Ryan Day Lights Up The Tonight Show: Behind Ohio State’s Championship Glory, Resilience, and a Golf Cart Mishap
Ohio State head coach Ryan Day brought his trademark energy and passion to The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, captivating audiences with his insights into the Buckeyes’ stunning national championship run. Day’s appearance wasn’t just about reliving the glory of hoisting the trophy—it was an unforgettable blend of inspiration, humor, and a few behind-the-scenes surprises that made the audience hang on his every word.
The Journey: From Devastation to Triumph
When Fallon opened by asking about Ohio State’s road to redemption after their crushing loss to Michigan, Day didn’t hesitate to dive into what made the 2024 Buckeyes so special.
“I think the story of this team is one for the ages,” Day began, his tone a mix of pride and amazement. “After the Michigan loss, a lot of people counted us out. The critics were loud, the doubt was palpable. But this group—this incredible group of guys—never wavered. They believed in each other, and they believed in something bigger. That’s what makes this championship so meaningful.”
Day detailed the team’s gritty path to glory, starting with a pivotal home win against Tennessee that reignited their season. Momentum surged as they conquered No. 1 Oregon in the Rose Bowl before delivering an iconic victory over Texas in the Cotton Bowl, a game sealed by Jack Sawyer’s unforgettable sack-fumble. The season crescendoed with their thrilling 34-23 triumph over Notre Dame in the national championship game.
“This was the first year of the 12-team playoff format—16 grueling games—and our guys just kept pushing,” Day said, gesturing toward the championship trophy beside him. “What they accomplished wasn’t just about football. It’s about resilience, perseverance, and proving that anything is possible when you refuse to quit.”
.@ryandaytime reacts to @OhioStateFB winning the College Football Playoff National Championship! #FallonTonight #B1GFootball pic.twitter.com/L7R7SY1O2j
— The Tonight Show (@FallonTonight) January 28, 2025
Championship Moments: Gatorade Showers and Flying Headsets
As Fallon replayed the clip of Day’s celebratory headset toss after the championship win, the coach laughed, recalling the unfiltered emotion of the moment.
“When you’re that close to the end, your heart is pounding. And then, when you realize it’s over and you’ve won, you just lose it,” Day said, grinning. “The headset had to go! I threw it, and honestly, I’m lucky I didn’t hit someone in the stands. Those things are heavier than they look!”
Day also recounted the surprise Gatorade bath that followed, admitting it caught him completely off guard. “I turned around, and boom—Gatorade everywhere. It was cold, sticky, and perfect. In that moment, none of it mattered except the joy of the team.”
The Infamous Golf Cart Crash
But the celebration wasn’t without its comedic hiccups. Fallon couldn’t resist bringing up the now-infamous golf cart mishap that occurred as Day, quarterback Will Howard, and linebacker Cody Simon were en route to the postgame press conference.
“You’d think after winning a championship, everything would go smoothly, right?” Day joked. “We’re zipping through the field, dodging people left and right, and I’m holding on for dear life. Then, BAM—we take a corner too fast and hit the wall. Will and Cody were laughing their heads off, and I’m just sitting there thinking, ‘You’ve got to be kidding me.’ It was like a scene out of Austin Powers!”
“He doesn’t get any special treatment.”
–@ryandaytime on “recruiting” @KingJames to play for @OhioStateFB 🤣 #FallonTonight pic.twitter.com/BTyYfg6jaD
— The Tonight Show (@FallonTonight) January 28, 2025
LeBron James: A Hypothetical Buckeye
Fallon then turned the conversation to Ohio native and NBA superstar LeBron James, playfully suggesting he could suit up for the Buckeyes. Day didn’t miss a beat.
“LeBron’s been an incredible supporter of Ohio State. But if he joined the team? No special treatment. He’d be right there with the freshmen, carrying helmets and working his way up,” Day quipped, drawing laughter from the crowd.
A Super Bowl Prediction
As the interview wrapped up, Fallon pressed Day for his Super Bowl prediction. Though torn, Day ultimately went with the Philadelphia Eagles, citing their connection to Buckeyes quarterback Will Howard, who hails from the Philadelphia area.
“My brain says the Chiefs, but my heart’s with Philly. Plus, I can’t pick against the Roots sitting right here,” Day said, nodding to Fallon’s house band.
The Legacy of 2024
Ryan Day’s appearance wasn’t just entertaining—it was a testament to the heart and soul of his team. The 2024 Buckeyes didn’t just win a championship; they wrote a story of resilience, unity, and belief that will inspire fans and athletes for years to come.
As Day left the stage, it was clear his journey with Ohio State is far from over. But for now, the nation’s attention remains fixed on the legacy of a season that turned doubt into destiny, one unforgettable game at a time.
