Ryan Day Named College Football Coach of the Year by CBS Sports After Leading Ohio State to National Championship Glory — Claims No. 1 Spot in Coach Rankings
In a season marked by resilience, dominance, and a national title run, Ryan Day, head coach of the Ohio State Buckeyes, has been officially named College Coach of the Year by CBS Sports. The honor comes just weeks after Day led Ohio State to its first national championship since 2014, defeating Notre Dame 34–23 in the title game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
But that’s not the only accolade for the 45-year-old coach—CBS Sports also revealed that Ryan Day now holds the No. 1 spot in the national college football coaching rankings, a monumental achievement that solidifies his status as the top leader in the sport.
A Season of Redemption and Milestones
Entering the 2024–25 season under pressure after a string of near-misses and a tough rivalry loss to Michigan, Ryan Day engineered a playoff run for the ages. Under his guidance, the Buckeyes dominated through the first-ever 12-team College Football Playoff, taking down Tennessee, Oregon, Texas, and finally Notre Dame to secure the national crown.
With pinpoint offensive execution, lockdown defense, and next-level player development, Day turned doubt into dominance.
“We knew we had something to prove,” Day said after the title game. “This team answered the call every step of the way. This honor reflects the effort of our entire program.”
CBS Sports: Why Ryan Day Is No. 1
CBS Sports praised Day’s tactical brilliance, calm leadership under pressure, and his ability to evolve with the modern college football landscape. In naming him Coach of the Year, analysts cited:
- A 14-1 record on the season
- Four straight playoff wins against elite competition
- Development of star quarterback Will Howard and standout running back Quinshon Judkins
- Maintaining a top-five recruiting class
- Resilient bounce-back after a rivalry loss to Michigan
Climbing to the Top
Being ranked No. 1 in the CBS Sports College Football Coaching Rankings is a major milestone for Day, who took over the Buckeyes in 2019. Since then, he’s posted an elite win percentage, multiple College Football Playoff appearances, and now a national title to crown it all.
This ranking places him ahead of other top-tier names like Nick Saban, Kirby Smart, and Jim Harbaugh—signaling a new era in college football leadership.
As the Buckeyes look ahead to defending their title in the upcoming season, Ryan Day’s legacy is no longer just about potential—it’s about proof. A national champion. A program builder. And now, the No. 1 coach in college football.
Ohio State fans can say it proudly: The Buckeyes are back on top—and Ryan Day is leading the charge.
