The Ohio State Buckeyes are riding a wave of triumph after a spectacular postseason run, winning four straight games in the 2024 and 2025 College Football Playoff to claim the national championship. The victory silenced doubters, erased the sting of painful regular-season losses to Oregon and Michigan, and reestablished Ohio State as the powerhouse it has long been known to be.
But for head coach Ryan Day, one title isn’t enough. He’s setting his sights on an even grander prize—cementing his legacy alongside the legendary Woody Hayes.
Day’s Championship Blueprint: The Woody Hayes Standard
Speaking with TNT’s Ernie Johnson and Charles Barkley, Day didn’t just bask in the glory of a national championship—he made it clear that his ambitions stretch far beyond a single title. He wants to do what no Ohio State coach has done since the iconic Woody Hayes: win multiple national championships.
“Woody Hayes is the last one to win multiple national championships at Ohio State,” Day said. “That’s something I’ve now set for myself—to be the next head coach to win multiple championships at Ohio State.
His message was simple but powerful: One ring isn’t enough. The dynasty-building starts now.
“There’s still a lot more to be done,” Day added.
And he’s absolutely right.
Chasing History: The Weight of Woody Hayes’ Legacy
Woody Hayes, a colossus in college football history, led Ohio State to three undisputed national championships in 1954, 1957, and 1968. His teams dominated the landscape of college football, and his name is forever etched in Buckeye lore.
In the modern era, only three active coaches have captured multiple national titles:
- Dabo Swinney (Clemson) – Two championships (2016, 2018)
- Kirby Smart (Georgia) – Two championships (2021, 2022)
- Nick Saban (Alabama) – Seven championships (2003 at LSU, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2017, 2020 at Alabama)
Now, Ryan Day wants his name added to that elite list.
The Building Blocks of a Future Dynasty
A goal of this magnitude requires elite talent, and Day isn’t wasting any time stacking the roster for another championship run. The Class of 2025 is already shaping up to be a game-changer, featuring:
- Tavien St. Clair (QB, Bellefontaine, OH) – A five-star quarterback phenom who could be the next great Ohio State signal-caller.
- Devin Sanchez (CB, Houston, TX) – An elite cornerback with the size, speed, and instincts to be a future shutdown defender.
These aren’t just recruits. They’re pieces of a grander puzzle, handpicked to keep Ohio State in the title conversation for years to come.
The Road Ahead: Will Day Deliver on His Grand Vision?
The challenge ahead is monumental. Winning back-to-back championships in today’s college football landscape is a rare feat, requiring perfect execution, relentless recruiting, and tactical brilliance.
But if there’s one thing we know, Ryan Day is a man on a mission. He’s shaken off past heartbreaks, conquered his demons, and now has his eyes locked on history.
Will he be the one to revive Ohio State’s multi-championship dynasty?
Or will the weight of expectations be too much to bear?
Only time will tell—but one thing is certain: Ryan Day isn’t settling for second best.
