for teams. We root for stories. We root for people. And Ryan Day has been one of my favorite people in this sport since the first time I met him.”
McElroy’s first encounter with Day occurred when the then-up-and-coming coach stepped in as the interim head coach for Ohio State during Urban Meyer’s suspension in 2018. Day’s debut came in a game against Oregon State, and McElroy was on the call as a commentator.
“The offense was incredible, the defense had a few kinks to work out, but what stood out to me was Ryan Day himself,” McElroy recalled. “It wasn’t just about what he did on the field that day—it was the calm confidence, the clear vision. I walked away thinking, ‘This guy is going to do something special in college football.’”
And Day has delivered. Over six seasons as the Buckeyes’ full-time head coach, he has amassed a staggering 70-10 overall record, including an incredible 46-5 mark in Big Ten play. Under his leadership, Ohio State has claimed two Big Ten titles, made four College Football Playoff appearances, and, most notably, captured the national championship this past season—the program’s first in over a decade.
Pressure and Redemption: Day’s Defining Season
Despite Day’s undeniable success, his journey hasn’t been without challenges—or critics. Heading into the 2024 season, murmurs of doubt surrounded him. A loss to Oregon early in the season and a painful defeat to Michigan in the regular-season finale only amplified the noise. Many questioned whether Day had what it took to guide Ohio State to the promised land.
But as McElroy pointed out, Day’s ability to thrive under pressure was never in question.
“I didn’t expect Urban Meyer to leave Ohio State when he did, but I knew wherever Ryan Day ended up, he’d find success,” McElroy said. “He stepped into a role with enormous pressure—Ohio State is a place with unparalleled resources, but with that comes expectations that are almost impossible to meet. Yet, Ryan Day has not only met them, he’s redefined what success looks like.”
McElroy marveled at Day’s ability to rally his team after their second straight loss to Michigan, a game that could have shattered their confidence. Instead of folding under the weight of adversity, the Buckeyes rallied, transforming heartbreak into a springboard for one of the most remarkable postseason runs in college football history.
“They could have pointed fingers, blamed each other, made excuses,” McElroy said. “But they didn’t. They took ownership. They said, ‘This ends now.’ That level of accountability, of leadership—it’s rare. And it all starts with Ryan Day.”
A Senior-Led Quest for Glory
McElroy highlighted the unique dynamic of this year’s team: a senior-heavy squad with a singular goal—bringing a national championship back to Columbus. Eight senior starters anchored the defense, refusing to leave without cementing their legacy.
“The pressure was immense,” McElroy explained. “This was a team built for this moment. They had the talent, the experience, the hunger. But talent alone doesn’t win championships. It takes heart. It takes a coach who can inspire belief when the odds are against you. That’s exactly what Ryan Day did.”
Day’s leadership culminated in a storybook ending, as Ohio State rebounded from their Michigan defeat to dominate in the College Football Playoff, ultimately clinching the title with a thrilling 34-23 victory over Notre Dame. For McElroy, it was the ultimate vindication for a coach who had spent years carrying the weight of the Buckeye Nation on his shoulders.
A Legacy in the Making
As McElroy reflected on Day’s journey, he didn’t hold back his admiration.
“Ryan Day has proven he’s not just one of the best coaches in the game—he’s one of the most inspiring figures in college football,” McElroy said. “To see him finally hoist that trophy, after all the pressure, the criticism, the near-misses—it was a moment that will live forever in Ohio State history.”
For McElroy, Day’s story is more than just a tale of X’s and O’s. It’s a testament to resilience, vision, and unwavering belief—a lesson not just for athletes, but for anyone striving to overcome life’s obstacles.
In the eyes of Greg McElroy, Ryan Day isn’t just a great coach. He’s the embodiment of what makes college football—and sports as a whole—so compelling: the human stories that remind us all what’s possible when we refuse to give up.
