Ryan Day emphasized growth, consistency, and composure as Ohio State enters November. The Buckeyes’ coach praised Julian Sayin’s maturity and unselfish leadership while reminding his team that “we haven’t accomplished anything yet.”

Ohio State head coach Ryan Day met with the media following the Buckeyes’ 35-14 win over Penn State, delivering a clear message: the job isn’t finished.

“We haven’t accomplished anything. We have a lot of growth in front of us,” Day said, underscoring the mindset inside the Woody Hayes Athletic Center as the calendar turns to November.

Day, who often defines November as when “the season really starts,” focused his comments on consistency, leadership, and preparation rather than playoff rankings or individual accolades.

“The College Football Playoff rankings are great for fans and for the sport, but they don’t matter if we don’t keep winning,” Day said. “Our goal is to improve every week and be at our best when it counts.”

Ohio State’s locker room and sideline demeanor impressed Day following a first-half fumble that led to a Penn State touchdown. Rather than panic, the team responded with maturity and control.

“No panic [at halftime],” Day said. “The offense put the defense in a tough spot, but the locker room was excellent. The players handled it well, made adjustments, and finished strong.”

Day credited the program’s culture and chemistry between players and staff for that poise, but emphasized it must continue to translate onto the field. “There’s chemistry with the staff and players, but we still have to go and put it on the field,” he said.

Ohio State adjusted its bye week this year to help maintain rhythm and focus down the stretch. Traditionally, the band joins practice ahead of The Game, but not this year, as it happened while the Buckeyes were off. “We’re trying to make the last week of the regular season as normal as possible,” Day explained. “Routine breeds consistency, and that’s what we’re after.”

True freshman quarterback Julian Sayin has continued to grow each week, earning Day’s trust and praise for his maturity and unselfish approach. “He’s surrounded by great players and has played well situationally, putting himself and our team in position to reach our goals,” Day said. “The challenges will get bigger and bigger, but he’s handling it.”

Day described Sayin as a “decision-maker” whose quick processing and efficient operation have elevated the entire offense.

“Julian’s decision-making, processing, and how quickly the ball comes out—those things make the team efficient,” Day said. “We have to be able to execute efficiently for a whole game. We can’t have a bad play. We’re not allowed to have a bad play.”

The head coach also noted the freshman’s improved presence in the pocket and ability to diagnose pressures. “I thought Julian played bigger the last few weeks,” Day said. “His posture, his ability to see pressures and reads—he’s growing fast.”

Sayin’s team-first mindset has become a central part of Ohio State’s offensive identity. “He’s got an unselfish mentality. Winning as a team is the top priority, not individual honors,” Day said. “When the team succeeds, those things take care of themselves.”

Ohio State sits undefeated, but Day made it clear the focus remains internal. “It’s about consistency,” he said. “We can’t look at anything other than how we get better each week.”

As November begins, the Buckeyes’ formula is simple: stay humble, stay disciplined, and keep improving. “Everything matters,” Day concluded. “We’re chasing excellence in every area, and if we continue to do that, we’ll put ourselves in position to reach our goals.” 

All three goals remain ahead for Ohio State: Beat That Team Up North, Win the Big Ten, and Win the National Championship.