The Ohio State throne isn’t a cushy seat—it’s a hot seat. Ryan Day may have a championship ring, but a staggering $38 million deficit hangs over his head. This financial cloud casts a shadow over every move he makes, like playing high-stakes poker with someone else’s chips. The pressure is relentless, and any misstep will bring past shortcomings roaring back. In Columbus, the cost of victory keeps climbing.

Now, even after securing a championship title, Ryan Day and the Buckeyes find themselves in a tricky situation. The $20 million roster expenditure is now creating a big-time mess for them, limiting their future expenditures. A Bulldogs insider highlighted the same thing: “Ohio State’s, you know, budget—I mean, they operated almost a $40 million deficit this year. Who can do that year after year? You can’t. So what happens from here on out? Did Ohio State go and light the world on fire in the transfer portal again?” Now that’s a straight fact.

Look, the Buckeyes didn’t simply stumble upon a championship—they strategically assembled a team of exceptional talent. Their successful title run heavily relied on the addition of powerhouse players like Jeremiah Smith and Will Howard, individuals who didn’t magically materialize out of thin air. Ohio State aggressively tapped into the transfer portal, utilized their NIL influence, and meticulously constructed a roster with the intention of immediate success.

However, there is a catch: this ambitious spending spree has come at a cost. The time has come to settle the bill. The Ohio State Athletics Department recently reported a significant deficit of almost $38 million for the year 2024, marking a substantial increase from the losses incurred in the previous year. Revenue has dwindled from $279 million to $255 million, while expenses have skyrocketed to over $292 million. This is the price one pays for competing at the highest level. Given the current financial situation, it is unlikely that Ohio State will be frivolously throwing money around as if they just won the lottery.

But Ryan Day didn’t fail; he made the best of a difficult situation, and for a time, it didn’t look good. Multiple times, Ohio State almost lost but fought their way back from the brink. Georgia’s insider even compared their journey to Georgia’s, saying, “Ohio State bought one as much as they got better at the right time. Their staff deserves a lot of credit because that team was so vulnerable for so long, and then they were kind of fortunate to get to where they got. They looked just as vulnerable through 12 games as Georgia did.” The Buckeyes weren’t some invincible juggernaut; they had their struggles, just like the Dawgs.

Let’s get straight to the point: throughout 2024, both teams displayed noticeable weaknesses. Ohio State faced close calls in games against Nebraska and had to revamp their defense after an early loss to Oregon. While their secondary improved, they continued to struggle with stopping the run in short-yardage situations. On the other hand, Georgia, despite winning the SEC, did not exhibit the same dominant defense as in previous years, which ultimately hurt them in the playoffs.

Interestingly, Ohio State’s success stems from the sheer talent on their roster, not any sudden mid-season transformation. The Buckeyes emerged victorious because they had recruited top-tier players and made strategic additions through the portal. However, they now face the consequences of their actions, as a nearly $38 million deficit burdens them. They must heed the lessons of the past, as money will not serve as their safety net for the foreseeable future.

Dark Past still haunting Ryan Day’s future

Well, losing to Michigan never slides at Ohio State. First Urban Meyer, Jim Tressel, and now Ryan Day have all faced the consequences of such defeats. The Buckeye Nation has made it clear: four straight losses to Michigan are not tolerable. The aftermath of these defeats has been ugly and swift. Aside from the on-field scuffles and flag-planting drama, the backlash reached a new level. Death threats even entered the conversation, highlighting the deep frustration felt by fans. Despite all the turmoil, the Buckeyes managed to secure a championship title. But was that enough?

Now we all know that Ohio State entered their game against Michigan as a three-touchdown favorite, only to be humiliated in the end. On paper, they were superior in every aspect, but reality had different plans. Perhaps this devastating loss sparked the fire that led to their national title victory. But if you ask Michigan fans, the 0-4 streak still holds more weight than a national title.

Following that on The Wolverine’s YouTube channel, Michigan insider Anthony Broome offered some pretty straightforward commentary. “[Ryan Day] has got a Natty in hand now. Which, you know, give credit. It was won and well-earned. But I feel like a couple more losses to Michigan [and] they might run this guy out of town. Because that will wear off eventually,” Broome said. So, is Ryan Day the safest coach in college football? Absolutely not.

That’s just the nature of life at Ohio State. However, he has certainly bought himself more time. There is no doubt about that. But the clock is ticking, and Day must win the next round of the game. Because another loss would tighten the leash around his neck even faster.