The landscape of college athletics has undergone a seismic transformation over the last few years, and college football, in particular, finds itself navigating an increasingly uncertain future. This period of rapid change — brought on by the introduction of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rights, the rise of the transfer portal, and the expansion of the College Football Playoff — has created an environment that is both exciting and challenging for coaches. Among those tasked with guiding their programs through these tumultuous waters is Ohio State head coach Ryan Day, a man who has been at the helm during some of the most pivotal changes in the history of college football.
For Day, managing the roster of the Ohio State Buckeyes football team has never been more complex. The infusion of NIL money into college football has altered the way players are recruited, retained, and, in some cases, lured away by rival programs. The transfer portal, which allows players to switch schools without penalty, has introduced a new level of fluidity and uncertainty to rosters across the country. On top of all of this, the College Football Playoff expansion means that the stakes of every season are higher than ever. As such, Day must juggle the pressures of winning championships while maintaining a roster that is balanced, cohesive, and capable of competing at the highest level.
This article will examine how Ryan Day is navigating the challenges of roster management during this fuzzy, transitional period in college athletics, with a focus on recruitment, roster stability, player development, and overall team culture.
The New Era of Recruiting: Navigating NIL and the Transfer Portal
Before Ryan Day took over as Ohio State’s head coach in 2018, the recruiting landscape was relatively predictable. Top high school prospects were the backbone of every roster, and while the occasional graduate transfer or junior college player might shake things up, the process largely revolved around identifying and signing the best high school talent.
However, the advent of NIL rights and the expansion of the transfer portal have made recruiting far more dynamic, often to the point of being unpredictable. Players now have the ability to earn compensation through endorsement deals, which has introduced a new layer of complexity to recruiting. At Ohio State, the Buckeyes are consistently in the mix for some of the nation’s best prospects, but now Day must also consider how NIL deals factor into each recruit’s decision-making process.
While NIL presents opportunities for players, it also creates challenges for coaches. Programs with deep pockets — like Ohio State — can attract top talent with promises of lucrative endorsement opportunities. However, this dynamic can also lead to the “haves” and the “have-nots,” creating an uneven playing field. Schools with less financial backing may struggle to compete with the big programs in the NIL era, and this pressure is keenly felt by Day, who is tasked with maintaining the Buckeyes’ position as one of the most successful and financially powerful programs in college football.
The rise of the transfer portal presents another challenge for Day and his coaching staff. Players can now enter the portal at any time, and their eligibility to transfer without penalty gives them significant leverage in their decisions. This has created a new level of roster fluidity, as programs like Ohio State must constantly evaluate their depth charts and plan for roster turnover. The temptation to use the transfer portal to fill immediate needs is powerful, but Day has been careful not to sacrifice long-term team cohesion for short-term success.
“Managing the portal is a delicate balance,” Day said in a recent interview. “You want to bring in players who can contribute immediately, but you also need to make sure that they fit into your system and culture. It’s not just about talent — it’s about how that talent fits into the bigger picture.”
Ohio State has been one of the more aggressive programs in utilizing the transfer portal, particularly in addressing gaps in position groups like quarterback and defensive back. However, Day has been selective in his approach, opting to bring in players who not only have the talent to contribute but also the right mentality and work ethic to succeed in the highly competitive environment at Ohio State.
This balancing act is made even more difficult by the fact that many players now see the transfer portal as a way to capitalize on immediate playing time or larger NIL deals. This has led to increased pressure on coaches to keep their players happy and engaged, as disgruntled or underperforming players may be tempted to leave for greener pastures.
Roster Stability: Maintaining a Cohesive Team Culture
While NIL and the transfer portal provide new opportunities for roster management, they also introduce new challenges related to roster stability. Players are no longer locked into their programs, and many are constantly evaluating their options. This is especially true at top-tier programs like Ohio State, where talent is abundant and competition for playing time is fierce.
For Ryan Day, ensuring that his roster remains stable is essential to maintaining team chemistry and a winning culture. The Buckeyes have seen some of their top players enter the transfer portal, most notably quarterback Justin Fields, who transferred from Georgia to Ohio State in 2019. Fields became one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in college football, leading the Buckeyes to a national title game in his first season. However, his departure from Georgia highlights the increased fluidity of rosters and the pressure on coaches to manage their players’ expectations and career goals.
One of Day’s key strategies for maintaining roster stability is open communication with his players. He has made it a priority to establish strong relationships with every player on the team, ensuring that they feel valued and heard. This approach helps to mitigate the risk of players entering the transfer portal because they feel overlooked or undervalued.
“I try to be honest with our players about their roles, and I think that goes a long way,” Day explained. “Players want to know where they stand, and they want to feel like they’re a part of something bigger than themselves. If you can build that trust, it’s easier to keep guys engaged and motivated.”
Another key to maintaining roster stability is developing a strong team culture. Day has placed a significant emphasis on fostering a culture of accountability, hard work, and mutual respect among his players. This culture is vital for creating an environment where players are willing to buy into the team’s goals and vision, even if it means sacrificing personal accolades or playing time.
This team-first mentality is one of the reasons why Ohio State has been able to remain competitive despite the challenges posed by the transfer portal. By emphasizing the importance of culture and team cohesion, Day has been able to build a roster that is not just talented but also motivated and united in their pursuit of a common goal.
Player Development: The Key to Sustaining Success
While recruiting and roster management are critical components of any successful program, player development is the cornerstone of sustained success. Ryan Day has built his reputation as one of the best offensive minds in college football, and part of that success comes from his ability to develop players into top-tier talents.
Day’s ability to develop quarterbacks has been particularly noteworthy. Under his leadership, quarterbacks like Justin Fields, Dwayne Haskins, and CJ Stroud have gone on to become Heisman Trophy candidates and NFL Draft picks. This success can be attributed to Day’s commitment to developing quarterbacks not only in terms of their technical skills but also their mental approach to the game.
But player development at Ohio State extends beyond just the quarterback position. Day has overseen the growth of numerous players across all position groups, helping them reach their full potential. His coaching staff works tirelessly to identify areas for improvement and create individualized development plans for each player. This holistic approach to player development is crucial in an era where talent is abundant but the margin for error is razor-thin.
In the face of an ever-changing landscape, Ryan Day has made it clear that the key to sustained success at Ohio State lies in developing players both on and off the field. He believes that by focusing on the long-term development of his players — not just their immediate impact — he can build a program that remains competitive for years to come.
Embracing the Future: The Next Chapter for Ryan Day and Ohio State Football
As Ryan Day continues to navigate the complexities of roster management in this new era of college football, one thing is clear: Ohio State football is in good hands. Day’s ability to adapt to the changing landscape, while maintaining the tradition and excellence of the program, will be the key to the Buckeyes’ continued success.
Looking ahead, Day will likely face even greater challenges as the world of college athletics continues to evolve. The expansion of the College Football Playoff, for example, will increase the pressure on coaches to not only build competitive rosters but also to ensure that those rosters are deep enough to withstand the rigors of a longer postseason. Meanwhile, the ongoing development of NIL and the transfer portal will continue to impact recruiting, player retention, and team cohesion.
For Ryan Day, the challenge is clear: to continue building a roster that can compete for national championships while maintaining the culture, stability, and development that have made Ohio State one of the most successful programs in college football. The road ahead may be fuzzy, but with Day at the helm, the Buckeyes are poised to navigate the future with confidence and success.
