Skip to content

Ad Disclosure

Ohio State Buckeyes

Ryan Day speaks after winning national title: ‘We just kept swinging, kept fighting’

Ethan Stone

By Ethan Stone

Published:

Ryan Day has done it.

After all the criticism and outside noise, Day’s Buckeyes are officially national champions. Ohio State took down Notre Dame 34-23 on Monday, withstanding a late comeback attempt by doing the little things right. Of course, it doesn’t hurt to have Jeremiah Smith on your team, either.

Following the game, Day was asked what about the win he’s most proud of. Here’s what he had to say:

“The story gets to be told now, and it’s a great story,” Day said. “About a bunch of guys who have just overcome some really tough situations. There was a point where a lot of people counted us out, we just kept swinging, kept fighting. It’s the reason why you get into coaching. To see guys overcome things, learn life lessons and then reach their dreams. It’s what happened tonight.”

Day continued, highlighting what was important to his team along the journey from losing to Michigan to blitzing through the Playoff field with relative ease:

“Sticking together, having each other’s back,” Day said. “Faith is huge with these guys. We built a foundation early in the season, knew we were going to have to withstand some storms around the way. We did, stuck together, we hung together like a family does when it gets hard and came out the back end. And now it gives so much credibility.”

Finally, Day was asked to put his humble nature to the side and explain what this win meant to him specifically. Of course, Day and Co. have been the target of layers of criticism lately – stemming from Ohio State’s recent struggles against Ohio State.

But in the end, he gets the last laugh:

“(The Players) are my motivation. My family at home, my wife and kids and then these guys. That’s why I get up in the morning every day, to make sure these guys reach their dreams and goals, that’s what it comes down to. When things get hard in life you keep swinging, that’s our culture…”

Day’s interview was then cut short by LB Jack Sawyer, who gave day a Bear-hug and said “national champions, baby!”

Here’s a full look at Day’s comments:

Ethan Stone

Ethan Stone is a Tennessee graduate and loves all things college football and college basketball. Firm believer in fouling while up 3.

You might also like...

2025 RANKINGS

presented by rankings

Read our Privacy Policy, Terms and Conditions, Cookie Policy and

© 2025 Saturday Down South. All rights reserved

We do not target any individuals under the age of 21. We support responsible gambling. If you feel like you're losing control over your gambling experience, call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ, PA, WV), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-888- 532-3500(Virginia) 1-800-522-4700 (NV, TN), 1-800-522-4700 (CO, TN), 1-855-2CALLGA (IL), 1-800-270-7117 (MI). global.footer.legal