Ohio State football coach Ryan Day sets hefty expectations for recruiting
Ohio State's Ryan Day set out lofty expectations for future Buckeyes recruits in regard to the NFL draft - and a former player had some fun with them:
Ryan Day has lofty goals for Ohio State football — and the recruits who would play there. Since Day took over the program in 2018 following Urban Meyer's retirement, the Buckeyes have not only won the 2024 College Football Playoff national championship, but also have a 79-12 overall record and a 54-5 mark in Big Ten Conference play. REQUIRED READING: 2026 NFL mock draft: Could big name slide out of top 10 picks?
With the success, Day revealed during an appearance on former Ohio State defensive tackle Cam Heyward 's podcast " Not Just Football " that Ohio State has strict recruiting standards for high school players seeking to play collegiate football in Columbus, Ohio. "Across the board at Ohio State, there's an expectation when you come here, you're coming to be a first- or second-rounder, regardless of your position," Day said. "Just like, if we don't win games and championships, they're going to find a new coach.
Well, if you're not a first- or second-rounder, then this probably is not the right place for you. " NEW: Ohio State has STRICT recruiting standards: Ryan Day: “If you’re not a first or second rounder, then this probably isn’t the right place for you. ” 😳 pic.
twitter. com/GzuolZI4E7 — College Transfer Portal (@CollegeFBPortal) April 11, 2026 The Buckeyes have produced five first-round picks at the wide receiver position since 2022, earning the university the moniker of "Wide Receiver U . In the latest USA TODAY mock draft, the Buckeyes are projected to have four players selected in the first eight picks: linebacker Arvell Reese, safety Caleb Downs, linebacker Sonny Styles and wide receiver Carnell Tate.