Fresh off a national championship, Ohio State showed up to Big Ten Media Days in Las Vegas with its stars front and center. Head Coach Ryan Day led the way, accompanied by standout WR Jeremiah Smith, safety Caleb Downs, and linebacker Sonny Styles. All ready to defend their crown. For Ryan Day, the mood has shifted, and he is feeling that post-championship energy. As if after the grind, the team’s pressure cooker has popped, and now it’s time to let loose and have fun on the field, while still being laser-focused on winning more titles.

Smith exploded onto the scene as a freshman with jaw-dropping numbers. With 76 catches, 1,315 yards, and 15 TDs, he is firmly planted as one of college football’s brightest stars. He’s been voted the Big Ten Preseason Offensive Player of the Year, which tells you just how big the expectations are. And thus, Day plans on crafting an all-rounder this season. So, Day is not just going to stick Smith in one spot and throw it to him on the regular. He’s going to move him all over the field.

“You know, when coaches come in,” Day says on the Big Ten Media Days. “They have to write down their favorite play and draw it up, and go through the details of it all. And I just wrote right throw the ball the number four. And I just handed it to him like that. That’s my number one play.” Day is designing the offense to diversify Smith’s touches, with different formations, routes that vary week to week, and lining Smith up in multiple positions to create mismatches. Mix in other weapons like Carnell Tate and Brandon Innis, and Day creates an offense that spreads the love but keeps Smith at the core, ready to pounce when his moment comes.

He also adds, “We also have to be creative because we know that teams aren’t just going to sit there and say, you know, here’s one-on-one coverage and just allow that to happen. So, we do have experience doing that. But there has to be a balance.” The offense will keep throwing curveballs. Maybe a run from the backfield, a motion into the slot, or a deep route downfield. Making sure defenses can’t just game-plan against the same route or position. This approach also reflects Day’s belief in Smith’s football IQ and ability to adapt. And Smith being the Swiss Army knife for this Ohio State offense, keeps opponents constantly on their heels.

Steve Sarkisian’s Texas vs. Ryan Day’s Buckeyes

Ryan Day is staring down the barrel of what might be the most electric season opener in recent Ohio State history. The Buckeyes are jumping straight into the deep end, squaring off against Arch Manning and a Texas team that’s as hyped as they come. Day’s thoughts? “We could talk for a long time about what this means,” Day says during the SEC Media Days. “It changes the summer. I think for us, it’s been good in a way. There are reasons why it’s not good, right? With the nine teams, nine conference games, and this is kind of like your 10th.”

He compared it with other high-stakes openers he’s experienced. Like Ohio State’s battle with Notre Dame or Clemson’s opening game against Georgia. The common thread? When you face elite competition right away, your summer and offseason preparation inevitably gets sharper and more intense. And Day is equally excited, because Texas is coming to Columbus. There’s a healthy respect in Day’s words for what Texas brings to the table. And especially for new QB1 Arch Manning. For Day, this isn’t just about starting 1-0. He’s well aware that the winner of this game is likely shooting to No. 1 in the country by the following week.

And that’s exactly why he says, “But I think with our guys coming off of last year, let’s just get to the playoffs and make a run again. Well, you can’t do that when you have a monster game like this with Texas.” After last year’s dramatic win over Texas in the College Football Playoff, there’s a level of unfinished business and pride on the line. The opener functions as a true statement game: it sets the tone for the season and tests Ohio State’s championship mettle immediately.