Ohio State head coach Ryan Day and his wife, Nina, are making a significant contribution to combat the mental health crisis among college students.
The couple announced they’ve donated $1 million to mental health resources at the Wexner Medical Center, the university’s research hospital. The money will be used to launch the Ryan and Nina Day Resilience Fund.
“Just about every challenge we face… is easier to overcome with better mental health — and that comes from resilience,” Ryan Day reportedly said.
The announcement could not be more timely. College athletes are facing a particular epidemic of mental health difficulties, and many have spoken out.
In the fall, the NCAA conducted a survey of almost 10,000 athletes across divisions. “Student-athletes continue to report elevated levels of mental health concerns,” the survey found.
Athletes experienced anxiety, depression, and mental exhaustion up to twice as much as before the pandemic began in the spring of 2020.
![Florida head coach Jon Sumrall speaks after spring practice at Sanders Practice Fields in Gainesville, FL on Tuesday, April 7, 2026. [Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun]](https://frontofficesports.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/USATSI_28676620_168416386_lowres-e1779828437389.jpg?quality=80&w=300)
