Latest news with #RyanDay
NBC Sports
an hour ago
- Sport
- NBC Sports
Day: Buckeyes must 'focus on right now'
Ahmed Fareed sits down with Ohio State head coach Ryan Day, where he reflects on winning the 2024 CFP National Championship, Jeremiah Smith's "natural talent," and more before highlighting the Buckeyes' 2025 goals.
New York Times
9 hours ago
- Sport
- New York Times
Ohio State hosts Texas in one month. Here are 5 questions it must answer first
Ohio State will begin preseason camp on Thursday, kicking off the start of a new football season and a quest for a second consecutive national title. While the Buckeyes are likely to be a preseason top-five team heading into the Aug. 30 opener against Texas, there are plenty of questions they have to answer over the next month. Advertisement Here are five key storylines to watch as practice begins: Ryan Day and the Buckeyes are working through a quarterback battle for the third preseason camp in a row. This time, it's with two inexperienced quarterbacks: third-year former four-star recruit Lincoln Kienholz and second-year five-star recruit Julian Sayin. At Big Ten media days, Day said he expects a 'fierce competition' to find a starter in camp, which seems to confirm that this is as tight a race as we believe. Sayin left the spring with a slight lead, but now the battle is taking the next step. With just four weeks until the arrival of Arch Manning and Texas, somebody must begin to distance themselves from the other in camp. These are two young quarterbacks who combined to play just 35 snaps last year. Sayin attempted just 12 passes, and Kienholz hasn't thrown a pass since struggling in relief of the injured Devin Brown in the 2023 Cotton Bowl. That inexperience will lead to some inconsistent days in practice, like we saw in the spring and even two years ago when Kyle McCord and Brown went back and forth until the opener at Indiana. Ohio State would be better off if somebody took control of this battle early in camp and carried the momentum into the final weeks of August, but that can't be guaranteed. Although most believe Sayin will win the job, the competition is likely to continue through most of August. Still, even if it could make sense for Day to play both quarterbacks in certain situations this season, especially with Kienholz's athleticism, the Buckeyes need one starter going into Texas. Last season's national championship run showed how important an elite defensive line with depth is to succeed in this era of college football. And after Ohio State lost all four starters to the NFL Draft, there's still a lot of talent ready to step up. The defensive ends are pretty deep for a group that lost two former five-star recruits in Jack Sawyer and JT Tuimoloau. The new leader is Kenyatta Jackson Jr., who has been waiting in the wings for his chance to step up and has shown flashes of brilliance, albeit in limited snaps. There will be plenty of competition for snaps between Caden Curry, converted linebacker C.J. Hicks and transfers Beau Atkinson from North Carolina and Logan George from Idaho State. That's five ends who will play this year, with a lingering question of who will start alongside Jackson and how the rotation will work out. Advertisement I'd bet that Curry starts camp out as the second starter, but if Atkinson, who had 7.5 sacks last year as a rotational player at UNC, can adjust to Ohio State's scheme, he could jump into the lineup sooner rather than later. This is a good group of edge players, and even without a true star, it can put up numbers depending on how defensive line coach Larry Johnson and new defensive coordinator Matt Patricia want to use them. The bigger concern is defensive tackle. Kayden McDonald and Eddrick Houston are poised for strong seasons, and I'd bet on McDonald breaking out in a big way, but there's not much depth behind them. Ohio State has to find out who its third defensive tackle is before it takes the field against Texas. Siereveld has been one of the stars of the offseason. An offensive lineman might not be as exciting a name as Jeremiah Smith, but this is a sign of great things for an Ohio State team that has had issues with offensive line depth in recent years. Siereveld was an interior lineman out of high school, a four-star prospect from Lakota East High School just outside of Cincinnati. He battled for the right guard job with Tegra Tshabola early in his career but has since become an important swing player. New offensive line coach Tyler Bowen moved him around this spring, and he performed well wherever the Buckeyes needed him. With the addition of Rice transfer Ethan Onianwa, though, the left tackle spot became an unlikely spot for Siereveld. The focus has moved to the right side, where Tshabola is the favorite to start at guard and Siereveld seems to have solidified himself as the starting tackle. Still, there's a bit of a battle going on there when camp begins with Minnesota transfer Philip Daniels. I believe Siereveld will win that battle, but it wouldn't be a surprise if Ohio State still