For years, Ryan Day was the HC who just couldn’t get past the Michigan Wolverines (yes, he won once outta 5). No matter how many wins, no matter how much talent, that one roadblock kept tripping him up. But after finally cracking the code in 2024 and bringing a natty back to Columbus by whopping Marcus Freeman‘s squad on national television, the Ohio State Buckeyes head coach is moving like a man who just unlocked a whole new level. No more hesitating, no more playing it safe — Ryan Day’s been cooking up something that’s about to make the rest of the Big Ten even saltier. And his latest masterstroke? It’s got rival fans straight-up sick, especially after that diabolical $1.9 billion dolla flex.

So, what’s the move? Buckeyes insiders are hyping up Ryan Day’s latest play — one that could make Big Ten rivals rethink their whole strategy. On March 1, Juck Miletti hopped on his Juck on Buck show and broke it down: “Ryan Day has hired Tony Washington Jr. from UCLA to be Larry’s [Johnson] right-hand man.” Now, that might sound like just another coaching move, but let’s understand the bigger picture. Washington Jr. ain’t just some random hire — he’s a calculated move. Juck doubled down on the new assistant coach: “Tony Washington Jr. is a guy who was a stud linebacker at Oregon. He played from 2010 to 2014. He was one of the guys on that losing team to Ohio State in the national championship. I remember him well — he was a really good player.”

Look, Washington’s been around the block for some time now. Oregon stud, NFL practice squad survivor, and now, a young up-and-comer in the coaching world. Started his grind at Nebraska in 2019, leveled up at Oregon, and most recently, was UCLA’s pass-rush specialist. And now? He’s pulling up to Columbus to work with Ohio State’s outside linebackers and defensive ends. C.J. Hicks? Yeah, Washington’s about to turn him into a problem. That freshman edge rusher Epi Sitanilei? Already has ties with Washington from UCLA. It’s almost like Ryan Day’s setting up a defensive arms race, and the rest of the Big Ten ain’t ready for what’s coming.

But that’s not even the craziest part. See, Ryan Day’s been talking about getting ‘more multiple’ on defense for a minute now. And with Matt Patricia also stepping in as DC, it’s looking like the Buckeyes are about to switch things up in a way that is going to get Sherrone Moore and the rest of the Big Ten sweating. Washington brings that versatility — outside linebackers, defensive ends, and hybrid schemes. But look, the man’s way too humble and down-to-earth type of guy.

Washington Jr. has that ‘let’s get to work’ mentality that fits perfectly in Columbus. When asked about his time at UCLA, his words made it clear he’s the real deal. “It’s been amazing, honestly. Around a lot of great coaches, no ego — I just really feel like we’re able to go in there, we’re able to work, trying to find a way to get better. That’s probably the most impressive thing I’ve noticed about being on this staff — just how hungry everybody is and how willing they are to help and assist.” Juck only had praises for him.

See, if you think about it, they straight-up snatched Washington Jr. from UCLA to soak up game from the OG himself — Larry Johnson. Man, Johnson has been around the block and holding it down since the Urban Meyer days. He’s already pushing 74, so let’s be real — he ain’t got a whole lotta time left in the game. Washington Jr. is in the perfect spot to learn from a legend before he passes the torch. And just when you thought Ohio State was low-key done flexing, here comes the real power move. The Buckeyes aren’t just stacking wins on the field; they’re stacking bills off it.

Ryan Day & Ohio State Buckeyes’ $1.9B Flex

You ever seen someone walk into the club and just casually drop a $1.9 billion tab? Yeah, that’s Ohio State right now. There’s been a lot of talk about the SEC and Big 10 running college football like a Fortune 500 company, and Ohio State just made it official — they’re the top dog. According to the latest numbers, the Buckeyes are now the most valuable program in the nation, flexing a $1.9 billion valuation. Texas, Michigan? Left in the mud.

Wondering how they pulled this off? Well, for starters, Ohio State’s revenue game is different. In 2023 alone, they raked in $280 million — more than any other school. When you have a fanbase that’s basically a cult and a booster network that runs deeper than Wall Street, the money just hits different. Combine that with some of the highest attendance numbers in the game, and you’re looking at a program that’s not just winning — it’s thriving.

This ain’t just about bragging rights, though. That kind of financial power means Ohio State can do whatever they want. Want to build state-of-the-art facilities? Done. Want to keep the best recruits in the game? No problem. Want to pay top-tier coaches like Matt Patricia and now Tony Washington Jr.? That’s light work. While other schools are scrambling to keep up, Ohio State is out here printing money.

And don’t think the Big Ten rivals aren’t feeling this. Michigan, Penn State, Wisconsin — they all see what’s happening. Ryan Day finally got his natty, finally shut up the doubters, and now he’s building something even scarier. More talent, more money, more dominance. The rest of the conference can either step up or step aside.

At this point, it ain’t even fair. Day was already a problem for the Big Ten when people were questioning him. Now? He’s playing with house money, moving different, and making the kind of power moves that could turn Ohio State into an even bigger dynasty. Buckeye Nation, y’all better buckle up. This ride is just getting started.