"My admiration & respect for Ryan Day is immense": When Urban Meyer got overwhelmed by OSU HC's thrilling win over Notre Dame

Urban Meyer didn’t hold back his praise when asked about Ryan Day’s emotional outburst after Ohio State’s walk-off win over Notre Dame in September 2023.

The Buckeyes stunned the Irish 17–14 in South Bend on a last-second touchdown by Chip Trayanum, capping off a 65-yard, game-winning drive.

In a September 2023 interview with On3’s Tim May, the former Buckeye coach and longtime Day supporter defended him with full-throated passion.

“My admiration and respect for Ryan Day is immense,” Meyer said (5:13).

“You’re getting paid a lot of money (to be in that position). … The pressure is immense … It’s your choice to be the coach at Ohio State, and with that comes enormous scrutiny. But he's [also] a human being.”

Meyer said that Day’s emotions were warranted given what was at stake:

“If someone criticizes Ryan Day for fighting for his team and fighting for himself, you’re an idiot,” he said. “I get so angry sometimes when someone’s going to criticize Ryan day. They just won a game, that his life would be different if they lost.”

Meyer, who hired Day in 2017 and coached under Lou Holtz at Notre Dame, acknowledged the weight of the moment and defended Day’s right to speak freely with a microphone in his face just minutes after a high-pressure finish.

“He’s allowed to say what he wants to say,” Meyer said. “And you respect that.”

Ryan Day’s fiery interview

The bigger postgame headline came from Day’s fiery interview, where Urban Meyer took aim at former Notre Dame coach Lou Holtz.

Holtz had questioned Ohio State’s toughness earlier in the week. Day wasn’t having it.

“I’d like to know where Lou Holtz is right now,” Day said on NBC moments after the game. “What he said about our team, I cannot believe. This is a tough team right here. … We’re proud to be from Ohio. It’s always been Ohio against the world.”

Expand Tweet

While the rant was described by some as a “masterclass in overreaction,” Meyer didn’t see it that way.

Also Read: "That’s one of my dream schools": Four-star 2026 class QB target confirms official visit to Ryan Day's Ohio State

About the author

Mohammad Asif Ansari is a journalist covering college football and basketball at Sportskeeda. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Technology and brings four years of experience as an NFL and EdTech writer.

While acknowledging the dominance of professional leagues like the NBA and NFL, Asif is drawn to the raw energy and unpredictability of college sports, particularly football and basketball.

Jalen Hurts stands out as Asif's all-time favorite college player, celebrated for his remarkable success on the football field and impressive leadership skills.

In his reporting, Asif seeks to capture the essence of college athletics, delving into the human stories behind the game. From the trials and triumphs of student-athletes to the strategic genius of coaches like Nick Saban, he strives to paint a vivid picture of the college sports landscape.

Asif ensures that his reporting is both informative and ethically sound, meticulously verifying sources and facts to provide readers with reliable and trustworthy content.

When not writing, Asif practices basic MMA, hones his biking skills and expands his language proficiency in Urdu and Arabic.

Know More

Notre Dame Fans? Check out the latest Notre Dame depth chart, schedule, and roster updates all in one place.

Edited by Bhargav