Ryan Day Named Finalist for 2025 Dodd Trophy as Ohio State Eyes Another Title Run
There’s no denying what Ryan Day has built in Columbus. Now in his seventh season leading the Buckeyes, Day has once again guided Ohio State into the thick of the national championship conversation - and his efforts haven’t gone unnoticed. This week, Day was named one of five finalists for the 2025 Dodd Trophy, an award that recognizes the top head coach in college football, not just for wins and losses, but for leadership, integrity, and impact both on and off the field.
A Strong Field, But No Previous Winners
Day is joined on the finalist list by Vanderbilt’s Clark Lea, Indiana’s Curt Cignetti, Texas Tech’s Joey McGuire, and Georgia’s Kirby Smart. Interestingly, none of the five have previously won the award, which adds a layer of intrigue heading into the final decision.
For Ohio State, the Dodd Trophy has been a rare honor. Jim Tressel remains the only Buckeye coach to win it, back in 2002 - the same year he led the program to a national title. Now, more than two decades later, Day is in position to potentially follow that same path.
Another Dominant Season in Columbus
Day’s resume this season speaks for itself. After bringing home Ohio State’s ninth national championship last year, he’s kept the Buckeyes right where they belong - in the College Football Playoff hunt. The team ran the table during the regular season, including a high-stakes win over archrival Michigan in late November that once again underscored Day’s ability to win big games when it matters.
Even with a stumble in the Big Ten Championship Game against Indiana - a surprising twist in an otherwise dominant campaign - Ohio State still secured the No. 2 seed in the CFP. That speaks volumes about the strength of their regular season and the respect the program commands nationally.
Eyes on the Cotton Bowl
Thanks to their top-four seeding, Ohio State earned a first-round bye in the expanded College Football Playoff format. That means the Buckeyes will wait until December 31 to take the field again, this time in the Cotton Bowl, where they’ll face the winner of No.
7 Texas A&M and No. 10 Miami.
That matchup between the Aggies and Hurricanes is set for Saturday at noon, airing on ABC and ESPN. It’s a game Ohio State fans will be watching closely, not just to scout the next opponent, but to see who will try to stand in the way of another Buckeye run to the title game.
Legacy in the Making
For Day, the Dodd Trophy nomination is more than just a personal accolade - it’s a reflection of the program’s sustained excellence under his leadership. In an era where coaching stability and consistent success are increasingly rare, Day has kept Ohio State among the elite. He’s developed NFL-ready talent, recruited at a high level, and maintained a culture of accountability and competitiveness that shows up every Saturday.
Whether or not he takes home the Dodd Trophy this year, Day’s place among the top coaches in college football is already well cemented. But if he adds another championship to his résumé in the coming weeks? That conversation might shift from “one of the best” to “one of the all-time greats” in Ohio State history.