How Much Could Ohio State’s Ryan Day Earn in College Football Playoff Bonuses
COLUMBUS, Ohio — For Ohio State head coach Ryan Day, this year’s College Football Playoff isn’t just an opportunity to chase a national championship—it’s also a chance to cash in on some serious financial incentives. Day has already locked in at least $100,000 in bonuses for leading the Buckeyes to the playoff, but the rewards don’t stop there.
Ohio State secured an at-large spot in the 12-team playoff field, which was unveiled on Sunday. The Buckeyes earned the No. 8 seed and are set to host No. 9 seed Tennessee in what promises to be a thrilling matchup on Dec. 21. This marks another high-stakes postseason for Ohio State under Day’s leadership, but there’s more on the line for the head coach than just a spot in the championship game.
The incentives in Day’s contract grow significantly with each playoff victory. A win against Tennessee would unlock an even larger payout, with the potential for the bonuses to snowball as the Buckeyes progress. If Ohio State can string together a series of postseason victories, culminating in a national title, Day’s bonuses could soar to a staggering $1 million.
These incentives were carefully structured earlier this year when the Ohio State University Board of Trustees amended Day’s contract to reflect the new 12-team College Football Playoff format. This update ensures that the head coach is rewarded for navigating the expanded and highly competitive playoff landscape—a format that requires additional strategy, preparation, and success to reach the pinnacle of college football.
For Day, the stakes have never been higher. Beyond the financial rewards, guiding the Buckeyes to a championship would cement his legacy at Ohio State. Fans and players alike are eager to see how the team performs under his direction in this expanded postseason. As the playoff kicks off, one thing is clear: every win could bring Day closer to both glory and a seven-figure payday.
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