Ryan Day held his first press conference in more than three months on Wednesday at Big Ten Media Days.
In his first formal press conference ahead of preseason camp, Ohio State’s head football coach expressed gratitude to now be in his eighth year leading the Buckeyes, said Ohio State is “fired up” to play a “monster” schedule this season and praised the growth of Ohio State stars Jeremiah Smith and Julian Sayin, who joined him at Big Ten Media Days along with Buckeye safety Jaylen McClain.
A quick bullet-point recap of what Day had to say:
- Going into his eighth year as Ohio State’s head coach, Day says “it’s more of an honor now than it ever has been for me” to be the head coach at Ohio State.
- Day believes the Big Ten has “great momentum” and is “very well-positioned” for the future. He says commissioner Tony Petitti is a big part of that.
- Day believes the group of Big Ten coaches is “as strong as it’s ever been.”
- Day says Ohio State president Ravi Bellamkonda “learns quickly” and “knows more than he lets on” about athletics. He says the Buckeyes are “in great hands” with Bellamkonda as president.
- On Ohio State’s coaching staff: “I’m obviously biased, but I think it’s the best coaching staff in America.”
- Day also thanked Ohio State athletic director Ross Bjork, his family and his assistant coaches’ families during his opening statement at Big Ten Media Days.
- On his son RJ, a class of 2027 quarterback who committed to Northwestern this summer: “I couldn’t be prouder of what he’s done.”
- Day acknowledges that every coach at Big Ten Media Days says his team had a great summer, “but we have had a great summer.”
- Day said Ohio State is “fired up” about playing a “monster” schedule this season. Day thinks the schedule will give the Buckeyes “early feedback” on how good they are as a team.
- Jeremiah Smith has taken a step into a leadership role this offseason, Day said. “It’s great to watch him find his voice.”
- Julian Sayin has “a different look in his eye” this offseason, Day said. “You see a different person. You see a different body. He’s worked hard. He’s gotten stronger. He’s found his voice even more.”
- Day said that as much as things have changed this offseason, now we’re getting back into football season, and “that’s what matters.”
- Day said Sayin has done a great job keeping up with Arthur Smith’s coaching, even though Day acknowledged that Smith is used to coaching NFL quarterbacks like Aaron Rodgers rather than less experienced college quarterbacks.
- Day says the atmosphere has “really changed” at Indiana and that will be a tough road game for Ohio State this season.
Check back for more updates from Day this afternoon, as Day will meet with the media again for a 45-minute breakout interview session from 2:45-3:30 p.m.
