The Ryan Day and Lou Holtz Feud: A Clash of Generations and Perspectives
The rivalry between Ryan Day, the head coach of Ohio State football, and Lou Holtz, the legendary former Notre Dame coach, took a surprising turn in 2023, creating one of the most heated exchanges in college football. What began as a simple critique evolved into a full-blown public feud, showcasing the passion and competitive spirit that defines college football.
It all started ahead of a highly anticipated matchup between Ohio State and Notre Dame on September 23, 2023. Holtz, appearing on "The Pat McAfee Show," made a bold statement about Ohio State's lack of physicality. The 86-year-old Holtz, known for his successful coaching tenure at Notre Dame, said that Notre Dame's defense was better and that Ohio State had been outmuscled by teams like Alabama, Georgia, Clemson, and Michigan in previous years. This comment did not sit well with Ryan Day, who had been working hard to build a tough, resilient program at Ohio State.
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When the Buckeyes won that game in a thrilling 17-14 victory, Day was quick to respond. During a post-game interview, he expressed his disbelief at Holtz's remarks, passionately defending his team's toughness. "I’d like to know where Lou Holtz is right now," Day said, visibly frustrated. He emphasized that Ohio State was a tough team, proud to represent Ohio, and not one to be disrespected. His fiery words went viral, intensifying the public scrutiny of their clash.
Holtz, unfazed by the backlash, responded a few days later, maintaining his criticism. He pointed out that while Ohio State had its strengths, he believed Notre Dame was the better team, both physically and in terms of culture. Despite acknowledging Day's coaching abilities, Holtz stood by his assertion that the Buckeyes' biggest weakness was their physicality, especially when compared to teams like Notre Dame.
The tension between the two coaches seemed to have simmered down after the 2023 season, but the feud reignited in January 2025, as both Day and Holtz found themselves once again on opposite sides of a major matchup. Holtz, now 88 years old, made waves on social media when he predicted that Notre Dame would defeat Ohio State in the College Football Playoff National Championship, citing the Irish's superior heart and defense. He even joked that he would "drag his body" to the game in person, mocking the notion that Ohio State was more physically dominant than Notre Dame.
Day, now a more seasoned coach, has continued to push the narrative of Ohio State as a tough, physical team. This is a far cry from the criticism that started their public dispute. Ohio State's recent success, including a dominant defense and improved offensive line, proves that Day has learned from the past, making adjustments to his program to ensure the Buckeyes can compete at the highest level. Still, with Holtz's continued critiques, the narrative of Ohio State's toughness will likely follow Day throughout his coaching career.
In the world of college football, where history and tradition run deep, the feud between Ryan Day and Lou Holtz serves as a reminder of the fierce pride and passion that coaches carry for their programs. While it may have begun as a simple critique, the rivalry between these two figures, separated by decades of experience, continues to captivate fans and add another layer of drama to an already electrifying sport. As Ohio State prepares to face Notre Dame once again, the tension between Day and Holtz may yet become a defining story of the 2025 season.
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