After that unfortunate loss to Michigan last year, Ryan Day was temporarily on analysts’ hot seats. But as of October 2025, Day might be the coach with most job security in all of college football. So much in fact, that he can afford to make a joke or two about retiring from the program. But these kind of jokes can leave the odd Buckeyes fan in a panic. However, more than the players, their parents seem to be worried about Day not being around their kids anymore.

On October 9th, the Official Ohio State DG podcast’s X handle shared a clip from Downs2Business, the podcast run by the brothers Josh and Caleb Downs. Josh initially started by showering praise on the Buckeyes’ head coach, “Coach Day, he’s 75-10 in his career. Fastest Big 10 coach ever to that milestone. He has the best win percentage in college football history. I did not know that. That is very impressive.” He then added, “And he even joked about retiring after the game.”

This is when the Buckeye safety jumped in to share a funny story, “After the game, I’m sitting on the couch on my phone, and I see that interview pop up. And mom’s like, ‘Is he serious? Is he retiring?’ He was like, ‘yeah, I think I’m retiring from Ohio State and being a head coach.’ And mom walks by and she’s like, ‘Caleb, is that real?’ I was like, ‘Stop.’” Ryan’s retirement has been a sensitive topic. So much so that the harmless joke, without context, affected their mother, Tanya Downs. But what was the joke all about? 

Ohio State had a dominant 42-3 win over Minnesota. This victory pushed Day’s winning percentage with Ohio State to 88.2%. That moved him past Notre Dame legend Knute Rockne for the best winning percentage in FBS history. It was post this game that Day had a little fun with his fans.

“Glad you brought that up, because this is the last game I’ll ever be coaching at Ohio State,” the Buckeye coach said. “I’m gonna hang it up and that’s it. I’m gonna do a walk-off right now.” For Day, it’s six years and running since he took the head coaching throne in Columbus. Meanwhile, no matter how much love he receives from his Ohio State fans, doubts still loom for his program.

College football analyst puts another team above Ohio State

For David Pollack, Day’s Buckeyes are yet to hit the top mark. So, who does he want to give the crown? On the October 7th episode of the See Ball Get Ball podcast, the analyst dropped a bomb. “Ohio State fans, …I’m going to tell you about some stuff that is really good about your team. But the number one team in the country is Miami,” said Pollack.

Pollack was ready with his justification for snatching the spotlight away from Day’s squad, “Their schedule has been way harder.” Mario Cristobal’s boys opened with a statement win over rival Notre Dame. The Hurricanes proceeded to dominate down the stretch, against USF, Florida, and FSU.

But no matter what any of these analysts say. To the fans, Day will always be the best coach with the best team. Ohio State fans turned The Shoe into a roaring sea of 105,114 fans on October 4, as the Buckeyes tore apart Minnesota. But that does not mean there are no problems. Day has been facing some difficulty lately when it comes to his roster management. As Ohio State insider, Patrick Murphy, tweeted, “Ryan Day admitted that it’s ‘difficult’ when discussing redshirts with players not knowing if the NCAA is going to allow players to play five years. He said that has an impact on travel rosters.” But aside from such everyday coaching headaches, Day looks content right where he is. Ohio State’s squad is set up well to have a chance to repeat as national champions.