Ex-OSU LB Steele Chambers says Ryan Day ‘on his heels’ play-calling

A former Ohio State linebacker and running back questioned head coach Ryan Day’s play-calling after Day stepped in to take over for former offensive coordinator Brian Hartline in the College Football Playoff.
On an episode of the “Buckeye Backers” podcast on Jan. 2, Steele Chambers was asked about OSU’s offense, which struggled in the final two games of the 2025 season.
“Of course, I’m not an offensive coordinator,” Chambers said. “I don’t know how to call a game, but I feel like there are some times where Coach Day’s a little on his heels as far as play-calling.”
Chambers, who signed as an undrafted free agent with the Detroit Lions in the NFL and now is a member of the UFL’s Louisville Kings, pointed out that Ohio State was aggressive against Michigan, with the Buckeyes taking multiple shots deep downfield on first and second downs. Brian Hartline, now the head coach of South Florida, was Ohio State’s primary play-caller in the 27-9 victory.
Chambers also discussed the offensive line’s play at the end of the season, which he believes will get better.
“I think that just takes time,” Chambers said. “I mean, you can have some of the most talented guys up there, but if they haven’t spent years doing it with one another, it just takes time to kind of develop that relationship.”
Chambers was a running back for the Buckeyes before switching to linebacker in the 2021 college football season.




