On a recent episode of The Bobby Carpenter Show, Ohio State head coach Ryan Day opened up about the offseason, the evolving identity of his team, and how tradition and leadership will shape the Buckeyes' 2025 campaign. Speaking during the final stretch of summer, Day provided a candid look into what drives his program and what excites him about the road ahead.

Leadership Emerging in Summer Workouts

“The guys have been working really hard this summer,” Day said. “The biggest challenge has been the leadership—figuring out who are the guys that are going to step up.”

With key returners like Caleb Downs and Sonny Styles, Day sees promising leadership potential but emphasized that many players must now step into more prominent roles. “When Mick gets to work with these guys… that’s really where the team is bonded and forged together.”

Brotherhood Over Everything

In an era of constant transfers and shifting rosters, Day noted that many players still choose to stay at Ohio State because of something deeper. “They always point to the brotherhood… that's what keeps them here.”

That brotherhood starts during recruiting, when prospective players are immersed in the culture and traditions of the program. “We talk about the past, the present, and the future,” Day explained. “The brotherhood right now and our culture is as strong as it’s ever been.”

Day said that message resonates with recruits and current players alike. “You’re not just coming as a pass through. You’re coming here to leave a legacy behind.”

Matt Patricia and Defensive Energy

One of the major offseason changes for Ohio State was the addition of former NFL head coach Matt Patricia as defensive coordinator.

“When we hired him, I was fired up. But I’m more fired up now,” Day said. “He’s brought a lot of great experience to the table… not just as a defensive coordinator, but also as a head coach and GM. He puts guys in position to be successful.”

Day praised the energy and communication Patricia has brought to the defensive side of the ball: “There’s just a certain level of confidence when they break that huddle. They’re moving fast.”

Quarterback Battle Heating Up

With no returning starter, Day acknowledged the quarterback competition between Lincoln Kienholz and Julian Sayin remains wide open. “I don’t [know who the starter is] right now. I like both of our guys,” Day said.

He added that redshirt freshman Tavien St. Clair is “third right now” but has “a really bright future.”

As for what he’s looking for: “When it’s fourth and two, are we going to get three yards?... Making the throws in the red area, making decisions on when to throw the ball away, taking care of the football… That to me is how you win games.”

The “Every Inch Matters” Mindset

Reflecting on Chop Wood, Carry Water, a book that the team has adopted thematically, Day emphasized the importance of small decisions. “Every inch matters because I believe that in all my heart,” he said. “Every decision that we make on a day-to-day basis matters.”

Whether it’s what players eat, who they surround themselves with, or when they go to bed, Day believes those choices compound. “We needed to get back to the beginning of the process and focus on the process—not the result.”

Coaching with Purpose

More than wins, Day says the real purpose of coaching is helping young people realize their dreams.

“Once the confetti hits the ground and we win a national championship… it's on to the next thing. So where do you find your purpose?” he said. “To me and to our staff, it has to be that you’re pouring into young people.”

And that’s not just on the field. Day opened up about balancing football with family life. “Balance is not in equal distribution of time and energy. It’s investing in your faith, your family, and your friends—because they’re going to be there when hard times come.”

A Young Team with Big Goals

Ohio State opens the season against Texas, a tough test for a team full of promise and inexperience. “We’re going to have a first-time quarterback in there,” Day said. “But I also am excited about the journey we’re going to go on.”

He added, “If you get hot and start to figure some things out… you can be dangerous. We have to take that approach that every game is important—but also build as the season goes on.”

The foundation, according to Day, is there. “Winning championships is just the standard… but at the end of the day, the purpose is to help these people reach their dreams and goals.”

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Ohio State opens the 2025 season at noon against Texas, with expectations sky-high and the tradition of excellence driving every step.