Ohio State winning the College Football Playoff title game wouldn't erase all of Ryan Day's failures

Ohio State is a brand that has become synonymous with college football history, and we all know that the Buckeyes are one of the greatest programs the sport has ever seen.

Recently, though, the Buckeyes have not lived up to that ranking. Much of that blame falls on Ryan Day.

Just before the 2024 college football season, many people felt this current version of the Buckeyes was the most talented team heading into the season. Maybe the most talented that the Buckeyes have had since 2015.

Before this current playoff run, Ryan Day had a 1-3 record in the College Football Playoff. Day has a 1-4 record in “The Game” against Michigan. He's lost each of his last four matchups against the Wolverines. That 1-4 record is the worst of any Ohio State head coach since John Cooper, who was the head coach of the Buckeyes from 1988-2000 -- going just 2-10-1 against Michigan during his tenure at Ohio State.

Day's record against the top five teams is just 2-6. Against the top ten teams, that record jumps to 8-7.

Day is a good coach, but historically, his teams have not risen to the occasion in his career when the Buckeyes need him to be the most.

Winning the national championship on January 20 would buy Day some time as the Ohio State head coach, but it would not be enough to change the narratives surrounding him.

Winning a national championship is undeniable, but to many Ohio State fans, no win is more important than Michigan. And if Day loses “The Game” for the fifth straight year next year, then Day will still be on the hot seat.

Day still has a lot to prove as Ohio State's head coach, and winning this national championship may not be enough.