COLUMBUS, Ohio — Final week, The Athletic revealed the 2022 Ohio State soccer fan survey. Now we’ve got the solutions. Greater than 1,200 followers responded (1,213 to be precise), answering questions on Ryan Day’s tenure up to now, ideas on recruiting and OSU’s strategy to NIL, which assistant coaches are greatest at on-field teaching and recruiting, favourite gamers, expectations for the 2022 season and far more.

Thanks to those that took the time to reply and particularly to those that supplied expanded ideas on among the open-ended questions.

We final did this in 2020. Though there are some new questions this time round, and among the questions again then might need modified or been offered in another way, you possibly can evaluate the outcomes now to how followers have been feeling again then by accessing the 2020 survey by means of this hyperlink.

Now let’s get to the outcomes of the 2022 Ohio State soccer fan survey.

How would you price the state of this system? (1: poor; 5: glorious)

What are your ideas on Ryan Day’s latest contract extension?

• Beloved it. He needs to be the highest-paid coach within the Massive Ten. Lock him down: 71.6 p.c

• Appeared pointless after he acquired an extension in 2020, however I perceive the enterprise of faculty soccer and it wanted to be performed: 26.1 p.c

• Didn’t should be performed now, not coming off a loss to Michigan and lacking the Faculty Soccer Playoff: 2.2 p.c

Three seasons in, what do you want most about Ryan Day’s tenure?

Unsurprisingly, the overwhelming majority of the responses centered on Day’s offense and his skill to recruit and develop quarterbacks.

“He’s unlocked the OSU offense in a approach I haven’t seen,” one fan wrote, “and he’s making OSU the go-to place for proficient QB prospects. And so long as gamers of that caliber are coming within the door, I feel there’s an opportunity to win all of it.”

The Buckeyes have ranked No. 3, No. 11 and No. 1 in scoring offense, respectively, throughout Day’s first three seasons. He’ll quickly have his second first-round draft choose at quarterback as soon as C.J. Stroud heads off to the NFL. In the meantime, the way forward for the place appears sturdy with Kyle McCord and Devin Brown on the roster, plus five-star 2024 prospect Dylan Raiola dedicated.

Even with among the defensive shortcomings in his tenure, the excessive stage of offensive play has most followers assured in this system’s trajectory.

“The peak of the ground,” is what one fan mentioned when requested what they like essentially the most. “Even with the Keystone Kops on protection, they nonetheless gained a Rose Bowl.”

Day additionally acquired excessive marks for sustaining, and in some circumstances exceeding, the high-water recruiting marks of the City Meyer period, for up to now not struggling a “dangerous loss” — “pounding the losers” is how one fan put it — and for his psychological well being advocacy.

“His emphasis on psychological well being and his skill to be an actual person who loves his gamers,” is what one fan mentioned they like essentially the most about Day.

“His real take care of individuals. I’m proud to have him because the coach and assume he represents the college nicely,” mentioned one other.

Moreover, quite a lot of responses centered on Day’s choice to shake up his employees this offseason after dropping to Michigan and lacking the Faculty Soccer Playoff.

One fan famous Day’s “skill to acknowledge weaknesses and adapt. Some coaches prior to now have been blinded by loyalty and wouldn’t make modifications to the employees. Ryan Day isn’t scared to harm emotions and make wanted modifications.”

And multiple was happy with Ohio State lastly beating Clemson, which Day achieved within the 2020 Faculty Soccer Playoff.

“Kicking Dabo’s ass,” is how one fan succinctly summed up their emotions on what they like greatest about Day’s tenure up to now.

What do you just like the least about Ryan Day’s tenure?

The protection, which has been traditionally dangerous by program requirements in every of the previous two seasons, and dropping to Michigan dominated the dialog right here.

“I’m anxious about turning into Lincoln Riley’s Oklahoma — very excellent, however not elite, recruiting that skews too closely to the offensive facet of the ball,” mentioned one fan.

