💍 From High School Sweethearts to Buckeye Royalty: Ohio State Coach Ryan Day and Wife Nina Celebrate 19 Years of Marriage and Resilience in Heartfelt June Anniversary…

COLUMBUS, OHIO – In the swirling world of college football—where wins and losses often dominate headlines and where coaches come and go—some stories rise above the scoreboard. This June, Ohio State head football coach Ryan Day and his wife, Nina, are celebrating not just another milestone but a storybook love affair that has withstood pressure, adversity, and national limelight. Nineteen years after they exchanged vows, the Days are not only partners in marriage but also a resilient power couple at the heart of Buckeye Nation.

From the bleachers of their New Hampshire high school to the roaring stadium of Ohio Stadium, Ryan and Nina Day have traveled a remarkable journey together—one defined by loyalty, growth, and a profound commitment to family and purpose. As they toast to nearly two decades of marriage this month, those who know them best say their story is more than a romantic milestone—it’s a beacon of strength, especially in an era where the personal lives of public figures are increasingly strained.

🌟 A Love Story Born in New England

Ryan and Nina’s love story began long before he became a household name in Big Ten football. Both natives of Manchester, New Hampshire, the two met during their high school years at Manchester Central High School, where their bond quickly became evident. What began as a teenage friendship blossomed into something much more enduring.

“He was just such a good person,” Nina once shared in a Buckeye documentary segment, reflecting on those formative years. “Even back then, Ryan had this presence—he made people feel calm and seen. And he always had a plan.”

That plan, as it turned out, would include Nina at every step.

They would attend the University of New Hampshire together, where Ryan starred as a quarterback under the tutelage of then-offensive coordinator Chip Kelly, while Nina pursued her own academic goals. It was a time of late-night study sessions, long bus rides, and big dreams—with football never far from the center of their shared world.

By June 2006, those dreams had intertwined fully. Ryan and Nina tied the knot in an intimate New England ceremony that gathered family and friends—a moment they describe as simple, authentic, and perfect.

🏈 Building a Life Around Football—and Each Other

After marriage, life accelerated quickly. Ryan dove into coaching, climbing the ranks through various college programs and a few NFL stints with the Philadelphia Eagles and San Francisco 49ers. The journey was not linear—there were sacrifices, relocations, and the constant grind of football’s nomadic life.

“Being a coach’s wife isn’t glamorous,” Nina once admitted in an Ohio State alumni interview. “It’s packing up in the middle of the school year, it’s missing holidays, it’s moving away from your support system. But with Ryan, there was always a greater purpose.”

That purpose came into full view when Ryan joined Ohio State University in 2017 under Urban Meyer as co-offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach. When Meyer stepped down, Day took the helm as head coach in 2019—a seismic moment that would redefine their lives.

“I’ll never forget the moment we learned he would be the next head coach,” Nina recalled. “It was emotional. We were proud, but we also knew the responsibility. This wasn’t just about football. This was about young men, about a university, about Ohio.”

❤️ Marriage Through Trials and Triumphs

Despite their success, the Days’ story is not one of perfect pictures. It’s a story marked by deep personal struggle—especially Ryan’s childhood, which included the devastating loss of his father, Raymond Day, to suicide when Ryan was just nine years old.

That loss left an indelible mark on Ryan—and it also forged an unshakable bond with Nina, who supported him through his darkest moments. Over the years, Ryan has spoken candidly about the emotional scars and how Nina’s unwavering support helped him heal.

“She has been the rock,” Ryan said in a 2022 ESPN interview. “When you’ve gone through trauma, you don’t always have the words. But Nina always knew when to listen, when to push, when to let me process. I wouldn’t be here without her.”

Together, they’ve turned that pain into purpose. In 2020, the Days launched the “On Our Sleeves” movement in partnership with Nationwide Children’s Hospital, aiming to break the stigma around mental health in children and adolescents. Their efforts have raised millions and inspired athletes, students, and coaches across the country.

🏡 Family First: Raising Children with Purpose

Behind the football sideline and media glare is the Day family—tight-knit, private, and fiercely protective of each other. Ryan and Nina are proud parents to three children: R.J., Grace, and Ourania (named after Nina’s Greek heritage).

