Even as many Ohio State fans turned on Ryan Day, his players never wavered in their support of the coach who would lead them to the national title.

Between them, Haywood is the higher-ranked prospect, a five-star offensive tackle from Denton, Texas, who decommitted from Alabama on Jan. 13. He had not signed with the Crimson Tide in December.

Ryan Day deserved to feel vindication when he won a national championship less than two months after it seemed his Ohio State job was on the line

On only a few hours of sleep since his Buckeyes were crowned national champions on Monday night, Ohio State coach Ryan Day knows next year is closing fast.