Ohio State head coach Ryan Day took full responsibility for the Buckeyes’ disastrous start following their loss in the College Football Playoff, acknowledging that early mistakes and lack of preparation set the tone for the defeat.
Speaking after the game, Day said the team failed to execute from the opening kickoff, allowing their opponent to build momentum quickly. He emphasized that the slow start was not on the players, but on the coaching staff for not having the team fully ready for the high-stakes matchup.
“We didn’t start the way we needed to, and that’s on me,” Day said. “In games like this, every detail matters, and we didn’t meet the standard early.”
Ohio State struggled in multiple phases during the opening minutes, including defensive breakdowns and stalled offensive drives, putting the Buckeyes in an early hole they were unable to escape despite adjustments later in the game.
The loss ends Ohio State’s playoff run and has sparked renewed discussion about expectations surrounding the program. Day stressed that the team will use the disappointment as motivation moving forward, adding that accountability begins with him.
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“We’ll evaluate everything, learn from it, and come back better,” Day said. “That’s the responsibility of the head coach.”
The Buckeyes now turn their focus to the offseason as they look to regroup and prepare for the next campaign.
