Ohio State head coach Ryan Day made his Tonight Show debut, reflecting on his team journey to winning the national championship. He shared the story of the 2024 Buckeyes resilience, overcoming their loss to Michigan to ultimately secure the title. There was a point where no one thought we could do it, Day told Jimmy Fallon.But this team decided they were going to keep fighting, and that led us to a national championship.
Day recalled the key moments: a home win against Tennessee, a Rose Bowl victory over No. 1 Oregon, and a dramatic Cotton Bowl finish, all culminating in the national title. Theres so many lessons to be learned here,Day said, emphasizing the team perseverance and the importance of those lessons beyond just winning the trophy.
Reflecting on the national championship celebration at Ohio Stadium, Day described the overwhelming feeling of triumph. When we had over 45,000 fans at the celebration, that when it really sunk in, he said, acknowledging the hard work and challenges of the season, especially with the new 12-team playoff format.
Day joy was evident when the Buckeyes defeated Notre Dame 34-23 in the title game. He described the exhilarating moment when he threw his headset into the air, unaware of the ensuing Gatorade bath. You just realize you’ve won, and all of a sudden, it like, Get this headset off me!
Fallon also brought up the now-famous golf cart crash that occurred as Day, quarterback Will Howard, and linebacker Cody Simon were heading to the press conference after the game. Day humorously compared it to a scene from Austin Powers, explaining, We were dodging people, gunning it through the field, and then we hit the wall. Will and Cody were laughing, and I thought, You’ve got to be kidding me!
When Fallon joked about LeBron James potentially joining the team, Day humorously responded, LeBron would be right in line with the freshmen in the back of the room. He’d have to work his way up!
Day wrapped up the interview with his Super Bowl prediction, picking the Philadelphia Eagles to win, citing Fallon Philadelphia-native house band, The Roots, and Howard Philly roots. My brain tells me the Chiefs, but I’m going with the Eagles, Day said, with a smile.
