In a gut-wrenching post-game press conference following Ohio State’s devastating 14-24 loss to the Miami Hurricanes in the College Football Playoff quarterfinal at the Cotton Bowl on New Year’s Eve 2025, head coach Ryan Day fought back tears as he revealed the agonizing circumstances that hampered his team’s performance.

The No. 3 seeded Buckeyes, widely favored to advance deep into the playoffs behind Heisman finalist quarterback Julian Sayin, never found their rhythm against a resilient Miami squad, managing just two touchdowns in a game marked by uncharacteristic mistakes, stalled drives, and visible fatigue.

Day, visibly shattered and with his voice cracking throughout, took full responsibility while pleading for understanding from Buckeye Nation. “I’m sorry, this is our fault but the boys gave everything they had,” he said, pausing to compose himself.

“We also wanted to win to make the fans happy – please forgive us just because he has been…” The sentence trailed off as emotion overtook him, but the message was clear: star quarterback Julian Sayin, along with several key teammates, battled through significant health setbacks that the public knew nothing about.

Sources close to the program confirmed the heartbreaking details Day alluded to.

Julian Sayin, the redshirt sophomore sensation who has carried Ohio State to a 12-2 season with over 3,500 passing yards and 35 touchdowns, suffered a serious right leg injury during a closed practice session just days before the game.

The injury – described as a deep thigh contusion with associated muscle strain – occurred during a routine scramble drill when Sayin took a hard hit from a defensive lineman. Medical staff immediately classified it as day-to-day, but swelling and pain persisted, severely limiting his mobility and explosiveness.

Despite the injury, Sayin insisted on playing. “Julian is the toughest kid I’ve ever coached,” Day said through tears. “He couldn’t run like himself, couldn’t plant and throw with full power, but he refused to come out.

He gave us everything he had left in that leg – and it still wasn’t 100%.” Video replays from the game showed Sayin grimacing after nearly every dropback, laboring on rollouts, and lacking his trademark zip on deep balls.

What fans saw as “off-night decision-making” or “poor performance” was, in reality, a young quarterback gutting it out on one leg for his team and university.

Compounding the adversity, several other players were battling a severe flu bug that swept through the team hotel in Dallas during bowl week.

At least five starters and key rotational players – including two offensive linemen and a starting wide receiver – were running high fevers and dealing with body aches as late as game morning.

Medical staff administered IV fluids and medication, but the virus left players dehydrated, weak, and far below peak condition. “We had guys throwing up in the locker room at halftime,” Day revealed. “They were forced to play because we didn’t have enough healthy bodies.

No excuses – but these kids fought through hell tonight.”

The cumulative toll was evident on the field. Ohio State’s high-powered offense, which averaged over 40 points per game during the regular season, managed just 14 points against a Miami defense that capitalized on every mistake.

Sayin’s stat line – 18-of-34 for 198 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions – drew immediate criticism on social media, with some fans questioning his Heisman credentials and leadership. Little did they know the quarterback was playing on an injured right leg that required post-game draining and intensive treatment.

Day’s emotional plea shifted the narrative overnight. “I hate that our fans are hurting – we all are,” he continued. “But please, before you criticize these young men, know what they sacrificed tonight. Julian could barely walk in practice this week, yet he started and fought for 60 minutes.

Others played sick because they love this program. We fell short, and that’s on us coaches – not on them.”

The response from Buckeye Nation has been swift and remorseful. Social media, initially filled with frustration and blame, transformed into overwhelming support. Hashtags like #ForgiveJulian, #BuckeyeStrong, and #ThankYouRyan trended nationwide as fans apologized and expressed gratitude. “I criticized Sayin without knowing he was hurt – I’m sorry, kid.

You’re a warrior,” one supporter posted. Another wrote: “Coach Day crying broke me. These boys left it all out there while injured and sick. Proud no matter what.”

Rival fans and national analysts joined the chorus of respect. ESPN’s Kirk Herbstreet called it “one of the gutsiest performances I’ve seen from a quarterback playing hurt.” Miami head coach Mario Cristobal, whose team advances to the semifinals, praised Ohio State post-game: “That’s a tough, proud program.

They fought with everything they had tonight – respect.”

For Sayin, the loss stings deeply. The California native who transferred from Alabama to lead Ohio State’s revival has become the face of the program. His courage in playing through pain echoes legends like Cardale Jones and Justin Fields, who battled injuries in big moments.

Medical staff expect Sayin to make a full recovery in time for offseason workouts, but the emotional scars from the criticism may linger longer.

Day, often criticized for past playoff failures, earned universal praise for his transparency and player-first mentality. “This is what leadership looks like,” one former Buckeye tweeted.

“Protecting his kids even in defeat.” His tears weren’t weakness – they were the raw emotion of a coach who knows his players gave more than anyone realized.

As Ohio State heads home from Dallas, the focus shifts from disappointment to healing – both physical and emotional. The 2025 season ends short of a national title, but the resilience shown in defeat may define this team forever.

Julian Sayin and his teammates didn’t lose because of lack of effort; they lost while giving everything despite bodies that betrayed them.

Buckeye Nation, take Coach Day’s words to heart: forgive, support, and remember the human cost behind the scoreboard. These young men – led by an injured quarterback and flu-ridden warriors – honored the Block O with every painful snap.

The sun will rise on a new season soon. When it does, Julian Sayin will be stronger, the team healthier, and the bond between players and fans unbreakable. Until then, thank you for fighting, boys. Ohio State is proud.