Holtz vs. Ryan Day: A History of Tension

The story of Holtz and Ryan Day’s contentious relationship started to take shape in the lead-up to the 2023 season. Holtz, an analyst and commentator at the time, made waves with critical remarks about Day’s leadership and his ability to win big games. Holtz was particularly vocal about Ohio State’s performance in the 2023 College Football Playoff, where they were edged out by Georgia in a dramatic semifinal.

Holtz’s criticism wasn’t so much a blanket statement about Day’s coaching ability but rather a pointed remark about his inability to get over the hump in high-stakes matchups. He specifically mentioned Day’s struggles against Michigan, a rivalry that has come to define Ohio State’s program and where Day, for all his success in other areas, had failed to secure victories in crucial contests. Holtz didn’t mince words, stating that, in his view, Day had been unable to elevate the Buckeyes to the level required to be a true national contender, particularly in the face of their primary rival.

The fallout from these comments was swift. Ryan Day, a coach who had consistently brought success to Ohio State with multiple Big Ten titles and playoff berths, responded with measured yet firm words. He defended his program’s achievements and insisted that his focus remained on the future rather than dwelling on past criticisms. Yet, the tension lingered in the air, with Holtz’s remarks becoming a symbol of the broader discussion about the pressures that come with coaching at the highest levels of college football.

Fast-forward to the 2024 season, and the rivalry between Holtz and Day appeared to have reached a boiling point. After Ohio State’s disappointing loss to Michigan in the regular-season finale, which effectively dashed their hopes of a playoff berth, Holtz once again voiced his frustrations with Day’s leadership. This time, Holtz’s comments carried more weight, as they were viewed as reflective of a growing divide in the way Ohio State fans and former players were evaluating Day’s tenure. The loss to Michigan, which had been the fourth consecutive defeat in the series, seemed to amplify Holtz’s sentiment that Day needed to prove he could succeed in the biggest moments.

Day, as expected, fired back at his detractors, making it clear that he believed his team’s overall success warranted continued support and that it was unfair to focus too heavily on a single rivalry loss. However, despite his efforts to downplay the criticism, it was clear that the dynamic between Holtz and Day had shifted from a matter of friendly rivalry to a full-blown public back-and-forth.

Lou Holtz and the 2025 National Championship Game: Will He Attend?

As the 2025 College Football Playoff National Championship Game approaches, the question on everyone’s mind is whether Lou Holtz, who has always maintained a strong presence in college football media, will be present at the game to witness the culmination of the season’s most anticipated matchup. Given Holtz’s storied career, his background in coaching, and his outsized personality in the football world, his decision to attend or not would certainly make headlines.

While Holtz has often been a fixture at major college football events, including championship games, his relationship with the current state of the sport has become more complicated in recent years. On the one hand, he has a deep love for the game and an abiding respect for its traditions. On the other hand, his criticisms of the current generation of coaches and the state of college football have sometimes left him at odds with the very people and programs he once revered.

In the past, Holtz was a regular contributor to ESPN’s coverage of major college football games, offering analysis and commentary with a no-nonsense approach that resonated with fans and analysts alike. He made occasional appearances at championship games, lending his expertise and adding his distinct perspective to the narrative surrounding the sport’s biggest moments. Given that the 2025 championship will be one of the marquee events of the year, it stands to reason that Holtz could be asked to participate in the coverage, either in person or remotely, depending on the scope of his media commitments.

However, Holtz’s strained relationship with some of college football’s prominent coaches, including Ryan Day, raises the possibility that he might choose not to attend. Holtz has made it clear in past interviews that he believes the game has changed in ways that have made it less enjoyable for traditionalists like himself. From the increase in commercialization and the prevalence of the transfer portal to the growing influence of NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deals, Holtz has been outspoken about his concerns for the future of the sport.

Additionally, Holtz has been vocal about his admiration for coaches who prioritize character, discipline, and a strong sense of tradition within their programs. In contrast, he has often criticized coaches like Day who he perceives as more focused on the business side of the game, including high-profile recruiting and media relations. Holtz’s reluctance to embrace the shift toward the modern college football landscape may make him less inclined to attend the championship game if it involves teams or coaches he feels are emblematic of what he sees as a departure from the sport’s roots.

Holtz’s Continuing Critique of Day: Will It Ever End?

The tension between Holtz and Ryan Day has become a central talking point in recent years, and many are wondering if this rivalry of words will ever reach a resolution. Holtz’s critiques, while harsh, are not born out of malice. Rather, they reflect a broader perspective on what Holtz perceives as the growing commercialization and evolving dynamics of college football. He believes that the sport has lost some of its original purity and that coaches like Day, who are seen as part of the new wave of college football leadership, represent a shift toward a more business-oriented approach that may sacrifice some of the character-building elements Holtz values so deeply.

For Day, who has seen unprecedented success at Ohio State, these criticisms may seem out of step with the realities of the modern game. Day’s tenure at Ohio State has been defined by consistent excellence — Big Ten titles, playoff berths, and high-profile bowl game appearances. While it’s true that Ohio State has fallen short in some critical games, including the rivalry against Michigan, it’s equally true that Day has been able to recruit some of the nation’s top talent and maintain Ohio State’s place as one of the elite programs in the sport.

The question remains: Can Holtz and Day ever find common ground? Holtz has long been a champion of hard-nosed football, where discipline, integrity, and old-school principles are emphasized. Day, by contrast, represents a more modern approach, where innovation and adaptability are critical to staying competitive. Their differences in philosophy may prevent them from ever fully reconciling, but the reality is that their rivalry — whether cordial or adversarial — speaks to the larger shifts taking place in the sport.