Ryan Day one of 17 coaches on Dodd Trophy preseason watch list

It’s no secret that Ryan Day has taken the college football world by storm. Heck, he’s yet to lose a Big Ten or regular-season game in two-plus seasons as the head of the Ohio State program. His only two losses have come in the College Football Playoff.

And though everyone used a get out of jail free card early on by using the “yeah, but he’s too new” excuse, Day is starting to get recognition. The latest comes by way of the 2021 Preseason Dodd Trophy Watch List where Day is one of 17 coaches appearing.

The list was made using a selection process that considered each program’s graduation rate, commitment to service and charity in the community, projected success for the 2021 season, and academic progress for student-athletes.

“The Dodd Trophy is the most coveted coach of the year award because it looks beyond just the results on the field and measures the overall impact these coaches have had on their players, universities and communities,” chairman Jim Terry said in a statement.

The other coaches on the watch list include:

1. Tom Allen, Indiana

2. Mack Brown, North Carolina

3. Matt Campbell, Iowa State

4. Jamey Chadwell, Coastal Carolina

5. Paul Chryst, Wisconsin

6. Ryan Day, Ohio State

7. Kirk Ferentz, Iowa

8. Luke Fickell, Cincinnati

9. Jimbo Fisher, Texas A&M

10. James Frankin, Penn State

11. Brian Kelly, Notre Dame

12. Jimmy Lake, Washington

13. Dan Mullen, Florida

14. Lincoln Riley, Oklahoma

15. Nick Saban, Alabama

16. Kirby Smart, Georgia

17. Dabo Swinney, Clemson

“These coaches are coming off one of the most unprecedented and trying seasons in the history of college football, but found a way to persevere in the face of adversity.” Peach Bowl, Inc. CEO and President Gary Stokan said. “They have consistently found success no matter the circumstances and we look forward to seeing how they lead their teams as we return to a sense of normalcy this season.”

Ohio State is expected to once again be one of the best teams in the country with Ryan Day steering the ship. If he has more success on the field and continues to be there for noble causes like mental health and the well-being of his student-athletes, there’s a real good chance Day could nab this award.

That all comes later though. For now, it’s at least a nod in Day’s direction that he has been included on the preseason watch list.

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