Sayin, Day draw spotlight as Ohio State headlines Big Ten Media Days

Ohio State occupied much of the conversation on Day 2 of Big Ten Football Media Days in Chicago on Wednesday, with quarterback Julian Sayin and head coach Ryan Day generating the most discussion as the conference's three-day showcase moves toward its conclusion Thursday on the Big Ten Network.

Day described Sayin, who was a Heisman Trophy finalist in his first season as the starter, as a 'different person' heading into his sophomore year at the helm. The Buckeyes believe the quarterback has improved physically and is more comfortable running the offense, developments that carry added weight after Ohio State's offensive line struggled down the stretch of last season.

Offensive Line Competition in Focus

Day addressed the state of the offensive line at length, singling out Phillip Daniels, Joshua Padilla, and Ian Moore as players whose performance in early camp practices will determine how the unit is configured. Daniels, who transferred from Minnesota and started at right tackle last season, is not guaranteed a spot in the starting five.

Probably practice nine or 10, we'd like to have that sorted out. A big part of that is going to be how Phil plays, how Josh plays, how Ian plays, because if that allows us the opportunity to move Austin, then we will. The good news is that we have some good options there. If all of a sudden Phil or Ian shows us a high level of play in practice, then that gives us a level of flexibility.

— Ryan Day, Ohio State head coach

Day characterized the offensive line as the deepest it has been during his tenure, a notable claim given that four starters return from last season's roster. Establishing stability up front early in camp is a stated priority, with the expectation that a settled line will allow Sayin to build chemistry with his blockers before the season opener.

Beyond the on-field questions, Day is drawing preseason attention as a candidate for the Hayes-Schembechler Big Ten Coach of the Year award. He won the honor in 2019, making him the first Ohio State coach to receive it since Earle Bruce in 1979. A second award would place him alongside Woody Hayes as the only Buckeye coaches to win it twice. Observers note that Ohio State faces a particularly demanding schedule in 2026 and must replace three defensive players taken within the first 11 picks of the 2026 NFL Draft, factors that could strengthen Day's case if the Buckeyes perform as expected. Indiana's Curt Cignetti, the winner in 2025, and UCLA's first-year coach Bob Chesney were also mentioned as potential candidates.