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

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


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  • 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.

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“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.”

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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.”

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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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Wanda Lou Bailey, Louisville, Ohio

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Wanda Lou Bailey, Louisville, Ohio


ALLIANCE, Ohio (MyValleyTributes) – Wanda Lou Bailey, born August 8, 1940, in Charleston, West Virginia, passed away peacefully on April 18, 2026, in Louisville, Ohio. She was a beloved member of her community, whose life was marked by dedication to her family, faith, and numerous heartfelt pursuits.

A graduate of Poca High School in West Virginia in 1958, Wanda’s early years paved a foundation of commitment that she carried throughout her life. Her professional journey included roles at Big Lots and Quality Farm and Fleet, but it was her role as a pastor’s wife that truly defined much of her life’s work. Alongside her late husband, Rev. Paul Bailey, whom she married on May 31, 1958, Wanda was deeply involved in spiritual and community service until his passing on March 9, 2021.

Wanda’s warm spirit and spicy attitude extended beyond her family and church. She was known for her skills in puzzles, crafts, quilting-each piece a testament to her caring nature. Her memory bears, lovingly crafted from cherished fabrics, stand as small yet profound symbols of her dedication and love. She also volunteered for many years at Canaan Acres Christian Camp, embracing her role as “Camp Nana” with a heart full of grace and kindness, known by all who knew her there.

Wanda is survived by four devoted children: Paula (David) Monteleone, David (Debra) Bailey, Laura (Pastor Mike) Kimball, and Beth Bailey. She also leaves behind nine grandchildren-Jennifer (Nathaniel) Miller, Carrie (Casey) Callarick, Kimberly (Brandy) Brown, Michael (Heidi) McLaughlin, Gregory Bailey, Rev. Cassandra (Bryan) Wynn, Jeremiah (Jaclyn) Kimball, Courtnie (Jon) Eckelberry, and Joshua (Ruby) Vandeborne. Her legacy further extends through twenty-four great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren, as well as extended family who called her mom and nana, continuing her family lines that meant so much to her. Wanda was also sister to Mary McCalister, Clara Honaker, and Archie Quigley. She was preceded in death by her beloved parents, William and Rebecca (Vansickle) Quigley, and her husband, Rev. Paul Bailey.

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The community will gather to honor Wanda’s life and legacy with a viewing on April 25, 2026, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Canaan Acres Campground, located at 8020 Nazarene Ave NE, Louisville, Ohio 44641. A funeral service will follow at 4:00 PM the same day at the campground with her son in law Pastor Mike Kimball officiating. Entombment will take place at Highland Hills Cemetery in Follansbee, West Virginia. on Monday, April 27th the time will be announced at a later date.

Wanda Lou Bailey’s life was one of service, creativity, and boundless love-a true beacon to her family and community. She will be dearly missed and lovingly remembered by all who had the privilege to know her. Memorial contributions can be made in Wanda’s memory to “Camp Nana Fund) in care of Caanan Acres Campground, 8020 Nazarene Ave. NE Louisville, Ohio 44641. Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home, Sebring Chapel (330) 938-2526, www.grfuneralhome.com.

Family and friends may view send condolences at Gednetz-Ruzek-Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Service.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Wanda Lou Bailey, please visit our flower store.

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Bonnie Sue Reed-Tilton-Hetzel, East Liverpool, Ohio

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Bonnie Sue Reed-Tilton-Hetzel, East Liverpool, Ohio


EAST LIVERPOOL, Ohio (MyValleyTributes) – Bonnie Sue Reed-Tilton-Hetzel, known lovingly as Bonnie, passed away on Thursday, April 16, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio, following a sudden unexpected medical emergency.

Bonnie was born on March 27, 1947, in East Liverpool, Ohio.

Bonnie lived a life marked by faith, devotion and steady love. She was a Christian woman, whose life reflected the goodness she believed in and shared with others. Those who knew her best will remember her as faith-filled, loving and generous, a woman who offered encouragement, comfort and warmth wherever she went. She carried herself with a spirit that lifted others and she lived with the kind of purpose that leaves a lasting imprint on family, church and community alike.

Bonnie was preceded in death by her beloved daughter, Crystal Tilton (surviving husband Daniel) Sigmon of North Carolina. She was also preceded in death by her mother, Helen Cameron-Reed-Salisbury of East Liverpool, Ohio; her father, Leonard A. Reed of Ohioville, Pennsylvania; her grandparents, Frank and Ethel Hager-Cameron and Ina Duncan-Reed-Sarvey; and her two brothers, L. Frank Reed of Mansfield, Ohio and William J. Reed Sr. of East Liverpool, Ohio. Though these loved ones have gone before her, the bond of family and memory remains strong, and her life was deeply shaped by the generations who came before her and the ones she helped raise with love.

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Bonnie graduated from East Liverpool High School in 1965, where she lettered in music, played violin in the orchestra and the bellyra in the band, where they marched in the 1964 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, an achievement that stood as a proud memory of her youth. Her school years reflected her gift for music and her willingness to serve as part of something larger than herself. She later attended Kent State University and continued to live with a spirit of growth, learning and perseverance.

Her work ethic was strong and steady and she was respected for the many ways she contributed to the lives around her. She worked at Hills department store, Carriage Hill Meat Packing Plant and the United States Postal Service offices in Steubenville, Youngstown, Boardman, Austintown, East Liverpool and Calcutta. Later, she became self-employed in construction, roofing and remodeling, where her determination and practical skills were evident to all who knew her. Bonnie understood the value of honest work and she met life’s responsibilities with courage and grace.

Bonnie’s interests reflected her heart for ministry, family and fellowship. She loved delivering the word of God through music ministry, alongside her husband, bringing hope and comfort to nursing homes and prisons. She served her community and church, Lake Milton Baptist Temple, where she felt called to live with love and generosity. She also cherished hosting family dinners, where board games, laughter and togetherness created memories that will continue to bless her family for years to come. She enjoyed travel, especially trips to Florida and visits with family, and she valued church activities and the companionship of her six rescue cats, who were also part of the home she nurtured with tenderness.

She is survived by her devoted, faithful and loving husband, Frank Hetzel, or as she would call him “her Franko”, to whom she married on January 9th 1988; and her sister, Judi Reed-Cameron of Salem, Ohio, who will forever share in the treasured memories of a lifetime of sisterhood.

Bonnie leaves behind her two daughters, T. Renee Tilton-Rardon and her husband, Gene Goldberg of Wellsville, Ohio and April Tilton Large and her husband, David Large of Minerva, Ohio; as well as her son, Aaron Tilton of Lake Milton, Ohio. She also leaves behind her two stepdaughters, Mary Elizabeth Hetzel of Tennessee and Rebecca Hetzel Fowler and her husband, James Fowler of Tennessee; and her stepson, Robert Hetzel and his wife, Amy Hetzel of Wisconsin. Her family circle extends through 15 grandchildren, Nicholas (Ashleigh) Rardon, Zachary (Haylee) Cramer, Cassandra Sigmon, Elijah (Alexis) Sigmon, Joshua Sigmon, Alexa Sigmon, Emma Large, Ivy Large, Elyse Tingler, Danni Tingler, Tristan (Laurel) Fowler, Colton Fowler, Christian (Clarinda) Hetzel, Faith (Jacob) Charpentier and Joy (Aaron) Kamla; as well as five great-grandchildren, Macie Cramer, Damian Rardon, Savannah Rardon, Alleah Cramer and Petra Charpentier. Her family was one of her greatest joys, and she treasured each name, each face, and each precious moment shared together.

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Bonnie’s life offers a testimony that speaks plainly and powerfully. A life grounded in Christ does not end in defeat, because the faithful are held in the hands of God. She lived with conviction, served with compassion and loved with an open heart. Her story reminds us that a life of prayer, service and kindness is never wasted. As Maya Angelou wrote, “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Bonnie made people feel loved, remembered, welcomed and encouraged and that is a legacy that endures.

Though her earthly journey has ended, Bonnie’s influence remains in the music she shared, the meals she prepared, the prayers she prayed, the work she completed and the family she helped shape. Her life was a blessing and her memory will continue to call others toward faith, gratitude and love. May those who mourn her also celebrate the hope she lived by, trusting that the same God who sustained her in life now holds her in eternal peace.

Romans 8:6

King James Version 

“For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.”

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Viewing and services will be held on Monday, April 20, 2026, at Lake Milton Baptist Temple, 415 S Pricetown Road, Diamond, Ohio 44412. Viewing will be held from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m., with a service following at 3:00 p.m. 

A small burial service for immediate family will be held at the cemetery afterwards.

There will be a dinner held at the church’s hall after funeral services and everyone is welcome to join to celebrate Bonnie’s life.

Arrangements for the family have been provided by Bernard P. Borowski Memorial Home.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Bonnie Sue (Reed) Tilton-Hetzel, please visit our floral store.

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A television tribute will air Monday, April 20, at the following approximate times: 6:47 a.m. on WYTV, 9:43 a.m. on WKBN, 10:58 a.m. on FOX and 8:12 p.m. on MyYTV. Video will be posted here the day of airing.



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Three Buckeyes Who Proved They Belong at Ohio State Spring Game

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Three Buckeyes Who Proved They Belong at Ohio State Spring Game


Fans got their first glimpse of the 2026-2027 Buckeyes during their spring game earlier today. In contrast to last year’s offensive takeover, it was the defense this year that shined for the most part.

With this, we still saw plenty of Buckeyes that proved that they are ready to play, and ready to play now. Here are three standouts from the Ohio State Spring Game.

Chris Henry Jr.

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Coming into the game, most Ohio State fans had already penciled Chris Henry Jr., the No. 1 WR in the 2026 class according to ESPN, as the successor to Carnell Tate in the Buckeye offense. 

Anyone that didn’t, probably should now.

The freshman wideout hauled in 4 passes for 96 yards, including a 40-yard touchdown catch in the second quarter. 

Playing all snaps on the outside, Henry Jr. looked very poised, showcasing smooth route running and breakaway speed. The connection between him and another Buckeye on this list was the highlight of the offense for the day. There is no doubt he should be an immediate contributor in this Ohio State offense. 

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Tavien St. Clair

After a subpar showing at the spring game last year, Tavien St. Clair showed flashes of the top-10 recruit he was just two years ago. 

He dazzled early with two big completions to Chris Henry Jr., showing off his big arm in the process. 

His touchdown pass to Henry Jr. was a beautiful look off from St. Clair, who launched it right to the right pylon to find the freshman wideout.

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It was not all sunshine and rainbows for St. Clair on the day though, as he was forced into a couple three-and-outs as well as a few balls that could have been intercepted.

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All in all, all tools are there for St. Clair to be great when his number is called, and another year of growth under Julian Sayin should help him get there.

Beau Atkinson

Buckeye fans were surprised when Beau Atkinson was basically a non-factor on the defensive line a season ago, as the hype around him coming from North Carolina was immense.

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The player they expected to see last year was on full display, as the senior finished the day with a sack and an interception off a Julian Sayin batted ball at the line of scrimmage.

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His high motor was one to watch early, as his get-off and confidence at the position looked vastly improved from last year. He is one to seriously watch to be the starter next to Kenyatta Jackson Jr. come September. 

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