iStockphoto / USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
RJ Day has committed to the Northwestern football program. The three-star quarterback will now continue his playing career as rival to his father.
He opened up on this recruitment in a recent interview. Day says Ohio State was simply not a good fit.
There were a number of factors that played into that decision. He provided some context after making his pledge to the Wildcats.
Super excited to announce my commitment to further my football and academic career at Northwestern University!! Thank you to everyone along my journey who has made this possible from my family, @BradMaendler , the Desales coaching staff and Jay Hooten at the Armory. Excited for… pic.twitter.com/3hLTnjsdSf
— RJ Day (@rj_day1) May 10, 2026
Who is Northwestern commit RJ Day?
The 2027 quarterback prospect is the son of Ohio State coach Ryan Day. The Ohio product is considered a Top 100 player at his position nationally. He boasts three-star status at 247 Sports and has received multiple D1 offers during his recruitment.
Day just wrapped up a successful junior year at St. Francis DeSales High School in Columbus, rewriting the record book in the process.
Twice, he led game-winning drives to help his team win nine games and earn a playoff bid. Included in those comeback efforts was a program-best 482-yard passing performance against Ashland in the postseason.
His production caught the attention of P4 programs. Day landed scholarship opportunities from Northwestern, Cincinnati, Boston College, Purdue, and Syracuse.
He was not offered by Ohio State.
With that said, he would’ve had a chance to join the roster if he chose. He spurned that option.
The optics would’ve been bad.
“Why #OhioState might not be the right fit for me.” via @rj_day1 @ryandaytime @TIM_MAYsports @NewDayForClay pic.twitter.com/Tf9HhldFka
— Fan Stream Sports – OHIO (@FanStreamOhio) May 10, 2026
“The name of the school and size of the school wasn’t as important as you’d think,” RJ Day said of his decision to commit to Northwestern. “I want to find a place that fits me…
“I could come (to Ohio State) if I wanted to. But would it be a great fit? I don’t believe so.”
Day wanted to avoid any potential nepotism rumors surrounding a commitment to Ohio State. He wants to create his own legacy outside the shadow of his national championship winning father.
“Coming into it, I feel like a lot of people would have their own reservations about why I’m there,” he continued. “I want to do something on my own. A lot of my life has been about being someone’s son. I want to go do something for myself.”
Had RJ Day committed to play for Ohio State, questions about his worthiness would’ve been asked. Rather than face the potential backlash of a negative storyline, he’s chosen to bet on himself.
The quarterback has earned and accepted a major D1 offer to play at Northwestern. That cannot be taken away.
Instead of joining his dad, he’ll line up against him as a Big 10 rival. It should be a fun story to watch unfold throughout his college career.