Day embraces high expectations for Ohio State: Got to 'win them all'
Head coach Ryan Day isn't shying away from the lofty expectations surrounding Ohio State ahead of the 2024 season.
"Every time I've gone into a season in Ohio State ... you expect to win every game," Day said, according to ESPN's Jake Trotter. "That's just what it is. And if you don't think that's the case, try losing a game at Ohio State. You're expected to win them all. So that's not new. We embrace it."
The Buckeyes concluded their 2023 campaign with an 11-2 mark, identical to their finish in both '21 and '22. Day has established a 58-6 record in six seasons but has come under fire after the school suffered a third consecutive defeat to rival Michigan and lost to Missouri in the Cotton Bowl.
Day, who's well aware of the expectations that come with a new season, wants his team to "block out the noise" and focus on "what really matters" entering fall camp.
"Our guys, they know what the expectation is," Day said. "We're not going to shy away from that. We want to win the rivalry game (versus Michigan), win this Big Ten championship, win a national championship."
Ohio State is projected to be among one of the country's top teams this upcoming season after convincing much of its core to return. JT Tuimoloau, Denzel Burke, and TreVeyon Henderson were among draft-eligible players to come back for another year.
The Buckeyes further bolstered their roster by adding marquee names via the transfer portal such as Caleb Downs, Will Howard, and Quinshon Judkins. Freshman receiver Jeremiah Smith has fans and teammates eagerly excited about his debut this fall.
Despite boasting plenty of talent across the roster, the Buckeyes still face questions about their starting offensive line. Day also said he's not ready to name a starter at quarterback, per Trotter. Howard, Devin Brown, Lincoln Kienholz, and Julian Sayin continue to battle for the role.
Ohio State will kick off its 2024 campaign against Akron on Aug. 31.