The Ohio State Buckeyes should be riding an uninterrupted wave of euphoria after their triumphant 34-23 victory over Notre Dame in the College Football Playoff National Championship. With confetti still fresh on the turf and Columbus in full celebration mode, the program has been enjoying a flurry of good news:
- Star wide receivers Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate—despite being pursued by massive NIL offers—have committed to returning next season, ensuring the Buckeyes maintain one of the nation’s most potent offenses.
- Head coach Ryan Day is reportedly on the verge of securing a lucrative, long-term contract extension, solidifying his place as the face of Ohio State football.
But amid the jubilation, a dark cloud has emerged over the program, threatening to dampen the championship glow.
A Bombshell Investigation Rocks Ohio State
According to Joey Kaufman of the Columbus Dispatch, Ohio State defensive quality control coach Joe Lyberger has been placed on paid administrative leave while under investigation by the university’s Office of Institutional Equity.
The nature of the allegations? Still undisclosed. But what is clear is that the matter is serious enough to warrant immediate action from the university.
“Lyberger [was placed] on administrative leave last month amid an investigation by the university office that handles complaints of harassment, discrimination, and sexual misconduct,” Kaufman reported.
A letter from human resources, dated December 27, notified Lyberger that he was to cease all team activities immediately, and his access to Ohio State’s athletic facilities has been revoked for the duration of the investigation.
Lyberger, who has spent the past four years working with the Buckeyes’ linebackers, now finds himself at the center of an unfolding controversy. His attorney has responded, stating they take the allegations seriously and are fully prepared to defend his name.
A Buckeye Defense in Chaos
The timing of this investigation couldn’t be worse for Ohio State’s defense, which is already reeling from significant departures. Just days ago, defensive coordinator Jim Knowles stunned the Buckeye faithful by defecting to Penn State, a bitter Big Ten rival.
And if that wasn’t enough, Ohio State’s defensive roster is being gutted by the NFL Draft and transfer portal:
- Declaring for the 2025 NFL Draft:
- Defensive Ends: Jack Sawyer, JT Tuimoloau
- Defensive Tackles: Tyleik Williams, Ty Hamilton
- Cornerback: Denzel Burke
- Safeties: Lathan Ransom, Sonny Styles, Jordan Hancock
- Linebacker: Cody Simon
- Transferring Out:
- Defensive Lineman: Hero Kanu
- Defensive End: Mitchell Melton
- Cornerback: Calvin Simpson-Hunt
- Safety: Jayden Bonsu
- Linebacker: Gabe Powers
Ohio State, once a defensive fortress, is suddenly looking alarmingly vulnerable.
Ryan Day’s Next Move: Rebuild or Retaliate?
Despite the turbulence, Ryan Day remains unwavering in his confidence. The Buckeyes’ head coach knows the road ahead is rocky, but he’s already laying the groundwork for the future.
“We’ll put this next group of guys together and figure it out because these guys deserve opportunity for what they’ve done,” Day said. “This coaching staff has done an unbelievable job. There’s a lot of guys in different positions, and whether it’s promotions or whatever it might be, they deserve those things.”
In other words: Ohio State isn’t backing down.
But let’s be real—this is no ordinary offseason for the Buckeyes. With a championship banner still being stitched, the program is simultaneously dealing with a high-profile coaching investigation, staff shake-ups, and a defensive exodus.
Will Ryan Day weather the storm and keep Ohio State on top? Or will these setbacks derail the Buckeyes’ championship momentum?
One thing is certain: Columbus is holding its breath.
