Ryan Day is inching closer to college football’s coaching summit - and if Ohio State finishes the job in the College Football Playoff, the conversation about who sits at the top might shift dramatically.
Right now, Kirby Smart still holds the crown. With two national titles and a machine-like program at Georgia, he’s earned it. But Day’s résumé is starting to look strikingly similar - and with another title, it might even surpass it.
Let’s look at the numbers: Day is 82-11 overall and preparing for his fifth College Football Playoff appearance. That’s elite territory.
The one thing he’s missing? A second national championship ring to match Smart.
But that could change in the next few weeks. And if it does, the debate over who’s the sport’s top coach won’t just be hypothetical - it’ll be real, and it’ll be loud.
What makes Day’s case even stronger is the broader picture. If Ohio State wins it all, it would mark the Big Ten’s third straight national title - two of them belonging to the Buckeyes.
That’s not just a championship run; that’s a potential power shift in the sport. For years, the SEC has been the standard.
But a third straight title for the Big Ten, with Ohio State leading the way? That’s a changing of the guard.
And let’s not overlook how Day got here. Just a year ago, he entered the College Football Playoff carrying the weight of four straight losses to Michigan.
That narrative? It’s flipped.
Since then, he’s gone 16-1, stacking wins over some of the game’s biggest brands - Tennessee, Oregon, Texas (twice), Notre Dame, Penn State, and yes, finally, Michigan. That’s a gauntlet, and Day has navigated it with precision.
What’s even more impressive is how Ohio State has thrived despite significant turnover. Day lost a wave of NFL talent and both of his coordinators after last season.
Yet here they are again, one of the most complete teams in the country from start to finish. That speaks volumes about the program’s development pipeline and Day’s ability to reload, not rebuild.
And let’s talk about the quarterback play. In his first season as a starter, Ohio State’s signal-caller came within striking distance of the Heisman - a testament to both the player’s talent and the environment Day has built around him. Quarterback development has been a hallmark of Day’s tenure, and this season only reinforced that.
Then there’s the coaching staff. Day’s hire of Matt Patricia as defensive coordinator raised some eyebrows, but it’s paid off - much like his earlier addition of Chip Kelly.
These aren’t just flashy names; they’re high-level football minds who’ve helped elevate the Buckeyes on both sides of the ball. It’s another example of Day’s ability to identify and integrate elite coaching talent into his system.
If Ohio State finishes the season with another national title, the conversation shifts. It’s no longer just about Kirby Smart’s dominance - it becomes a real debate.
Has Ryan Day passed him? Has Ohio State become the new standard?
We’ll get our answer soon enough. But right now, Day’s case is as strong as it’s ever been.