Ohio State athletic director Ross Bjork awarded football coach Ryan Day an “Exceeds Expectations” grade in his performance review for the academic year, praising the program’s culture and Day’s leadership as college sports undergo rapid changes. Obtained via a public records request on Monday by Eleven Warriors and dated June 18, the evaluation highlights a 12-0 regular season and record-setting team academic achievements alongside postseason losses.
Performance Review Details and Grading Metrics
Bjork evaluated Day’s performance for the 2025-26 academic year by issuing the “Exceeds Expectations” mark. The athletic director pointed to Day’s ability to operate as the “CEO of Ohio State University Football” while managing evolving national dynamics. According to the review, Day has evolved into one of the leading voices of the sport.
“Coach Day’s leadership continues to transcend Ohio State and the game of college football on all levels,” Bjork wrote in the document. He added that the organizational framework of the coaching staff allows Day to truly be the “CEO of Ohio State University Football.”
On-Field Results and Postseason Assessment
The evaluation balances a dominant regular season against the final outcomes of the postseason. Ohio State finished the regular season with a 12-0 record, secured a win in the rivalry game, and posted a record-setting team GPA alongside its third straight year of a 1,000 Academic Progress Rate score.
Despite those metrics, the team fell short of a championship in the postseason, dropping games to Indiana in the Big Ten Championship Game and to Miami in the College Football Playoff. Even with those defeats, Bjork stated in the review that Ohio State “had the best team all season long.”
Program Culture and Academic Standards
Bjork emphasized that player recruitment under Day centers on young men who are stellar students, great people, and elite players. The review specifically noted the record-setting team GPA and a third straight year of a 1,000 APR score as indicators of sustained program health off the field.
Shared Expectations for Future Standard of Excellence
While the evaluation credited Day with surpassing operational benchmarks, Bjork noted that both administration and coaching leadership acknowledge the championship standard at Ohio State. The review outlines a shared commitment to addressing the shortcomings of the postseason finish.
“Coach and I both realize and embrace the expectations of Ohio State football and will continue to work together to ensure the standard of excellence is met in each phase of the program,” Bjork wrote. He concluded the evaluation by noting his support for Day moving forward.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Evaluation
Who obtained the performance review records?
Eleven Warriors obtained Ross Bjork’s performance review of Ryan Day through a public records request.
What grade did Ryan Day receive from Ross Bjork?
Bjork gave Day a grade of “Exceeds Expectations” in the review dated June 18.
What specific team achievements were cited in the review?
The review highlighted a 12-0 regular-season record, a victory in the rivalry game, a record-setting team GPA, and a third straight year of a 1,000 APR score.
Which postseason opponents defeated Ohio State in 2025?
Ohio State lost to Indiana in the Big Ten Championship Game and to Miami in the College Football Playoff.
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