**BREAKING NEWS: Ryan Day Donates $1 Million to Ohio State to Champion Mental Health Support**
In a powerful and personal gesture, Ohio State head football coach Ryan Day has donated $1 million to his university—not to upgrade stadiums or fund recruiting, but to expand mental health services for students. In a world where wins and championships often take center stage, Day’s gift is a bold reminder that well-being off the field matters just as much as performance on it.
The donation, which will go directly toward mental health programming and resources for students, is part of a growing movement in college athletics to prioritize emotional and psychological support. For Day, though, it’s more than just a cause—it’s personal.
“Mental health is something that has deeply affected my family,” Day shared in a university statement. “This isn’t just a donation. It’s a commitment to making sure our young people have the support they need during the most critical years of their lives.”
Ryan and his wife, Nina Day, have been vocal advocates for mental health awareness for years. Together, they helped establish “The Ryan and Nina Day Resilience Fund” at Ohio State back in 2020, focused on mental wellness initiatives. This new $1 million contribution is a significant expansion of that mission, and one that Day hopes will send a message far beyond campus.
“We want students at Ohio State—and everywhere—to know it’s okay to not be okay,” said Day. “And that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.”
The response across Buckeye Nation has been overwhelmingly positive. Players, alumni, and fans took to social media to praise the coach not just for his leadership on the sidelines, but for being a role model off of them. “Coach Day is changing lives,” tweeted one former player. “This is what it means to be a Buckeye.”
University President Walter “Ted” Carter Jr. called the gift “transformational,” and said it would help the university grow its mental health services, including counseling, crisis response, and student outreach. “Coach Day has shown incredible vision and compassion with this gift,” Carter said. “He’s leading in ways that go beyond football.”
And it’s not just about college students. Day’s action is also helping shift the culture in sports. For decades, athletes have been expected to “tough it out” and suppress their struggles. But with high-profile figures like Day now speaking up and putting real resources behind the cause, that stigma is starting to break down.
The timing is critical. Studies show that college students, especially student-athletes, are facing record levels of anxiety, depression, and stress. Day’s donation is a lifeline, both symbolic and practical, showing that the Ohio State community is ready to face that challenge head-on.
At a time when coaching salaries, NIL deals, and conference realignments dominate headlines, Ryan Day’s $1 million gift is a reminder that the most meaningful legacy isn’t always measured in wins—it’s measured in impact.
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