‘He Brings Great Energy to the Table’: Ryan Day Explains Why He Loves Coaching Davison Igbinosun

Head coach Ryan Day speaks about his players with the precision of someone who knows exactly what makes his program tick. Fresh off a national championship victory in January 2025, his assessment of senior cornerback Davison Igbinosun carries weight.

The coach doesn’t throw around praise casually, especially when discussing the defensive backs who helped secure the program’s first national title since 2014.

Igbinosun, made the decision in January to return for his senior season rather than declare for the NFL draft. The choice surprised some draft analysts who projected him as a mid-round selection, but for the Coach, having the physical cornerback back in scarlet and gray mean something beyond talent retention.

The head coach’s recent comments about his veteran cornerback reveal what he values most in building a defense capable of competing at the highest level. “There’s a lot of growth. Davison has always had an edge to him … a competitiveness… and he’s aggressive. … He had to learn technically what he needed to do to improve. … He’s gonna bring it every day. … How you practice is how you play and he’s a great example of that.”

These observations from Day came during a recent media availability, where the coach expanded on what makes Igbinosun special within the Ohio State program.

The cornerback started all sixteen games during Ohio State’s championship run, recording forty-five tackles and two interceptions, he is the type of player Day has built his program around.

He arrived Columbus via the transfer after beginning his career at Ole Miss, and earn his place as a starter in the Buckeyes’ secondary.

Day Values Igbinosun’s Leadership and Competitive Beyond Statistics

The CB’s decision to return for his senior year came with a bold declaration to ESPN  that he was “coming back to school to be a first-round draft pick,” showing the confidence and ambition Day appreciates in his players.

As Ohio State prepares to defend its national championship, Day’s take on the CB’s shows the program’s emphasis on culture and competitiveness alongside talent. The cornerback enters his final college season with 141 career tackles and 21 passes defended, of which only tells part of the story for the Coach.