Something’s shifting in Columbus, and Ryan Day ain’t about to let it slide under the radar. A week into spring ball, he stepped up to the mic, dropped a few words, and just like that, everyone’s got something to talk about. It’s got history, a little shake-up, and a name Buckeye fans know all too well—Brian Hartline. But Day’s not sounding alarms—he’s setting the standard. A nod to Chip Kelly, a challenge for Hartline, and a whole lot riding on what happens next. Buckle up.

Ryan Day ain’t here for chaos—especially not with his offense. With Chip Kelly off to the NFL, Ryan Day had to shuffle the deck, and Brian Hartline just got a whole lot more responsibility. Running the show wasn’t just about drawing up plays anymore—it was about barking them out, quarterback to OC, every single snap. After a week of spring ball, Ryan Day made it clear: Brian Hartline’s got to step up and own it. “It’s different than just calling a play like it was in the past,” Ryan Day said. “Now you’re actually saying it to the quarterback, and that’s something that Chip did every single day, whether it was a walkthrough or it was at practice. And I think that’s something we need to continue as much as we can.”

That was Kelly’s thing—constant reps, constant communication. Ryan Day pointed out how Kelly wasn’t just calling plays—he was in the quarterback’s ear, making sure they were locked in, walk-through, or full practice. That’s exactly what he expects Hartline to step into. No more sitting in the OC booth and hoping everything clicks—this job’s hands-on now.

Ryan Day doubled down, saying, “One of the things we talked about was having enough interaction with the quarterbacks so that he does know and he’s on the same page.” Translation: Get in sync with the QBs, or it’s going to show when the bullets start flying. But Ryan Day’s not about to let this thing spiral. Stability is the name of the game. Hartline’s still there. Day’s still involved. The system ain’t changing—just the guy delivering the message. Hartline’s got to get in his bag, find his flow, and keep this offense humming. No excuses because expectations for teams like Ohio State are natty.

Ryan Day kept it real about Hartline still finding his groove: “I think every week that goes by he’ll get a better feel for it and how that goes. But I think one thing that helps us in recruiting, it helps us with the guys, is just the stability of the offense, the stability of Brian, the stability of myself involved with all of those guys that keeps this thing moving, and we’re all talking the same language.” This ain’t something that happens overnight, but every week. But what really matters, though, is keeping things steady. Ryan Day hammered home that the offense, Hartline, and even himself staying locked in together is what gives the Buckeyes an edge—both on the field and in recruiting.

End of the day, it’s all about keeping the machine running smooth. Everybody’s got to be speaking the same language, staying in sync, and making sure Ohio State’s offense doesn’t miss a beat. Day didn’t exactly hype up Hartline, but he laid out the game plan—adjust, adapt, and keep it moving.

The Buckeyes’ trip to the White House

Ohio State’s headed to the White House, and Ryan Day couldn’t be more hyped. The Buckeyes are set to celebrate their national championship run in D.C. on April 14, just two days after wrapping up spring ball. And this ain’t just some routine stop—President Donald Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance, an Ohio State alum, will be there to welcome them.

For Ryan Day, this is one of those ‘made it’ moments. “It’s an honor to be invited,” he said. “I remember growing up and watching the national championship teams go to the White House. I always looked at that, like, ‘Man, what an honor that would be.’ So it’s part of the celebration of our team… Looking forward to getting that all planned out.’” And now? He’s about to live it.

The Buckeyes earned this trip the hard way, grinding through a brutal season before knocking off Notre Dame 34-23 in the natty. 1st natty since Urban Meyer’s days (2014). A long time coming. Ohio State will be just the second championship team to visit the White House since Trump’s return, following the Florida Panthers’ Stanley Cup trip back in February. And Trump?

He’s been all over the sports scene lately—Super Bowl, NCAA wrestling championships (Props to Wyatt Hendrickson for winning the natty), Daytona 500. He’s making sure championship squads get their shine. And Ohio State won’t be the last. Up next, the Super Bowl-winning Philadelphia Eagles roll into D.C. on April 28. But for now, the spotlight’s on the Buckeyes. From Columbus to the nation’s capital—another moment for the history books.