In a surprising turn of events that has sent ripples throughout the college football community, Ohio State head coach Ryan Day has reportedly turned down massive offers from two major programs — Tennessee and Notre Dame — choosing instead to remain committed to the Buckeyes. Both schools were said to have extended offers worth around $20.5 million annually in hopes of luring Day away from Columbus. However, Day made it clear that his loyalty lies with Ohio State.
The news came as a shock to many, especially considering the prestige and financial power behind both Tennessee and Notre Dame football programs. Each school is actively looking to elevate their status in the national rankings and saw Day as the ideal coach to take them to the next level. The size of the proposed contracts, reportedly among the largest in college football history, demonstrated how serious both programs were in their pursuit of Day.
Despite the enormous offers and the chance to lead other historic football programs, Ryan Day publicly reaffirmed his commitment to Ohio State. “I have no plans beyond being the Ohio State football coach,” Day said in response to the speculation. His statement not only solidified his dedication to the Buckeyes but also sent a strong message of stability to current players, recruits, and fans.
Day’s decision is a significant moment in the ever-changing world of college football, where coaches frequently move between programs in pursuit of higher salaries or better opportunities. His loyalty to Ohio State reflects both a strong connection to the university and a belief in the direction of the program. Since taking over the head coaching job in 2019, Day has led the Buckeyes to consistent success, including College Football Playoff appearances and Big Ten titles.
Under his leadership, Ohio State has remained one of the nation’s top programs, both in terms of on-field performance and recruiting. Day has built a culture centered on competitiveness, discipline, and excellence, which has continued to attract some of the best talent in the country. His choice to stay reinforces the message that Ohio State is a destination program — one worth staying at even in the face of record-setting financial offers.
This move also highlights the broader importance of program identity and continuity in college football. For Ohio State, retaining Day ensures that their long-term vision and development stay intact. For fans and players alike, it sends a powerful signal of confidence in the program’s leadership and future.
In an era where coaching tenures are often short-lived and driven by money, Ryan Day’s decision stands out as a rare example of loyalty and purpose. While other schools were willing to offer more financially, Day’s commitment suggests that some values — such as legacy, loyalty, and unfinished business — still hold weight in college football.
As he continues to lead the Buckeyes, Day’s choice could be a defining moment in his coaching career and in Ohio State’s ongoing pursuit of championships. His leadership remains a cornerstone of the program’s identity, and his refusal to leave only strengthens that foundation moving forward.
