BREAKING: ESPN analyst Lee Corso shocked fans when he declared on air that the Ohio State have never been a competitor to Notre Dame, and neither has head coach Ryan Day. He stated that the Ohio State will be eliminated in the semifinals, and fans should accept this reality.

BREAKING: ESPN Analyst Lee Corso Sparks Controversy with Bold Ohio State and Ryan Day Comments

ESPN analyst Lee Corso shocked fans and pundits alike with an unexpected statement during a recent broadcast, declaring that Ohio State has never been a true competitor to Notre Dame, and neither has its head coach, Ryan Day. In what many are calling an incendiary remark, Corso predicted that the Buckeyes would be eliminated in the semifinals of the College Football Playoff, advising fans to “accept this reality.” The comment has ignited a firestorm on social media and among college football fans, stirring debate on the future of Ohio State football and the validity of Corso’s claim.

Corso, a longtime fixture on ESPN’s “College GameDay,” is known for his bold opinions and often controversial takes. However, his remarks about Ohio State — one of the most successful programs in recent years — have sent shockwaves through the college football world. In his statement, Corso claimed that despite Ohio State’s consistent success in the regular season and its storied history, the program has never truly challenged Notre Dame in the way that fans and media might believe.

“Ohio State’s never been a real competitor to Notre Dame, not in the way that people think,” Corso said, offering no explanation for his stance. “Ryan Day, despite all the hype, has not proven he can win when it matters most. They’re going down in the semifinals — and I’m not just talking about this year, but historically. Fans need to accept this reality.”

The comments immediately drew backlash from Ohio State fans and analysts, many of whom point to the Buckeyes’ consistent dominance in the Big Ten, their national championships under former head coach Urban Meyer, and their strong playoff appearances as evidence of the program’s elite status. Under Day’s leadership, Ohio State has remained a fixture in the College Football Playoff discussion, boasting impressive regular season records and victories over other elite programs. Critics of Corso’s statement argue that his remarks ignore the sustained excellence of the Ohio State program in the modern era.

Ryan Day, now in his fifth year as head coach, has certainly faced pressure to win a national title after replacing Meyer. However, his 2020 team played in the national championship game, losing to Alabama in a season where the pandemic caused unprecedented challenges. Since then, Day has continued to recruit at a top-tier level, consistently developing talent and keeping the Buckeyes competitive on a national scale.

Corso’s assertion also drew attention due to its direct dismissal of Ohio State’s standing among college football’s elite programs. The Buckeyes have been a staple in the playoff era, regularly competing for championships alongside schools like Clemson, Alabama, and Georgia.

Despite the backlash, Corso’s comments might hold some weight in the broader context of Ohio State’s recent struggles in big postseason games. After their national championship appearance in 2020, Ohio State has fallen short in two straight playoff berths, including a defeat at the hands of Georgia in 2022. Many see Corso’s critique as a harsh, but honest, assessment of the current state of the program.

As the College Football Playoff approaches, Ohio State fans will certainly be watching closely to see if their team can prove Corso wrong and silence the doubters. For now, Lee Corso’s prediction remains a hot topic of conversation — and a challenge for Ryan Day and the Buckeyes to prove their worth.