What we learned about Ohio State football at Big Ten Media Days — from Michigan rivalry to scheduling

Ryan Day gave a short response to a Michigan question

Ohio State won a national title last season, but it came with a loss against rival Michigan.

As a result, Day was asked, “How do you beat Michigan?”

“Score more points than them,” he responded.

Ryan Day has a clear stance on an expanded College Football Playoff

Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti was asked repeatedly about the future of the College Football Playoff, particularly as his conference pushes for a format with more automatic bids while the SEC seeks a model with more at-large bids.

Day clearly stands on the side of his conference, wanting four Big Ten teams to earn automatic bids.

At the heart of the debate is scheduling, with the Big Ten playing nine conference games while the SEC still plays eight.

“Until there’s continuity between the conferences, if you’re in the Big Ten, it would make no sense to have anything other than a case to have four qualifiers and have an expanded pool of teams — 14 or 16,” Day said.

Ohio State could change its future nonconference scheduling approach

The future of the CFP ties directly into a conversation about nonconference scheduling.

Ohio State has a home-and-home starting this season with Texas. The Buckeyes also have future games scheduled with Alabama and Georgia.

Day seems confident already-scheduled games will continue as planned. However, if changes aren’t made to the CFP, Ohio State will be less likely to add prominent opponents to future schedules.

“If we’re going to be in a situation where we get four automatic qualifiers, then I think it’d be great to have a 10th game against a Power Four team,” Day said. “I think it would be great. If we’re not going to do that, then I don’t think it makes sense to do that.”

Will Smith Jr. is emerging at defensive tackle

In the spring, Day shared concerns with his defensive line depth.

On Tuesday, he expressed optimism about how some tackles have improved in the summer — highlighting starters Kayden McDonald and Eddrick Houston while also mentioning a backup who is making strides.

“Some guys have stepped up,” Day said. “Will Smith has stepped up in a big way.”

Bennett Christian has grown as a leader

Day praised various Buckeyes who have stepped up as leaders after Ohio State lost a plethora of players from last year’s team.

Bennett Christian, a senior who caught two passes last season, was among those who earned praised.

“I’d say another guy who’s really taken a step as a leader has been Bennett Christian,” Day said. “He’s been great.”

Jeremiah Smith isn’t the only leader at receiver

In the same vein of Day’s praise for Christian, he highlighted the offseason receiver Carnell Tate has had with Ohio State losing senior receiver Emeka Egbuka to the NFL.

“He’s probably taken the biggest step as a leader,” Day said.

Ethan Onianwa is making progress

Ohio State brought in Ethan Onianwa, a transfer from Rice, in the offseason. It quickly became apparent that he was likely to be the Buckeyes’ starting left tackle.

However, Day mentioned the work Onianwa had to do with his body in order to be in playing shape for the Buckeyes.

This summer, progress was made, capped by Onianwa recently being named a, “Dude of the week.”

“He’s gotten better, more flexible, quicker,” Day said. “He’s lost weight, and he’s more comfortable, I think, with the offense.”

Sonny Styles’ personality is obvious on the team

Linebacker Sonny Styles is the favorite to earn the Block ‘O’ jersey this season, taking the honor from former Buckeye Cody Simon.

Downs gave Styles another title, though.

Downs was asked who would be Ohio State’s star if the NCAA did a Hard Knocks-style show. His answer was Styles.

“He’s a clown,” Downs said.

Lincoln Kienholz is a talented athlete

Lincoln Kienholz is battling Julian Sayin for Ohio State’s starting quarterback spot. However, his athleticism isn’t limited to football.

Day said Kienholz is a four-handicap golfer, which Downs confirmed. OSU’s coach also said Kienholz can hit a home run and windmill dunk a basketball.

“He’s also very intelligent — been in the program three years,” Day said.

Caleb Downs thinks the Big Ten has bragging rights over the SEC

Thanks to heated CFP debates, the SEC and Big Ten are constantly being compared.

Downs has an interesting perspective on the matter as someone who has played in both conferences.

In 2023, he was the SEC’s freshman of the year before transferring to Ohio State.

He became an All-American in his first year with the Buckeyes while helping the Big Ten claim its second national title in as many years.

“I feel like whatever team wins the national championship can say whatever they want,” Downs said. “The Big Ten has won the past two years. They can claim whatever they want to claim until somebody else takes it.”