moves him around in camp. I think there will be times where we see Siereveld at guard during some sessions and then move back to tackle in the next one. Advertisement Siereveld gives Ohio State crucial versatility along the offensive line, a position where depth was crucial last year. This is a question that might not get answered until the season begins, but with the amount of playmakers Ohio State has, could it expand its personnel versatility? We know Ohio State loves to play in 11 personnel (one running back, one tight end and three receivers) and even uses two tight ends at times. Could it use 10 personnel, with four receivers, this year? And, if so, could it also go heavy and then run some 13 personnel a few plays later with three tight ends on the field? I think all of that is possible because of the skill-position depth the Buckeyes have. At receiver, Ohio State has the best player in the country in Smith, plus Carnell Tate, Brandon Inniss and Mylan Graham. That's four five-star recruits who could start this year. At tight end, Purdue transfer Max Klare has high expectations, and the Buckeyes also love what they have in Will Kacmarek, Jelani Thurman and Bennett Christian. Throw in Bryson Rodgers and five-star freshman Quincy Porter at wide receiver, and there's a wealth of potential for options for whomever wins the quarterback job. Being able to play Klare in the slot opens up more calls for the Buckeyes, which will make defenses uncomfortable. I think by the time October gets here, we'll begin to see more personnel groupings and formations for defenses to scout. This offense has questions at quarterback, but it has a chance to be an extremely fun group regardless. We end with the defensive backs, another position of strength for the Buckeyes. Caleb Downs returns as the best safety in the country, but there are questions about how the rest of the secondary will work out after losing corners Denzel Burke and Jordan Hancock and safety Lathan Ransom to the NFL. Advertisement Davison Igbinosun and Jermaine Mathews Jr. seem to have a lock on at least two corner spots, leaving one safety position and one corner open for somebody to grab. Malik Hartford will likely take over the other safety position, although Jaylen McClain has had a good offseason and will push for it as well. The slot corner position is one of the more intriguing position battles to watch this summer, as Ohio State could go in a number of directions. It might just go in the expected way and put Lorenzo Styles Jr. there and leave Mathews and Igbinosun outside. But co-defensive coordinator and cornerbacks coach Tim Walton has room to be creative. Mathews played some slot corner in the spring, which would open up an outside spot for former five-star recruit Aaron Scott or freshman five-star Devin Sanchez. Ohio State has the option to play a lot of dime this year, too, to get more defensive backs on the field in obvious passing downs. Similar to the receivers and tight ends, camp will be an important time to sort out the main rotation, but there's flexibility to figure out, too. (Photo of Julian Sayin: Jason Mowry / Getty Images)
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
What to Know About the Ohio State Buckeyes for 2025
The Ohio State Buckeyes finally made it over the hump in the Ryan Day era. It was much more bumpy of a ride than they expected, but they got it done after the expanded 12-team CFP gave them new life. Heading into 2025, there are several new faces on both sides of the ball, but ever loftier expectations after a seemingly bizarre regular season but a stellar postseason. Questions still remain for the team and Ryan Day: can he finally beat Michigan on his fifth try? Can Julian Sayin pick up where Will Howard left off as a full-time starter? Will new defensive stars emerge? All those questions were rendered moot with that championship victory, but may rear their ugly head again should they go unanswered this fall. Here is a look in on how the Buckeyes are shaping up for a pivotal 2025 season. 2024 in Review As expected, the Buckeyes were a juggernaut in both non-conference and Big Ten play. However, their road to the College Football Playoff wasn't all sunshine and lollipops. Two seemingly inexplicable losses, one to Oregon where Will Howard completely lost control of the clock, and the most bizarre of all, to that Team Up North in one of their worst seasons in recent memory. In fact, it was so embarrassing not just because of who it was, but because of who they were missing. Both Will Johnson and Mason Graham were limited in this game, and yet they could only muster 10 measly points, while Michigan's putrid offense did just enough to squeeze by. Nevertheless, a 10-2 Ohio State was certainly good enough for a CFP bid, and given a second life, they seized their opportunity. With wins over Tennessee, a resounding revenge game against Oregon, and a tense affair against Texas, Ohio State emerged from the weirdness of the regular season as champions, vanquishing a pesky Notre Dame squad and thus perhaps