**ESPN REPORT: IF NOT RYAN DAY, WHO ELSE?**
Controversy has erupted in the world of college football after ESPN analyst Bill Connelly boldly named Ohio State’s Ryan Day as the best head coach in the nation. The ranking, which has sent shockwaves through the sport, has drawn fierce backlash from powerhouse programs like Georgia, Notre Dame, and Tennessee, all of whom believe their coaches were more deserving of the top spot.
The debate over who truly reigns as the premier coach in college football is nothing new, but Connelly’s decision to place Day above proven champions like Georgia’s Kirby Smart and rising stars like Notre Dame’s Marcus Freeman has reignited the discussion in a major way. Critics argue that while Day has undeniably maintained Ohio State’s elite status, his lack of a national championship since taking over in 2019—compared to Smart’s back-to-back titles—makes the ranking questionable at best.
There’s no denying Ryan Day’s success. Since replacing Urban Meyer, he has compiled a staggering 56-8 record, consistently keeping the Buckeyes in playoff contention. His offensive brilliance has produced some of the most explosive attacks in college football, and his recruiting has kept Ohio State stocked with NFL talent. However, his biggest knock remains his inability to get over the hump against Michigan and win a national title.
Last season’s heartbreaking loss to Michigan—marking a third straight defeat to the Wolverines—only amplified the scrutiny. For all his regular-season dominance, Day’s critics argue that until he wins the biggest games, he cannot be considered the best in the sport.
Georgia’s Kirby Smart, who has led the Bulldogs to two national championships in the past three seasons, is the most glaring omission from the top spot. Smart has built a dynasty in Athens, turning Georgia into an NFL factory while maintaining ruthless dominance in the SEC. His ability to reload year after year, even after losing elite talent, speaks to his program-building prowess.
Many analysts believe Smart’s championship résumé alone should have secured him the No. 1 ranking. “How do you justify putting a coach who hasn’t won it all over one who has won two of the last three?” asked one SEC insider. “It’s disrespectful to what Kirby has accomplished.”
Notre Dame’s Marcus Freeman, while newer to the head coaching scene, has quickly made his mark. After a rocky start in 2022, Freeman led the Fighting Irish to a 10-3 record last season, including a statement win over Clemson. His recruiting has been stellar, and his ability to develop talent has Notre Dame looking like a legitimate playoff contender.
Freeman’s supporters argue that his trajectory—coupled with his success against top competition—makes him a more compelling candidate than Day. “Marcus has Notre Dame back in the national conversation in just two years,” said a Notre Dame beat writer. “If we’re talking about coaching ceilings, his might be the highest.”
Tennessee’s Josh Heupel has also entered the conversation after revitalizing the Volunteers’ program. In just three seasons, Heupel has transformed Tennessee into an offensive juggernaut, culminating in an 11-win season in 2022 that included a thrilling victory over Alabama. His high-octane system and player development have made the Vols a force in the SEC.
While Heupel may not yet have the sustained success of Day or Smart, his rapid turnaround of a struggling program has earned him praise. “What Heupel has done at Tennessee is remarkable,” said an SEC analyst. “If we’re projecting future success, he’s right there with the best.”
The reaction to Connelly’s ranking has been swift and fierce. Georgia fans have flooded social media with highlights of Smart’s championships, while Notre Dame supporters point to Freeman’s undefeated record against top-10 teams last season. Tennessee’s fan base, still riding high from their resurgence, believes Heupel’s impact has been undervalued.
Even outside these programs, coaches like Alabama’s Kalen DeBoer (previously at Washington) and Texas’ Steve Sarkisian have strong cases. DeBoer took Washington to the national title game in just his second year, while Sarkisian led Texas to the College Football Playoff in 2023.
The controversy ultimately boils down to criteria. Is the “best” coach the one with the most titles (Smart)? The one with the highest winning percentage (Day)? The rising star with unlimited potential (Freeman)? Or the program-builder who engineered a quick turnaround (Heupel)?
Connelly’s metrics reportedly factored in recruiting, development, in-game coaching, and program stability—areas where Day excels. But for many, championships remain the ultimate measuring stick.
The debate won’t be settled anytime soon. Ryan Day will have a chance to silence critics if he finally beats Michigan and wins a national title this season. Meanwhile, Smart, Freeman, and Heupel will continue building their own cases.
One thing is certain: college football’s coaching hierarchy is as contentious as ever. And if Ryan Day wants to universally claim the title of “best coach in America,” he’ll need to do more than just dominate the regular season—he’ll need to win it all.
Until then, the question will linger: *If not Ryan Day, who else?*
