Ryan Day describes the impact of so many players choosing to return over leaving for NFL

Ohio State made several big-time additions to their roster through the transfer portal that have many believing they’re one of the few national championship contenders in the country to enter the season. But that paired with the number of star players who returned instead of declaring for the NFL Draft is what really makes the Buckeyes strong.

From Jack Sawyer and TreVeyon Henderson, to J.T. Tuimoloau and Denzel Burke, several Buckeyes would have easily been selected in the most recent NFL Draft. But instead decided to run it back in Columbus and purse a national title.

In a recent interview with Joel Klatt, Ohio State head coach Ryan Day was asked about re-recruiting his players to return to the program. Revealing that is was something that they actually decided on independently.

“I don’t know if I’d call it recruiting,” Day said. “I think that for all of the guys they wanted to identify what their opportunity was in the NFL, and we helped them identify what their opportunity was there, and we gave them the information. I’ve never been in a situation where we talked somebody into either decision.”

Day also revealed that some of Ohio State’s top players and top five draft selections in recent history have considered returning to the Buckeyes. Which may come as a surprise to many but reflects the appeal of finishing out a four-year career in Columbus.

“Marvin [Harrison Jr.] had to make a decision, he decided that he was gonna go take the next step. It was hard for him by the way,” Day revealed to the surprise of Klatt. “Yeah, I mean not to put his stuff out there, but nobody’s been in the building more than him in the last month. And I think CJ [Stroud] would tell you that it was hard for him to leave after three years, but we’ve had such talented guys that have left after three years.”

Ohio State’s top talent departing for the NFL has resulted in them relying on their underclassmen players to step up to the plate year after year for them. But this season the Buckeyes have a rare combination of young talent and proven experience on their roster that’s definitely set the stage for a standout season.

“But we’ve been young, and so for these guys to decide to come back — and it started Cody Simon jumped in, and then Jack Sawyer jumped in, and then I think some of those guys were really on the edge,” Day said. “And then I think they all got together as a group and ultimately that’s what we’re hoping for. That they’re coming together for a common purpose.”

“They’re not just coming to Ohio State for the NIL opportunities, or for when you come here get the notoriety, or whatever it might be,” Day added. “They’re coming to reach those goals and that was powerful, and you could feel it, and certainly as the head coach you gotta got to show him the vision. Guys if we all decide to come back, we could do something special.”