Ohio State’s Ryan Day has initiated the offseason.

Following the conclusion of the 2023 season, the outlook appeared potentially grim for Ohio State coach Ryan Day. However, by the end of January, Day has secured the services of experienced offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien and assembled a roster that could position the Buckeyes more competitively than the previous season.

The hiring of O’Brien, formerly the offensive coordinator for Alabama and coach for the Houston Texans and Penn State, was officially announced on Friday.

Despite initial concerns of a significant roster overhaul with numerous players eligible for the NFL and others, like starting quarterback Kyle McCord, entering the transfer portal, Ohio State managed to avoid a mass exodus. Surprisingly, at least twelve key contributors eligible for the NFL draft chose to stay in Columbus for another year, and the transfer portal brought in more talent than it took away.

After a lackluster finish to the season with a third consecutive loss to Michigan and a lackluster performance in the Cotton Bowl against Missouri, where NFL-bound receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. was absent, and McCord had announced his transfer to Syracuse, Day expressed dissatisfaction, emphasizing that such outcomes are unacceptable at Ohio State.

In response, Day made strategic moves, securing a top quarterback, running back, and center from the transfer portal, with minimal losses, such as Julian Fleming moving to Big Ten rival Penn State.

While the departures of Harrison and Fleming were mitigated by the decision of highly-regarded wideout Emeka Egbuka to stay, the team will rely on an experienced receiver for the upcoming season. The quarterback competition for 2024 includes transfer Will Howard, who boasts impressive stats from his time at Kansas State, and competition from Devin Brown, Lincoln Kienholz, and promising recruit Air Noland.

Day acknowledged the failure to achieve goals in the previous year and identified the quarterback room as a key area for improvement.

Star running back TreVeyon Henderson postponed entering the NFL draft to play another season at Ohio Stadium, and the addition of 1,000-yard rusher Quinshon Judkins from Ole Miss is expected to strengthen the Buckeyes’ backfield.

The offensive line, blamed for Ohio State’s 87th rank in rushing yards, returns four starters, and the addition of center Seth McLaughlin from Alabama is expected to bolster the unit.

Top defensive linemen Jack Sawyer, J.T. Tuimoloau, and Tyleik Williams opted to stay, but the team needs to fill the void left by departing linebackers Tommy Eichenberg and Steele Chambers.

Amidst changes, including O’Brien’s appointment, Day also made coaching adjustments by firing safeties coach Perry Eliano and replacing him with Matt Guerrieri from the Indiana staff. Special teams coordinator Parker Fleming was also dismissed.

Day emphasized a thorough evaluation of every aspect, expressing a willingness to make further changes if necessary to help Ohio State reach its goals.