HOW DO YOU HANDLE BEING DEFENDING NATIONAL CHAMPIONS?
It's great to win a national championship and celebrate those achievements. But eventually, attention shifts to the next season and trying to do it all over again. Day has discussed this offseason Ohio State's approach, which included players asking to have some banners around the Woody Hayes Athletic Center taken down.
However, talking about it and actually doing it are two different things. The talking season is nearly over, and the action will start soon.
The Buckeyes will continue their climb, which began with winter workouts, when fall camp starts later this month. For the first time in his head coaching career, Day must navigate being a defending champion. While the Scarlet and Gray always have a target on their back, this year's is even larger with teams eager to knock them down more than ever before.
He also needs to motivate the players, many of whom already have a national championship ring. Fortunately, most of the returning players weren't key contributors to Ohio State's 2024 successes, but Day must ensure they work just as hard to build toward a championship, not assume it will happen because this is another talented roster.
The mental approach to repeating as champion is as challenging and crucial as the physical side of the game. This is something Day hasn't experienced yet, and how he plans to handle it will be vital for the Buckeyes in 2025.