This is not your father's Indiana football team.
That's what Ryan Day communicated in a brief press conference with Ohio State media on Wendesday.
“There’s a reason they’re ranked No. 2 in the country," Day said. "It’s gonna be a battle on Saturday night."
Day said Indiana has an experienced and talented offense, led by Heisman Trophy frontrunner Fernando Mendoza. But the Hoosiers' defense is just as formidable, he said.
"Excellent defense. They’re fast, they’re quick," Day explained. "They’re as good as anybody in the country. Really impressed with how they play, how physical they are. … In all three phases, they’re as good as anybody in the country.”
Here's a recap of Day's midweek press conference at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center:
- On Ohio State’s offensive line signees in 2026: “It’s a good looking group. Some big dudes. I like the way they played their senior year. … It’s gonna be a good group.” Day said the group “cares about the Buckeyes.”
- Alluding to Chris Henry Jr.’s situation, Day said Ohio State is focused on Indiana. “That’s the focus right now, but that part is not easy for anybody.” He said Ohio State has “great stability” and that “at the end of the day, this culture is strong.”
- Day said Ohio State “will keep swinging away” at recruiting and make sure that the Buckeyes
- On Indiana’s defense: “Excellent defense. They’re fast, they’re quick. … They’re as good as anybody in the country. Really impressed with how they play, how physical they are. … In all three phases, they’re as good as anybody in the country.”
- On Indiana, Day added: “There’s a reason they’re ranked No. 2 in the country. … It’s gonna be a battle on Saturday night.”
- Day said Ohio State’s tight end room has to step up in a big way against Indiana. “Now they all have to step up even more. Looking forward to seeing how these guys do the rest of the week.”
- Day looks forward to Ohio State having the chance to play in a dome at Lucas Oil Stadium. “It will be a clean game and a fast track.”
- Day said Indiana’s linebackers must be “football junkies” because of how hard they play and how fast they fly to the football.
- Day said Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate are looking better than they were a week ago at this point.
- Day said Indiana has improved in several ways from last season. “I think all areas are upgraded from last year. As good as they were last year, they’re better this year.”
