Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images / Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
An Iowa Hawkeyes fan participates in the Iowa Wave towards the University of Iowa Health Care Stead Family Children's Hospital before the second quarter during the game against the UNI Panthers at Kinnick Stadium. Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day looks to the scoreboard during the NCAA football game against the Texas Longhorns at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Texas on Sept. 12, 2026.
When the Ohio State Buckeyes walk into Kinnick Stadium on Saturday to face the Iowa Hawkeyes, the fate of their season could well be on the line. A loss to the Hawkeyes would be Ohio State’s second of the season, and while they’d likely get into the College Football Playoff with a pair of losses, there’s no guarantee.
Even so, Ohio State head coach Ryan Day realizes that sometimes there are bigger things than football, which is why he wrote a letter to every patient at the University of Iowa Stead’s Family Children’s Hospital prior to the game.
The hospital, which opened in 2017, sits just outside of Kinnick Stadium, and at the end of the first quarter of every Hawkeyes game, fans and players turn and wave to the children in the building.
It has become one of the best traditions in all of sports, and Day realizes its importance.
Ryan Day and the Ohio State football program sent a letter to every patient at the University of Iowa’s Stead Family Children’s Hospital this week. pic.twitter.com/gRpPGhmHv5
— Eleven Warriors (@11W) October 3, 2026
What Did Ryan Day Say To Patients At Iowa Children’s Hospital?
“Friends, All of us at Ohio State football want you to know that we are thinking about you,” the letter begins.
“At Ohio State, we talk often about what it means to compete, to stay together, and to give your best in the moment in front of you. Those are defining characteristics of our culture, which is built on ‘FIGHT’, meaning every day is a ‘FIGHT’ to be the best version of yourself.
“It is about facing challenges with courage, trusting the people around you, and continuing to move forward one day at a time.
“We know you are facing challenges that take real strength.
“You do not have to take on everything at once. Focus on the current step, the current day and the people who are there to support you.
“We hope you can feel the support of Buckeye Nation as you continue your journey, and we look forward to waving to you on gameday! Go Bucks!”
Day has faced a wealth of criticism during his time with the Buckeyes. But one thing that nobody has ever questioned is his character. And this type of gesture shows exactly why.