Ryan Day and the Ohio State Buckeyes appeared destined for the Big Ten title game and a rematch with the Oregon Ducks. But on November 30, the Michigan Wolverines delivered a crushing blow, pulling off a shocking upset that sent shockwaves through Columbus.
What was supposed to be a triumphant day for Day and his team turned into one of the lowest moments of his coaching career. Michigan celebrated their victory inside Ohio Stadium, leaving Ohio State reeling and setting off an ugly aftermath.
Although Day and the Buckeyes ultimately rallied to complete a national title run for the ages, the vitriol directed at the Ohio State head coach during that time was staggering. His wife, Nina Day, recently recounted the harrowing experience of receiving hateful messages following the loss, including ones urging her husband to take his own life.
“They told me multiple times to have Ryan follow in his father’s footsteps and kill himself,” Nina Day revealed to the Columbus Dispatch, as reported by CBS Sports.
The hateful messages weren’t limited to Nina. Their 16-year-old son was also subjected to death threats on social media. The intensity of the backlash led the family to hire armed guards to protect their home.
“It’s very disappointing to me what some people are capable of,” Nina said. “People are very mean. They’re very negative. They’re nasty. I’m not saying everybody is, but there’s definitely a percentage of people that are just ruthless in their hate.”
At one point, Nina considered leaving Columbus with their children. Ultimately, the family decided to stay. Despite the turmoil, Ryan Day chose to focus on moving forward, determined to make the Michigan loss a distant memory by leading the Buckeyes to a national championship.
“I think he, at times, second-guessed his decision to get into this and be in the spotlight that we’re in,” Nina said. “He felt responsible and just felt bad that he had put us in this position. He promised us he’d get us out of it.”
Day kept that promise. Despite the challenges, he guided Ohio State to a national title, cementing his legacy. But the ordeal shed a harsh light on the darker side of sports fandom—a reminder that no family, no matter how prominent, should endure such hate and threats.
