Ohio State alters travel plans prior to Illinois game due to COVID-19

Ohio State was forced to alter its travel plans after coach Ryan Day tested positive for COVID-19 on Friday afternoon.

Normally, the Buckeyes would have traveled to Illinois on Friday for a Saturday morning kickoff.

However, given Ohio State’s concern over positive tests this week, it will do an additional round of tests on Friday and then fly to Illinois in the morning.

Ryan Day not coaching is the headline, but maybe more significant.
Ohio State is doing an additional round of PCR testing today and instead of traveling to Illinois tonight, it will do so Saturday morning for a noon game.

Not ideal.

— Ralph D. Russo (@ralphDrussoAP) November 27, 2020

Ohio State athletic director Gene Smith said he’s spoken with Day and he’s doing well.

“I have spoken with Coach Day, and he is doing well physically,” Smith said in the statement. “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.”

Ohio State defeated Indiana 42-35 last week.

It’s unlikely the Buckeyes will face a ranked opponent until the Big Ten Championship Game.

Ohio State hasn’t lost to Illinois since 2007.