Urban Meyer breaks silence on returning to Ohio State as HC Ryan Day faces hot seat after loss against Michigan 

For the fourth consecutive season, the Michigan Wolverines topped the Ohio State Buckeyes in 'The Game'. Year-in and year-out, this matchup has had season-altering implications, something that has hurt the Buckeyes as the losers of four consecutive showdowns between the fierce rivals.

For Ohio State, losing to the Wolverines spoiled their chance to return to the Big Ten Championship Game for the first time since 2020. With Ryan Day now on the hot seat, rumors began to swirl around the Ohio State head coaching job, with rumblings of a potential reunion with Urban Meyer circling online.

On Thursday, the former Ohio State coach broke the hearts of Buckeyes fans after shutting down rumors of a potential return.

"It has come to my attention that there are reports speculating my return to the sidelines in Columbus. While I thoroughly enjoyed my seven seasons as head coach at THE Ohio State University, I have no interest in coaching again. I will always be a Buckeye and have full confidence in Ryan Day, his staff, and every player that puts on the Scarlet and Gray," Meyer said in a statement.

Urban Meyer racked up a coaching record of 83-9 at Ohio State, leading the Buckeyes to their latest national championship win in 2014, along with two playoff appearances. Furthermore, Meyer never lost to Michigan in his tenure at Ohio State, going 7-0 versus the Wolverines. He is also the only coach in the series with an undefeated record in three-plus matchups.

Week 15 Football Power Index makes Ohio State a lock for the College Football Playoff

Coming off a loss to Michigan, some could consider Ohio State's playoff hopes in jeopardy as a two-loss team without a conference championship. The Buckeyes finished the regular season with a 10-2 record and were denied a spot in the conference championship but still make a compelling argument for a playoff spot.

Despite sliding from No. 2 to No. 7 in the Week 15 AP Top 25 rankings, the Buckeyes were given a 100% chance to make the College Football Playoff. Ohio State also has the highest FPI ranking in the Big Ten (No. 5) despite missing out on the conference championship game.

The Buckeyes remain in the hunt as a betting favorite to win the national championship, with the second-best odds (+400) in the country behind Texas and Oregon (+350).