Ohio State's $75M Buyout Looms After Losses to Oregon and USC

Ohio State head coach Ryan Day is facing an increasingly precarious future in Columbus after his No. 12 Buckeyes suffered a stinging 41-28 loss to No. 23 Oregon at Ohio Stadium this past Saturday.

The defeat marks Ohio State’s second consecutive loss, following an October 31 setback against USC, and has intensified the public conversation surrounding Day’s job security.

According to Bleacher Report, the financial reality of moving on from the coach is staggering: Ohio State would be on the hook for a $75 million buyout if they were to fire Day without cause. This figure represents the guaranteed salary remaining on the seven-year extension Day signed in February 2025, which is slated to keep him with the program through the 2031 season.

The Financial Roadblock to Coaching Change

While the Buckeyes remain one of the wealthiest programs in college football, the sheer scale of the $75 million buyout serves as a massive buffer against immediate termination.

The Sporting News, reporting via Yahoo Sports, notes that university leadership and athletic director Ross Bjork must weigh this significant financial commitment against the current trajectory of the football program. Despite the program’s deep pockets, parting ways with Day is a decision that carries immense business implications.

JEREMIAH SMITH FRUSTRATED 😳 Smith was seen screaming toward the sideline as Ohio State trailed Oregon 31-14 late in the third quarter. pic.twitter.com/U15XEpkhDJ

— Post by @SportsCenter on X

The frustration in Columbus is palpable. Against Oregon, the Buckeyes surged to an early 14-0 lead in the first quarter, only to surrender 38 unanswered points to the Ducks. Oregon’s offense proved clinical, racking up 395 total yards without committing a single turnover. During the third quarter, standout receiver Jeremiah Smith was visibly frustrated as the momentum shifted entirely in Oregon’s favor.

A Season of Unprecedented Struggles

The current 6-3 record represents the most difficult season of Day’s tenure. Before this year, the coach had never recorded more than two losses in a single season. This current mark stands as the worst for the Ohio State program since 2011.

The team has struggled significantly with injuries, most notably the absence of starting quarterback Julian Sayin, who has missed the last two games due to a right arm injury. While Oregon was also without their primary passer, Dante Moore, the Buckeyes’ offense failed to maintain its early spark with Luke Fahey at the helm.

6️⃣ with 6️⃣ more Dierre Hill Jr.'s second TD of the day gives No. 23 Oregon a double-digit lead at No. 12 Ohio State. Watch on CBS pic.twitter.com/KmRLfgByHQ

— Post by @BigTenNetwork on X

Day’s résumé in Columbus is historically significant, which complicates the current discourse. He has guided the Buckeyes to a national championship, two Big Ten titles, and an overall record of 87-14.

Following a 2025 campaign that saw Ohio State defeat Tennessee, Oregon, and Texas before routing Notre Dame for the national title, the university rewarded Day with a five-year, $87.5 million contract, which was subsequently folded into his current seven-year extension.

Day Faces Scrutiny over Michigan Record and Performance Bonuses

Despite his early success, the expectations in Columbus remain unforgiving. The primary point of contention for many supporters has been Day’s performance against Michigan, where he holds a 2-4 record. This inability to consistently overcome the program’s greatest rival has fueled ongoing scrutiny, even during years of general success.

Ohio State's $75M Buyout Looms After Losses to Oregon and USC — Photo: sports.yahoo.com

Day’s contract is also structured with an incentive package including up to $1.55 million in annual performance and achievement bonuses. These incentives are tied to Big Ten success, College Football Playoff appearances, and even academic benchmarks.

For the 2025-26 academic year, Day earned a $100,000 bonus after the football team achieved a cumulative grade-point average near 3.4. This marked his third consecutive year hitting academic targets, showing the program's focus beyond the gridiron.

Looking ahead, the Buckeyes will attempt to stabilize their season against Northwestern on November 14. With Ohio State’s national championship odds now sitting at +7500 according to FanDuel Sportsbook, the program finds itself at a crossroads.

The university is left with a complex decision: continue to invest in a coach who has delivered a national title but is currently weathering his worst season, or absorb a $75 million hit to start over. Unless the program has a clear, superior plan for a replacement, the financial cost of change remains a daunting hurdle for the administration.