Ryan Day can be brutally honest at times, but when it comes to the transfer portal, the national-championship-winning coach doesn't hold back.
During a media availability Tuesday, Day addressed the importance of the portal and what the Buckeyes did to land a top-30 transfer class and what he preaches to retain players in Columbus, much less lure them for a possible commitment.
"We want guys who want to be at Ohio State," Day said. "If we have to talk you into coming to Ohio State, if money's the first thing you're looking for — this isn't the right place for you."
Although money remains paramount in the NIL-crazed era, winning football games and getting a quality education matter more to Day in building a well-polished young man with an NFL future or not.
"If people chose Ohio State because they want to come to Ohio State, they're more likely to stay," Day said. "That's just the philosophy that we've had here for a long time. But now more than ever because of the way things are. I think guys enjoy being at Ohio State. They like being here. As long as they're being valued, they're going to stay."
The Buckeyes made history this past season by becoming the first team to win a national title under the expanded playoff format. Their 34-23 victory against Notre Dame gave the Big Ten back-to-back titles, with some arguing the conference had overtaken the SEC's dominance in recent years
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For Day, repeating as champions remains a top priority.
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