Ohio State is gaining widespread attention as they prepare to face Notre Dame in the College Football Playoff (CFP) finals. However, the path to this success has been fraught with challenges for head coach Ryan Day. Beyond the immense pressure of leading the team, Day and his family endured severe backlash following Ohio State’s loss to Michigan in The Game. Some fans, obsessed with the rivalry, took their frustrations too far, issuing death threats and verbal abuse that extended to Day’s wife, Nina, and their children.
In an interview, Nina Day spoke candidly about the aftermath of the 13-10 defeat, revealing how the family coped with the hostility. Reflecting on Ryan’s determination, she shared, “The morning after we lost to the team up north, there was just a different look in his eye. He told me, ‘I have no other choice but to fight my way out of this.’” For many Ohio State fans, losing four consecutive games to Michigan overshadowed Day’s otherwise stellar 69-10 record as head coach.
Despite the criticism, Nina expressed her admiration for Ryan’s resilience. “He’s doing this to prove himself right, not to prove anybody else wrong. The doubters can doubt, and the haters can hate, but for those who’ve supported us, it’ll be a great night Monday night,” she said, alluding to the upcoming championship game.
The pressure on Day has been immense, but his efforts since the Michigan loss have been extraordinary. Nina described the weeks leading up to the CFP as “brutal,” noting that Ryan worked tirelessly to prepare his team, often at the expense of family time. “He’s swinging as hard as he can and working a million hours. We haven’t seen him, but he’s giving it his all,” she said.
Former Alabama coach Nick Saban weighed in on the extreme reactions from some fans, calling Ohio State’s obsession with the Michigan rivalry “psychotic” and suggesting they “seek therapy.” Meanwhile, Day acknowledged the highs and lows of his profession. “This game will take you to your knees and also give you some of the greatest experiences in the world,” he said.
Ohio State’s performance in the CFP has been nothing short of dominant. They scored 111 points and allowed just 52 across victories against Tennessee, Oregon, and Texas, entering the championship game as an 8.5-point favorite. A win against Notre Dame would mark a fairytale ending for Day and his team, silencing critics and highlighting the resilience that brought them to this pivotal moment.