Ryan Day’s first National Championship victory as head coach came Monday when the Buckeyes overcame Notre Dame. After that victory, a 32-year-old OSU alumnus took an extremely risky step. And he believed that for getting victory in title game, respect should be “on his (Ryan Day) name.” However, CFB fans cruelly ridiculed the CFP national champion and the Buffalo Bills’ fourth-round selection in the 2016 NFL draft for that bold approach. But what did he do?

Former OSU QB Cardale Jones felt it was appropriate to compare Ryan Day to Nick Saban following OSU’s National Title victory, according to TDA’s most recent X post. On top of that, Jones thought it was fair to highlight the fact that Day was younger than Saban when he won his first championship. “8 years younger than Saban when he won his 1st National Title. 2 years earlier during his head coaching career than Saban,” Jones wrote on X.

As of 2025, Day is forty-six years old now, and he won the title. However, in 2003, Saban earned his first championship as head coach of the LSU Tigers at the age of 52. So, Jones’s statement on Day and Saban’s ages made sense in light of the parallel. But is there truly a comparison between Ryan Day and Nick Saban given their respective accomplishments? Actually, no. And following that, a CFB fan mentioned the move of Cardale Jones as “A bit premature.” Whereas another fan called him, “Total idiot.”

But this marks the beginning of ruthless mockery. Many critics have taken to social media to share their thoughts on the comparison between Ryan Day and Nick Saban.

Fans violently attacked OSU’s former QB for favoring Ryan Day

We all know Nick Saban is the most successful coach in the history of contemporary CFB, having won seven national titles. When LSU defeated Oklahoma in the BCS Title Game in 2003, he won his first championship. Saban added six additional titles while at Bama: a victory over Texas in 2009, a victory over LSU in 2011, a victory over Notre Dame in 2012, a victory over Clemson in 2015, a victory over Georgia in overtime in 2017, and a resounding triumph over OSU in 2020.

Despite having just one, Ryan Day is unquestionably a skilled coach. However, contrast with the seven-time champion! Truly repulsive. A supporter then wrote, “He’s a good coach, but come back and talk to me when he wins 6 or 7.” “Not even close!” said another fan. “Don’t even say Ryan Day’s name in the same sentence with Nick Saban!!” tweeted a disgruntled fan.

The schedule for OSU in 2024 was regarded as moderately hard. The Buckeyes played a combination of less competitive teams and strong opponents. Notably, they faced Michigan and Oregon. But the fact that OSU played at home against Purdue, Iowa, and Nebraska further strengthened their schedule overall. Where throughout his coaching career, Nick Saban has had to deal with demanding schedules at both Alabama and LSU. The SEC, which is renowned for having some of the top CFB programs in the nation, is where his teams frequently play.

In light of all of this, a fan wrote, “Maybe we’ll talk when he plays the same schedule Saban did.” Another admirer wrote, “He knows football like he knows how to spell! It’s Saban Moron!” But Ryan Day still has a long way to go. Therefore, it’s probably not wise to draw any conclusions at this time. Let’s wait and watch.