After the Buckeyes misplaced to Michigan final November, former Wolverines offensive coordinator Josh Gattis labeled OSU “a finesse group” and quite a lot of respondents to this survey tended to agree.

“Staff is mushy and will get pushed round,” mentioned one.

“How mushy our group performed final season,” mentioned one other. “Underneath Meyer we hardly ever misplaced the battle of the trenches. Hopefully it by no means occurs once more and classes have been discovered.”

There was a considerably constant theme of labeling Ohio State as too “cross joyful” underneath Day — a criticism that most likely rings extra true when attributed to final season than it does Day’s first two years. Nonetheless, many who took this survey want to see the Buckeyes get again to being a extra bodily speeding group, notably within the purple zone.

A lot of the frustration appears to come back usually from arising in need of successful a nationwide title, which Day’s earlier two predecessors had achieved by this level of their tenures (although neither Meyer nor Jim Tressel needed to endure the overall weirdness that Day’s group did in 2020).

“That we had doubtlessly the best group in Ohio State historical past and didn’t win a championship,” wrote one fan, referencing the 2019 group in Day’s first season that misplaced within the Playoff semifinals to Clemson.

“OSU has been able to successful all of it in every of the previous three seasons talent-wise, but they haven’t any {hardware} to point out for it,” mentioned one other. “Whether or not or not it’s the protection, failing to attain within the purple zone, incapability to make in-game changes, or simply not successful the massive video games, I’m feeling unhappy for the extent of expertise that has been in Columbus. No different strategy to put it, we have to win a championship within the subsequent couple of years to maintain tempo with Bama, Georgia, and so forth.”

Whereas many have been fast to reward Day for making employees modifications, others criticized his hiring choices when requested what they’ve preferred least.

“Some puzzling defensive teaching hires, particularly since he doesn’t spend a lot time on that facet of the ball,” wrote one fan. “Hiring Kerry Coombs, not firing him after he was clearly in over his head, selling Parker Fleming on the expense of skilled defensive assist. I’m glad he’s seemingly discovered from it.”

“He’s made a whole lot of missteps on the defensive facet, from dangerous hires/promotions to scheme,” mentioned one other fan. “He’s on the correct path now with Jim Knowles, however he wanted to make somebody the top coach of the protection previous to his fourth season.”

There have been just a few references to Ohio State having fewer in-state gamers on the roster, however that’s hardly a brand new actuality underneath Day. Ohio State’s rosters began to pattern extra nationwide underneath Meyer as nicely.

Whereas the response to Day has been overwhelmingly optimistic, not everyone seems to be on board with the imaginative and prescient for the longer term.

“I feel he’s topped out and he’s an boastful play caller,” mentioned one respondent. “I’m not actual excessive on him having the ability to deliver a nationwide championship to OSU. He wins due to the expertise stage, however he was out-coached 3 times final yr (Oregon, Michigan, Utah).”

Do you consider Ryan Day will win a nationwide championship at Ohio State?

How would you price the group’s offensive efficiency underneath Ryan Day? (1: poor; 5: glorious)

The place would you wish to see the offensive enhance? 

As most respondents mentioned, it’s troublesome to nitpick an offense that’s operated at or close to the highest of most statistical classes underneath Day’s watch. Nonetheless, this remark sums up the widespread thought on how the offense can take a step ahead:

“Extra versatility within the operating sport and a capability to run the ball when the protection is aware of it’s coming,” wrote one fan.

The vast majority of the responses centered on the run sport, run sport creativity and elevated physicality.

“I’d like to run the ball in 2019 like we did with J.Okay. Dobbins,” mentioned one other fan.

That season, the Buckeyes have been fifth nationally in speeding yards per sport and sixth in yards per carry. Dobbins rushed for a program-record 2,003 yards, third-best within the nation. The offense didn’t throw it across the yard that season prefer it did in 2021, however it nonetheless ranked fifth nationally in effectivity with Justin Fields throwing for greater than 3,000 yards and 41 touchdowns.

