On Ohio State’s road to glory, Ryan Day found something more than a shiny gold trophy: Stephen Means

In college football, championships are often determined by the X’s and O’s—the right play at the right moment, the right coaching decisions, the right players. But what is frequently overlooked in the narrative of championship runs is the importance of the people behind the scenes, the ones who are responsible for shaping the culture and environment of a program. One of the most understated yet vital components of Ohio State’s path to glory in the 2024 College Football Playoff (CFP) was the leadership of Ryan Day, paired with the unexpected yet significant contribution from Stephen Means.

While most fans, analysts, and critics were focused on the Buckeyes’ dynamic quarterback play, the dominant defense, and the inevitable clash with powerhouse teams, it was the rise of Stephen Means—Ohio State’s director of player development—that would prove to be a game-changer for the program. Means, often known for his quiet, behind-the-scenes work, emerged as a leader who helped shape the culture of the team during a time of adversity, ensuring that the Buckeyes were not only focused on football but also on maintaining the spirit that would ultimately carry them to victory.

Ryan Day’s Steady Leadership and Vision for Ohio State

Ryan Day’s journey to leading Ohio State to a national championship was not a straight line. While the program had been consistently strong under Day’s tenure, 2024 felt like the culmination of years of growth and effort. The Buckeyes had faced multiple setbacks over the years—heartbreaking losses in key games, struggles to close out big moments, and the feeling that they were so close to returning to championship glory but always falling short.

Despite these challenges, Day’s leadership remained steadfast. The 2024 season brought with it a sense of urgency, but also a recognition that Ohio State’s potential was greater than ever before. With a roster filled with elite talent and the pressure to break through, Day leaned into his ability to manage the pressure of expectations while fostering a winning mentality within the locker room.

Day’s message to the team was clear: the journey was as important as the destination, and to truly achieve greatness, the Buckeyes had to adopt a mentality of focus, resilience, and unity. The formula was simple on paper: play for the team, play for the culture, and everything else would fall into place. Day had done everything to create that environment, but in 2024, he was joined by an individual who helped bring his vision to life in a way that would be impossible to quantify through statistics.

Stephen Means: A Leader Behind the Scenes

Stephen Means’ journey to Ohio State was not one of the spotlight. While he had an impressive playing career at Temple, it was his post-playing career that would come to define his legacy within the Buckeyes’ program. Means initially joined Ohio State as a member of the player development staff, working tirelessly to ensure the mental, physical, and emotional well-being of the players. His job was to be the unsung hero of Ohio State football, working behind the scenes to mold the next generation of Buckeyes into not only elite athletes but also responsible, disciplined individuals.

In a program as large and demanding as Ohio State’s, it would be easy for someone in Means’ role to go unnoticed. However, it became clear over the course of the 2024 season that his impact was far greater than expected. Means’ deep knowledge of the game, his ability to connect with players on a personal level, and his emphasis on team unity were key factors in Ohio State’s championship run.

The most crucial aspect of Means’ role, however, was his ability to cultivate a cohesive, strong team culture in times of adversity. When injuries plagued key players, when losses to top-ranked teams felt especially crushing, Means was the calming presence in the locker room. He made sure that no player, no coach, no member of the staff lost sight of what was most important: the strength of the team was built not just on its star players, but on the relationships they fostered with one another.

Means was particularly instrumental during Ohio State’s challenging mid-season stretch. When the Buckeyes were dealt a devastating loss to Michigan in the regular season, many feared that their hopes for a CFP berth were dashed. But it was Stephen Means who quietly made sure the team stayed grounded. He took time to meet with individual players, hold group sessions, and lead by example with his work ethic and dedication to the program.

His message was clear: adversity was inevitable, but it was how the team responded that would ultimately define their success. Means’ ability to instill this sense of resilience was a difference-maker for Ohio State in 2024.

The Unlikely Partnership Between Ryan Day and Stephen Means

Ryan Day has always been known for his tactical brilliance and ability to manage game situations. However, what many people may not realize is that the 2024 season wasn’t simply about drawing up the perfect plays. As the season wore on and the stakes got higher, Day recognized that his players needed something beyond just coaching and football drills—they needed leadership. They needed a figure who could help them build mental toughness, stay focused during moments of pressure, and understand the broader significance of their journey.

That’s where Means came in. What made the partnership between Day and Means so effective was their complementary leadership styles. Day was the strategist, the game-planner, and the motivator on the sideline. But Means was the glue that held the team together off the field. Together, they formed a dynamic leadership duo that worked in tandem to push Ohio State to the mountaintop.

While Day handled the in-game decisions, Means focused on the mental fortitude of his players, making sure they had the right mindset to push through adversity. This partnership would prove pivotal during Ohio State’s CFP run, especially as the team faced enormous pressure from fans, the media, and their own expectations.

Ohio State’s National Championship Run: More Than Just Talent

It would be easy to look at Ohio State’s path to the 2024 College Football Playoff Championship and only focus on the star players—quarterback Kyle McCord, wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., running back TreVeyon Henderson, and defensive lineman J.T. Tuimoloau. These players were the heart and soul of the team, and their talent undoubtedly carried Ohio State through the toughest matchups of the season. But beyond the flashy plays and the big numbers, Ohio State’s road to the championship was about something much more than just raw athleticism.

The bond between the players, the culture cultivated by Means and Day, and the unwavering belief in each other were central to the Buckeyes’ success. There was no greater display of this team-first mentality than in the championship game against Georgia. In a back-and-forth affair, Ohio State faced one of the toughest teams in college football, and in the final minutes, it was the unselfish play of each member of the team that led to the victory. Whether it was a timely defensive stop, a crucial catch, or a selfless block, the Buckeyes were a collective force—not defined by any one player but by the team as a whole.

It was clear in those final moments of the game that the culture Means had helped instill played a huge role. As the Buckeyes secured their national championship, it wasn’t just the celebration on the field that mattered—it was the understanding of how they had gotten there: through unity, determination, and the relentless pursuit of greatness.

Looking to the Future: Stephen Means’ Growing Impact

As the confetti fell and Ohio State was crowned national champions, it was clear that the victory meant more than just a shiny gold trophy. For Ryan Day, it marked the pinnacle of his coaching career to that point. For Stephen Means, it was validation for the quiet, impactful work he had done to foster a championship culture behind the scenes.

Though Means has never sought the spotlight, his contribution to the Buckeyes’ success cannot be overstated. As the Ohio State football program looks to the future, one thing is certain: Stephen Means will continue to be an integral part of the Buckeyes’ quest for continued dominance in college football. His influence on the team, especially during moments of adversity, will remain a vital factor in Ohio State’s long-term success.

While the shiny gold trophy may take center stage, it is often the unseen hands that guide a program to its ultimate glory. In Ohio State’s 2024 national championship run, Ryan Day and Stephen Means proved that leadership is not just about what happens on the field—but what happens in the hearts and minds of the players.