Desmond Howard Sends Unexpected Praise to Ryan Day After Ohio State’s National Championship Victory
Desmond Howard, the iconic former Heisman Trophy winner and current College GameDay commentator, is known for his unabashed allegiance to his alma mater, the Michigan Wolverines. His loyalty to Michigan is no secret, and it has often led to spirited verbal exchanges with Ohio State supporters, especially during intense college football seasons. This season, the rivalry reached new heights with Michigan’s stunning upset over Ohio State, followed by the Buckeyes’ remarkable resurgence that culminated in a national championship victory under the leadership of coach Ryan Day.
However, after Ohio State’s thrilling 34-23 victory over Notre Dame on Monday night, which sealed their national title, Howard offered a surprising and gracious message for Ryan Day, showing a side of him rarely seen in public.
“A Good Person and a Good Coach”
On Tuesday morning’s Get Up show, Howard made it clear that despite his fierce Michigan loyalty, he held a great deal of respect for Day as both a person and a coach. “The first thing is, I like Ryan Day as a person,” Howard began, softening the usual rivalry tension. “I think he’s a wonderful individual, and I think he’s a good coach, so I believe that you just say congratulations to Ryan Day.” This candid acknowledgment from a figure so deeply connected to Michigan caught many off guard, especially considering the long-standing rivalry between the two schools.
Howard went on to elaborate that while he had criticized Day during Ohio State’s struggles, especially following their losses to Michigan, he recognized the challenges and pressures that came with being the Buckeyes’ head coach. “At times, because he’s such a good guy, I think he might be too good for that fanbase, especially for the part of the group who just wanted him out after those losses to Michigan,” Howard continued, referencing Day’s four consecutive defeats to the Wolverines.
Turning the Tide: A Champion’s Response
Despite the scrutiny and doubts surrounding Day during those tough years, Howard acknowledged the resilience shown by Day and his coaching staff in turning the program around. “I think you just congratulate Ryan Day,” Howard said, emphasizing the importance of giving credit where it was due. “He was able to right the ship.” Indeed, Ryan Day’s leadership through adversity had been a key factor in Ohio State’s success, and this victory was a testament to his ability to rally his team when it mattered most.
In what seemed like a rare moment of unity in the often-polarizing world of college football, Howard didn’t just congratulate Day personally but extended his praise to the entire Ohio State program for its achievement. “Ryan Day and his coaching staff deserve congratulations for winning the national championship,” Howard added. “Now it’s two years in a row that a Big Ten team has won the national championship.” His comments were a nod to the growing dominance of Big Ten teams in the college football landscape, with Ohio State following Michigan’s national title from the previous season.
A Riveting Rivalry Meets Respect
The intense rivalry between Michigan and Ohio State has always been one of the most fierce and captivating in college sports, with emotions often running high on both sides. But in the wake of Ohio State’s national title, Howard’s words represented a rare moment of sportsmanship and respect from a Michigan legend toward his Buckeye counterpart. For many, it’s a reminder that, despite their fierce competition, college football is about more than just wins and losses—it’s about the individuals who pour their hearts into the game.
Ryan Day’s journey to the top, filled with highs and lows, has now earned him both the admiration of his peers and the respect of even his fiercest rivals. And while Howard may never be fully won over to the Ohio State camp, his willingness to offer praise where it’s due shows that sometimes, even the most passionate rivalries can evolve into mutual respect.
