In a move that has added more fuel to an already intense rivalry, legendary Notre Dame coach Lou Holtz recently picked his former team, Notre Dame, to win the upcoming College Football Playoff National Championship.
His bold prediction, made in an interview with a national sports outlet, has not only caught the attention of college football fans but also reignited tensions between Holtz and Ohio State head coach Ryan Day. The two have not spoken since Holtz’s public callout of Day in 2023, a disagreement that has now resurfaced in the lead-up to the national title game.
Holtz, who coached Notre Dame from 1986 to 1996 and is widely regarded as one of the greatest college football coaches in history, made his prediction about the Fighting Irish’s chances of winning it all. “Notre Dame has all the pieces this year. I believe they’ll go all the way and bring that championship home,” Holtz confidently stated. His endorsement carries significant weight, as Holtz is a revered figure in the Notre Dame community and is known for his often blunt and fearless takes on the state of college football.
However, his comments have not been received warmly by everyone, particularly Ryan Day, the head coach of Ohio State. Day and Holtz’s relationship has been strained since Holtz’s controversial remarks in 2023. During a broadcast, Holtz publicly criticized Day’s leadership after Ohio State’s disappointing loss to Michigan, accusing Day of failing to instill the same winning culture that was present under his predecessor, Urban Meyer. Holtz’s comments were seen by many as a pointed attack on Day, who had only recently taken over the program.
Since that incident, Day has refrained from publicly responding to Holtz, but sources close to the Ohio State program have suggested that the rift remains unresolved. In fact, it’s been reported that Day has not spoken with Holtz since the 2023 callout, and his silence has been interpreted by some as a sign of the growing tension between the two. Holtz’s recent prediction that Notre Dame will win the national title has only added to the divide, with many speculating that Day may view Holtz’s remarks as another jab.
The timing of Holtz’s prediction is particularly noteworthy, as both Notre Dame and Ohio State have had highly successful seasons, with both teams vying for a spot in the national championship conversation. While Holtz’s prediction was likely intended to rally support for his beloved Fighting Irish, it has created an even more charged atmosphere as the two teams inch closer to a potential showdown in the playoff.
Holtz’s influence remains undeniable, particularly in the Notre Dame community. His support for the Fighting Irish, especially during crucial moments like these, is seen as a rallying cry for fans. However, his outspoken nature and willingness to call out coaches and players, including Ryan Day, has garnered criticism from those who feel that such comments serve only to stir up unnecessary conflict.
For Ryan Day, the ongoing tension with Holtz may be a source of frustration, but it also adds an extra layer of motivation as he prepares his Ohio State team for what could be another playoff run. Day has remained focused on leading Ohio State back to the national championship after a season of highs and lows. As the playoff picture solidifies, both Notre Dame and Ohio State are gearing up for a potentially explosive clash, with Holtz’s prediction and the continued friction between him and Day adding even more drama to the already heated rivalry. The next chapter of this saga may very well play out on the national stage, where both teams and their respective leaders will have the chance to prove their worth.
