Ohio State head coach Ryan Day turned an unexpected championship night blunder into a comedic moment during his recent appearance on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon. After leading the Buckeyes to a thrilling College Football Playoff National Championship victory over Notre Dame, the celebrations took a humorous detour when a golf cart carrying Day and two players crashed into a tunnel wall at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Day, always quick with a joke, likened the incident to a scene from Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery.
A Championship Night to Remember With a Bump
The mishap unfolded as Day, quarterback Will Howard, and linebacker Cody Simon were en route to the postgame press conference. After an intense, high-stakes game, the trio was finally able to take a breath only for the ride to go hilariously off course. The golf cart, speeding through the stadium tunnels, made an abrupt turn and slammed into a wall, leaving the passengers in disbelief.
During his chat with Fallon, Day recounted the chaotic moment with a grin. You go through all that stress during the game, and when it’s finally over, you hop in the golf cart thinking you can relax, he said. Next thing you know, we’re flying through the tunnel, dodging people, and suddenly bam we hit the wall. Will and Cody are cracking up, and I’m just sitting there thinking, This can’t be real. It felt like something straight out of Austin Powers.
A Crash That Sparked Laughter
Fortunately, no one was injured in the crash, though it certainly caught everyone off guard. Howard later playfully checked in on his coach, joking, Coach Day, hope you’re good. That hit was something else. Never missing a beat, Day quipped, I’ll just send my medical bills to the CFP,drawing laughter from reporters.
Social Media Reacts to the Viral Moment
News of the incident quickly spread across social media, with fans and analysts alike sharing their amusement. A tweet from sports journalist Patrick Greenfield summed up the moment:
Some lady just crashed the golf cart carrying Ryan Day and Will Howard in the Mercedes-Benz tunnel after they won the National Championship.
The lighthearted accident added an unexpected yet memorable twist to Ohio State’s championship celebration.
A Hard-Fought Season Ends on a High Note
While the golf cart mishap became an amusing footnote, Ohio State’s path to the national title was anything but easy. After suffering a tough loss to Michigan in late November, the Buckeyes regrouped and stormed through the playoffs, winning four straight games to capture their first national championship since 2014.
For Ryan Day, the victory was a defining moment in his coaching career. Despite facing mounting pressure and challenges including the departure of defensive coordinator Jim Knowles to Penn State and roster changes due to the NFL draft and transfer portal Day guided his team to the ultimate prize.
As the final whistle blew against Notre Dame, Day’s emotions were on full display. He hurled his headset into the stands and embraced his players as they doused him in a celebratory Gatorade shower. The moment quickly became one of the most iconic images of Ohio State’s triumphant season.
A Fitting End to an Unforgettable Journey
While the Buckeyes championship run was filled with dramatic highs and lows, the unexpected golf cart crash provided a perfect dose of comic relief. Day’s ability to laugh at the situation highlighted his resilience and easygoing nature, endearing him even more to fans.
As Ohio State continues to bask in its national title glory, one thing is certain: this season will be remembered not only for the grit and determination displayed on the field but also for the moments of pure, unfiltered joy including an Austin Powers-style golf cart collision.
