COLUMBUS, OH — Ohio State head coach Ryan Day addressed key aspects of the Buckeyes’ preparation for the upcoming season, focusing on the development of the defensive tackle unit and the importance of a strong offseason. Day expressed confidence about the defensive tackle depth, saying that players have stepped up.
“I feel like some guys have stepped up this offseason, and we’re going to need them to.”
He highlighted the significance of the offseason weight room work as the Buckeyes prepare for a challenging season.
“In this area, for us to focus on coming into preseason, is how well the feedback has been coming out of the weight room. You just get a good feel for the strength gains, which happen in the weight room, with so much of our foundation as a program. So it’s accountability, it’s toughness, it’s leadership, it’s competitiveness.“
Day also elaborated on how the weight room affects the players, and it’s importance.
“All these things get challenged on a day-to-day basis. And when Mick gives you feedback on guys stepping up and growing and getting better, that’s encouraging. Now we’re going to have to go put it on the field, so we won’t know until we get out there. But some guys have a different look in their eye, and we’re going to need them too.”
He intends to set the tone early and often during practice and games, which will be crucial for their success all season long in a very competitive Big Ten Conference.
“We talk about the first play, the first drive of a game, the first play of a drill, and how it sets a tone, and we wanted to do that. It seemed as if we had good energy. There were a lot of guys getting a lot of reps. We try to do that … especially with a group that hasn’t played much football,” he explained.
Looking ahead to the season, Day emphasized the team’s ambition and desire to forge its own identity, as the goal is to be the first Ohio State team to win back-to-back National Championships.
The Buckeyes face a significant test early in the season with a game against Texas. Day acknowledged the impact of such a high-stakes matchup.
“It affects things a lot. You know you can’t be learning on the job in that first week. We have to get through as many issues as we can [leading up to the game]. All it takes is one play that can cost you.”
As the season approaches, Ohio State’s focus remains on maximizing their potential through rigorous preparation and a commitment to excellence in all aspects of the game.
