ATLANTA – After Ohio State triumphed over Notre Dame with a score of 34-23 in the national championship game on Monday night, Ryan Day took a moment to breathe deeply—a sigh of relief indeed.

The uproar following Ohio State’s defeat to Michigan just 51 days earlier was overwhelming. Winning the Buckeyes’ first title in 10 years seemed to be Day’s only way to silence the critics.

And on Monday, he achieved that.

“When experiencing great moments, you really appreciate those around you, just like during tough times,” Day reflected. “That’s why family is important. That’s why we cultivate relationships.”

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After soaking in the victory, Day turned to his “truth tellers”—his wife and three children—who were there with open arms, eager to celebrate Day’s new status as a national championship coach. His youngest daughter, Nia, was visibly emotional.

“We need to go celebrate,” Day told his family. “Let’s head up on stage and lift this trophy.”

On stage, Day took a moment to hug an emotional Caleb Downs before the Buckeyes were announced as the 2025 national champions.

“Coach Day is probably one of the most joyful individuals you could be around,” Downs shared with YSL News Sports at Saturday’s CFP Media Day. “He’s thrilled to see our success and the results of our hard work. Being around him after the game brings a smile to your face because of how excited he is.”

From the beginning, Day emphasized his desire to “end this season the right way.”

With a multi-million dollar roster at his disposal and an illustrious championship legacy, he faced pressure from everywhere. The moment had come for Day to secure a big win.

“When analyzing the game against Michigan, it can be viewed in one of two ways,” noted Chip Kelly, the Ohio State offensive coordinator and Day’s former coach at New Hampshire. “It can be your grave marker or it can be a stepping stone. Ryan and our players transformed it into a stepping stone.”

Ohio State’s narrow 13-10 loss to Michigan on their home field was a blow for Day. Given the overwhelming pressure to deliver for the Buckeyes fans, his record of 1-4 against the Wolverines was considered by some as “grounds for dismissal.”

“I was disappointed, but I realize he’s a talented coach, and, sadly, some fans go a bit overboard,” longtime Ohio State supporter Todd Adcock told YSL News Sports before the game commenced on Monday.

After the heated postgame encounter between the two rival teams, Day could only express uncertainty, saying, “I don’t know.” The atmosphere was tense, and doubts lingered over a team expected to win everything.

“This sport can bring you extreme joy and deep sorrow,” Day said after Monday’s victory. “Some days, it can bring you to your knees as both a player and a coach.”

The win on Monday had Day standing tall again—surrounded by his family and players next to the national championship trophy.

The chatter from 51 days ago faded away.

“(The players are) my inspiration. My family at home, my wife and kids, and our team—that’s what drives me every morning: to help them pursue their dreams and aspirations,” Day expressed in a postgame interview on Monday.

“We stayed strong as a family when times were tough.”

This story has been updated with new information.

Mia Fishman is a student in the University of Georgia’s undergraduate Sports Media Certificate program.