Michigan’s Desmond Howard makes shocking statement toward Ohio State fans, Ryan Day coaching criticism

In a recent interview, former Michigan standout Desmond Howard made a controversial statement that has left many Ohio State fans riled up. The Heisman Trophy winner and ESPN analyst did not hold back when discussing Ohio State football and the current state of their program, especially under head coach Ryan Day.

Howard, known for his fiery comments about Ohio State during his playing days and as a broadcaster, took aim at Day’s coaching approach, particularly his performance in the biggest games. “Ryan Day is a good coach, but when it comes to Ohio State’s biggest rivals and biggest moments, he hasn’t proven himself,” Howard said, alluding to Day’s struggles in high-profile matchups, especially against Michigan.

Howard’s comment was a direct reference to Ohio State’s recent setbacks against Michigan, particularly in 2021 and 2022, when the Wolverines won consecutive games against the Buckeyes. While Day has led Ohio State to several successful seasons, including playoff appearances and Big Ten titles, Howard believes that his inability to get past Michigan on a consistent basis speaks to his shortcomings in the most critical moments.

Ohio State fans have long been vocal about their pride in the program’s success under Day, especially following the departure of Urban Meyer, and Howard’s statements have ignited a firestorm of responses. Many Buckeye supporters feel that Howard’s criticism is not only unwarranted but also a reflection of Michigan’s own frustration with their inability to dominate the rivalry for years prior.

Critics of Howard’s comments argue that Day has sustained Ohio State’s position as one of the top teams in the country, consistently recruiting at a high level and keeping the Buckeyes competitive nationally. They point out that his overall record, including multiple Big Ten championships and playoff appearances, speaks volumes about his capabilities as a coach, even if he hasn’t yet fully solved the Michigan puzzle.

However, Howard’s statements are not an isolated example of Michigan’s desire to see their program continue to climb, and the rivalry between Michigan and Ohio State has only intensified in recent years. Both sides remain in a fierce battle for supremacy, and as long as the rivalry remains this heated, these kinds of comments from figures like Howard are likely to keep fueling the fire. Ohio State fans will certainly have their eyes on the 2025 season, hoping that Ryan Day can finally silence critics like Desmond Howard and secure another crucial win over Michigan.