Sports

Nobody Showed Up To Ohio State’s Game Against Northwestern, Proving That Ryan Day’s Job Is At Risk

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Ohio Stadium sits largely empty ahead of the Buckeyes' game against Northwestern on Nov. 14, 2026.

@Jake_Trotter on X

Ohio Stadium sits largely empty ahead of the Buckeyes' game against Northwestern on Nov. 14, 2026.


For years, Ohio State Buckeyes fans have called for the firing of head coach Ryan Day, which made little sense considering Day’s .872 win percentage is the best all-time at the FBS level.

Sure, there was a rough patch in there with four consecutive losses to rival Michigan. But Day also won a national championship in 2024 and ended the losing streak to Michigan a year ago.

However, if Saturday’s turnover at Ohio Stadium for the Buckeyes’ game against Northwestern is any indication, Day might be right back on the hot seat.

Ohio State Fans Have Already Given Up On The 2026 Season

The Buckeyes suffered an early-season loss on the road at Texas. But in the 12-team College Football Playoff era, that wasn’t much of a big deal.

However, starting quarterback Julian Sayin then injured his shoulder in a road win at Indiana, and Ohio State has since suffered losses to both USC and Oregon, dropping them to 6-3 and all but ending any hopes of making the playoffs, especially with speculation suggesting that Sayin is done for the season.

Given all of those things, Ohio State fans weren’t exactly eager to turn out for Saturday’s game against the Wildcats. Several reports posted pictures of a largely empty Ohio Stadium, which is typically one of the best atmospheres in the sport.

Day can withstand a lot of things and still keep his job in Columbus. One thing he can’t withstand is the school losing money if fans stop buying tickets.

Perhaps this is a one-off in a lost season. But if it’s a sign of things to come, the Buckeyes might soon be looking for a new head coach.