Former players from the Ohio State football program have spoken out following the Buckeyes' 41-28 home loss to Oregon on Saturday. The defeat ended the team's season and significantly damaged their prospects in the College Football Playoff. The game marked the fifth loss for head coach Ryan Day in his last eleven games, a streak that began last season and has cast a shadow over a roster that remains one of the most talented in college football.
The criticism emerged just two years after Day led the team to a national championship. Tommy Schutt, a former defensive lineman for the Buckeyes, broke a six-year silence on social media to react to the game. He described the home performance as embarrassing and suggested that the program needs to clean house. Similarly, Curtis Samuel, a former All-Big Ten wideout, made his first appearance on the platform X in three years to share his thoughts on the defeat.
Samuel focused on the team's mentality and specific player usage. He argued that it is unacceptable for the Buckeyes to be bullied by an opponent who came into the game as the underdog. In a separate message, he highlighted the lack of playing time for five-star freshman Legend Bey, questioning the coaching staff's decisions regarding the young player's involvement in the game.
Beanie Wells, a former standout running back who rushed for over 3,000 yards during his career in the mid-2000s, provided a detailed critique of the defensive unit. Speaking on CBS Sports HQ, Wells argued that the issues seen against Oregon were not new. He stated that the problems with the defense have been present since the game against Indiana, noting the team's consistent inability to reach the passer and prevent explosive plays.
Wells emphasized that these flaws were previously overlooked because the team won those games. However, the loss to Oregon exposed the underlying weaknesses on a national stage. He suggested that the Buckeyes failed to respond when challenged by a wounded Oregon team, despite holding a 14-0 lead early in the contest. Wells noted that the team failed to demonstrate the resilience expected of a frontrunner in the playoff race.
The loss marked the first time the Buckeyes have dropped consecutive games since 2011. It also represented the first time in Ryan Day's eight years as head coach that he has recorded three losses in a single season. The defeat has intensified scrutiny on the program's direction and its standing in the national rankings.
Oregon scored 38 consecutive points after trailing by two touchdowns early in the game. The momentum shift was so pronounced that Ohio State fans began leaving Ohio Stadium early in the fourth quarter. The Buckeyes, who were ranked No. 12 in the latest College Football Playoff Top 25, are expected to fall in the upcoming Tuesday night release. They currently sit at No. 20 in the coaches poll.
Coach Ryan Day acknowledged the unexpected nature of the loss in his post-game comments. He stated that the team's initial performance aligned with their expectations, but they were unable to adjust once the momentum shifted in Oregon's favor. Day admitted that the team struggled to stop the opposing offense from maintaining its offensive surge.
