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As the 2025 season unfolds, the tension between powerhouse programs like Ohio State and Texas is reaching a fever pitch. Both teams, under the leadership of experienced and talented head coaches, are preparing for a highly anticipated matchup that could have significant implications for their respective seasons. However, while much of the focus is on the game itself, a secondary but equally important storyline is brewing around Ohio State’s coaching staff. Specifically, the assistant coaches under Ryan Day’s leadership are beginning to be viewed as potential scapegoats if the Buckeyes falter in a crucial game against Steve Sarkisian’s Texas Longhorns.

Ohio State, historically one of the most dominant programs in college football, has long been a contender for national championships. Under Ryan Day’s leadership, the Buckeyes have consistently been a force to be reckoned with, regularly competing for the Big Ten title and earning College Football Playoff berths. However, expectations in Columbus are always high, and when the Buckeyes fail to meet those lofty expectations, the finger of blame often gets pointed at assistant coaches, who can become easy targets for criticism.

With a difficult matchup on the horizon against a talented Texas team, it’s clear that the stakes are high for Ohio State. In this blog post, we will explore how Ryan Day’s assistant coaches are perceived by the media and fans, why they are seen as “easy marks” for criticism, and how the Texas game could serve as a litmus test for the Buckeyes’ coaching staff.

### The Pressure on Ohio State’s Assistant Coaches

Ohio State has long prided itself on being a championship-caliber program, and Ryan Day has done an exceptional job of keeping the team near the top of the college football world. However, with high expectations come intense scrutiny, especially when the team falls short of those goals. In a program as successful as Ohio State’s, assistant coaches are often viewed as the ones responsible for a team’s success or failure on a game-by-game basis.

This trend has become especially pronounced as Ohio State’s coaching staff has evolved under Day. As the head coach, Day is often tasked with overseeing the big picture—recruiting, game planning, and managing the overall direction of the program. However, the assistant coaches handle the day-to-day responsibilities of the individual position groups, whether it’s the defensive backs, the offensive line, or the wide receivers. When a unit underperforms, it’s often the assistant coach who gets the brunt of the blame.

In recent years, Ohio State’s coaching staff has seen some turnover, with new faces brought in to help improve the team’s performance on both sides of the ball. While this influx of fresh talent has undoubtedly strengthened the program, it has also increased the level of accountability placed on assistant coaches. In particular, the Buckeyes’ offensive and defensive coordinators, as well as position coaches, are under constant scrutiny, as fans and analysts look for any signs of weakness or poor execution.

### The Texas Showdown: A Defining Moment

The upcoming game between Ohio State and Texas is shaping up to be a defining moment for both programs. Texas, under the leadership of Steve Sarkisian, has made significant strides in recent years. The Longhorns are no longer the underachieving team they once were, and their recruiting efforts, along with Sarkisian’s offensive prowess, have put them on a path toward national relevance once again. For Texas, a win over Ohio State would be a statement to the college football world that the Longhorns are ready to compete with the elite programs.

On the other hand, for Ohio State, the stakes are equally high. While the Buckeyes have been dominant in the Big Ten, a loss to Texas could severely damage their chances of securing a College Football Playoff berth, not to mention the potential blow to the program’s reputation. The narrative surrounding Ryan Day’s future as head coach, and by extension, his assistant coaches’ roles, could be altered dramatically with a loss to the Longhorns.

### Why Ryan Day’s Assistants Are an ‘Easy Mark’ for Criticism

In the high-stakes world of college football, criticism is inevitable, especially when expectations are as sky-high as they are at Ohio State. While Ryan Day is undoubtedly the focal point of the Buckeyes’ success or failure, his assistant coaches often bear the brunt of the criticism when things go awry. This is particularly true for certain assistant coaches, who, for better or worse, are seen as easier targets than the head coach.

**1. The Nature of College Football Hierarchies**

In the world of college football, the hierarchy of coaching staffs is clear-cut. The head coach is the face of the program, but the assistant coaches are the ones tasked with managing individual position groups and implementing game plans. When a unit underperforms, it’s easy for the media and fans to direct their ire toward the assistant coach in charge of that group. This dynamic can create a situation where the assistant coach is seen as an “easy mark” for criticism, especially if the team’s performance in that area is below expectations.

**2. The Influence of Fans and Media**

Ohio State has one of the most passionate and vocal fan bases in college football. With that passion comes an expectation for instant success, and when the Buckeyes don’t live up to that standard, the blame is often placed on the coaching staff. While Ryan Day has largely escaped the brunt of this criticism due to his previous successes, assistant coaches are more vulnerable. If the team struggles against Texas, the media and fanbase are likely to point fingers at the assistant coaches in charge of the areas where the team faltered.

**3. Lack of Public Recognition**

Assistant coaches, despite their critical roles, don’t often receive the same public recognition as head coaches or star players. While Ryan Day is the face of the program, his assistant coaches operate largely behind the scenes. This lack of visibility can lead to a situation where they are seen as expendable, particularly when the team struggles. If Ohio State fails to meet expectations against Texas, assistant coaches may find themselves caught in the crossfire.

### The Road Ahead for Ryan Day and His Staff

The Texas game may serve as a crucial turning point for both Ryan Day and his assistant coaches. While Day has proven himself as a capable head coach, the performance of his staff will undoubtedly be scrutinized in the aftermath of the game. If Ohio State falls to Texas, it will be up to Day to address the concerns surrounding his assistant coaches and make the necessary adjustments to ensure that the Buckeyes stay on track for the remainder of the season.

Ultimately, the outcome of the Texas game will not only shape Ohio State’s trajectory in 2025 but also determine whether Ryan Day’s assistant coaches can weather the inevitable criticism that comes with the territory. With so much on the line, it will be fascinating to see how both teams respond to the pressure and whether Ohio State can emerge victorious or fall victim to a new era of competition under Steve Sarkisian’s Texas program.