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Ryan Day shuts up critics with Ohio State title. ‘What they gonna say now?’

Published

11 months ago

January 21, 2025

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Ryan Day shuts up critics with Ohio State title. ‘What they gonna say now?’

Ryan Day becomes third active college football coach to win a national championship.
Team meeting with Ryan Day after Michigan loss galvanizes Ohio State.
Buckeyes players take up for Ryan Day, who won his first national championship in Year 6, same as Kirby Smart.

ATLANTA – Ryan Day stood at the back of the stage behind a wall of his jubilant players, beaming like a kid while a confetti cannon blasted paper into the air.

Ohio State’s coach earned that grin. He deserved that joy, after a season that brought unrelenting pressure, unapologetic blowback and, finally, triumph. Day is a national champion, one just three active coaches with that distinction.

“What they gonna say now?” Ohio State senior safety Lathan Ransom said, before exalting his coach.

The critics can’t say squat now, after Ohio State’s 34-23 win against Notre Dame, and the trolls crawled back into their caves. Day shut them up after his Buckeyes laid waste to the field in this College Football Playoff.

“Seeing Coach Day hoist up that trophy after seeing all the flak he got, all the, excuse my language, (crap) he’s gotten, it’s just amazing as a player to see our coach in the position that we know he should be,” senior offensive lineman Donovan Jackson said.

And what of Ohio State’s “lunatic fringe,” as Kirk Herbstreit dubs them? Those Bucks nuts probably will pretend they never wanted Day’s head on a platter just two months ago and chanted for his ouster after he suffered his fourth straight loss to Michigan.

“It’s funny now, right?” Ransom said, when a reporter reminded him of those angry chants after the Michigan loss. “We never stopped believing in Coach Day. We always had Coach Day’s back, and he always had our back.”

Don’t confuse this as the story of a plucky eighth-seeded underdog getting off the mat. Nobody could match Ohio State’s talent. This is the story of an embattled coach and a two-loss team realizing their potential.

“We stuck together,” Day said. “We hung in there like a family does when things get hard.”

Ohio State plays to billing after team meeting with Ryan Day

The annals of history might indicate that Ohio State’s loss to Michigan became a turning point, but Buckeyes players point to a team meeting that occurred days after that result as the fork in the road.

Day joined his players for a meeting that became an open forum to clear the air, offer critiques and unify behind a common goal.

Ransom won’t detail the specifics of what was said within those four walls, but he’ll tell you this much: Day let himself be vulnerable in that meeting. The Buckeyes respected him that much more because of that.

“Anything that anyone wanted to say, they got a chance to say it,” Ransom said. “Coach Day took some critiques from the players. That shows how great of a leader he is. That’s why we go out there and we play so hard for him.”

Try to imagine Nick Saban or Kirby Smart, for that matter, opening himself up to player critiques throughout a meeting. Yeah, I’m not seeing it. There’s more than one avenue to becoming a championship coach, although the common thread between Saban, Smart and Day is that all are elite recruiters who magnetize talent.

“Coach Saban was a more stoic person. Coach Day has a different type of relationship with the players, and I respect him for that,” said Buckeyes safety Caleb Downs, an Alabama transfer who touts the virtues of both coaches. “You’ve got to run your organization as who you are.”

Outside the program, the pitchforks came out after that Michigan loss. The headlines got spicy, the hot boards filled with potential replacements for a job not open, and an athletic director, for perhaps the first time in the sport’s history, needed to offer a vote of confidence for a coach who’d lost just 10 games throughout six seasons.

Inside the Woody Hayes Athletic Facility, the confidence remained strong in Day.

“We trusted in him,” senior defensive end JT Tuimoloau said.

The Buckeyes trusted, too, that despite two regular-season losses, they possessed a national championship team.

“Getting an opportunity to get in the playoffs, that’s all we needed,” Jackson said. “We just needed our foot in the door.”

Ryan Day nears Kirby Smart territory

Day, 45, is a year younger than Smart when the Georgia coach won his first national championship. Day’s first national title arrived in Year 6, just as Smart’s did, but Smart never faced an onslaught of criticism like that directed at Day after Michigan stunned the Buckeyes in November.

Couple of explanations for that that. Georgia does not define its self-worth based on the result of one game. Also, Smart wasn’t replacing Urban Meyer, and, even before his first national title, he lifted Georgia to heights Mark Richt never reached.

