​We’re not yet deep into the college football awards watch lists, though that work is coming in earnest. Today brought a first glimpse with the 2026 preseason Dodd Trophy watch list, which includes Ryan Day among the 20 names announced on Thursday. The Dodd Trophy, named for former coach Bobby Dodd, is awarded annually to the college football coach judged to be the best in the sport. The award has a long history, dating back to 1976, and is presented by Peach Bowl, Inc. It honors a head coach whose team shows on-field success while also exemplifying the values of scholarship, leadership, and integrity—three pillars that defined Bobby Dodd’s coaching philosophy.
It’s important to note that certain coaches are ineligible for the Dodd Trophy. First-year head coaches with a new team cannot win, and coaches whose teams posted an Academic Progress Rate (APR) average below 971 are also excluded from consideration. In a statement accompanying the release, Peach Bowl, Inc. President and CEO David Epps emphasized the award’s guiding principles. “The Dodd Trophy has long recognized the qualities that define exceptional leadership in college football through its three guiding pillars of scholarship, leadership and integrity,” Epps said. “Those three principles are at the heart of this award, and we look forward to following this outstanding group of coaches as they compete and lead their programs throughout the upcoming season.”
The Dodd Trophy will be presented at halftime during the College Football Playoff quarterfinal Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl on January 1, 2027. Ohio State’s Jim Tressel remains the only Buckeyes coach to have won the award, doing so in 2002 during the program’s national championship run. For continued coverage of Ohio State news, notes, and analysis, follow Buckeyes Wire and its team of reporters. You can connect with Buckeyes Wire on X (formerly Twitter) and like the page on Facebook to stay updated, and follow Phil Harrison on X for additional insights. This article originally appeared on Buckeyes Wire and highlights Ryan Day’s notable placement on the preseason watch list as the program builds toward the 2026 season.