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Is Next Season "Natty or Bust" for Ryan Day at Ohio State?

Originally posted on Mike Farrell Sports
By Carson Hathaway | Last updated Jan 30, 2024 6:19 PM ET

Ryan Day has accumulated a 53-8 record in five seasons as Ohio State's head coach. 95% of college football programs would gladly take that record over a five-season span. However, Ohio State is not like most programs. The expectations in Columbus are massive. With zero national titles and three consecutive losses to Michigan, the pressure is on Ryan Day.

Ohio State should be better than Michigan and Penn State this upcoming season, the Buckeyes two recent biggest roadblocks in the Big Ten. Michigan will be the defending national champions, but they will be losing several key players to the NFL, head coach Jim Harbaugh, and they have not recruited nearly as well as Ohio State. Additionally, Ohio State has beaten Penn State seven consecutive times.

Ohio State has loaded up in the transfer portal, bringing in many big-name players including but not limited to: Ole Miss RB Quinshon Judkins, Kansas State QB Will Howard, and Alabama DB Caleb Downs. Let's take a look at what these three players will do for the Buckeyes.

RB Quinshon Judkins

Quinshon Judkins finished 2nd and 1st in the SEC in rushing yards over the past two seasons respectively.y The former Rebel also accumulated over 30 rushing touchdowns during that span as well. Judkins will be joining a backfield that contains TreVeyon Henderson, who elected to stay in Columbus despite being viewed as one of the best running backs in the upcoming draft. Judkins and Henderson will likely be the best RB duo in the nation this upcoming season.

QB Will Howard

Will Howard has accumulated a total of 51 touchdowns and 14 interceptions over the past two seasons. It's a safe bet that his production will increase with the amount of weapons at his disposal. Despite being projected as a first-round pick by many, WR Emeka Egbuka elected to return to Ohio State this fall. Will Howard will also get to throw to Jeremiah Smith, who is only considered the best incoming freshman, regardless of position, in the entire country. It is likely that Smith will follow in Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Marvin Harrison Jr's footsteps and become the Buckeyes' next superstar WR. Even if there's a game or two when Ohio State's passing attack isn't dynamic, they can rely on their two excellent running backs.

DB Caleb Downs

Caleb Downs was a five-star recruit a year ago at this time and he certainly lived up to expectations during his lone season at Tuscaloosa. Downs recorded 40 more tackles than anyone else on Alabama and also had two interceptions. Downs will be joining a defense that allowed the third-fewest yards and second-fewest points in the nation last season.

The term "championship or bust" is often an overused cliche in sports. It's very possible to have a phenomenal season that does not result in a championship. However, because of Ohio State's already-high standards, returning talent, and additions from the transfer portal, anything short of a national title should and will be considered a disappointing season for the Buckeyes. Can Ryan Day lead Ohio State to their first win over Michigan since 2019? Can Ryan Day win his first national title? Only time will tell.

This article first appeared on Mike Farrell Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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