Quick hitters from Ryan Day Big Ten Media Days podium press conference

INDIANAPOLIS — Ohio State head coach Ryan Day spoke at the podium Tuesday afternoon at Big Ten Media Days. He answered questions about the Buckeyes in Lucas Oil Stadium ahead of the 2024 season.

Lettermen Row was on site and has updates from Day’s presser.

What Day said Tuesday…

+ Day said it’s been great to spend time with new AD Ross Bjork during Bjork’s transition as he takes over for the recently retired Gene Smith. “I think he’s got a really bright future at Ohio State,” Day said. Day noted how Bjork has already connected with his players so far.

+ Day talked about how it’s been great to also spend time with his family during the breaks he does get in the offseason. He shouted out his son RJ, who is going into his sophomore year at St. Francis DeSales High School. Day joked that, come Week 1 — for high school and college — his wife Nina will be one of the most stressed people in Columbus.

+ “It’s virtually impossible to do,” Day said of picking only three Ohio State representatives for Big Ten Media Days. He said there’s so many leaders on the team, noting the collection of draft-eligible and starter-level players who decided to return for another year with the Buckeyes.

+ Day said Ohio State is going to work really hard to have a physical preseason camp and build a foundation. Day talked about the “look in the eye” he’s seen from his laser-focused players.

+ Day said that senior cornerback Denzel Burke has made great strides in terms of maturity. “I think he has a chance to be the best cornerback in America this season,” Day said.

+ Day said we didn’t get an opportunity to see the best version of senior wideout Emeka Egbuka, who had an ankle sprain last season, but they’re seeing the best version of him right now.

+ Day talked about how senior defensive end Jack Sawyer leads with his actions. “Being a Buckeye means a lot to him,” said Day, who emphasized how Sawyer was not only one of the leaders of the returning seniors this year, but he also was one of the leaders of his signing class back in 2021. He was the first commit during Day’s soon-to-be six-year tenure as head coach.

+ Day was asked about the Ohio State offensive line going into training camp. Day said the O-Line is the area they’ve been dialed in on after spring ball. “This team is going to go as the offensive line goes,” Day said. Josh Fryar’s had a great offseason, and Donovan Jackson has stepped up, Day said. Carson Hinzman and Seth McLaughlin can swing between guard and center. Tegra Tshabola and Luke Montgomery are in the mix at guard.

+ Day was asked about wide receiver depth. “You feel Brandon Inniss when you’re out there,” Day said of the sophomore wideout. “We need JB to step up,” Day said of fourth-year wideout Jayden Ballard. Bryson Rodgers is another guy Day mentioned because the sophomore has the ability to get open against anyone in the country, according to Day. Those fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh receivers are going to be critical in solidifying the depth at the position.

+ Day said, at Ohio State, there’s always going to be chatter and noise. It’s their job to focus on what really matters, he said. Day made it clear that they aren’t going to shy away from their goals — winning the rivalry game, winning the Big Ten and winning the national championship — but they’re trying to stay in the moment and not get distracted by the big picture.

+ Day said the two-minute warning is going to change game management, but he said he’s always had a pretty good handle on clock management. As far as new OC Chip Kelly is concerned, Day said, “Chip’s here for a reason, to run the offense.” Day called back to the fact that he and Kelly see things the same way. Kelly’s one of the best minds in college football, Day said. Day added that giving up play-calling will allow him an opportunity to have a better feel for all three phases of the game.

+ Day said, with giving up play-calling, he wanted to give it to someone who had head coaching experience. With that experience comes trust. “I’d trust Chip with my life,” Day said.