completing the hardest path of any team in the first-ever 12-team CFP. 2025 will look mightily different, however. There is still no margin for error, as they have only completed one of their goals: winning a title. Losing to Michigan for a fifth time in the Ryan Day era will be inexcusable, though, and could see this team have a whole new look to it come 2026. Head Coach Profile It's safe to say that Ryan Day has a more positive light shining on him after a championship victory. The question must be asked even so: how much of that came from the redemption a 12-team CFP gave him and his squad? After all, while a 70-10 overall record as the Buckeyes' adds some gloss to his resume as the best among active head coaches, four of those losses now are to That Team Up North. Imagine the uproar in Columbus if a fifth defeat occurs. Therefore, Day's continued ascension among active head coaches will not necessarily be easy. It's not his fault that one game as Ohio State's head coach takes precedence over other head coaches and their rivalries. It just means more for the Buckeyes when this consistent losing starts to become inexplicable and inexcusable. Day's got the chip under his belt. A win over Michigan would do him a world of good. A loss and despite his championship pedigree, we could see a new face helming the Buckeyes in 2025. It's that serious for Ryan Day. Top Offensive Player I'm sure you don't need me to tell you who this player is. The resume in just one season in Columbus should tell you all enough. As soon as he stepped foot in the Shoe, Jeremiah Smith became yet another electrifying receiver in the annals of Ohio State history. Forget about the records. The way he achieved them was bedazzling and spectacular. There is no doubt in anyone's mind that Cris Carter's freshman records aren't the only ones he will be breaking in his Ohio State career. And with two years of eligibility left, those records could certainly fall sooner rather than later. The only concern anyone could have for Smith is if his rapport with Julian Sayin is wholly different than the one he established with the experience of Will Howard. Sayin is undeniably talented, but he could have a contrasting agenda entirely from what Will Howard bought to the table. In a season where Ohio State can start to rely on more weapons, look for Sayin to incorporate as many components of the offense as possible. While it certainly doesn't seem as if that would be to Smith's detriment, it is the only way I can see his meteoric rise as the best receiver in teh country being slowed. Top Defensive Player Ohio State fans must be super happy that Caleb Downs transferred in. He has been an absolute revelation on the back end for the Buckeyes and much like Smith, he is not going anywhere. The unanimous All-American can do it all, most famously returning a punt 79 yards last year in a victory over then No. 15 Indiana. It's his big plays on the biggest stages that separate Downs from his teammates. A season-high in tackles against the Ducks in the regular season and against Notre Dame in the championship game. A pivotal interception against Texas in the semifinal. No other player on the Buckeyes defense meant more than it mattered than Downs. Now the question is can he be a leader for the new faces in this defense. New starters will abound galore and it will be a player like Downs who has to make sure they adjust not only well, but to championship standards. Anything less, and this group can underwhelm. From the jump, Downs must be locked in not just for himself but for the sake of the squad. His play must elevate those around him and he certainly has the traits to do it. 2025 Schedule Preview The schedulers weren't kind in the slightest when they were looking at Ohio State. If the Buckeyes go undefeated this season, it will almost certainly be earned through grit and perseverance. The first team to roll into Columbus will be a red hot Longhorns squad that will be wanting sweet revenge after the events of last year and will be riding the hype of Arch Manning. Ryan Day will have to have this green players ready for battle immediately or else Ohio State could stumble right out of the gate. Aug. 30 – vs. Texas Sept. 6 – vs. Grambling State Sept. 13 – vs. Ohio Sept. 27 – @ Washington Oct. 4 – vs. Minnesota Oct. 11 – @ Illinois Oct. 18 – @ Wisconsin Nov. 1 – vs. Penn State Nov. 8 – @ Purdue Nov. 15 – vs. UCLA Nov. 22 – vs. Rutgers Nov. 29 – @ Michigan Nonetheless, that non-conference showdown is nothing compared to the Big Ten gauntlet they face. Illinois is no slouch in Week 6 and has the experience to stun the Buckeyes at home. The game that everyone could be circling however, is their Week 8 matchup at home against Penn State. James Franklin, Drew Allar and Co, will be looking for their marquee win to prove that they are the undisputed kings of the Big Ten. The Buckeyes will be looking to prove otherwise, but they may not have the benefit of experience and depth on their side this time around. Home field advantage may be all that the Buckeyes can lean on in this encounter. And of course, leave it to the schedule to have The Game at the end of the season loom over their heads all year long. Overall, while it will be tough, should the Buckeyes emerge undefeated somehow, they would certainly make the case for best overall resume. However, nothing is given to you in this sport, and new faces in the squad have to willing to take it. Anything short of the three goals laid forth for any Buckeyes team: a win over Michigan, a Big Ten title, and a championship: and the thoughts of 2024 will soon fade as quickly as Ryan Day's job will. The Buckeyes and their fans want it no other way. This article originally appeared on Nittany Lions Wire: What to Know About the Ohio State Buckeyes for 2025
