However, Knowles wasn’t in attendance. About an hour later, reports surfaced that Knowles is leaving Ohio State to serve as Penn State’s next defensive coordinator. The move leaves Day searching for a replacement. Here’s who he might consider as he enters his seventh season as the Buckeyes' head coach.

Here are three potential options who could fill the Ohio State Buckeyes' defensive coordinator vacancy in 2025.

Ohio State fans and dignitaries gathered at Ohio Stadium on Sunday to celebrate the Buckeyes' 2024 national championship run. Ohio State bested Notre Dame 34-23 in the College Football Playoff National Championship last week to win its first crown since 2014 and third since 1970.

The Ohio State Buckeyes are coming off a national championship win over the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. After losing to their bitter rival Michigan Wolverines for the fourth straight season, many counted the Buckeyes out.

Ryan Day and the Ohio State Buckeyes are national champions. The Buckeyes topped Notre Dame, 34-23, in the College Football Playoff national title game on Monday in Atlanta, Georgia. Ohio State went 10-2 in the regular season,