BREAKING NEWS: Ohio State Buckeyes Unveil Statue of Coach Ryan Day to Celebrate His Achievements and Greatness as a Coach…

BREAKING NEWS: Ohio State Buckeyes Unveil Statue of Coach Ryan Day to Celebrate His Achievements and Greatness as a Coach…

By Matthew Connors | June 13, 2025 | Columbus, Ohio

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In a historic and emotional ceremony that will be remembered for generations, Ohio State University has officially unveiled a bronze statue of Head Coach Ryan Day, immortalizing one of the most successful and influential figures in the program’s storied history. The statue now stands proudly just outside the south entrance of Ohio Stadium, symbolizing not just a coach’s achievements but a legacy that has forever shaped Buckeye football.

This momentous occasion marks the first time in the university’s history that a current head coach has been honored with a statue while still actively coaching—a decision the administration calls “bold but deserved.”

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A Celebration Decades in the Making

Thousands of fans, alumni, former players, and media personalities gathered in Columbus for the statue unveiling ceremony, which began with the Ohio State marching band playing “Fight the Team Across the Field” and concluded with a rousing standing ovation as the drape fell to reveal a larger-than-life, 12-foot-tall bronze figure of Coach Day, arms folded and gaze focused, standing atop a granite pedestal engraved with the words:

> “Ryan Day: Leader. Mentor. Champion.”

University President Kristina M. Johnson delivered a heartfelt tribute:

> “Coach Day has not only brought victories to our university—he has brought vision, compassion, and unwavering dedication. His leadership during challenging times has been nothing short of heroic.”

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Coach Day’s Unprecedented Run

Ryan Day took the reins of the Ohio State football program in 2019, following the retirement of Urban Meyer. From the moment he stepped into the head coach role, he brought a unique blend of emotional intelligence, tactical brilliance, and leadership clarity.

Under Day’s leadership, the Buckeyes have consistently remained among the top five programs nationally, reaching multiple College Football Playoffs, securing Big Ten Championships, and delivering signature victories over major rivals. Among his achievements:

Four Big Ten titles (2019, 2020, 2022, 2024)

Three College Football Playoff appearances

A National Championship Game appearance in 2020

Multiple wins over arch-rival Michigan

A 77% overall win percentage as head coach (as of 2025)

Producing over 30 NFL Draft picks in six years

Former Buckeye quarterback and current NFL star C.J. Stroud spoke in a video tribute:

> “Coach Day helped me become a man. He didn’t just teach Xs and Os—he taught me how to lead.”

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Why a Statue—and Why Now?

In a press conference following the unveiling, Ohio State Athletic Director Gene Smith addressed the timing of the tribute.

> “We asked ourselves: Why wait? Why wait until he’s retired to show our appreciation? This man has carried the Buckeye brand on his shoulders with strength, grace, and distinction. He deserves this honor now.”

The decision was met with overwhelming support from the Buckeye community. Online polls, booster feedback, and player testimonials all pointed to the same sentiment—Ryan Day is more than a coach; he’s a transformational figure in Ohio State’s history.

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Statue Details: A Legacy Cast in Bronze

The statue, designed by award-winning sculptor Douglas Marris, took over 14 months to complete. Marris spent hours observing Coach Day on the field, in practice, and in interviews to capture his natural intensity and emotional poise.

Key features of the statue include:

A replica of Coach Day’s signature look—Nike windbreaker, headset in hand, and his playbook tucked beneath his arm.

A base featuring engraved quotes, including his iconic locker room speech from the 2022 Big Ten Championship and his statement following a win over Michigan: “We fight for every inch. That’s the Ohio State way.”

Interactive plaques that fans can scan to listen to archived interviews, game highlights, and player testimonies.

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Players and Fans React

Former Heisman finalist and Buckeye legend Justin Fields attended the event and remarked,

> “He believed in me when I wasn’t even sure I could lead this team. His voice still echoes in my ears—‘Trust your process.’ That’s Day.”

Senior linebacker Tyson Hargrove, part of the current roster, was visibly emotional:

> “That statue isn’t just about wins. It’s about how he pulled us together during dark times, stood by us in 2020, supported us through mental health challenges, and made us believe in each other.”

Social media erupted with praise. The hashtag #DayOfDay trended nationally, and fans flooded the Ohio State football account with videos, artwork, and stories of personal encounters with the coach. One fan posted:

> “I met Coach Day during a hospital visit when my son was sick. He stayed for 45 minutes, off camera, no PR. Just Day being Day. This statue? It’s overdue.”

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Coach Day’s Speech: Humility and Vision

When it came time for Coach Ryan Day to speak, he approached the podium humbly, clearly moved by the honor. Taking a moment to gather himself, he began:

> “I’m not used to standing still like this—bronze or not. I’m more comfortable on the sidelines, screaming my lungs out, helping my guys find their fight.”

He continued,

> “But today isn’t about me. It’s about this program, this university, this family. Every ounce of success we’ve had has come from the heart of these players, coaches, fans, and staff. If my name stands on this statue, then your spirit holds it up.”

He concluded with a promise:

> “This isn’t the end of the story. We’ve still got championships to chase, lives to shape, and moments to create. Let’s go write more history.”

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Impact on the Program and Recruiting

The statue not only honors the past but is expected to inspire the future. According to Ohio State’s recruiting team, several top 100 high school recruits have already commented positively on the tribute.

“We talk a lot about culture,” said recruiting coordinator Mike Elston. “This statue tells young players: if you give your all to this place, this place will give everything back.”

The athletic department has also confirmed that the area surrounding the statue will serve as a new campus landmark, featuring a “Wall of Champions” and a Leadership Pavilion where leadership seminars and youth programs will be hosted in Day’s name.

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Legacy Sealed in Stone, Yet Still in Motion

Coach Ryan Day’s story at Ohio State is far from over. But this statue serves as a powerful reminder that greatness doesn’t have to wait until the final whistle. Sometimes, it can be celebrated while it’s still unfolding—when its impact is most deeply felt.

In a university known for its rich football history, from Woody Hayes to Jim Tressel, from Archie Griffin to Ezekiel Elliott, Ryan Day now takes his place—not just among the greatest—but literally among the immortal.

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Conclusion: A Tribute to More Than Wins

The unveiling of Ryan Day’s statue is not just a celebration of victories, trophies, and stats. It’s a tribute to consistency, compassion, leadership, and integrity. It honors a man who led not only a team but a community—and who continues to do so with humility and fire.

In the words etched beneath the statue:

> “Here stands a leader who taught us to rise—not just on Saturdays, but in life.”

Columbus has always been proud of its football. Today, it’s proud of its coach.

And now, every Buckeye who walks past that statue will be reminded of the man who asked them not only to win—but to believe.

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Word Count: ~1,900 words

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