Ryan Day Ranked Ahead of Kirby Smart by CBS Sports: A Surprising Shake-Up in College Football Coaching Rankings
In a move that has sparked considerable debate in the college football world, CBS Sports has named Ohio State head coach Ryan Day as the top coach in college football, placing him ahead of Georgia’s two-time national champion head coach Kirby Smart. This ranking has generated both praise and controversy, with fans and analysts alike weighing in on the decision.
Ryan Day has been at the helm of the Buckeyes since 2019, inheriting a storied program from Urban Meyer. Under Day’s leadership, Ohio State has maintained its status as a perennial powerhouse. He boasts an impressive overall record and has consistently led his team to top-tier finishes in the Big Ten and College Football Playoff contention. Notably, Day’s teams have showcased elite quarterback play, high-octane offenses, and disciplined game management.
However, the decision to place Day above Kirby Smart in the CBS Sports rankings has raised eyebrows. Smart, since taking over at Georgia in 2016, has built one of the most dominant programs in recent college football history. With back-to-back national championships in 2021 and 2022 and a reputation for producing top-tier defensive talent, Smart has turned Georgia into the gold standard for sustained excellence and player development.
The CBS Sports ranking appears to emphasize different criteria, possibly valuing consistency, offensive innovation, and future trajectory over recent championship success. Day has led Ohio State to multiple College Football Playoff appearances and Big Ten titles, and despite recent losses to Michigan, he remains a highly respected strategist and recruiter. His ability to develop quarterbacks like Justin Fields and C.J. Stroud has further elevated his profile.
Supporters of the ranking argue that Ryan Day’s adaptability, offensive acumen, and steady leadership justify the top spot. Ohio State remains a national title contender every year under Day, and his teams rarely underperform, often dominating opponents in conference play. Additionally, his recruiting prowess ensures the Buckeyes reload with elite talent every season.
Critics, however, point out that Kirby Smart’s recent dominance, including winning national championships and consistently beating elite teams in high-pressure situations, makes him the more deserving choice. Smart’s Bulldogs have not only won at the highest level but have done so in a fashion that reflects program stability, coaching brilliance, and unparalleled roster depth.
Ultimately, coaching rankings are inherently subjective, and CBS Sports’ choice reflects one interpretation of what makes a coach the best in college football. Whether prioritizing future potential, game-day execution, or recent accolades, these rankings fuel conversation and highlight the depth of talent across college football’s coaching landscape.
As the 2025 season approaches, all eyes will be on both Ryan Day and Kirby Smart. Fans will watch to see if Day can lead Ohio State back to national prominence and validate his top ranking—or if Smart and Georgia will continue to assert their dominance and reclaim the top coaching title in future rankings. Either way, the rivalry between these two coaching giants is just getting started.
