Why Did Lou Holtz Feud With Ryan Day?

Originally posted on Athlon Sports
By Mohammad Asif Ansari | Last updated Mar 4, 2026 6:13 PM ET

Ryan Day has been keeping Ohio State in the national title conversation year after year. But after a most dramatic of ways to win a football game, the narrative shifted from the victory on the field to a heated war of words between the Buckeyes' head coach and a broadcasting legend.

On a Friday in September 2023, Lou Holtz appeared on The Pat McAfee Show live from South Bend and explicitly challenged Day’s coaching pedigree. Citing losses to Alabama, Georgia, Clemson, and Michigan, Holtz told the audience that Day’s squad struggled when the going got tough:

“He has lost to Alabama, Georgia, Clemson, Michigan twice, and everybody beats him, does so because they're more physical than Ohio State,” said Holtz.

The comments set the stage for a defensive struggle at a capacity Notre Dame Stadium the following day. After falling behind 10-14 in the fourth quarter, Day’s offense marched downfield in a pressurized situation. With just one second remaining, DeaMonte "Chip" Trayanum plunged in for a 1-yard touchdown, securing a 17-14 victory.

During his post-game interview on NBC, Day was asked about the performance of quarterback Kyle McCord, but he chose to address the noise instead:

“I'd like to know where Lou Holtz is right now,” said Day. “It's always been Ohio against the world, and it'll continue to be Ohio against the world.”

And here’s Ryan Day fired up over Lou Holtz: pic.twitter.com/kYkGAn5BAt
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 24, 2023

Lou Holtz Doubles Down on Criticism Despite Buckeyes' Grit in South Bend

Ryan Day received no exoneration from the man who sparked the firestorm. Despite the Buckeyes holding the Irish to 176 rushing yards and forcing seven third-down failures, Holtz refused to back down.

During an interview with Dan Dakich, the former coach maintained his stance:

“I respect Ryan Day... [but] I don't think they're a real physical football team.”

While Day credited the win to "toughness" and "physicality across the board" - calling his players "warriors" - Holtz’s assessment remained a sticking point. The conflict became a significant storyline in college football, casting a shadow over Day’s tenure in Columbus, much like the criticism he faced regarding the Michigan rivalry.

Legendary Coach Passes Away As 2023 Feud Remains Part Of College Football Lore

The dispute remained a prominent piece of college football history until the death of Holtz at age 89 on March 4, 2026.

Louis Leo “Lou” Holtz, legendary college football coach, Hall of Famer, bestselling author, and one of America’s most influential motivational voices, has passed away at the age of 89 in Orlando, Florida, surrounded by family. Born January 6, 1937, in Follansbee, West Virginia,…
— Lou Holtz (@CoachLouHoltz88) March 4, 2026

The Hall of Famer, Lou Holtz, best known for leading the 1988 Fighting Irish to a perfect 12-0 season and a national championship, had entered hospice care in late January. While the 2023 dust-up with Day was a final chapter in his broadcasting career, his legacy as a studio analyst for ESPN from 2005 to 2014 and his coaching prowess remain his defining mark.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: