Where Does Ohio State Coach Ryan Day Stand Among College Football’s Elite?

College football is a sport that thrives on competition, not just between teams but also among coaches. Leadership on the sidelines plays a crucial role in a program’s success, shaping recruiting, game-day strategies, and long-term development. One of the most scrutinized head coaches in recent years has been Ohio State’s Ryan Day. Since taking over for Urban Meyer in 2019, Day has led the Buckeyes to multiple College Football Playoff appearances, Big Ten Championships, and national title contention. However, as the landscape of college football evolves, where does Ryan Day rank among his peers?

Ryan Day’s Coaching Record and Achievements

Before comparing Day to other elite coaches, it’s important to evaluate his own credentials. Since becoming Ohio State’s head coach, Day has compiled an impressive winning record. Under his leadership, the Buckeyes have consistently been among the top teams in the nation, contending for Big Ten titles and national championships. His ability to develop quarterbacks, such as Justin Fields and C.J. Stroud, has made Ohio State a premier destination for top-tier signal-callers.

In his first full season in 2019, Day led Ohio State to a 13-1 record, winning the Big Ten Championship and securing a spot in the College Football Playoff. The Buckeyes dominated Clemson in the 2020 playoff semifinal before falling to Alabama in the national title game. Despite not winning a national championship, Day’s track record in big games, as well as his continued recruiting success, has cemented him as one of the best coaches in college football.

How Does Ryan Day Compare to Other Elite Coaches?

College football coaching greatness is often measured by championships, consistency, and program-building ability. Here’s how Day stacks up against some of the sport’s top coaches:

Nick Saban (Alabama)

Nick Saban is widely considered the greatest college football coach of all time. With seven national championships (six at Alabama), his legacy is unmatched. While Day has consistently kept Ohio State in contention, he has yet to win a national title, which separates him from Saban. However, Saban’s dominance is beginning to be challenged as other programs close the gap in recruiting and on-field success.

Kirby Smart (Georgia)

Georgia’s Kirby Smart has risen to the top of the coaching ranks after leading the Bulldogs to back-to-back national championships in 2021 and 2022. His defensive philosophy and ability to develop talent have transformed Georgia into a powerhouse. Compared to Smart, Day has found success in recruiting and offensive production but has yet to secure a national title, putting him a step below Smart in overall achievements.

Dabo Swinney (Clemson)

Dabo Swinney turned Clemson into a perennial powerhouse, winning two national championships (2016, 2018) and consistently competing at the highest level. While Swinney’s success has waned slightly in recent years, his ability to build a dominant program keeps him in the conversation. Day’s coaching tenure has been shorter, but his ability to keep Ohio State competitive puts him on a similar level with Swinney in today’s college football landscape.

Jim Harbaugh (Michigan)

One of the most heated debates among college football fans is the comparison between Ryan Day and Jim Harbaugh. Harbaugh struggled for years against Ohio State but has recently turned the tide, winning back-to-back Big Ten titles and making the College Football Playoff in 2021 and 2022. His head-to-head victories over Day in the last two seasons have led to questions about Day’s ability to win the biggest games. Until Day can reclaim control of the Ohio State-Michigan rivalry, some may rank Harbaugh higher.

Lincoln Riley (USC)

Lincoln Riley, now at USC, is known for his offensive genius and quarterback development, producing Heisman winners such as Baker Mayfield, Kyler Murray, and Caleb Williams. While Riley and Day share similar offensive philosophies, Riley has yet to win a national championship or make a deep playoff run. Day’s record in the postseason gives him a slight edge over Riley in overall rankings.

Strengths of Ryan Day as a Head Coach

Day’s offensive expertise, quarterback development, and recruiting ability make him one of the most respected coaches in the country. Ohio State’s offenses have consistently ranked among the best in college football, and his ability to attract top talent keeps the Buckeyes in national title contention every year.

Additionally, Day has maintained Ohio State’s dominance in the Big Ten, though recent losses to Michigan have raised concerns. Despite this, his ability to keep Ohio State among the elite programs in the country is a testament to his coaching ability.

Areas for Improvement

While Day has had tremendous success, he still faces challenges that prevent him from reaching the absolute top tier of college football coaches.

1. Winning a National Championship – Until he secures a national title, he will always be ranked behind coaches like Saban and Smart.

2. Beating Michigan – Consecutive losses to Michigan have put pressure on Day to prove he can win rivalry games when it matters most.

3. Defensive Consistency – While Ohio State’s offense is among the best in the nation, defensive struggles have hurt the Buckeyes in key matchups. Improving the defense is crucial to reaching the next level.

Where Does Day Rank Among College Football Coaches?

Based on his success, recruiting ability, and program consistency, Ryan Day is undoubtedly among the top five to seven head coaches in college football. Here’s a general ranking:

1. Nick Saban (Alabama) – The gold standard of college football coaching.

2. Kirby Smart (Georgia) – The new dominant force in the sport.

3. Dabo Swinney (Clemson) – Two national titles keep him in the elite conversation.

4. Jim Harbaugh (Michigan) – Recent dominance over Ohio State elevates his status.

5. Ryan Day (Ohio State) – A top-tier coach, but still searching for a national title.

6. Lincoln Riley (USC) – Offensive mastermind, but needs to prove himself defensively.

Conclusion

Ryan Day is unquestionably one of the best coaches in college football. His ability to keep Ohio State among the national contenders speaks volumes about his coaching prowess. However, until he wins a national championship and reclaims dominance over Michigan, he will remain a step below coaches like Saban and Smart.

The coming seasons will be crucial for Day’s legacy. If he can lead Ohio State to a national title and reassert control over the Big Ten, he will solidify himself as one of the elite coaches in the sport.

Until Then, he remains on the cusp of greatness—respected, but with something to prove.