Ohio State came into 2025 with a big question mark on defense. Not only did they lose eight starters to the NFL, but they also added Matt Patricia as the new defensive coordinator. The thing is, he was coming back to college after more than 20 years in the NFL. That made fans nervous. But this season, the Buckeyes are setting the tone, starting with a 14-7 upset over preseason No. 1 Texas. Ryan Day‘s team hasn’t looked back since. 

The talk on X got real on October 17 by Pro Football Focus. “PFF’s CFB Midseason Best Assistant Coach Award Winner: Matt Patricia. Ohio State has allowed just 6.8 points per game this year.” Yeah, 6.8 points per game, the best in the country, against ranked teams like Texas, Illinois, and Washington. They’re also third in the nation in yards per play at 3.9. Basically, Matt Patricia’s defense is borderline unfair.

People had doubts when Matt Patricia signed on. Sure, he built elite defenses in New England, but his resume has been up-and-down since then. Turns out he’s been quietly working magic in Columbus. He’s brought looks and alignments you rarely see in college football, keeping offenses guessing. Guys like Caleb Downs, Arvell Reese, Sonny Styles, and Caden Curry are thriving in his system. And when your defense makes QBs look lost, you know the scheme is working.

Take Illinois, for example: third quarter, 2nd-and-10. QB Luke Altmyer thinks he’s got space, then Ohio State junior CB Jermaine Mathews sneaks in, strips the ball, and racks his second turnover of the day. “I knew when I got in that slot today, it was going to be something. I knew it,” the CB said after the game. Moments like this leave Matt Patricia with decisions. Should Mathews see more time inside? Can freshman Devin Sanchez handle CB duties against Big Ten receivers? 

Ryan Day gave it context. “The only way to grow is to go through experiences like that,” he said. “He’s right there. Coverage is good. He’s only going to get better with his experience, and you have to play through that.” All this defensive dominance sets the stage for another exciting storyline. Ohio State’s HC is grabbing headlines, too.

Ryan Day joins the national spotlight

If the AP No. 1 ranking and six straight wins weren’t enough, Ryan Day is also grabbing national attention. He’s on the Paul “Bear” Bryant Coach of the Year Watch List, joining an elite club. As a Buckeye, this list only includes Jim Tressel (2002). Day once said, “I’d like to think I’m one of the most competitive people I know,” and 2025 proves it.

Ohio State honored their head coach on X, writing, “@ryandaytime has been named to the @bryantawards Coach of the Year Watch List 🌰🫡.” The list includes 28 coaches, including Big Ten peers and national names like Lincoln Riley.

Since 2019, Ryan Day has racked up a 75-10 record over 85 games, four CFP appearances, and 10 championship games in six seasons. AP Top 10 in 99% of his games. Offense top three nationally three times, defense No. 1 five times. Ohio State is setting the standard for the entire country. Defense that confuses QBs, coaching that earns national honors, and a roster loaded with versatile playmakers.