Purple zone manufacturing can also be an space of concern that got here up pretty typically within the responses to this query. Ohio State was fifth nationally in purple zone landing share (78.8 p.c) in 2019 however suffered from letdowns in that space within the Playoff loss to Clemson that season. That landing share fell to 63.6 p.c in 2020, and to 64.4 p.c in 2021.

Some cures individuals want to see?

“Extra designed quarterback operating performs, the offense has all the time labored higher with that slight risk,” mentioned one fan.

Others pinned what shortcomings the offense has had on the offensive line.

“The offensive line comes into each season as ‘could possibly be the very best within the nation’ after which is all the time form of ‘meh,’” mentioned one fan. “I feel fixing that may let OSU be extra capable of energy run when obligatory.”

And, after all, just a few followers mentioned they’d wish to see Ohio State throw to the tight ends extra.

How would you price the group’s defensive efficiency underneath Ryan Day? (1: poor, 5: glorious)

The place would you wish to see the protection enhance? 

“In all places,” was an understandably well-liked and succinct response.

When solutions acquired extra particular, issues appeared to heart totally on the line of defense and getting again to pressuring quarterbacks on a extra constant foundation.

“PASS RUSH!!!! The expertise on this D- line shouldn’t battle to get to the QB like they did final yr,” one fan wrote.

However criticism of the road play wasn’t solely about sack manufacturing.

“Far too many occasions final yr they didn’t set the sting within the run sport persistently whereas additionally not being threats as cross rushers. It allowed for all the opposite weaknesses to be exploited,” mentioned one other fan.

No place group was immune from suggestions, which tends to occur once you’re as dangerous on protection as Ohio State has been the previous two seasons.

“Linebackers are usually not residing as much as the lengthy custom of OSU linebackers,” one fan mentioned. “Present group is just like the latest pattern of sluggish, invisible, and unproductive gamers.”

Third-down protection got here up pretty typically. The Buckeyes have been fourth nationally in third-down protection in Day’s first season, holding opponents to conversions on solely 29 p.c of makes an attempt. In 2020, that elevated to 37 p.c (35 nationally). In 2021, it was 42 p.c, good for one hundredth nationally. That dip might be attributed to Ohio State being removed from essentially the most unique protection on third down.

“I would love the protection to begin enjoying with extra aggression and creativeness. I consider Jim Knowles will flip us round,” mentioned one fan.

Knowles’ Oklahoma State protection led the nation in third-down effectivity in 2020 and was third in 2021.

“Extra scheme versatility,” is what one fan mentioned the protection wants. “Means too predicable with easy Cowl 1 or 3. Hopefully Knowles modifications this.” 

“Groups needs to be frightened of our protection with our expertise and training,” mentioned one other fan.

What was your preliminary response to the hiring of Jim Knowles as defensive coordinator?

• Beloved it. He was who I needed all alongside: 62.7 p.c

• Didn’t have one. I need to see the outcomes first: 21.1 p.c

• I preferred another coaches extra, however this looks as if a strong rent: 15.6 p.c

• Not the rent I’d have made: 0.6 p.c

What’s your confidence stage in Ohio State’s protection being higher in 2022? (1: not very assured; 5: very assured)

How would you price Ohio State’s recruiting outcomes underneath Ryan Day? (1: poor; 5: glorious)

How assured are you in Ohio State’s skill to recruit within the NIL period?

What do you want most about how Ohio State is recruiting proper now?

“Ohio State has change into Vast Receiver and Quarterback U,” wrote one fan, summing up most individuals’s ideas on this query.

Day’s employees likewise acquired excessive reward for avoiding a recruiting dip after the top teaching change —“We’re nonetheless a juggernaut after dropping Meyer. It’s nonetheless a cool place to be,” mentioned one other fan — and for locating an excellent stability between locking down Ohio and recruiting nationally.

