The Athletic: How Ohio State’s Ryan Day used the first 12-team CFP to win their first national championship in a decade..see more…

In a historic moment for Ohio State football, head coach Ryan Day has led the Buckeyes to their first national championship in a decade, using the new 12-team College Football Playoff (CFP) format to their advantage. This milestone victory has cemented Day’s legacy as one of the top coaches in college football, showcasing his ability to adapt to a changing landscape while maintaining the program’s elite status.

The first-ever 12-team CFP was a game-changer for college football, providing more opportunities for teams to make a deep playoff run. For Ohio State, the expanded format was a blessing. Rather than being restricted by the traditional four-team bracket, Day and his coaching staff were able to fine-tune their strategies through multiple rounds, eventually leading to a championship triumph. This allowed for more flexibility, enabling Ohio State to adjust and recover from early-season setbacks.

Day’s success in the expanded CFP was marked by his ability to maximize the talent on his roster, especially at quarterback. The Buckeyes’ offense, led by a dynamic signal-caller, tore through the competition with precision, while Day’s offensive schemes kept opponents on their toes. His ability to trust his quarterbacks and make in-game adjustments proved crucial in tight matchups, particularly against high-caliber teams in the later rounds of the playoffs.

One of Day’s key strengths was his focus on depth. Unlike previous years, when a loss in the playoff often resulted in an early exit, the expanded field gave Ohio State room to rotate players and avoid over-reliance on any single individual. This deeper roster proved to be a major asset in the later stages of the tournament, where fresh legs and the ability to weather the storm in high-stakes situations were vital.

Defensively, Ohio State under Day showed significant improvement throughout the season, closing the year with a stifling performance that shut down some of the nation’s most potent offenses. Day’s defensive coaching staff, led by veteran coordinators, was able to dial up the right plays at key moments, neutralizing threats and giving the offense the chance to execute when it mattered most.

In the championship game, Ohio State’s relentless offense and stout defense came together in a perfect storm, as they outplayed their opponent with the intensity and focus that has become synonymous with Day’s teams. When the final whistle blew, it was clear that Day’s leadership and adaptability to the new CFP format had made all the difference.

Ryan Day’s Ohio State Buckeyes have not only claimed their first national championship in a decade but have also demonstrated how the expanded playoff format can be a game-changer for teams willing to adjust and maximize their potential. For Day, it’s the culmination of years of hard work, strategic adjustments, and an unwavering belief in his program.