Ryan Day Puts Ohio State Freshmen on Notice: Talent Alone Won't Earn Playing Time
Ohio State head coach Ryan Day sent a clear message to his young players this week: hype and talent won't get you on the field. The Buckeyes cruised past Iowa 31-14 on Saturday, improving to 4-1 and holding their No. 5 spot in the AP Top 25, but two highly touted freshmen spent the entire game watching from the sidelines.
With Maryland coming to Columbus this Saturday, Day made it plain that earning playing time requires more than a big recruiting ranking. It requires trust, consistency, and hard work in practice.
What did Ryan Day say about young players earning their spot?
Day addressed the situation directly in his weekly press conference, emphasizing that young players must take responsibility for their own development.
It's the players' responsibility to do their part. If the coaches or the older guys are gonna hold their hand the whole way, they're never gonna learn on their own. You can give them a fish and teach them how to fish.
Day made clear the coaching staff won't simply abandon young players, but they also won't coddle them. He described the balance as a fine line.
We can't just leave them on their own. We have to show them the way.
Which Ohio State freshmen did not play against Iowa?
Defensive end Khary Wilder and freshman receiver Legend Bey both failed to see the field against Iowa, despite high expectations and prior production.
Wilder has played 49 snaps this season and recorded eight quarterback pressures, tied for the third-most on the team. He logged four pressures in just 16 snaps against Illinois. Yet against Iowa, he played zero snaps. Day said Wilder's absence was not about talent, and the Buckeyes hope to get him on the field against Maryland if he has a good week of practice.
Bey presents a different puzzle. Day compared him to Tyreek Hill during the offseason, and teammate Jeremiah Smith called him a future Heisman winner. Bey scored a 25-yard touchdown against Ball State in the opener but has played only four offensive snaps since. He hurt his ankle against Kent State but has not appeared on the injury report since. Day indicated his absence from the last two games was not injury-related.
How did Ohio State beat Iowa without these freshmen?
The Buckeyes didn't need them. Quarterback Julian Sayin threw for 324 yards and three touchdowns. Jeremiah Smith caught 11 passes for 206 yards and two scores, his second straight 200-yard receiving game. Ohio State rushed for 160 yards, with Ja'Kobi Jackson leading the way with 72 yards and a touchdown on 14 carries.
Defensively, the Buckeyes held Iowa to just 39 rushing yards. Kenyatta Jackson Jr. recorded a 13-yard strip-sack on Iowa's opening possession, and Christian Alliegro recovered the fumble, setting up Ohio State's first touchdown. Jaylen McClain added an interception.
Which young players are already earning playing time?
Some freshmen are making the most of their opportunities. Jay Timmons was the top nickelback for the first four games before an injury against Illinois kept him out against Iowa. Chris Henry Jr. and Brock Boyd have both been getting opportunities in the receiver rotation. Simeon Caldwell's role as a rotational safety has grown quickly, and he recorded three tackles against Iowa.
Day said Ohio State won't lower its standards simply because a player is talented or because of concerns about transfers. Players must meet the program's requirements, show it in practice, and then perform when they get their shot.
What else does Ryan Day want fixed before Maryland?
Freshmen weren't Day's only concern. The Buckeyes rushed for 160 yards against Iowa, with Bo Jackson and Ja'Kobi Jackson combining for 142 yards and a touchdown. But neither broke a run longer than 16 yards, and Day wants more explosive plays.
The offensive line is improving, with Austin Siereveld at right tackle and Gabe VanSickle at right guard. Kyle Parker could return this week, while Phillip Daniels is also nearing a comeback. Day called the failed fourth-down wildcat play discouraging.
Defensively, the Buckeyes showed improvement after allowing Illinois to rush for 199 yards the previous week. Devin Sanchez still needs to cut down on penalties and improve his discipline in coverage.
Special teams remain a problem. Connor Hawkins made a 28-yard field goal but missed from 40 yards. Day admitted the unit hasn't improved enough from last season and wants better pressure situations in practice.
Will Wilder and Bey play against Maryland?
Day said the team hopes to get both players on the field against Maryland if they earn it in practice. Ohio State hosts Maryland on Saturday, October 10, at Ohio Stadium. The Buckeyes are undefeated in conference play at 2-0.
Ohio State may be winning, but Day isn't lowering his standards. For Wilder and Bey, that means another week without playing time remains possible if they don't meet the coaching staff's expectations.