Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch-USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Ryan Day reveals exactly what gives him purpose as he enters his eighth season as Ohio State's head coach

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Ian Valentino | Last updated Jul 17, 2025 5:46 PM ET

Ryan Day and the Ohio State Buckeyes are coming off an era-defining season where even the most hopeful fans endured some major pain points and moments of doubt. Despite boasting a record of 70-10 through seven seasons, Day's head coaching tenure with the program has had several heartbreaking moments that seemed to override all of the positives.

However, a miraculous College Football Playoff run that ended in a National Championship victory has redefined everything for all parties. The roster has turned over, and the coaching staff was poached by other programs and even NFL teams. The challenge of college football is never-ending, and it can consume coaches.

Day was asked about his motivations to continue the grind despite the changing landscape and calendar that consumes college football, and his answer was inspiring.

Ryan Day shares where he finds purpose as Ohio State’s head coach:

"To me and our staff, it has to be that you are pouring into young people." pic.twitter.com/OBhs9AiMHd
— Bobby Carpenter Show (@BobbyCarpShow) July 17, 2025

"Once the confetti hits the ground and you win the National Championship, it is on to the next thing. So, where do you find your purpose? To me and to our staff, it has to be that you are pouring into young people," Day began on the Bobby Carpenter Show.

"We're helping young people reach their dreams and goals, so when we're standing on that stage, it had nothing to with me. It had everything to do with everyone else because it took everybody. It took you guys, former players, everybody who was flying across the country, people that were at home and sending good vibes through the TV, it was everybody helping in recruiting.

It was everyone involved because it comes down to helping these young people reach their dreams and goals, and that's why you get into coaching."

Day certainly has his work cut out for him as the Buckeyes look to defend their crown. He's replacing starters at quarterback, running back, receiver, and along the offensive line. The defense isn't in a much better spot.

Two new coordinators and a host of inexperienced talent will step into huge roles right away as the Buckeyes host the Texas Longhorns in Week 1. We'll see how the program can hit the ground running this fall.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: