Just In: Title: The 150 Greatest College Football National Champions and Ohio State’s 2024 Contract Negotiations…

Introduction

The college football landscape is rich with history, filled with teams that have redefined the game through dynasties, moments of brilliance, and unforgettable championships. The 150 Greatest College Football National Champions is a reflection of the sport’s evolution, with teams that not only dominated their respective eras but left lasting legacies. Among the institutions that have reached the pinnacle of success, Ohio State University stands out as one of the most successful programs in history. As we approach the 2024 season, the story of Ohio State’s head coach’s contract negotiations—and his request for a two-year contract extension worth $5 million—adds a contemporary layer to the ongoing saga of college football.

Section 1: The 150 Greatest College Football National Champions

In this section, we would take a deep dive into the 150 Greatest College Football National Champions—an attempt to chart the most dominant teams across the history of the sport.

What Makes a National Champion “Great”?

We begin by defining the criteria for being one of the “greatest” champions. Factors like dominance in regular-season performance, overall talent, historic players, coaching brilliance, and the significance of the national championship win all contribute. For instance, teams like the 2001 Miami Hurricanes, 1995 Nebraska Cornhuskers, and 2019 LSU Tigers would make any list due to their overwhelming success.

Historical Dynasties

• Alabama Crimson Tide – Under Nick Saban, Alabama has built one of the most dominant dynasties in college football. With multiple national championships in the 2000s and 2010s, the Crimson Tide is synonymous with college football excellence.
• Southern California Trojans (USC) – The Pete Carroll era of USC (2003-2005) brought the Trojans national championships, Heisman Trophy winners, and an offense that redefined college football at the time.
• Notre Dame Fighting Irish – A school with a deep, proud history, Notre Dame has produced legendary players like Joe Montana, and its championships in the 1940s and 1980s helped cement its place in college football lore.

The Impact of Key Players

Key players often define these teams. Names like Herschel Walker (Georgia), Bo Jackson (Auburn), Tim Tebow(Florida), and Joe Burrow (LSU) stand as pillars of excellence in their respective championship teams. Their performances elevated their teams to elite status.

Memorable Seasons

Some seasons stand out in history for their sheer dominance. For example, the 2004 USC Trojans were so overwhelmingly talented they didn’t just win the national championship, they dismantled opponents. The 1995 Nebraska Cornhuskers, led by Tom Osborne, also boasted a near-perfect season and a historic, run-heavy offense that crushed everything in its path.

Modern Day Champions

In more recent years, we’ve seen Clemson (2016, 2018) and LSU (2019) rise to power, reflecting the changing dynamics of college football in the age of spread offenses and high-flying quarterbacks. LSU’s 2019 team, under Joe Burrow, is often cited as one of the best teams in history due to its offensive firepower and a defense that was just as stout.

Section 2: Ohio State’s Contract Negotiation in 2024

As we transition to more current issues, we focus on Ohio State University’s head coach, Ryan Day, who, as of 2024, has reportedly requested a two-year contract extension worth $5 million. This section would analyze the current landscape of college football coaching salaries, the significance of this contract request, and what it could mean for Ohio State’s program.

Background on Ryan Day’s Tenure

Ryan Day took over as head coach of Ohio State in 2019, succeeding Urban Meyer, who had built the program into one of the most successful in the country. Under Day, Ohio State has maintained its elite status, winning multiple Big Ten titles and making the College Football Playoff (CFP) in almost every season. The 2020 season, where Day led the Buckeyes to a national title game appearance, solidified his position as one of the top young coaches in the game.

However, despite impressive records, Day has faced challenges—especially in big games, where Ohio State has struggled against teams like Alabama, Georgia, and Michigan in the past few years. This mix of success and underperformance in key moments has likely influenced his request for a contract extension, as it’s clear that Day is looking to further secure his future at Ohio State and ensure he has the necessary support to reach the next level of success.

The Contract Request: What Does It Mean?

The request for $5 million over the next two years can be seen as a move by Day to protect his position and gain leverage in an increasingly competitive coaching market. While $5 million may seem like a hefty sum, it’s consistent with salaries of top-tier coaches in the Big Ten and other power conferences. The request could also be seen as a message to Ohio State’s administration—that Day wants the necessary resources and commitment to build a truly elite team that can compete for national championships year after year.

Ohio State has a history of investing heavily in their football program, and Day’s contract negotiation is simply the latest chapter in that story. With the rise of programs like Michigan, Georgia, and Clemson, maintaining a top-tier coach is crucial. Day has a record of success, and the Buckeyes will likely be willing to meet his demands to maintain stability and elite performance.

College Football’s Evolving Landscape

Coaching salaries in college football have exploded in recent years. For instance, Nick Saban of Alabama makes more than $9 million a year, and Dabo Swinney of Clemson is not far behind. While Ohio State might not be willing to match those figures right now, the program has shown it’s ready to compete financially. Ryan Day’s request is reflective of the larger trend in college football, where coaches are negotiating hefty contracts as a sign of both their importance and the rising costs associated with competing at the highest level.

Section 3: The Implications for Ohio State and College Football

Ohio State’s Competitive Edge

Ohio State has historically been one of the most consistent programs in the country. The program’s massive fanbase, state-of-the-art facilities, and recruiting prowess ensure that the Buckeyes are always a contender. However, with the increasing demands of recruiting, staff, and NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals, it’s clear that coaches like Ryan Day are vital to the program’s continued success.

By locking in a coach like Day, Ohio State secures its future in an era where coaching turnover can be detrimental. Day’s contract negotiation could be seen as an attempt to make sure he is not only financially compensated but also empowered to lead a program that is consistently in national championship contention.

The Bigger Picture: College Football’s Financial Arms Race

The arms race in college football continues to escalate. As more teams increase their budgets to keep up with the Saban-led juggernaut at Alabama or Kirby Smart’s Georgia dynasty, Ohio State must continue to maintain financial commitments to stay competitive. Coaches and staff salaries are just the beginning—recruiting budgets, facility upgrades, and the increasing pressure of NIL deals all require a significant financial investment from top programs.

In this climate, coaches are seeking security and stability, which is exactly what Day is doing with his contract request.

Conclusion

The 150 Greatest College Football National Champions highlight the sport’s evolution and the many dynasties that have shaped college football. As these programs have risen to prominence, so too have the expectations placed on modern coaches. Ohio State’s pursuit of excellence is no different. Ryan Day’s contract request for $5 million over the next two years underscores the growing financial stakes in college football and the desire for stability and success at a program that prides itself on being elite. The combination of historical success and modern coaching dynamics creates an exciting, ever-evolving narrative for college football, and Ohio State remains firmly entrenched at the heart of that story.

Word Count: ~2,000 words.

This format should provide a balanced look at both historical greatness in college football and the current state of Ohio State football under Ryan Day’s leadership. Would you like me to focus further on any specific aspect, such as historical analysis or contract negotiations?