Following Ohio State’s first practice of the spring, Ryan Day held his first press conference of 2026.
For the first time since Ohio State’s College Football Playoff quarterfinal loss to Miami more than two months ago, Ohio State’s head coach fielded questions from the media on Tuesday. In an approximately half-hour press conference, Day talked about a variety of topics including his evaluations of each position group at the start of spring, Ohio State’s plans for the offensive line this season, the hiring of Arthur Smith as offensive coordinator and the need for Julian Sayin to be a running threat this season.
A quick rundown of Day’s most notable comments:
- Ohio State sees Legend Bey as someone who can play both running back and wide receiver. Day says Bey reminds him of Curtis Samuel and Xavier Johnson.
- Day says Ohio State wants to create more turnovers on defense this year.
- Ian Moore will practice at both offensive tackle and guard this spring, Day said. Austin Siereveld will practice primarily at tackle. Phillip Daniels is just a tackle for now, but “it’s worth a discussion for sure” whether he could play guard.
- Bennett Christian and Riley Pettijohn are both out for spring practices due to injuries. Joshua Padilla will be limited this spring due to injury.
- Day believes having Arthur Smith as offensive coordinator and Matt Patricia as defensive coordinator allows Ohio State to run its program like an NFL team. He believes that gives the Buckeyes an advantage in recruiting.
- On Matt Patricia’s decision to stay at Ohio State over NFL offers: “Ohio State’s a great place to be ... his family loves it here. The community has embraced them, which is important. ... I think he would tell you it’s a great place to go to work every day. Does he have options, did he have options? Yes. But I think he’s found a lot of joy in working with the guys here.”
- Julian Sayin’s ability to process information stood out to Arthur Smith immediately, Day said.
- Day used a Mario Bros. comparison with his team, telling the players that they all have to “level up” this offseason.
- Day said that while Sayin has shown his passing ability, he has to be able to make an impact with his legs when appropriate. “That’s the X-factor that has to show up this year. He knows that.”
- The first day at running back “was a little rough” with Bo Jackson and Isaiah West sidelined by injuries, Day said.
- Day said tight end Max LeBlanc has “had a really good offseason.”
- Transfer wide receiver Devin McCuin and Kyle Parker both looked like pros on day one, Day said.
- “Offensive line is as deep as we’ve been just in terms of being able to put guys on the field,” Day said.
- There’s a lot to be determined on the defensive linemen with so many new faces, Day said.
- Day likes the depth the Buckeyes have in the secondary, though he noted Caleb Downs, Davison Igbinosun and Lorenzo Styles Jr. leave big shoes to fill.
- Arthur Smith will not be one of Ohio State’s 10 assistant coaches who travel for recruiting, at least not initially. Matt Patricia will still go on the road recruiting.
- Day said he felt the Buckeyes were a little too young last year. That, along with the number of early NFL draft entries Ohio State had, prompted the Buckeyes to add more veteran transfers this offseason.
- Day said Mickey Marotti runs the best strength and conditioning program in America. Day praised Marotti for his work this offseason and said he’s been very impressed with his players’ physical development since December.
