Ohio State football coach Ryan Day advocates for a mandatory two-year commitment from recruits to the NCAA, arguing that it benefits player development. He believes that freshmen need time to adjust and learn from their challenges.
Key points
Ryan Day advocates for a two-year commitment rule for NCAA football players
He believes it would aid in player development
Freshmen often face challenges and need time to adjust
There may be ripple effects requiring further NCAA amendments
Mentioned in this story
Ryan Day
Ohio State Buckeyes
Ohio State football coach Ryan Day wants his recruits to stay a little longer than just a season on the team.
In an interview with Josh Pate on May 12, Day expressed his interest in the NCAA adopting a mandatory two-year commitment rule for athletes, rather than the ability to transfer after just one season. Though Day noted there would be "ripple effects" causing more amendments, he is for the notion.
"I feel pretty strong about that," Day said in the interview. "... Like you said, they jump right into spring ball. They have this season and during that freshman season, typically, they're not playing as much as they'd like. They're going through challenges. They're failing, but that's part of being a freshman. You've got to fail to learn. That's just how it works."
Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Julian Sayin (10) throws a touchdown pass to wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (4) during Student Appreciation Day spring practice at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center on April 4, 2026.
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (4) makes a touchdown catch over safety Jaylen McClain (8) on the final play during the Student Appreciation Day spring practice at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center on April 4, 2026.
Q&A
What is Ryan Day's proposal for NCAA football players?
Ryan Day proposes that the NCAA require a mandatory two-year commitment from football players instead of allowing transfers after one season.
Why does Ryan Day believe a two-year commitment is important?
Day believes that a two-year commitment would help players develop better, as freshmen often face challenges and need time to learn and adjust.
What are the potential consequences of implementing a two-year commitment rule?
Day acknowledges that a two-year commitment rule could lead to 'ripple effects' requiring further amendments in NCAA policies.
How does Ryan Day's view reflect on player development in college football?
Day's view emphasizes the importance of allowing players to experience failure and growth during their freshman year, which he believes is crucial for their development.
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Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (4) celebrates a touchdown catch in the face of safety Jaylen McClain (8) on the final play during the Student Appreciation Day spring practice at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center on April 4, 2026.
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (4) celebrates a touchdown catch on the final play during the Student Appreciation Day spring practice at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center on April 4, 2026.
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (4) celebrates a touchdown catch on the final play during the Student Appreciation Day spring practice at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center on April 4, 2026.
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (4) celebrates a touchdown catch alongside wide receiver Brandon Inniss (1) on the final play during the Student Appreciation Day spring practice at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center on April 4, 2026.
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (4) celebrates a touchdown catch alongside wide receiver Brandon Inniss (1) on the final play during the Student Appreciation Day spring practice at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center on April 4, 2026.
Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day stands with students before a field goal attempt during the Student Appreciation Day spring practice at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center on April 4, 2026.
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Brandon Inniss (1) leaves the field following Student Appreciation Day spring practice at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center on April 4, 2026.
The Ohio State Buckeyes defense runs a gasser at the conclusion of the Student Appreciation Day spring practice at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center on April 4, 2026.
Ohio State Buckeyes defensive line coach Larry Johnson runs a gasser at the conclusion of the Student Appreciation Day spring practice at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center on April 4, 2026.
Ohio State Buckeyes cornerback Jermaine Mathews Jr. (7) runs a gasser at the conclusion of the Student Appreciation Day spring practice at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center on April 4, 2026.
Ohio State Buckeyes defensive coordinator Matt Patricia runs a gasser at the conclusion of the Student Appreciation Day spring practice at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center on April 4, 2026.
Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Julian Sayin (10) laughs as the team huddles at the conclusion of Student Appreciation Day spring practice at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center on April 4, 2026.
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Devin McCuin (3) addresses the team during Student Appreciation Day spring practice at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center on April 4, 2026.
Ohio State Buckeyes defensive tackle James Smith (3) addresses the team during Student Appreciation Day spring practice at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center on April 4, 2026.
Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day addresses his team during Student Appreciation Day spring practice at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center on April 4, 2026.
Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day addresses his team during Student Appreciation Day spring practice at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center on April 4, 2026.
Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day addresses his team during Student Appreciation Day spring practice at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center on April 4, 2026.
Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day addresses his team during Student Appreciation Day spring practice at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center on April 4, 2026.
Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Julian Sayin (10) listesn head coach Ryan Day address the team during Student Appreciation Day spring practice at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center on April 4, 2026.
Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day addresses his team during Student Appreciation Day spring practice at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center on April 4, 2026.
Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day addresses his team during Student Appreciation Day spring practice at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center on April 4, 2026.
Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day addresses his team during Student Appreciation Day spring practice at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center on April 4, 2026.
Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day addresses his team during Student Appreciation Day spring practice at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center on April 4, 2026.
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Brandon Inniss (1) huddles with teammates during Student Appreciation Day spring practice at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center on April 4, 2026.
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receivers coach Cortez Hankton talks to his receivers during Student Appreciation Day spring practice at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center on April 4, 2026.
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receivers coach Cortez Hankton prays with his players during Student Appreciation Day spring practice at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center on April 4, 2026.