Ohio State has not taken a win-at-all-cost strategy to call, picture and likeness, which resonates as an excellent factor with among the people who answered this query.

“They appear to be making an attempt to be as above board with NIL as they will given the circumstances. Recruiting hasn’t seen an excellent drop-off and top-four lessons appear to be the norm,” mentioned one fan.

“Whereas the NIL stuff is inevitable, I’m glad that we aren’t a kind of colleges simply throwing cash round to entice recruits to come back,” mentioned one other. “I suppose you possibly can say that I’m glad that it looks as if we’re not closely counting on that as a recruiting pitch it appears.”

Different followers have been happy that defensive recruiting appears to be catching up with success on the offensive facet within the final couple lessons.

What do you want least about how Ohio State is recruiting proper now? 

Nearly each place group exterior of quarterback and receiver was talked about, however the few that have been talked about excess of others have been offensive line, linebacker and line of defense — deal with extra particularly.

“Offensive line recruiting has been extremely inconsistent exterior the state of Ohio and the inside line of defense has additionally not netted the outcomes that it’s good to win a title,” mentioned one fan.

“It looks as if O-line recruiting hasn’t been nearly as good correctly the final couple years and it’s beginning to present with a scarcity of depth. Hopefully that turns round with Justin Frye,” wrote one other fan.

Whereas some followers answered the earlier query by praising the employees for taking what they want out of Ohio whereas protecting a nationwide strategy, there gave the impression to be extra responses to this query that centered on the necessity for extra Ohio gamers on the roster.

“Would like to see extra Ohio children on the roster, children which have lived & breathed the Michigan rivalry since start,” mentioned one fan.

Ohio State signed eight in-state gamers in 2020, six in 2021 and 6 in 2022. The 2023 class, which has 10 commitments in the mean time, has 5 from Ohio.

Whereas some answered the earlier query with favorable outlooks on how Ohio State is approaching NIL, extra answered this query with issues about how that strategy can affect future lessons.

“Fearful OSU is simply too conservative with NIL. Time will inform,” mentioned one fan.

“They may weaponize NIL a bit bit extra,” mentioned one other.

And there’s a need to see extra manufacturing from defensive prospects.

“Defensive stars have but to emerge from Day recruiting lessons,” mentioned one fan.

Would you wish to see Ohio State be extra energetic in bringing in transfers?

Who’s Ohio State’s greatest assistant by way of teaching skill? 

New hires Tim Walton, Perry Eliano and Justin Frye didn’t obtain any votes, nor did particular groups coordinator Parker Fleming.

Which assistant coach is Ohio State’s greatest recruiter?

Jim Knowles, Tim Walton, Perry Eliano, Justin Frye and Parker Fleming didn’t obtain any votes.

The 2022 season will probably be thought of a hit for Ohio State if…

Greater than 1,000 individuals took the time to reply to this query, and a few model of win the nationwide championship or get to the nationwide championship appeared about 400 occasions. The nationwide title window ought to all the time be open at Ohio State. Whether or not or not successful one yearly defines what is an effective season is up for some debate, however an excellent chunk of parents who responded are on the very least anticipating the Buckeyes to get again there this yr — and a majority of these persons are anticipating a win.

“It’s laborious to say it’s ever title or bust, however this does have the sensation of it. We a minimum of need to get there,” mentioned one fan.

“This was the very best offense far and away final yr, needs to be the very best offense once more this yr, and even an sufficient protection ought to make the distinction. Time to get it performed,” mentioned one other. 

For one fan, this season is a hit if OSU “wins the Massive Ten, makes the CFP and a minimum of wins the semifinal sport. I feel Alabama is the one group that stands in the best way of a nationwide championship talent-wise.”

“Oh wow, right here come the NATIONAL CHAMPS OR BUST individuals. They make me sick,” mentioned one fan. “Let’s be affordable right here. Win the Massive Ten, be within the combine for the playoffs, and if you happen to get in, that’s enjoying with home cash.”

