In preparation for the upcoming 2024 season, Ryan Day and the Ohio State Buckeyes are aiming to bounce back from a series of devastating losses to arch-rival Michigan. Despite a successful week for the Wolverines, who recently clinched the College Football Playoff National Championship, the Buckeyes have been hard at work solidifying their roster.

Key developments include the commitment of Quinshon Judkins, the top running back in the transfer portal, to Ohio State following Michigan's victory. Additionally, several standout players like cornerback Denzel Burke, wide receiver Emeka Egbuka, running back TreVeyon Henderson, and defensive ends J.T. Tuimoloau and Jack Sawyer have decided to postpone their NFL aspirations and return to Columbus for another year. These players will be joining other returning contributors, bolstering the team's talent pool for the upcoming season.

Although Ohio State will experience departures, such as Marvin Harrison Jr. and Kyle McCord, Day's overall coaching record of 56-8 has not shielded him from the hot seat. Despite the near-miss against Georgia in the national title race of 2022, Day's three Big Ten losses to Michigan have left him with much to prove. This pressure is compounded by the arrival of a new athletic director, adding additional complexity to the coaching environment.

Day's actions during the offseason signal his recognition of the high stakes at play. The decision to replace McCord with Kansas State transfer Will Howard signifies a shift in offensive strategy. Ohio State's offense in 2021 and 2022 was criticized for being "soft," with Michigan exposing weaknesses along the offensive line. Although the missed field goal against Georgia in 2022 showcased the offense's potential, it did little to mitigate the importance of overcoming the Wolverines. In 2023, the Buckeyes displayed a greater commitment to the run game, which proved effective but ultimately fell short against Michigan once again.

Now, with the addition of Howard, Judkins, and Henderson, Ohio State appears poised to adopt an offense reminiscent of the successful era under former star quarterback J.T. Barrett. While the wisdom of this move is up for debate, it signifies Day's belief that a return to a more run-focused approach could yield favorable results.

Regardless of opinions, all that matters for Day and Ohio State is securing victories in the forthcoming season. Success will earn Day accolades as a strategic mastermind, while failure could lead to potential changes in the coaching staff for 2025. As expectations run high for the Buckeyes, the 2024 season promises to be a crucial test of their resilience and ability to overcome their Michigan hurdle.