Ryan Day navigated the wildest month in Ohio State history with aplomb. He was rewarded this week with the second-richest contract in college football: a $12.5 million salary for

Day succeeded Urban Meyer as coach in 2019 and has a 70-10 record. His .875 winning percentage is the highest among active coaches. He is one of only three active coaches – Smart and Clemson’s Dabo Swinney are the others – to have won national championships.

Day, who earned just over $10 million in 2024, was under fire by fans and media after the Buckeyes lost to rival Michigan for a fourth straight year. Ohio State received an at-large spot in the 12-team College Football Playoff and posted impressive wins over Tennessee, Oregon, Texas and Notre Dame for its first national title since 2014.