Ohio State Stuns College Football: Ryan Day Secures $87.5M Deal Despite Michigan Woes

Ohio State has made a bold and controversial move by extending head coach Ryan Day’s contract through the 2031 season, securing him with a seven-year, $87.5 million deal. The extension, which pays $12.5 million annually, cements Day as one of the highest-paid coaches in college football. However, the decision has left the Buckeyes’ fanbase divided, as many supporters have long questioned whether Day is the right man to lead the program—especially given his ongoing struggles against Michigan​

A Deal That Raises Eyebrows

While Ryan Day has maintained Ohio State as a national powerhouse, his tenure has been marred by a 1-4 record against archrival Michigan, a stat that has frustrated many fans. The last four consecutive losses to the Wolverines were particularly painful, with each defeat sparking calls for his removal. Ohio State’s administration, however, has shown unwavering confidence in Day, rewarding him with a contract that extends three years beyond his previous deal​

The new contract also includes a significant buyout clause, making it financially challenging for Ohio State to fire Day before the deal ends. This aspect of the agreement has further fueled debate among fans, with some fearing that the program is now locked into an expensive commitment that could backfire if Day continues to falter in big games​

National Title Saved His Job

Despite his Michigan struggles, Day’s ability to lead the Buckeyes to a national championship this past season was likely the deciding factor in securing this extension. Entering the College Football Playoff, Day faced immense pressure to prove he could win on the biggest stage. Ohio State delivered with a title, momentarily silencing critics and giving the administration justification to double down on their investment​

The title, however, has not erased concerns. Many Buckeye fans still question whether Day can truly dominate the Big Ten the way his predecessors did. Under Urban Meyer, Ohio State dominated Michigan, and fans expected that trend to continue. Instead, Day’s tenure has seen the power balance shift, with Jim Harbaugh’s Michigan team gaining the upper hand. The fact that Harbaugh left for the NFL only adds to the pressure on Day to reclaim dominance​

A Gamble for Ohio State

For Ohio State, this extension is a high-stakes gamble. If Day continues to struggle against Michigan and falls short in future playoff runs, the contract could be viewed as a massive mistake. The buyout structure makes it costly to fire him, meaning the Buckeyes may be stuck with Day even if the program starts to decline​

On the other hand, if Day finally turns the tide against Michigan and continues winning championships, Ohio State’s decision will look like a brilliant long-term investment. With the College Football Playoff expanding, the Buckeyes are likely to make more postseason appearances, giving Day more opportunities to prove himself​

Fan Reaction: A House Divided

The Ohio State fanbase remains deeply divided on this extension. Some fans are celebrating Day’s national championship success, believing he deserves the long-term commitment. Others, however, feel that the Michigan problem is too big to ignore and that this extension only delays the inevitable.

Social media reactions have ranged from joyous support to outright anger, with some fans claiming that Ohio State should have waited another year before making such a huge financial commitment. The sentiment seems to be that while a national title is great, beating Michigan is non-negotiable​

With his future now secure, Ryan Day must prove he is worth the massive contract. The 2025 season will be crucial, as Ohio State looks to finally reclaim its dominance over Michigan and make another championship run. Anything less than a victory over the Wolverines will only intensify the criticism surrounding his extension.