Earlier this week the Associated Press released the top 25 ranked college football teams. And the Ohio State Buckeyes are ranked number 2. The Georgia Bulldogs were ranked number 1, and the conference rival University of Michigan Wolverines was ranked 9th.  This is not a surprise to Buckeyes fans. With this high preseason ranking, does this put Buckeyes Head Coach Ryan Day on the hotseat for his job?

Last season ended with a disappointing loss to the Missouri Tigers in the Cotton Bowl by a score of 14-3. The Buckeyes have also lost to their rival Michigan for the last 3 years consecutively. Losing a bowl can be forgiven by Buckeyes fans. But losing to Michigan is never forgiven. The last time Ohio State beat Michigan was in 2019. The famous rivalry game was not played in 2020 due to Covid -19.  So, if the Buckeyes beat the Wolverines this November? It will be the first win over Michigan in 5 years. This means the pressure is on Ryan Day to win this year.

Being ranked 2nd by the AP to start the season does set expectations for Buckeye Nation. It is on Coach Ryan Day to meet these expectations. Just having a winning season is not good enough. Beating teams like Indiana and Illinois, while losing to Michigan or the Bowl game will not cut it for Ohio State fans. The question can be asked what does Ryan Day need to do to keep his job?

To start the Ohio State Buckeyes needs beat their rival the University of Michigan. Next, they must win the Big Ten Conference Championship. And finally at the very minimum a National Championship Game appearance. Winning the National Championship would solidify Ryan Day’s legacy as head coach of Ohio State.  Beating Michigan, wining the conference, and getting to the National Championship Game will keep his job.