Ohio State head coach Ryan Day has won over fans, even some from rival Michigan, with a heartwarming gesture ahead of Saturday’s monumental clash against the Wolverines. Longtime Ohio State radio analyst Jim Lachey, who has called 357 consecutive games for the Buckeyes, was set to miss the historic rivalry game for a deeply personal reason.
Lachey chose to attend his son Luke’s senior night game with the Iowa Hawkeyes on Friday, ending his decades-long streak. However, Ryan Day wasn’t about to let Lachey’s commitment to family keep him from being part of the game.
In an extraordinary move, Day arranged for a private jet to fly Lachey from Iowa City to Columbus early Saturday morning. The 57-minute flight ensured Lachey could fulfill his family obligations and still be in the booth for the Ohio State-Michigan showdown.
The gesture drew admiration from fans on both sides of the rivalry. A Michigan supporter remarked, “This is pretty cool of him, for real.” Another added, “Alright, I’ll give it to him. Pretty cool.”
For Day, the move highlights his leadership and focus on relationships, even as he faces immense pressure to deliver a win. Having lost the last three matchups against Michigan, Day knows the stakes are sky-high, both for the program and his legacy.
Ohio State and Michigan kick off at 12:14 p.m. ET, with the nation watching to see if Day’s classy move will set the tone for a Buckeyes victory.
