With fall on the horizon, we’re in our Ohio State of mind. To us, fall is for Buckeye football, and after Big Ten Media Day last week, we’re more excited than ever to talk about what’s to come this season. 🏈

Head coach Ryan Day + three key players — quarterback C.J. Stroud, wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and safety Ronnie Hickman all took the podium to answer media questions about the upcoming season. We’ve pulled some top quotes that are sure to build the hype ahead of the Sat., Sept. 3 season opener.

🎤 Coach Ryan Day

When asked about the highly anticipated season + home opener against Notre Dame — “I think our guys feel it. I think they feel the excitement. I think they feel the anticipation. I think they just feel the community rally around this team. But that first game being a night game is — I mean, how else do you cut it? It’s going to be electric, and our guys know that. So there’s a little bit of urgency about them, and there’s going to be this preseason.”
When asked about losing to TTUN last season — “Maybe at some places 11-2 with a Rose Bowl victory is a good year. It isn’t at Ohio State. Our three goals are: beat the team up north, win the Big Ten Championship, win the National Championship. That’s our goals, and those things didn’t happen last year.”

C.J. Stroud was the Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year in 2021. | Photo via @ohiostatefb

🎤 C.J. Stroud, Heisman trophy finalist last season

On his performance in 2021 — "I feel like I've barely touched my potential. I feel like I can do a lot more … There's always room for improvement. I look at Tom Brady and his mindset. He comes back every year with something to prove that he has to do better.”

🎤 Jaxon Smith-Njigba

On being a Heisman trophy contender — “I hear a lot of things but I’m focused on winning a National Championship. That’s my main focus. I’ve always tried to focus on the common goal. I want to focus on winning a National Championship and whatever comes with that comes with that.”

🎤 Ronnie Hickman

On losing to TTUN last year — “It was tough. It’s a motivator. Regardless of what happened last year, that rivalry means a lot to us. We respect that rivalry to the fullest. We’re going to prepare everyday for that team no matter what. We’re excited to play November 26th.”