Ryan Day led the Ohio State Buckeyes back to national prominence, particularly following a tough midseason loss to Michigan. The criticism, trolling, and even death threats only fueled Day’s determination to win a national title. But there’s a significant gap between having an intense desire to win and actually achieving it—it requires discipline, courage, grit, and most importantly, a team loaded with talent. However, with great talent comes immense pressure. If one sees that pressure as a privilege, though, it can become a powerful motivator rather than a burden.
Day assembled one of the most talent-packed rosters in college football, but it wasn’t without cost—literally. Ohio State Athletic Director Ross Bjork revealed that over $20 million was spent building this championship-worthy team. That heavy investment paid off with success on the field. Still, it opens up debates about whether Ryan Day’s success is a result of his coaching ability or simply the strength of his roster.
This topic took an interesting turn when former NFL head coach and current analyst Jon Gruden commented on Ohio State’s talent pool while praising running back TreVeyon Henderson. Gruden highlighted Henderson’s ball security and standout performance against Penn State, ranking him fourth in his mock draft behind Ashton Jeanty, Omarion Hampton, and Quinshon Judkins. But then Gruden casually took a jab at Day, saying, “I wish I coached at Ohio State. Hell! I could be a good coach.” It was a bold claim that sparked controversy.
It’s not an easy claim to dismiss outright, but coaching isn’t just about having great players. Having money and talent gives a competitive edge, especially in today’s NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) era. Yet success still requires strategy and leadership. As Nick Saban once said, “If you don’t pay the right guys, you’ll be s— out of luck.”
The conversation around whether coaching or talent matters more was furthered by a poll asking readers if they agreed with Gruden’s claim. Possible responses ranged from full agreement to the idea that Day still deserves credit.
The article also touched on college football rivals, NASCAR debates, NBA playoff hopes, and even media figures like Stephen A. Smith, using polls to draw in reader engagement.
Bringing in top-tier talent is one thing, but keeping them performing at a high level and molding them into a championship team is another. Ryan Day has managed to do just that. And despite criticism, including Gruden’s remark, it’s hard to ignore the results.
Former Ohio State head coach Urban Meyer also gave high praise to the 2024 Buckeyes, calling them potentially the most talented team the program has seen in a decade, if not ever. He emphasized the quality of athletes across every position. Although some might interpret Meyer’s words as an attempt at “rat poison”—a tactic where praise is used to weaken focus—it ultimately rang true when Ohio State claimed the national title on January 20th at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Meyer wasn’t alone in his admiration. Another former championship-winning Buckeyes coach, Jim Tressel, also recognized the exceptional job Day and his staff did in recruiting and assembling talent. And anyone who watched players like Will Howard, Caleb Downs, Jeremiah Smith, Emeka Egbuka, and TreVeyon Henderson throughout the season saw the real impact of that talent.
So, does Gruden’s comment hold weight? Maybe not. Coaching elite athletes still takes skill, leadership, and execution—something Ryan Day has proven capable of.