In the world of college football, few teams elicit as much passion, dedication, and loyalty as Ohio State University. As the Buckeyes approach another season in 2025, a unique and unexpected request from the players has caught the attention of their head coach, Ryan Day. This request wasn’t for more equipment, more practice time, or better facilities, but rather a plea to continue to be inspired — a request that encapsulates the spirit and ambition of this team, and one that Day is more than willing to honor.
The Context: A Legacy of Excellence
Ohio State football has always been known for its deep tradition of success, from the early days of Woody Hayes to the modern era under Ryan Day. In recent years, the Buckeyes have consistently been among the top programs in the country, regularly competing for national championships. However, despite their sustained success, a recurring theme has emerged: the hunger for continuous improvement and inspiration.
Day, who took over as head coach in 2019 after Urban Meyer’s retirement, has overseen a period of remarkable consistency. Yet, even with this success, Day and his players are always looking for ways to push themselves beyond the ordinary. It is no secret that elite athletes, especially those at the collegiate level, require motivation — but Day’s relationship with his players goes beyond typical coach-speak. His approach involves tapping into something deeper: the players’ internal drive to be great, while fostering an environment where that drive is nurtured and cultivated.
A Surprising Request
At a recent team meeting, Day shared a peculiar yet insightful request from his players. As the team prepares for the 2025 season, many players, particularly the upperclassmen, asked Day for a unique type of inspiration. It wasn’t the usual call for added pressure or external motivation; it was more about maintaining the intensity and fire that had defined the program in recent seasons.
“We’ve had some great seasons here, but we can’t stop looking forward,” said Day, recalling the conversation. “The players said they wanted to keep their eyes on the bigger picture. They don’t want to feel complacent, even with all the success. They told me, ‘Coach, don’t let us lose the fire. We want to be inspired every single day.’ It was humbling to hear.”
This request is particularly intriguing when considering the pressures of being part of an elite program like Ohio State. Players know that every season brings heightened expectations. With success comes the burden of maintaining that success. For the Buckeyes, continuing to be inspired amid such relentless pressure is essential not only for their mental well-being but also for their future as individual athletes and contributors to the team.
Why It Matters
This request is significant on several levels. First, it speaks to the maturity of the players under Day’s leadership. Ohio State’s culture has long been one of pride, discipline, and excellence, but the ability to seek inspiration continuously is a trait that distinguishes truly great teams from the rest. Rather than waiting for outside forces to drive them, the players are taking ownership of their internal motivation.
Second, the request highlights the psychological aspect of high-level sports. In a world where athletic performance is often measured by statistics and trophies, the mental and emotional challenges are sometimes overlooked. For these players, the pressure to perform week in and week out can take a toll, and without the right inspiration, complacency can set in.
“Complacency is the enemy of greatness,” Day stated. “As a coach, it’s my job to make sure that doesn’t happen. These guys want to be great, and to do that, they have to stay hungry. This isn’t just about X’s and O’s. It’s about making sure they’re driven on a deeper level.”
The inspiration request also speaks to the bond that Day shares with his team. It’s not about him simply motivating them; rather, it’s a two-way conversation where Day listens to his players’ needs. This dynamic is what makes Ohio State’s culture unique, as it emphasizes trust, respect, and shared responsibility.
The Power of Continuous Motivation
The idea of “continuous motivation” is something that has become a core theme in Ryan Day’s tenure as head coach. Rather than focusing on motivation that is seasonal or event-driven, Day has fostered an environment where his players are constantly encouraged to dig deep and find inspiration in every practice, game, and interaction.
“For us, it’s about creating a culture of consistency,” Day explained. “There’s no off-season for growth. There’s no off-season for getting better. We’re either getting better, or we’re falling behind. That’s the mindset we have to have.”
This mindset is reflected in the way the team prepares, not only physically but mentally. Players engage in regular mindfulness and mental toughness training to strengthen their ability to handle adversity, stay focused, and maintain their drive throughout the year. In addition to physical conditioning, Day has incorporated leadership training, self-reflection exercises, and team-building activities that help keep the Buckeyes mentally sharp and motivated.
“We do a lot of work off the field to make sure our guys are prepared for anything,” Day said. “Whether it’s a big game, a difficult practice, or just life in general, we want our players to be ready to handle the mental challenges that come with being at this level. They need to be able to inspire themselves, even when things aren’t going perfectly.”
A New Era of Leadership
One of the most interesting aspects of the players’ request is the role of leadership within the team. Ohio State has a tradition of strong, impactful leaders, but what Day has built is a model where leadership is not a one-person show. It’s collective. This shared leadership structure allows each player to step up when necessary, with the support of their teammates and coaches.
In this environment, inspiration is not just driven by the head coach but also by the players themselves. This peer-to-peer motivation is something that has flourished within the team, especially as the Buckeyes face new challenges in the evolving landscape of college football.
“Sometimes, a senior player or a captain can say something to a teammate that I could never say,” Day noted. “That’s the beauty of the culture we’ve built here. It’s not just about me pushing the guys. It’s about them pushing each other. They hold each other accountable.”
This culture of mutual accountability has been one of the cornerstones of Ohio State’s success in recent years. As players are continually inspired by one another, they elevate their performance, and this creates an environment where excellence becomes the standard.
The Bigger Picture: A Program Built for the Long Haul
Ryan Day’s commitment to continuous inspiration speaks to a broader vision for Ohio State football. The program is not focused solely on winning championships in the short term, although that remains a primary goal. Rather, Day is building a program that is sustainable, with a foundation that can weather any challenge or transition.
“The players’ request to stay inspired is a reminder that we’re not just building a team for 2025; we’re building a program for the future,” Day emphasized. “It’s about creating a culture that lasts beyond any one season or any one group of players. We’re constantly looking to evolve and grow, and we need inspiration to do that.”
In this way, the Buckeyes are not just preparing for the upcoming season. They are setting the stage for a legacy of greatness that will endure for years to come. By fostering an environment where inspiration is a daily pursuit, Day ensures that each generation of players will have the tools to stay motivated, no matter the circumstances.
As Ohio State moves forward into the 2025 season, Ryan Day’s commitment to fostering continuous inspiration is a testament to the program’s unwavering dedication to greatness. The request from the players to remain inspired is a reflection of the culture Day has cultivated — one that emphasizes mental resilience, shared leadership, and an unyielding pursuit of excellence.
The Buckeyes are more than just a football team; they are a family, constantly striving to improve and inspire one another. In a sport where success is measured not only by victories but by the drive to continually push forward, Ohio State stands as a model for how to stay hungry, stay inspired, and stay great.
