Ohio State’s Ryan Day and Chip Kelly Reunite in College Football Playoff Spotlight

Ohio State head coach Ryan Day and offensive coordinator Chip Kelly, both alumni of the University of New Hampshire, are set to lead the Buckeyes in the College Football Playoff semifinal against Texas in the Cotton Bowl on Friday. The duo, who share a deep connection rooted in their New Hampshire ties, are aiming to secure a spot in the national championship game.

Day, in his sixth year as Ohio State’s head coach, and Kelly, who joined the Buckeyes this year as offensive coordinator, have revitalized the program. The Buckeyes, ranked No. 8, advanced to the semifinals after a dominant 41-21 victory over top-ranked Oregon in the Rose Bowl. Texas, ranked No. 5, earned their spot with a thrilling double-overtime win against Arizona State.

Former UNH star running back Jerry Azumah, who played alongside Day and was coached by Kelly, expressed his excitement for their success. “I was never a fan of Ohio State, but now that Ryan and Chip are there, I am really focused on what they are doing,” Azumah said from his Chicago home. “I am always rooting for my UNH guys. I am really happy for their success.”

Day and Kelly’s journey to the national spotlight began at UNH, where Day was a standout quarterback and Kelly served as offensive coordinator. Their paths crossed again in the NFL, with Day working under Kelly during his tenure with the Philadelphia Eagles and San Francisco 49ers. Their shared history and coaching philosophies have been instrumental in Ohio State’s success this season.

Ohio State’s offense, led by freshman sensation Jeremiah Smith, has been a key factor in their playoff run. Smith, who recorded 1,224 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns this season, delivered a standout performance against Oregon with seven receptions for 187 yards and two touchdowns. “The sky is the limit for Ohio State,” Azumah said. “If they stay focused and execute their game plan, there should be no problem with them winning it all.”

Day’s leadership has also earned him significant financial rewards. In 2024, he received $10,021,250 in total pay from Ohio State, excluding bonuses. A victory over Texas would secure him an additional $150,000, with a potential $500,000 bonus if the Buckeyes win the national championship.

For Day and Kelly, the Cotton Bowl represents more than just a game. It’s an opportunity to fulfill unfinished business. Day led Ohio State to the national championship game in 2021 but fell short against Alabama. Kelly, as head coach of Oregon, narrowly missed a national title in 2011, losing to Auburn on a last-second field goal. “The goal is to win this thing,” said Chris Day, Ryan’s brother. “They’ve both lost in big games, and I think that helps them out.”

As the Buckeyes prepare for Friday’s showdown, the support from their New Hampshire roots remains strong. “Everyone back here is super happy for them,” said Rich Buzzell, a friend of Kelly and athletic director at Marshwood High School in Maine. “We’re all pulling for them; hopefully, they can pull it out.”