Ryan Day has been dominant in the Big Ten, leading Ohio State to an impressive 56-8 record. That means he’s won around 90% of his games, which is quite incredible. But if you’re more focused on the 10% of games he’s lost, then congratulations—you’re thinking like Paul Finebaum!

Day’s Ohio State teams have dominated most opponents, except for one: the Michigan Wolverines. ESPN analyst Paul Finebaum has noticed this trend and issued a harsh ultimatum to his millions’ worth of bonuses. 

On ESPN’s Get Up show this Wednesday, Finebaum didn’t hold back. He said, “If he loses to Michigan, which would be four in a row, and somehow gets bounced out of the playoffs…I think the decision could be to get rid of him.” Well, he also echoed a similar sentiment on the McElroy and Cubelic show just days before. He brutally said, “His [Ryan Day’s] biggest hurdle is Michigan.”

Of course, Finebaum’s concerns aren’t without merit. In Day’s first season, he led the Buckeyes to a perfect 12-0 record, including a dominant 56-27 win over Michigan. But since then, Michigan has taken the last three games, and that’s put serious pressure on Day.

Finebaum believes that if Ryan Day can beat Michigan and make a strong playoff run, even without a championship, he’ll likely keep his job. But a fourth straight loss to Michigan could spell the end for Day. And this scary reality check comes amidst the new $1.5 million bonus on the line for him. Can they take on rivals Michigan this time? 

Ryan Day is set to have his massive payday

As per the latest reports from August 21st, Ryan Day is in line to earn up to $1.55 million in bonuses alone this season. These performance-based incentives could be part of a contract adjustment, pending approval by the University’s Board of Trustees. According to it, Day could earn $250k if his team makes it to the second round of the playoffs. Well, it seems a likely achievement for the Buckeyes though. Additionally, he might even receive $350k for reaching the semifinals and $500k for winning the national championship. Now, extra bonuses could come from his players’ GPA and potential coach of the year awards, bringing the total to around $1.55 million.

While Paul Finebaum has issued a stern warning regarding Day’s record against Michigan, this season could turn things around. Day’s star quarterback, Will Howard, and safety, Caleb Downs, are already making headlines in early mock drafts. To add to the excitement, the AP Poll in August ranked Ohio State as the second-best team in college football, just behind Georgia.

On the flip side, Michigan seems to be facing uncertainty after Jim Harbaugh’s departure, slipping to 9th in the AP Poll. With Ohio State on the rise and Michigan struggling, could this be the start of a lucrative era for Ryan Day?