LAS VEGAS — Ohio State head coach Ryan Day made one thing clear during Big Ten Football Media Days this week.
The Buckeyes aren't shying away from expectations.
Coming off the program's first national championship since 2014, Day acknowledged that every team on Ohio State's schedule will view the defending champions as the measuring stick. Rather than downplaying those expectations, he said the Buckeyes intend to embrace them as preparations continue for the 2026 season.
"The expectations here are always high," Day said. "That's what you sign up for when you come to Ohio State."
Replacing key contributors from last season's championship team will be among the program's biggest challenges. Ohio State must move forward without several NFL Draft selections, including quarterback Will Howard, while integrating new starters on both sides of the football. Day expressed confidence in the Buckeyes' returning leadership, highlighting veteran players such as wide receiver Jeremiah Smith and safety Caleb Downs as leaders who have helped establish the standard during offseason workouts.
Day also discussed the addition of offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, whose NFL experience has generated considerable excitement throughout the offseason. While Ohio State's offensive identity is expected to evolve, Day emphasized that the Buckeyes will continue building around their personnel and adapting to the strengths of the players on the roster rather than forcing a particular scheme.
The Buckeyes enter the season as one of the favorites to compete for both the Big Ten championship and another College Football Playoff appearance. With preseason camp just around the corner, Day said the focus remains on daily improvement rather than outside expectations.
Media days rarely determine what happens in the fall, but they often provide the first public glimpse into a team's mindset. If Day's message is any indication, Ohio State enters the 2026 season with the confidence expected of a defending national champion—and the understanding that every opponent will be eager for its shot at the Buckeyes.