The Ohio State Buckeyes wide receivers take a group photo during Student Appreciation Day spring practice at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center on April 4, 2026.
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Chris Henry Jr. (15) leaves the field following Student Appreciation Day spring practice at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center on April 4, 2026.
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jerquaden Guilford (6) leaves the field following Student Appreciation Day spring practice at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center on April 4, 2026.
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (4) takes photos and signs autographs following the Student Appreciation Day spring practice at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center on April 4, 2026.
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (4) takes photos and signs autographs following the Student Appreciation Day spring practice at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center on April 4, 2026.
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (4) takes photos and signs autographs following the Student Appreciation Day spring practice at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center on April 4, 2026.
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Chris Henry Jr. (15) takes photos and signs autographs following the Student Appreciation Day spring practice at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center on April 4, 2026.
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Brandon Inniss (1) takes photos and signs autographs following the Student Appreciation Day spring practice at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center on April 4, 2026.
Ohio State Buckeyes defensivetackle James Smith (3) leaves the field following the Student Appreciation Day spring practice at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center on April 4, 2026.
Ohio State Buckeyes cornerback Jermaine Mathews Jr. (7) takes photos and signs autographs following the Student Appreciation Day spring practice at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center on April 4, 2026.
Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Julian Sayin (10) takes photos and signs autographs following the Student Appreciation Day spring practice at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center on April 4, 2026.
Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Julian Sayin (10) takes photos and signs autographs following the Student Appreciation Day spring practice at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center on April 4, 2026.
Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Julian Sayin (10) leaves the field following Student Appreciation Day at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center on April 4, 2026.
during Student Appreciation Day at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center on April 4, 2026.
Ohio State Buckeyes cornerback Devin Sanchez (6) greets fans at the conclusion of Student Appreciation Day at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center on April 4, 2026.
Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Tavien St. Clair (9) takes photos following Student Appreciation Day at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center on April 4, 2026.
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See highlights from Ohio State football student appreciation practice
Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Julian Sayin (10) throws a touchdown pass to wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (4) during Student Appreciation Day spring practice at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center on April 4, 2026.
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See highlights from Ohio State football student appreciation practice
Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Julian Sayin (10) throws a touchdown pass to wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (4) during Student Appreciation Day spring practice at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center on April 4, 2026.
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See highlights from Ohio State football student appreciation practice
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (4) makes a touchdown catch over safety Jaylen McClain (8) on the final play during the Student Appreciation Day spring practice at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center on April 4, 2026.
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See highlights from Ohio State football student appreciation practice
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (4) celebrates a touchdown catch in the face of safety Jaylen McClain (8) on the final play during the Student Appreciation Day spring practice at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center on April 4, 2026.
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See highlights from Ohio State football student appreciation practice
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (4) celebrates a touchdown catch on the final play during the Student Appreciation Day spring practice at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center on April 4, 2026.
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See highlights from Ohio State football student appreciation practice
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (4) celebrates a touchdown catch on the final play during the Student Appreciation Day spring practice at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center on April 4, 2026.
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See highlights from Ohio State football student appreciation practice
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (4) celebrates a touchdown catch alongside wide receiver Brandon Inniss (1) on the final play during the Student Appreciation Day spring practice at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center on April 4, 2026.
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See highlights from Ohio State football student appreciation practice
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (4) celebrates a touchdown catch alongside wide receiver Brandon Inniss (1) on the final play during the Student Appreciation Day spring practice at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center on April 4, 2026.
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See highlights from Ohio State football student appreciation practice
Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day stands with students before a field goal attempt during the Student Appreciation Day spring practice at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center on April 4, 2026.
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See highlights from Ohio State football student appreciation practice
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Brandon Inniss (1) leaves the field following Student Appreciation Day spring practice at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center on April 4, 2026.
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See highlights from Ohio State football student appreciation practice
The Ohio State Buckeyes defense runs a gasser at the conclusion of the Student Appreciation Day spring practice at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center on April 4, 2026.
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See highlights from Ohio State football student appreciation practice
Ohio State Buckeyes defensive line coach Larry Johnson runs a gasser at the conclusion of the Student Appreciation Day spring practice at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center on April 4, 2026.
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See highlights from Ohio State football student appreciation practice
Ohio State Buckeyes cornerback Jermaine Mathews Jr. (7) runs a gasser at the conclusion of the Student Appreciation Day spring practice at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center on April 4, 2026.
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See highlights from Ohio State football student appreciation practice
Ohio State Buckeyes defensive coordinator Matt Patricia runs a gasser at the conclusion of the Student Appreciation Day spring practice at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center on April 4, 2026.
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See highlights from Ohio State football student appreciation practice
Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Julian Sayin (10) laughs as the team huddles at the conclusion of Student Appreciation Day spring practice at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center on April 4, 2026.
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See highlights from Ohio State football student appreciation practice
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Devin McCuin (3) addresses the team during Student Appreciation Day spring practice at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center on April 4, 2026.
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See highlights from Ohio State football student appreciation practice
Ohio State Buckeyes defensive tackle James Smith (3) addresses the team during Student Appreciation Day spring practice at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center on April 4, 2026.
