Victory tastes best when you have doubters! And Ryan Day is going to finally be able to tell his story! As Ohio State clocks the game with a final 34-23 victory over Marcus Freeman and Notre Dame, the celebration is epic in the stands. And it’s the reactions of Will Howard‘s closest people that’s stealing the spotlight. 

ESPN College Football posted a wholesome celebratory reaction of some of the Buckeyes’ most prominent fans on X on January 20. This could be one of the best gifts that Will Howard presented to his parents, Bob and Maureen Howard, and girlfriend Lauren Leiker, who were present at the big championship game. It included the caption, “Will Howard’s family, LeBron and Ryan Day’s reactions to Howard’s dagger to Jeremiah Smith.”

As Ohio State sealed the victory, Will Howard’s family rejoiced at the moment as they raised their hands and jumped and embraced each other. His girlfriend, who was sitting with his family, jumped and screamed with glee as she blinked back tears of joy. She had been present with Howard’s family at the Rose Bowl victory. And there’s another special guest who can go home with a smile on his face, and that’s none other than Ohio’s devoted fan and NBA legend LeBron James.

This win is especially memorable for LeBron James, who is nursing himself from one of the Lakers’ most humiliating losses this season. Donning a red OSU cap, happiness radiated from him as he gave an enthusiastic high-five. But there’s one person whose excitement is unmatched, and that’s Ryan Day. You already saw the way he jumped like an excited kid, and we also know the necessity of this win. 

Will Howard saves Ryan Day’s reputation at Ohio State 

It’s not like Ryan Day has a bad reputation in Columbus. But the pressure was heavy for him, who had never won a natty before this. The last time OSU won the national title was in 2014. After his fourth loss to Michigan, his HC position came into question. His wife, Nina Day, gave fans a glimpse into how her husband had been preparing for this victory to happen. And we can only admire him for his resilience. 

The CFP National Championship game had everyone’s undivided attention from the start to the end. But the last minutes of the final quarter following a touchdown by Notre Dame sealed the deal for Ohio State. The Buckeyes faced a challenging 3rd and 11 from their 34-yard line. But Jeremiah Smith displayed his athleticism as he rushed past Christian Gray to receive Howard’s pass for a 57-yard gain that got them to the Irish’s 9-yard line. This gave the Buckeyes kicker Jayden Fielding an opportunity to score a final field goal rounding up the CFP National Championship game.

As Ryan Day said before the game, “There will be a time to tell the story after the season, but the only way the story is told is if we win.” Thanks to Will Howard and co., we’ll live to hear their story.