Ryan Day, Buckeyes ask Big Ten: 'Why can't they play?'

COLUMBUS — Ryan Day is back in the ring fighting for Ohio State to play as early as possible.

After pushing hard and coming up short before the Big Ten vote to cancel the fall season last month, Day has largely avoided making any public comments questioning the decision even while the drama has swirled around the league with petitions, protests and lawsuits.

But there’s also been steady process when it comes to rapid, reliable testing and growing evidence that playing sports can be safely done during the COVID-19 pandemic. And with the possibility of an October start for the conference expected to be on the table when the presidents and chancellors vote on the Return-to-Play models, Day again raised his voice in support of his players on Thursday afternoon.

The Buckeyes have been seeking clarity to that question and numerous others as the league has been roundly criticized for its lack of transparency in the process that led to the postponement of the fall season. So far, they continue to be largely unanswered from commissioner Kevin Warren and the rest of the top decision-makers in the Big Ten, which has only added to the frustration as Ohio State has returned to the practice field for non-contact workouts without knowing when it could play an actual game.

Multiple sources have indicated to Lettermen Row that there is still a legitimate shot that the league will be able to stage a season this fall, and the most likely target date at this point now appears to be Oct. 17. There will also be a proposal for the league presidents to consider playing in November, likely with kickoffs scheduled around Thanksgiving.

Either way, the Buckeyes and Ryan Day aren’t done battling for the chance to play and potentially make another run at the College Football Playoff.

Lettermen Row will continue to update this story as more information becomes available. For more analysis, follow along here and on our YouTube channel.