Ryan Day’s Dramatic, Real-Time Reaction to Ohio State Landing No. 1 Recruit Was Too Good

The Buckeyes coach had to take a minute to compose himself.

Like the rest of college football fans, Ohio State coach Ryan Day learned Wednesday that five-star wide receiver Jeremiah Smith solidified his commitment, signing his letter of intent to play for the Buckeyes.

Day found out the news live while at the podium talking to reporters. His reaction was an instant classic.

Smith, ranked as the No. 1 recruit in the nation by 247Sports, originally committed to Ohio State last December but was pursued by many other programs.

Miami, Florida and Florida State were reportedly in the mix to land Smith, a South Florida native, before the receiver confirmed his loyalty to the Buckeyes.

Ryan Day's in-time reaction when he found out Jeremiah Smith was signing with Ohio State.

This is the visual definition of RELIEF.@nbc4i pic.twitter.com/0b5PFikxpT

— Jerod Smalley (@JerodNBC4) December 20, 2023

It’s been a tumultuous few weeks for Day and Ohio State. After losing to Michigan in November and missing the College Football Playoff, Buckeyes starting quarterback Kyle McCord transferred to Syracuse earlier this month.

Other Ohio State recruits recently flipped their commitments elsewhere, including receiver Jeremiah McClellan (Oregon) and running back Jordan Lyle (Miami).

For Day, landing Smith was a big and needed win. It was easy to tell just how much that meant to the 44-year-old coach.