Day won't coach vs. Michigan State; Ohio State returns to practice

Ohio State head coach Ryan Day won't be out of isolation in time to man the sideline against Michigan State on Saturday if the school is able to play, a school spokesman told ESPN's Heather Dinich on Tuesday.

Day is among a group of Buckeyes players and coaching staff to test positive for COVID-19 in recent days. The earliest the 41-year-old could return to the team is Dec. 7 if he meets CDC guidelines, Dinich adds.

Assistant coach Larry Johnson Sr. would assume coaching duties in Day’s absence.

Ohio State announced later on Tuesday that the team will resume activities in preparation for the game against the Spartans.

Players who were not in isolation or quarantine were able to return to the school's practice facility Monday for small group workouts.

Day said last weekend that Ohio State would need to return to practice by Thursday and have a rigorous workout plus a walk-through Friday prior to Saturday’s matchup.

Ohio State canceled its matchup against Illinois last week.

If Ohio State is unable to play against the Spartans, the program will fall below the six-game threshold to be eligible for the Big Ten Championship. Michigan is slated to be the Buckeyes' final opponent on Dec. 12.

The Buckeyes are currently ranked fourth in the College Football Playoff rankings.