Ohio State's Ryan Day Leads Top Coaches on 2025 Dodd Trophy Watch List

Ryan Day, head coach of the Ohio State Buckeyes, is under significant pressure to defeat Michigan, a challenge that has eluded him with four consecutive losses despite winning the College Football Playoff national championship last season. Analyst Josh Pate emphasized that beating Michigan is the top priority for Day, even above winning the Big Ten or the national title, framing the Michigan game as its own crucial season. Despite these struggles, Day's success has earned him a spot on the 2025 preseason watch list for the prestigious Bobby Dodd Coach of the Year Trophy, which honors coaching excellence combined with leadership and academic integrity. The Buckeyes, expected to be among the top teams in the country again, hope Day can overcome his Michigan hurdle and potentially secure his first major coaching award. Further bolstering his reputation, Day is rated as the third-best coach in the popular video game College Football 26, reflecting his growing prestige in both real and virtual coaching circles. Overall, while Day's national championship has somewhat eased the pressure, a victory over Michigan remains essential for his legacy and future accolades.