Overview
- Day told reporters Tuesday after spring practice that teams must evolve or "die," using a dinosaur-extinction metaphor he said was inspired by a Netflix documentary.
- Ohio State faces sweeping change this offseason, with 37 departures and 17 incoming transfers in the 2026 portal cycle as Day said half the roster is new.
- The Buckeyes fortified the defense with linemen James Smith and Qua Russaw and added defensive backs Earl Little Jr. and Terry Moore through the portal.
- Day said NFL personnel told him it is "insane" to stay in college coaching, pointing to how NIL deals and open transfers now drive fast, unstable roster moves.
- Context for the pressure: Ohio State won the 2024 national title, lost in the 2025 CFP quarterfinals to Miami, and Day’s record stands at 82-12 over seven seasons.