After Ohio State Defeated Notre Dame, Ryan Day’s Bold Statement Sparks a Historic Decision in College Football
The world of college football has often been defined by its rivalries, traditions, and moments of inspiration. On September 23, 2025, one such moment occurred, but it was not limited to the outcome of the game itself. After Ohio State’s dramatic victory over Notre Dame in South Bend, Ryan Day, the Buckeyes’ head coach, made a statement during his post-game press conference that would set in motion a series of events leading to one of the most transformative decisions in college football history.
The Game That Set the Stage
Ohio State’s clash with Notre Dame was already one of the most anticipated matchups of the season. Both teams came into the game ranked in the top 10, with high stakes for College Football Playoff positioning. The atmosphere at Notre Dame Stadium was electric, with fans from both sides creating an unforgettable environment.
The game lived up to the hype, featuring a back-and-forth battle that kept spectators on the edge of their seats. With seconds left on the clock, Ohio State executed a perfectly orchestrated drive, capped by a touchdown that sealed a narrow 31-28 victory. As the Buckeyes celebrated their triumph, the focus soon shifted from the field to Ryan Day’s post-game comments.
Ryan Day’s Bold Statement
In the post-game press conference, Day addressed the significance of the win but quickly pivoted to a broader issue: the structure of college football itself. “This game tonight showed the beauty and the chaos of our sport,” Day began. “But it also highlighted something we’ve been grappling with for years: the need for a unified, equitable system that puts the players and the fans first. It’s time to rethink how we do things.”
Day went on to advocate for the implementation of a national governing body for college football, independent of the NCAA. He argued that the current structure—with conferences wielding significant power and inconsistent rules across the sport—was outdated and hindered the growth and integrity of the game.
“We need a system where every team, every player, has a fair shot,” Day continued. “Whether it’s scheduling, player compensation, or the playoff format, we’re at a tipping point. If we truly care about the future of this sport, we have to make bold changes.”
The Reaction: A Divided Landscape
Day’s comments sent shockwaves through the college football world. Fans, players, coaches, and analysts debated his remarks, with some praising his vision and others questioning his timing and practicality. Social media buzzed with reactions, ranging from hashtags like #DayForChange to skeptical posts doubting the feasibility of his proposals.
Prominent figures in the sport weighed in as well. Alabama’s Nick Saban, known for his conservative stance on structural changes, expressed cautious support. “Ryan’s right that we need to address some inconsistencies,” Saban said in an interview. “But the devil’s in the details. How do you implement something like that?”
On the other hand, critics argued that Day’s comments were self-serving, pointing out that Ohio State, as a perennial powerhouse, had consistently benefited from the current system. “It’s easy to call for change when you’re at the top,” said one anonymous Power Five coach. “But what about the smaller programs? Where do they fit into this vision?”
The Decision That Changed Everything
Despite the polarized reactions, Day’s remarks ignited a broader conversation about the state of college football. Over the following months, athletic directors, university presidents, and conference commissioners convened in a series of high-stakes meetings to discuss the future of the sport.
The tipping point came in January 2026, when the College Football Playoff (CFP) Management Committee announced a groundbreaking decision: the establishment of the College Football Alliance (CFA), an independent governing body dedicated solely to overseeing college football. The CFA would operate separately from the NCAA, with the goal of creating a more streamlined and equitable framework for the sport.
The Structure of the CFA
The CFA introduced several key changes to the structure of college football:
- Unified Scheduling: Under the CFA, all FBS teams would adhere to a standardized scheduling model, ensuring competitive balance and minimizing regional disparities. Teams would be required to play a mix of conference and non-conference games, with an emphasis on strength of schedule.
- Expanded Playoff: The CFP was expanded to include 16 teams, with automatic bids for conference champions and at-large selections determined by a selection committee. This change aimed to give more teams a legitimate shot at competing for a national title.
- Player Compensation: The CFA implemented a revenue-sharing model, providing players with a share of the profits generated by TV deals, merchandise, and ticket sales. This move addressed longstanding concerns about player compensation in an era of skyrocketing revenue.
- Standardized Rules: The CFA established a uniform set of rules governing player eligibility, transfer policies, and NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) agreements. This move sought to eliminate the inconsistencies that had plagued the sport for years.
- Focus on Player Welfare: The CFA prioritized player safety and well-being, mandating enhanced medical protocols, mental health resources, and academic support for student-athletes.
The Impact on College Football
The creation of the CFA marked a seismic shift in the college football landscape. For fans, the expanded playoff and unified scheduling brought more exciting matchups and opportunities for underdog teams to shine. The revenue-sharing model and focus on player welfare were widely praised as long-overdue reforms.
However, the transition was not without challenges. Smaller programs expressed concerns about being left behind in the new system, and some conferences resisted ceding power to the CFA. The NCAA, which had governed college athletics for decades, faced an existential crisis, as its role in college football was significantly diminished.
Ryan Day’s Legacy
As the dust settled, Ryan Day’s role in sparking this transformation became a central part of his legacy. While Day’s Buckeyes continued to compete at a high level, his influence extended far beyond the field. His willingness to challenge the status quo and advocate for change earned him admiration from players and coaches across the country.
“What Ryan did wasn’t just about Ohio State,” said one prominent sports analyst. “He saw the bigger picture and wasn’t afraid to speak up. That’s leadership.”
Day, for his part, remained humble about his role in the changes. “This was never about me,” he said in a 2026 interview. “It’s about the players, the fans, and the future of this incredible sport. I’m just glad I could be a part of the conversation.”
The Road Ahead
As the CFA continues to shape the future of college football, its success will ultimately depend on the cooperation and commitment of all stakeholders. The challenges are significant, but the potential rewards are even greater: a more equitable, exciting, and sustainable version of the sport that millions of fans love.
For Ryan Day and those who supported his vision, the establishment of the CFA represents a triumph of bold leadership and a willingness to embrace change. As college football enters this new era, the lessons from that fateful night in South Bend serve as a reminder that even the most entrenched traditions can evolve—if the will to change is strong enough.
In the years to come, the impact of Day’s words and the decision they inspired will be felt across college football. From the roaring crowds in packed stadiums to the lives of players who benefit from a fairer system, the legacy of that moment will endure as a testament to the power of vision and action in shaping the future of the sport.