Day, in contrast, got shackled with the reputation that he started the job on third base, inheriting a blue blood in fine shape from Urban Meyer, and he couldn’t advance the remaining 90 feet to home.

Truth is, Day’s become a home-run hire, and if we conducted a draft of active college football coaches tomorrow, who would come off the board before Day, other than perhaps Smart? This list is short. It’s getting shorter.

Day built, developed and retained an unmatched level of talent. Yes, Ohio State’s NIL war chest helped, but the Buckeyes didn’t win this crown with an army of mercenary rent-a-players. The roster’s tentacles trace to Day stacking one elite recruiting class after another. Senior standouts found throughout Ohio State’s offensive and defensive starting units trace to Day’s 2020 and ’21 recruiting classes, before NIL came aboard.

The coordinator combo of Chip Kelly and Jim Knowles highlighted an elite coaching staff that schemed up a beautiful plan for this playoff romp, after Ohio State’s perplexing offensive approach against Michigan.

Day, in the offseason, completed the roster puzzle with portal prizes like Downs and quarterback Will Howard. As Howard peaked in the postseason, Day served a reminder of his deft hand developing quarterbacks.

Howard was a decent player at Kansas State, but he transcended into an ace throughout this playoff run, bringing his A game in four straight games while the Buckeyes averaged more than 36 points against four of the nation’s top defenses. That culminated with Howard completing his first 13 passes throughout a master class of quarterbacking against a Notre Dame team that failed to defend Ohio State’s vaunted assembly of wide receivers.

The Buckeyes buried Tennessee, routed Oregon, held firm against Texas and bent Notre Dame with a stretch of dominance that relegated the Michigan loss to a curious footnote in the story of a national champion.

“We’re resilient, man,” Jackson said. “At the beginning of this run, everyone had us dead. Everyone had us thrown aside.”

They’d thrown aside the coach, too, but what are they saying now?

Nothing left to say, except that Day persevered, and now he can smile the way champions do, while confetti blasts into the air.

Blake Toppmeyer is the USA TODAY Network’s national college football columnist. Email him at BToppmeyer@gannett.com and follow him on X @btoppmeyer. Subscribe to read all of his columns.

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No. 2 Ohio State Wins Top 10 Battle over No. 9 Wolfpack, 26-10 | Ohio State

Published

11 hours ago

December 12, 2025

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No. 2 Ohio State Wins Top 10 Battle over No. 9 Wolfpack, 26-10 | Ohio State

COLUMBUS, Ohio — No. 2 Ohio State (8-0) remained undefeated with a 26-10 win over visiting No. 9 NC State (5-3) Friday at the Covelli Center.

How it Happened

125 – (1) Vincent Robinson (NCST) def. Brendan McCrone (OSU), MD, 12-3

Robinson opened the scoring with a takedown followed by a McCrone escape to send the bout to the second with NC State up 3-1. McCrone chose top to open the second after Robinson deferred choice. Robinson got the reversal to lead 5-2 after a McCrone escape. Robinson added a takedown to lead 8-2 after five minutes. Starting neutral, Robinson made it 11-2 with a takedown. McCrone escaped but with a point for riding time, Robinson won by major decision, 12-3.

133 – (2) Ben Davino (OSU) def. Zach Redding (NCST), D, 7-1

After two minutes, Davino scored the opening takedown for a 3-0 lead to go to the second. Davino chose bottom to start the second and quickly escaped for a 4-0 lead. Davino added a late takedown to lead 7-0 after two periods. Redding escaped to start the third to make it 7-1 Buckeyes. That’s the way if ended for a Davino win by decision, 7-1.

141 – (1) Jesse Mendez (OSU) def. (6) Ryan Jack (NCST), TF, 21-6

Mendez went on top 3-1 with a takedown and Jack escape. Mendez added another takedown on the edge of the mat to finish the period up 6-1. Mendez added three takedowns quickly to jump to a 15-4 advantage. Another pair of takedowns ended the match for a Mendez win by technical fall, 21-6.

149 – (6) Ethan Stiles (OSU) def. (7) Koy Buesgens (NCST), D, 4-3

There was no scoring in the opening the period. Stiles chose bottom to open the second and took the 1-0 lead with an escape for the only points of the middle period. Buesgens evened the bout at 1-all with an escape to open the third. Stiles was awarded a takedown that was challenged by NC State but upheld after video review for a 4-1 lead for the Buckeyes. Buesgens scored a late reversal but Stiles held on for a 4-3 win by decision.