Some type of “Beat Michigan” appeared greater than 200 occasions, although nearly all the time at the side of one thing else past that.

Nonetheless, some have been centered squarely on that sport on the finish of November.

“Beat Michigan. Identical to yearly. The one factor that issues,” one mentioned.

“Embarrass Jim Harbaugh,” mentioned one other.

One fan mentioned this season will probably be a hit if “Jim Knowles fixes the protection.”

Wrote one other: “This season shapes as much as be an enormous one for Day. The fan base is unquestionably anticipating to make it to the nationwide championship sport. I’d name it a hit if our protection retains us from tripping whereas making it again atop the Massive Ten and into the playoffs.”

What will probably be Ohio State’s remaining regular-season file?

Which 2022 opponent issues you essentially the most?

Will Ohio State make the Faculty Soccer Playoff in 2022?

Will Ohio State win the nationwide championship in 2022?

Who’s your favourite participant on the present roster?

Of us listed a number of gamers for this reply, and I didn’t precisely make the tallying right here straightforward on myself by making it opened-ended. So these outcomes are approximations based mostly on making an attempt to tally the outcomes by hand:

Different gamers who acquired a number of mentions: DE J.T. Tuimoloau, DE Jack Sawyer, TE Cade Stover, TE Gee Scott Jr., OT Dawand Jones, OT Paris Johnson Jr., WR Emeka Egbuka, LB Steele Chambers, WR Julian Fleming, SAF Josh Proctor, DE Zach Harrison.

Who’s Ohio State’s greatest beginning quarterback because the begin of the City Meyer period?

Would you wish to see the Massive Ten dispose of divisions? 

In addition to Michigan, which Massive Ten opponent would you wish to see protected if the convention eradicated divisions?

Rutgers, Nebraska, Maryland, Iowa, Minnesota, Northwestern and Purdue additionally acquired votes.

Which Massive Ten program would be the greatest risk to Ohio State over the subsequent 5 years?

Iowa, Purdue, Minnesota, Minnesota, Maryland, Rutgers, Indiana and Northwestern additionally acquired votes.

What’s your most popular kickoff time for an Ohio State sport?

Fee the sport day expertise at Ohio Stadium (1: poor; 5: glorious)

What would you modify in regards to the sport day expertise if you happen to might?

In equity to Ohio State, a good quantity of individuals mentioned they might change nothing in regards to the sport day expertise. However the majority of respondents had some opinions on how issues could possibly be higher.

“Your complete stadium expertise wants an overhaul,” mentioned one fan. “The darkish, dingy concourses needs to be completely redesigned to make it simpler for followers to get their meals, drinks, and cease at a toilet earlier than simply returning to their seats. Presently, there aren’t sufficient facilities regardless of a large quantity of unused house underneath A deck.”

Parking, each costs and availability across the stadium, and toilet availability have been massive speaking factors in these solutions.

Followers would love fewer midday video games, however that’s extra of a Fox deal.

In relation to ambiance, some people mentioned they’d like to listen to extra marching band, much less pumped-in music.

“Why can’t the band be mic’d up and piped by means of the stadium through the sport as a substitute of a Lil Child music?” requested one fan.

“Cease enjoying top-40 music over the loudspeakers. TBDBITL exists and is superior,” mentioned one other fan. “We don’t want the identical generic music playlist that you simply’d hear at any professional stadium.”

Criticisms of the WiFi sign within the stadium have been pretty widespread, and others criticized the shortage of power from the group.

“The group assumes each sport goes to be a blowout win and doesn’t get entangled till issues begin getting dicey,” mentioned one fan. “The group must be extra concerned early and infrequently.”

“Make extra tickets accessible to college students and decrease ticket costs so extra followers can get pleasure from sport day with their households,” mentioned one other. “Do one thing to make the stadium louder. There’s too many individuals who sit all sport, and don’t even act excited to be there, largely the followers sitting within the higher-priced seats.”

(Photograph: Joseph Maiorana / USA As we speak)