Ryan Day Updates: Final Preview For The Buckeyes With Vols On The Horizon

COLUMBUS — Ohio State head coach Ryan Day met with reporters for the final time on Wednesday and answered any remaining questions as the Buckeyes are set to take on the Tennessee Volunteers

Concerns schematically about Tennessee’s defense? They are well-coached and they get lined up. They have good personnel. They mix up the coverages and the fronts. They know how to get to their adjustments.
They are pretty much set on their lineup on the offensive line right now. They had a really good practice yesterday. Good energy. After practice tonight they’ll have a good idea of what the rotation will look like on the offensive line.
Are there any 2025 signees here yet? They have to finish up their school years but they’ll get some guys in soon and have them practice if possible.
Air Noland is no longer with the team. That was Noland’s call.
The offensive line doesn’t need to be perfect but they have to rock off the ball and be aggressive. They have to get after Tennessee and make sure they’re moving the line of scrimmage.
It’s important for the RBs to have their best game. Three yard runs have to be five yards. They have prepared well. The runs have fit well in practice. “We have to be creative in how we get them the ball as well.”
On the RBs: “They look fresh to me.” They look like they are seeking contact. They’re playing fast.
At kicker: Today is field goal day. They’ll see how today goes and how the rest of the week goes as to whether Jayden Fielding will remain the starting kicker. He’s gotten plenty of support but everybody has to do their job around here. Austin Snyder will also get a look in practice. This isn’t all that different from what normally goes on in practice. Everybody has opportunities.
“There are ways that we can maximize our talents.” Day isn’t going to get into what that means. This is Ohio State, they should be able to run the ball and dictate the line of scrimmage. There is a good game plan, but they’re not just going to run sideways the entire game.
Austin Siereveld will probably go back and forth between left and right guard. He will likely rotate at both spots in this game.
“Once we move that ball in the red zone, we’ve got to finish.” That has been an emphasis. Early confidence will go a long way.
On the addition of Minnesota RT Phillip Daniels: They will add more than they did last year most likely. The sustainability of a program has to be built through HS recruiting, development, and retention. But there are positional needs that have to get addressed. “You’re seeing some of that already. We’re being aggressive.” They’re getting ready to go play in a game but next season is coming fast.
On the portal: The NFL gives you a lot of great information. The value of landing somebody who is experienced is a greater value than most rookies. It takes time for young guys to reach their top value and potential. Bringing in experienced players who have shown they can play at a certain level, there’s a value there. They are calibrating their operations as they move forward.
They have not talked about who is starting at left guard yet.
On having Lathan Ransom and Caleb Downs to face UT’s tempo: Having veteran guys who understand the attack is key, but they will have to tackle very, very well in space. Ultimately it comes down to the front. They have to win the gaps.
The guys are energized and focused. “You can just feel it.”
They are gonna need the depth on the defensive line in this game.
This is a very mature team so their feedback has been very critical and productive. It allows you to move on quicker. You get it out there and you adjust and roll in the right direction, “and that’s where we’re at right now.”
What stands out about Nico Iamaleava? He has a strong arm, which is critical for what they do on offense. He can get the ball out quickly. He’s athletic. Makes good decisions. “He looks to make plays.”
Have you played your best against your best opponents? They’ve played well at times. “We know what our capability is.” “They have good players too.” They need to play their best game on offense and defense.
Guys want to get back on the field now. Everybody wants to get out there and play this game. Coaches too. “It’s a good lead up. I think we’re in a good place right now.”
What’s the message to the players: When you are playing in big games, you don’t sit up all night thinking about making the big play, you just focus on playing as hard as you can and your instincts will take over in those moments. For all of those guys, just focus on going as hard as you can. For a quarterback, it’s important to find the rhythm of the game early on and then it takes off after that.