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See highlights from Ohio State football student appreciation practice
Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day addresses his team during Student Appreciation Day spring practice at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center on April 4, 2026.
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See highlights from Ohio State football student appreciation practice
Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day addresses his team during Student Appreciation Day spring practice at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center on April 4, 2026.
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See highlights from Ohio State football student appreciation practice
Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day addresses his team during Student Appreciation Day spring practice at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center on April 4, 2026.
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See highlights from Ohio State football student appreciation practice
Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day addresses his team during Student Appreciation Day spring practice at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center on April 4, 2026.
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See highlights from Ohio State football student appreciation practice
Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Julian Sayin (10) listesn head coach Ryan Day address the team during Student Appreciation Day spring practice at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center on April 4, 2026.
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See highlights from Ohio State football student appreciation practice
Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day addresses his team during Student Appreciation Day spring practice at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center on April 4, 2026.
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See highlights from Ohio State football student appreciation practice
Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day addresses his team during Student Appreciation Day spring practice at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center on April 4, 2026.
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See highlights from Ohio State football student appreciation practice
Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day addresses his team during Student Appreciation Day spring practice at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center on April 4, 2026.
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See highlights from Ohio State football student appreciation practice
Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day addresses his team during Student Appreciation Day spring practice at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center on April 4, 2026.
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See highlights from Ohio State football student appreciation practice
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Brandon Inniss (1) huddles with teammates during Student Appreciation Day spring practice at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center on April 4, 2026.
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See highlights from Ohio State football student appreciation practice
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receivers coach Cortez Hankton talks to his receivers during Student Appreciation Day spring practice at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center on April 4, 2026.
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See highlights from Ohio State football student appreciation practice
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receivers coach Cortez Hankton prays with his players during Student Appreciation Day spring practice at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center on April 4, 2026.
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See highlights from Ohio State football student appreciation practice
The Ohio State Buckeyes wide receivers take a group photo during Student Appreciation Day spring practice at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center on April 4, 2026.
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See highlights from Ohio State football student appreciation practice
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Chris Henry Jr. (15) leaves the field following Student Appreciation Day spring practice at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center on April 4, 2026.
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See highlights from Ohio State football student appreciation practice
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jerquaden Guilford (6) leaves the field following Student Appreciation Day spring practice at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center on April 4, 2026.
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See highlights from Ohio State football student appreciation practice
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (4) takes photos and signs autographs following the Student Appreciation Day spring practice at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center on April 4, 2026.
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See highlights from Ohio State football student appreciation practice
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (4) takes photos and signs autographs following the Student Appreciation Day spring practice at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center on April 4, 2026.
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See highlights from Ohio State football student appreciation practice
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (4) takes photos and signs autographs following the Student Appreciation Day spring practice at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center on April 4, 2026.
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See highlights from Ohio State football student appreciation practice
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Chris Henry Jr. (15) takes photos and signs autographs following the Student Appreciation Day spring practice at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center on April 4, 2026.
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See highlights from Ohio State football student appreciation practice
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Brandon Inniss (1) takes photos and signs autographs following the Student Appreciation Day spring practice at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center on April 4, 2026.
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See highlights from Ohio State football student appreciation practice
Ohio State Buckeyes defensivetackle James Smith (3) leaves the field following the Student Appreciation Day spring practice at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center on April 4, 2026.
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See highlights from Ohio State football student appreciation practice
Ohio State Buckeyes cornerback Jermaine Mathews Jr. (7) takes photos and signs autographs following the Student Appreciation Day spring practice at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center on April 4, 2026.
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See highlights from Ohio State football student appreciation practice
Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Julian Sayin (10) takes photos and signs autographs following the Student Appreciation Day spring practice at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center on April 4, 2026.
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See highlights from Ohio State football student appreciation practice
Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Julian Sayin (10) takes photos and signs autographs following the Student Appreciation Day spring practice at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center on April 4, 2026.
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See highlights from Ohio State football student appreciation practice
Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Julian Sayin (10) leaves the field following Student Appreciation Day at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center on April 4, 2026.
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See highlights from Ohio State football student appreciation practice
during Student Appreciation Day at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center on April 4, 2026.
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See highlights from Ohio State football student appreciation practice
Ohio State Buckeyes cornerback Devin Sanchez (6) greets fans at the conclusion of Student Appreciation Day at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center on April 4, 2026.
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See highlights from Ohio State football student appreciation practice
Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Tavien St. Clair (9) takes photos following Student Appreciation Day at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center on April 4, 2026.
If a freshman does not get to play in the regular season, Day said there is no cool-off period before the transfer portal arrives in December and January, leading to more emotional decisions to transfer out.
"I just think it's good for their overall mental health knowing that I'm somewhere for two years," Day said. "And you know, I know I have to push through some adversity along the way, and I've got to grow."
Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day walks to the field during the Ohio State football spring game at Ohio Stadium on Saturday, April 18, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day walks to the field during the Ohio State football spring game at Ohio Stadium on Saturday, April 18, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
Day also said that extenuating circumstances, like a coaching change, could be an exception to the hypothetical two-year rule.
