College football fans are in uproar following a bold declaration by ESPN’s Bill Connelly, who has named Ohio State head coach Ryan Day as the best coach in college football. The announcement, part of ESPN’s annual power rankings and coaching evaluations, has sent shockwaves across the sport, igniting heated debate among pundits, fans, and rival institutions. For many, Day’s achievements speak volumes — but for others, the title seems premature or misdirected given the competition.
Ryan Day, who took over the reins from Urban Meyer in 2019, has maintained an impressive win record and kept Ohio State consistently at the forefront of national championship contention. With multiple College Football Playoff appearances and Big Ten titles to his name, Day has cultivated an elite programme that continues to draw top recruits. Connelly cited Day’s offensive acumen, leadership consistency, and the Buckeyes’ sustained dominance in his decision, stating, “If not Day, then who? The numbers and results don’t lie.”
However, the accolade has not come without pushback. Critics point to Day’s recent struggles against arch-rival Michigan, losing three straight matchups, and the absence of a national title under his leadership. Detractors argue that coaches such as Georgia’s Kirby Smart or Alabama’s Nick Saban — both of whom have multiple national championships — have a stronger claim to the title of college football’s best. Even younger coaches like Kalen DeBoer or Brian Kelly have been touted as more innovative or resilient under pressure.
Supporters of Day counter that titles alone don’t tell the full story. They highlight the Buckeyes’ consistent performance, Day’s recruitment of NFL-ready talent, and his ability to evolve his team’s offensive strategy year after year. Furthermore, many believe that with the upcoming changes in the College Football Playoff format, Day is on the cusp of securing that elusive national championship — a trophy that would silence many of his doubters.
As the new season approaches, all eyes will be on Columbus to see whether Ryan Day can live up to the lofty praise or crumble under the mounting expectations. Whether fans agree with Connelly or not, one thing is certain: the spotlight has never burned brighter on Ohio State’s head coach, and the 2025 campaign may be the most defining chapter of his career yet.
