As the Ohio State Buckeyes prepare to face off against the Texas Longhorns in the highly anticipated College Football Playoff (CFP) semifinals, ESPN’s Paul Finebaum has weighed in on the pressure head coach Ryan Day is facing despite the team’s success. While Ohio State has been a perennial contender under Day, Finebaum suggests that the coach still has significant pressure riding on the upcoming matchup, especially given the stakes of the CFP and the expectations surrounding the program.
A Strong Track Record But No Championship
Ryan Day has transformed Ohio State into one of the most dominant programs in college football since taking over as head coach in 2019. Under his leadership, the Buckeyes have consistently been one of the top teams in the country, making it to the CFP semifinals multiple times and winning Big Ten titles. However, despite these accomplishments, Day has yet to deliver a national championship to Ohio State, and Finebaum notes that this is a key point of contention for Buckeyes fans and the program’s leadership.
While Day has guided the Buckeyes to success in regular-season play and the postseason, the fact that he has not captured a national title has kept him under scrutiny. For a program like Ohio State, which boasts a rich history of championship success, anything less than a national title is often viewed as a disappointment. Finebaum pointed out that this particular semifinal game against Texas will be an important litmus test for Day and his future as head coach.
The Pressure of National Expectations
The College Football Playoff semifinals are a stage unlike any other, with the eyes of the entire college football world watching as four of the best teams battle for a spot in the national championship game. Ohio State, as one of the blue bloods of college football, is expected to be in the thick of the championship conversation year in and year out. The Buckeyes have been consistently elite, and anything short of a national title can be seen as underachievement, especially when facing off against other top-tier programs like Texas.
Finebaum emphasized that despite Day’s impressive regular-season resume, the pressure for him to deliver a national championship remains. “He’s done a fantastic job in the regular season, but when you are at Ohio State, expectations are national championships, not just getting to the semifinals,” Finebaum explained. “Ryan Day has been good, but not great. That’s where the pressure is going to come from—this is a year where Ohio State fans and the administration are expecting to see him deliver a title.”
The Ohio State-Texas Matchup
The matchup between Ohio State and Texas is poised to be one of the most exciting and closely watched games of the CFP. Both programs are powerhouses, with a rich history of success and a legacy of producing elite talent. Texas, under head coach Steve Sarkisian, has seen a resurgence and is looking to make a statement by advancing to the national championship game.
For Day, this game represents a pivotal moment. A win against a high-caliber team like Texas would solidify Ohio State’s place in the title game and give Day another shot at his first national championship. However, Finebaum noted that a loss would be a tough blow, both to the team’s title hopes and to Day’s legacy as the program’s leader.
The Coach’s Legacy on the Line
Day’s ability to lead Ohio State to a national title has long been a point of discussion. Though his overall record and performance at the helm of the program have been strong, the pressure to win the big one—particularly after close losses in previous playoff appearances—continues to mount. Finebaum discussed how important this moment is for Day to prove that he can elevate the Buckeyes to the next level and secure that elusive national championship.
“If Ryan Day cannot find a way to beat Texas and get to the national title game, there will be questions about his ability to win when it matters most,” Finebaum said. “Ohio State is one of the premier programs in the nation. There’s no more moral victories in Columbus—winning the national championship is the expectation, and Day knows it.”
Conclusion
As Ohio State faces off against Texas in the College Football Playoff semifinals, Ryan Day’s tenure at the helm of the Buckeyes remains under intense scrutiny. Paul Finebaum’s analysis underscores the pressure that Day faces, despite the many accomplishments he has already achieved. For Ohio State, success is measured by national championships, and anything less could lead to growing frustration among fans and alumni.
The semifinal game against Texas will be a defining moment for Day and the Ohio State football program. A win could be a step closer to fulfilling the ultimate goal of a national title, while a loss would only intensify the questions surrounding his ability to deliver a championship. All eyes will be on Day as he seeks to prove that he is the man to lead the Buckeyes back to the pinnacle of college football.