157 – (4) Brandon Cannon (OSU) def. (11) Jackson Arrington (NCST), MD, 9-1

Cannon struck first with a late takedown for a 3-0 lead. Cannon chose bottom to start the second after Arrington deferred. Cannon scored a reversal for a 5-0 advantage after five minutes. The third period started neutral before a Cannon takedown made it 8-0. Arrington earned an escape but with a point for riding time, Cannon got the win by major decision, 9-1.

165 – (19) Will Denny (NCST) def. (11) Paddy Gallagher (OSU), SV-1, 6-5

Denny got on the board first with a takedown at the edge of the mat. Gallagher escaped to make it 3-1 Wolfpack at the end of the opening period. Gallagher closed the gap with an escape early in the second before taking the lead with a takedown to make it 5-4 after a Denny escape. The third started with Denny choosing bottom. He tied it at 5-all with an escape. The match then went to sudden victory. Denny got the win by decision, 6-5 when Gallagher was called for stalling.

174 – (5) Carson Kharchla (OSU) def. (3) Matthew Singleton (NCST), D, 8-4

Neither wrestler scored in the opening three minutes. Kharchla got the reversal for the first points of the match. Singleton then escaped to make it 2-1 Buckeyes. Kharchla scored a takedown to make it 5-2 after a Singleton escape. Singleton chose bottom to start the third and escaped to cut it to 5-3. Kharchla quickly added a takedown for an 8-4 advantage and a win by decision.

At 174, No. 5 Carson Kharchla (Ohio State) earns an 8–4 decision over No. 3 Matthew Singleton (North Carolina State). pic.twitter.com/Zz1SBQeaIT

— Saturday Night Lights (@WrestlingSNL) December 13, 2025

184 – (6) Dylan Fishback (OSU) def. Don Cates (NCST), MD, 12-1

Fishback opened the scoring with a takedown at the edge of the circle. Cates escaped before another Fishback takedown made it 6-1 before the end of the first. Fishback upped the lead with an early escape before adding another takedown for a 10-1 lead. Fishback finished off the match to win by major decision, 12-1.

197 – (14) Luke Geog (OSU) def. Cason Howle (NCST), MD, 17-4

Just a minute into the bout Geog scored the opening points with a takedown. Howle escaped before Geog added a takedown and a four-point nearfall to lead 10-1 after three minutes. Howle added an escape point to open the second. Geog, leading 10-2, escaped to open the third before adding a takedown for a 14-3 advantage. Another takedown got the win by major decision, 17-4.

HWT – (2) Isaac Trumble (NCST) def. (3) Nick Feldman (OSU), D, 5-1

Trumble jumped to a 3-0 lead with a takedown and built nearly 90 seconds of riding time before a Feldman escape make it 3-1. Trumble escaped to open the second to take a 4-1 lead into the third. Trumble finished off the match with a 5-1 win by decision with a point for riding time.

Up Next:

Ohio State will travel to Nashville Dec. 21 for the 2025 Collegiate Duals where they will take on Little Rock and No. 3 Iowa State.

Wt.	No. 2 Ohio State vs. No. 9 NC State	OSU	NCST
125	(1) Vincent Robinson (NCST) def. Brendan McCrone (OSU), MD, 12-3	0	4
133	(2) Ben Davino (OSU) def. Zach Redding (NCST), D, 7-1	3	4
141	(1) Jesse Mendez (OSU) def. (6) Ryan Jack (NCST), TF, 21-6	8	4
149	(6) Ethan Stiles (OSU) def. (7) Koy Buesgens (NCST), D, 4-3	11	4
157	(4) Brandon Cannon (OSU) def. (11) Jackson Arrington (NCST), MD, 9-1	15	4
165	(19) Will Denny (NCST) def. (11) Paddy Gallagher (OSU), SV-1, 6-5	15	7
174	(5) Carson Kharchla (OSU) def. (3) Matthew Singleton (NCST), D, 8-4	18	7
184	(6) Dylan Fishback (OSU) def. Don Cates (NCST), MD, 12-1	22	7
197	(14) Luke Geog (OSU) def. Cason Howle (NCST), MD, 17-4	26	7
HWT	(2) Isaac Trumble (NCST) def. (3) Nick Feldman (OSU), D, 5-1	26	10
	Attendance: 3,895

#GoBucks

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Ohio Goes to the Movies announces lineup for free, yearlong statewide film festival

Published

23 hours ago

December 12, 2025

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Ohio Goes to the Movies announces lineup for free, yearlong statewide film festival

CLEVELAND, Ohio — Ohio Goes to the Movies, the statewide film festival launching in February, is coming into focus. Organizers have released the initial schedule for the nearly yearlong event. Part of the state’s America 250 celebration, it will bring more than 280 screenings to all 88 counties. Each film is tied to the Buckeye State in some way, and all screenings are free.