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Where James Franklin ranks in ESPN college football coach ranking
Penn State head coach James Franklin is entering his 12th season at the helm of the program, and he may be facing the most pressure yet after bringing Penn State to the cusp of an appearance in the national championship game last season. The Nittany Lions are predicted to be a Big Ten heavyweight with a legitimate national title aspirations as they look to take the challenging next step as a program Franklin has been harping about for years. No matter what you think about Franklin entering the 2025 season, the numbers do back up the idea that he is among the best in the game. And according to Bill Connelly of ESPN, the numbers have Franklin ranked as one of the four best coaches in college football in 2025. Connelly's mathematical formulas, used to rank just about everything you can imagine in college football, have calculated Franklin to be the fourth-best active college football coach for the upcoming college football season. Two ranked ahead of him, Ohio State's Ryan Day (no. 1) and Georgia's Kirby Smart (no. 3), have national championships to their name. The other, Josh Heupel of Tennessee (no. 2), is questionable if not laughable. Even if you rank Heupel ahead of Franklin, is he really the second-best coach in the sport? Probably not. While a small handful of active head coaches currently own national title rings (Clemson's Dabo Swinney joins Day and Smart and may have the Tigers ready to roar back to the national title conversation soon enough after year's ACC championship and playoff appearance), the tenure of Franklin is a bit of a complicated one when determining his success. Penn State has consistently been one of the winningest programs in the country since his arrival, but Franklin's jarring record against top-ranked teams is an unavoidable narrative that is increasingly more difficult to combat even for Franklin's biggest defenders. Arguing that Franklin has been a bust for a head coach is ill-advised as he has taken Penn State to a Big Ten title and wins in the Rose Bowl, Fiesta Bowl (twice), and Cotton Bowl, and has helped[d produce some incredible talent for the NFL. But it is also fair to suggest Franklin has failed to getting Penn State to the elite level the program is striving for. After so many years and shortcomings against the same hurdles in the same fashion, the case has been made. But maybe in 2025, Franklin will finally break free of that narrative once and for all. Follow Kevin McGuire on Threads, Bluesky, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook. Follow Nittany Lions Wire on X, Facebook, and Threads. This article originally appeared on Nittany Lions Wire: ESPN formula ranks James Franklin one of best college football coaches
USA Today
5 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Ohio State head coach Ryan Day previews 2025 season with Big Ten Network
Another Big Ten football media days is in the books, and there was plenty to take from it. There were some controversial statements, excited and optimistic players and coaches, and many other things to make note of during the three-day event in Las Vegas. It was all covered and televised by the Big Ten Network in extraordinary fashion, and one of the things BTN loves to do is to bring players and coaches to the desk after the day of press conferences is over to go a little deeper into previewing the upcoming season, and of course, Ohio State head coach Ryan Day was a part of that. The trio of Dave Revsine, Gerry DiNardo, and Howard Griffith sat down with Day to talk about a myriad of things and storylines surrounding the Buckeyes. We have the complete interview, thanks to the Big Ten Football YouTube channel. In the nearly 12-minute interview, Day touches on the youth of this year's team, the quarterback competition, juggling the transfer portal, the season-opening matchup with Texas, and much more. We are just a little over a month from the season kicking off with a home game vs. Texas, and we'll continue to analyze, project, and react to any news and moments leading up to fall camp and beyond. Contact/Follow us @BuckeyesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Ohio State news, notes and opinion. Follow Phil Harrison on X.
