Ohio State head coach Ryan Day is on the verge of achieving a historic feat. He aims to lead the Buckeyes to consecutive national football championships. This journey kicks off in the College Football Playoff (CFP) quarterfinals.
During the 2025 regular season, Ohio State maintained an undefeated record. However, the team faced a setback in the Big Ten Championship, losing 13-10 to Indiana. Despite this defeat, they secured a No. 2 seed in the playoff and will face No. 10 Miami in the Cotton Bowl on December 31.
Ryan Day’s Salary and Bonuses
Ryan Day’s base salary stands at $12.5 million. His total pay, incorporating compensation from various sources, reaches approximately $12,575,000 before bonuses. He has the opportunity to earn an additional $1,550,000 in bonuses this year, having already secured a $300,000 bonus for obtaining a bye into the quarterfinals.
Contract Details
Day signed a contract extension in February, which lasts for seven years, extending through 2031. This contract positions him among the highest-paid college football coaches in the nation.
Highest-Paid College Football Coaches 2025
Currently, Ryan Day ranks as the second-highest-paid college football coach, only trailing Georgia’s Kirby Smart. Below is a list of the top five highest-paid coaches:
- Kirby Smart, Georgia: $13,282,580
- Ryan Day, Ohio State: $12,575,000
- Lincoln Riley, USC: $11,537,560
- Dabo Swinney, Clemson: $11,447,025
- Steve Sarkisian, Texas: $10,800,000
Upcoming CFP Schedule
The College Football Playoff quarterfinals are set for December 31 and January 1. Ohio State will play against Miami in the Cotton Bowl on December 31 at 7:30 p.m.
As the season progresses, Ryan Day remains focused on maximizing the team’s potential in the CFP in pursuit of another championship for Ohio State.