“Ohio has played a significant role in the history of American film and continues to attract talent, productions and storytelling that resonate around the world,” Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine said in a statement. “Ohio Goes to the Movies ensures that residents in every community can participate in the America 250 celebration and rediscover the films that connect us.”

From classic movies starring or made by Ohioans to Hollywood blockbusters shot in downtown Cleveland, the lineup highlights the depth of the state’s influence on the film industry. The festival is also meant to encourage movie fans to explore the state by attending screenings all over Ohio.

Here’s a list of events planned for Northeast Ohio’s seven-county region.

CUYAHOGA COUNTY

“Close Encounters of the Third Kind.” Feb. 12. Phoenix Theatres Great Northern Mall.

“Major League.” March 1. Cinemark Strongsville at SouthPark Mall.

“Draft Day.” March 1. Cinemark Valley View.

“Welcome to Collinwood.” March 12. Cleveland History Center.

“Major League.” April 5. Capitol Theatre.

“Cool Hand Luke.” April 12. Cedar Lee Theatre.

“Draft Day.” April 23. Atlas Cinemas at Shaker Square.

“Toy Story 2.” June 24. Chagrin Documentary Film Festival HQ.

“The Scarlet Letter.” July 11. Cleveland Silent Film Festival at Cleveland Public Library.

“Captain America: The Winter Soldier.” July 11. Great Lakes Science Center.

“More Than a Game.” Sept. 11. AMC Ridge Park Square.

“Superman.” Sept. 18. AMC Westwood Town Center.

“Passing Through.” Sept. 19. Cleveland Institute of Art Cinematheque.

“Kill the Irishman.” Oct. 6. Atlas Cinemas Lakeshore.

GEAUGA COUNTY

“A Christmas Story.” June 11. Mayfield Road Drive-In Theatre.

LAKE COUNTY

“White Boy Rick.” March 11. Regal Willoughby Commons.

“Superman.” April 8. Atlas Cinemas Great Lakes Stadium.

“Air Force One.” July 7. Atlas Cinemas Diamond Center.

LORAIN COUNTY

“The Princess Bride.” April 22. Apollo Theatre.

“The Hunger Games.” Sept. 18. Regal Cobblestone Square.

MEDINA COUNTY

“Major League.” March 7. Hickory Ridge Cinema.

“Draft Day.” Sept. 12. Regal Medina.

PORTAGE COUNTY

“Unstoppable.” Feb. 22. Atlas Cinemas Barrington.

“Dog Man.” March 8. The Kent Stage.

“The Philadelphia Story.” March 19. Kent State University Museum.

“A Christmas Story.” June 10. Midway Twin Drive-In Theatre.

SUMMIT COUNTY

“The Big Short.” Feb. 21. Regal Hudson.

“The Avengers.” April 12. Akron Civic Theatre.

“Howard the Duck.” May 21. The Nightlight Cinema.

“Down by Law.” June 13. Akron–Summit County Public Library Main.

For a complete guide, go to ohiogoestothemovies.org.

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Multiple homes destroyed by fire in Meigs County, Ohio

Published

1 day ago

December 11, 2025

Press Room

Multiple homes destroyed by fire in Meigs County, Ohio

POMEROY, Ohio (WCHS) — A fire destroyed one home and damaged two others Wednesday evening, but then rekindled early Thursday morning and destroyed another home, police said.

The fire was first reported just after 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday night in the 300 block of Wetzgall Street in Pomeroy, according to a press release from the Pomeroy Police Department.

According to police, the fire spread to the two homes on either side of the original home on fire. Firefighters contained the fire and saved the two surrounding homes, but the home that first caught fire was deemed a total loss.

Then, just after 3 a.m. on Thursday morning, the fire rekindled and spread to one of the other homes, resulting in a total loss of that home as well, police said.

Pomeroy police said both homes were occupied at the time of the fires, but all occupants of each home were able to exit their homes safely. Police also said that there were no reported injuries, though both families lost everything they owned due to the total losses of the homes.

The cause of the fire has not been determined, and the incident is still under active investigation by the Ohio State Fire Marshal’s Office, according to police.

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