Ryan Day, the head coach of Ohio State, and Lou Holtz, the legendary former Notre Dame coach, have ignited one of college football's more entertaining feuds, especially as their teams gear up for the nationally anticipated championship showdown. The back-and-forth has lingered for over a year, drawing fans' attention from both sides of the rivalry, and now it has reached new levels of public interest.
This feud took off back in September 2023, when Holtz, appearing on ESPN's Pat McAfee Show, made headlines by criticizing Ohio State's toughness, remarking, “He has lost to Alabama, Georgia, Clemson, Michigan twice—and everybody who beats them does so because they’re more physical than Ohio State. I think Notre Dame will take the same approach.” It’s no surprise, then, why Day took great offense. Following the match between the two teams, which Ohio State narrowly won 17-14, Day confronted Holtz's comments directly. "What he said about our team, I cannot believe. This is a tough team right here. We’re proud to be from Ohio. It’s always been Ohio against the world,” Day asserted on the field post-game.
Fast forward to more recent events, and Holtz hasn't backed down. Recently, as speculation about whether he would attend another game between these powerhouse teams arose, Holtz tweeted pointedly, “If Notre Dame doesn’t win, it’s because we want to preserve Ryan Day’s job. I was originally going to be at the game in spirit, but now I’ll be dragging my body along as well.” This latest jab has stirred up excitement and controversy among fans and analysts alike, adding fuel to the already simmering rivalry. Indeed, many have recognized Holtz's penchant for stirring drama; his words draw as much joy as disdain from opposing fans.
It's worth noting Holtz's long history at Notre Dame, where he led the team to its last national championship title back in 1988. For many, he remains synonymous with Fighting Irish football. The fact he held the position much longer than Day has held his current role serves to intensify the matter; the age difference and their contrasting experiences inherently influence the dynamic of their exchanges. During their feud, Holtz has commented on Day's record against top teams, which only added to the tension and debates among college football enthusiasts.
Even during media events leading up to the national title game on January 20, 2025, the rivalry takes center stage. On College GameDay, Day faced yet another reminder of the feud. A playful segment featured Holtz impersonator crashing the set, to which Day responded humorously, "You guys are out of your minds. Where do you come up with this stuff?" This incident only reported was emblematic of how entwined the feud remains with the excitement surrounding the championship.
Both Day and Holtz are undeniably talented, yet their contrasting styles come forth within this rivalry. While Day tends to convey defensive pride for his team, Holtz’s approach echoes his past experiences and desire to instill higher expectations, even if they've led to public confrontations. What’s clear is the rivalry isn’t fully personal; both sides seem to recognize this is as much about team loyalty and pride as it is about coaching philosophy.
Despite the barbs exchanged, the nature of college football is such fierce loyalty remains, and for this reason, the feud seems far from over. Ohio State holds the upper hand currently, having won their latest encounter and seeking to make it two victories over Notre Dame this season. Meanwhile, Holtz continues to spar with Day through social media, ensuring the discussion lingers long after the games.
Interestingly enough, this feud could spur fans' engagement leading up to the national championship—a marketing bonanza for both teams. Notre Dame and Ohio State both have massive followings, and intriguing narratives between their coaches add thrilling subplots to the match.
So, whether you agree with Holtz or side with Day, one thing remains certain: this feud only amplifies the excitement surrounding this championship clash. Past decades of college football legacies are at stake, and the players and coaches alike are about to write another chapter—one riddled with tension, pride, and no shortage of drama.
Regardless of the outcome, one has to wonder: will Day and Holtz ever bury the hatchet? Or are we merely witnessing another iteration of this mighty rivalry bringing out the best—and the worst—of two iconic football figures? Only time will tell.