Ryan Day, Lou Holtz Feud Resurfaces as Notre Dame Prepares for Ohio State in Title Game

As the College Football Playoff National Championship approaches, the longstanding feud between Ohio State head coach Ryan Day and former Notre Dame coach Lou Holtz has resurfaced, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the upcoming matchup between the Buckeyes and the Fighting Irish. The controversy, which began over two years ago, continues to spark debate and has become a focal point of the narrative surrounding the championship game.

Origins of the Feud

The discord between Day and Holtz dates back to September 2023, prior to a regular-season game between Ohio State and Notre Dame. Holtz, a College Football Hall of Famer and outspoken analyst, questioned Ohio State’s toughness during an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show. Holtz suggested that the Buckeyes lacked the physicality to compete with top-tier programs and confidently predicted a Notre Dame victory.

“Notre Dame is a fundamentally sound football team,” Holtz said during the show. “Ohio State, on the other hand, is great against weaker teams but folds when they face someone who punches back. They’re not built to beat a team like Notre Dame.”

Holtz’s comments went viral and were widely discussed in college football circles. For Day, the remarks struck a nerve, especially given the stakes of the matchup. Ohio State narrowly escaped with a 17-14 victory over Notre Dame that day, thanks to a dramatic last-minute touchdown. The win was significant, but it was Day’s emotional post-game interview that captured national attention.

“I’d like to know where Lou Holtz is right now,” Day said on the field, his voice filled with intensity. “What he said about our team, I cannot believe. It’s Ohio against the world, and this team proved tonight that we are tough.”

Day’s response immediately became a defining moment of his coaching tenure, with many applauding his passion while others viewed it as an overreaction. Regardless, it solidified the animosity between him and Holtz.

Holtz’s Reaction

In the days following the game, Holtz addressed Day’s comments during interviews but refused to backtrack.

“Coach Day’s reaction is understandable,” Holtz said on ESPN’s College Football Live. “He’s defending his players and his program, and I respect that. But my opinion hasn’t changed. Ohio State has been good, not great, against physical teams. If they want to prove me wrong, they’ll have to do it on the biggest stage consistently.”

Holtz’s steadfastness added fuel to the fire, ensuring that the feud would remain a topic of conversation throughout the 2023 season and beyond. Despite the media frenzy, the two men have reportedly had no direct communication since the incident.

Renewed Attention Ahead of the Championship

Fast forward to January 2025, and the Day-Holtz feud has regained prominence as Ohio State and Notre Dame prepare to clash in the College Football Playoff National Championship. The game marks the first meeting between the two programs since that fateful 2023 encounter. Adding to the drama is the fact that Holtz, now 88, continues to make occasional public appearances and has been vocal about his support for Notre Dame in the lead-up to the title game.

When asked recently if he had spoken to Holtz since their initial dispute, Day confirmed that he had not.

“No, I haven’t talked to him,” Day told reporters during a media availability session. “My focus is on preparing this team for a championship. The past is the past, but we know what’s at stake. This is about Ohio State proving itself once again.”

Impact on Team Dynamics

For Ohio State, Day’s defense of his program in 2023 has become a rallying point. Players from that team often cite his passionate response as a moment that galvanized the locker room. Over the past two seasons, the Buckeyes have embraced a mantra of toughness, with Day emphasizing physicality and resilience as core tenets of their identity.

The results have been evident on the field. Ohio State’s 2024 campaign included dominant performances against top-ranked opponents, culminating in a dramatic victory over defending champion Georgia in the playoff semifinals. The Buckeyes’ defense, often criticized in previous years, has been a revelation, leading the nation in key metrics such as sacks and third-down stops.

“Coach Day’s passion is contagious,” said linebacker Tommy Eichenberg. “When he stood up for us two years ago, it meant a lot. It showed that he believes in us, and that’s a big reason why we’re here today.”

On the other side, Notre Dame has used the controversy as motivation to prove their own toughness. Under head coach Marcus Freeman, the Fighting Irish have undergone a transformation. Their journey to the championship game began with an early-season loss to Northern Illinois, a defeat that Freeman described as a turning point for the program. From that moment, Notre Dame embarked on a 13-game winning streak, displaying a level of grit and discipline that had been lacking in previous years.

“We’ve faced adversity and grown stronger because of it,” Freeman said. “This team is ready for the challenge, and we’re excited to compete against the best.”

Media and Fan Reactions

The media has extensively covered the Day-Holtz feud, with various outlets analyzing its implications for the championship game. Social media platforms have been ablaze with debates among fans of both programs. Some have praised Day for standing up to Holtz, while others view the feud as a distraction from the game itself.

“This rivalry has everything,” said ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstreit. “Two historic programs, a national title on the line, and a subplot involving two of the most passionate figures in college football. It doesn’t get better than this.”

Fans from both sides have also embraced the rivalry. Ohio State supporters have created T-shirts and memes referencing Day’s famous “Where’s Lou Holtz?” comment, while Notre Dame fans have rallied behind Holtz as a symbol of their program’s legacy.

Looking Ahead to the Championship

As the championship game approaches, the unresolved tension between Day and Holtz adds an intriguing subplot to the on-field action. Both teams are expected to channel the controversy into motivation, striving to claim the national title and, in doing so, assert their toughness and resilience.

Ohio State’s offense, led by quarterback Devin Brown, has been a force to be reckoned with, averaging over 40 points per game. Meanwhile, Notre Dame’s defense, anchored by All-American safety Xavier Watts, has been one of the most formidable units in the nation. The matchup promises to be a clash of strengths, with each team looking to exploit the other’s weaknesses.

“This is the type of game you dream about,” said Ohio State wide receiver Emeka Egbuka. “Two great teams, one championship on the line. We’re ready to leave it all on the field.”

Notre Dame’s players share a similar sentiment.

“We’ve worked so hard to get to this point,” said quarterback Sam Hartman. “This is our moment, and we’re not going to let it slip away.”