COLUMBUS — Head coach Ryan Day has tested positive for COVID-19 and won’t be with the Buckeyes when they play at Illinois on Saturday.
(3) OHIO STATE (4-0) at Illinois (2-3)
Memorial Stadium; Champaign Ill.
Sat., Nov. 28 (Noon/FS1)
Ohio State said it had an increased number of positive COVID-19 tests in the program this week, but the game against the Illini was still on.
Buckeyes veteran defensive line coach Larry Johnson will act as interim coach with Day unavailable.
According to a statement from the Department of Athletics,
the program completed another round of point of testing Friday morning and all players, key coaches and support staff will additional testing “out of an abundance of caution to ensure that everyone on the trip is confirmed negative for the coronavirus.”
Because of the additional PCR testing taking place today, the team will fly to Champaign Saturday morning instead of Friday.
The university confirmed an increased number of positive tests this week for the coronavirus but said the number did not reach the threshold for Ohio State to have to cancel the game, according to Big Ten Conference protocols.
Day is in isolation and will not travel to Illinois or coach the team this week.
“I have spoken with Coach Day, and he is doing well physically. I feel terrible for Coach and for the members of the program who have been diagnosed with a positive test. Coach Day and this team have been true leaders in handling things so well throughout this pandemic. Our team wants to play this game, and we’re going to do everything we can to help make this happen. All of the decisions on the welfare of our student-athletes and staff members will continue to be guided by our medical staff.” -Athletics Director Gene Smith
The department has kept the University of Illinois and the Big Ten aware of the developments, according to the statement.