Taylor Lewan issues apology to Ryan Day for previous comments in Ohio State-Michigan rivalry

Former Michigan star Taylor Lewan issued an apology to Ohio State coach Ryan Day following this year’s edition of “The Game.” Lewan was critical of Day and echoed all of the talking points and criticisms of Day after four straight losses to the Wolverines, despite a national title win last year.

But this year, Ohio State went 12-0 in the regular season and got over the Michigan hump. Day and the Buckeyes lost to Indiana in the Big Ten Championship but still maintained the No. 2 seed in the College Football Playoff.

“I will say this before we start, I have said a lot of nasty things, even after, like the Spring Tour. I’ve used the third base comment. I’ve said ‘not a leader of men.’ And you know, my opinion shouldn’t and does not matter to you. However, I will say like I was wrong, and you truly, you beat our ass, and you did it with humility,” Lewan said to Day on Bussin’ With The Boys. 

“You did it, you know, the way Ohio State probably should have done it last year, and you have shown … you’ve proven me wrong. And I want to formally apologize for that because it’s, you know, it’s one thing to make comments arrival and stuff like that, and things that I did believe at a time, but for you to go, I think it’s 16-0, since ‘The Game’ that happened in Columbus last year, it shows how much of a leader you are in that locker room. And it’s very impressive. So that is, that’s all. That’s the last nice thing I’ll say.”

Day was appreciative of Lewan’s comments and went on to have a joyous time on the program. The Ohio State coach knew a lot of criticism was warranted during the losing streak to Michigan.

“I appreciate it,” Day said. “I got a lot of respect for you, and so now it means a lot but it’s a tribute to these guys and then the program and these kids and (there were) a lot of great life lessons, you know, over the last year. This is life, right?”

Day and the Buckeyes will turn their focus to the College Football Playoff and try to repeat as national champions. As the No. 2 seed, they have a first round bye and will await the winner of Texas A&M and Miami.