While Ryan commands game plans and recruits the next stars of college football, Nina ensures stability and warmth at home, often balancing between supporting OSU events and shielding their kids from the pressures of public life.

“She’s the heart of our family,” Ryan often says. “She keeps us grounded.”

Friends describe the Days’ household as surprisingly normal—filled with family dinners, homework struggles, music, and laughter. Both parents emphasize empathy, service, and mental well-being—values that reflect in their public advocacy as well.

🎉 A 19th Anniversary Celebration Marked by Gratitude

This June, the Days celebrated their 19th wedding anniversary with a quiet family dinner in Columbus, followed by a surprise gathering organized by close friends. There were no massive media reveals, no flashy Instagram reels—just joy, connection, and reflection.

“This year, more than ever, we’re just thankful,” Nina shared on her private social media account, with a rare public post. “Thankful for the memories, the growth, and the strength that comes from walking this road together.”

A handwritten note from Ryan was spotted by photographers later that night, tucked into Nina’s anniversary bouquet. It read simply:
“19 years down. Forever to go. You’re still the best decision I ever made.”

🔴 A Love That Mirrors the Spirit of Buckeye Nation

For many Ohio State fans, the Day family has become more than just the family behind the coach—they represent what Buckeye Nation values most: integrity, resilience, and loyalty.

“Ryan and Nina are not just ambassadors for football,” said Ohio State athletic director Gene Smith. “They’re ambassadors for what it means to be human, to lead with humility and heart.”

As the 2025 football season approaches, with expectations sky-high and rivalries looming, the Days know the pressure that lies ahead. But if their marriage has taught them anything, it’s how to lean into challenge with unity.

“Nineteen years is a long time,” Ryan said with a chuckle during a recent press conference when a reporter brought up his anniversary. “But with Nina, it feels like we’re still just getting started. Every day, we learn something new about each other. She makes me better—not just as a coach, but as a man.”

💬 Messages Pour In From the Buckeye Family

As news of their 19th anniversary spread through Buckeye circles, social media was flooded with tributes from former players, coaching staff, and even rival coaches.

Justin Fields, who played under Day, wrote:
“Coach Day taught me how to lead, but Mrs. Day showed me how to carry yourself with grace. Congrats to the GOATs!”

Urban Meyer, who passed the baton to Ryan in 2019, added:
“Behind every great coach is a stronger partner. Nina Day is every bit as important to the Buckeyes as Ryan. Happy anniversary to two amazing people.”

Other tributes came from Buckeye fan pages, youth mental health organizations, and even OSU president Ted Carter, who praised the couple for turning personal tragedy into public service.

🔮 Looking Ahead: Faith, Football, and Forever

With nearly two decades of marriage and a legacy that reaches beyond football, Ryan and Nina Day are entering their 20th year together with quiet optimism and gratitude. Plans are already underway for a more public celebration next year when they mark their 20th anniversary, possibly involving Buckeye fans and community outreach initiatives.

For now, though, they remain focused on what’s always mattered most: family, impact, and one another.

“I know how chaotic our life can be,” Nina said in a rare interview with local station WBNS-TV. “But in all of it, the heart remains the same—two kids from Manchester, trying to build something lasting. And I think we have.”

📸 A Photo Worth a Thousand Cheers

On the evening of their anniversary, a candid photo surfaced that perfectly captured the spirit of their journey. In it, Ryan—wearing a simple Ohio State pullover—was seen walking hand-in-hand with Nina through the tunnel at Ohio Stadium, empty stands in the backdrop, the summer sun casting long shadows. No words, no fanfare.

Just a coach, a partner, and a love that has weathered everything.

From young love to national leadership, from personal tragedy to public triumph, Ryan and Nina Day’s 19 years of marriage are a living testament to resilience, loyalty, and love in its most authentic form. As the couple prepares to lead Buckeye Nation into a new season of hope, their story remains a grounding force—a reminder that beyond the touchdowns and trophies, the heart of Ohio State football beats in a home filled with purpose and unwavering commitment.