Urban Meyer, one of the most decorated coaches in college football, has solidified his legacy into the College Football Hall of Fame Class of 2025. Meyer’s remarkable coaching career is marked by a track record of success, culminating in his entry into the CFHOF class alongside 18 other coaches and college football players.
Urban Meyer’s All-Time Record
With an impressive 187-32 coaching record, Meyer’s winning percentage is 85.4%. He has built championship-contending teams wherever he went. This record, spanning multiple programs and seasons, showcases his consistency in creating high-performing teams.
Meyer’s coaching journey began in 1986 at Ohio State as a graduate assistant, working under the guidance of legendary head coach Earl Bruce. It was during these formative years that Meyer developed his coaching philosophy. That’s where he learned the intricacies of running a successful college football program.
Meyer’s first head coaching role came in 2001 with the Bowling Green Falcons. With Meyer at the helm, the Falcons improved, posting an 8-3 record. This turnaround earned him Mid-American Conference Coach of the Year honors, and his success at Bowling Green quickly garnered attention from larger programs.
In 2003, Meyer took over the reins at the University of Utah. Under his leadership, the Utes experienced an unforgettable season in 2004, finishing with a perfect 12-0 record. This undefeated season marked Utah’s first since 1930, culminating in a Fiesta Bowl victory over Pittsburgh.
That same year, Utah made history by becoming the first team from a non-automatic qualifying conference to break into the Bowl Championship Series (BCS). It solidified Meyer’s reputation as a coach capable of achieving excellence on the national stage.
Florida became Meyer’s next stop in 2005, and it was there that he would make his biggest impact. Meyer’s tenure with the Florida Gators transformed the program into one of the most successful in college football history. Under his leadership, the Gators won two national championships in 2006 and 2008.
In 2006, Florida defeated Ohio State to claim the national title, and two years later, they overcame the Oklahoma Sooners in another thrilling championship game. These victories marked Meyer’s emergence as one of the sport’s premier head coaches. Not only this, but it also cemented his place among the all-time greats.
After his time at Florida, Meyer returned to Ohio State in 2011 to take over the Buckeyes.
In his first year, Meyer led Ohio State to a perfect 12-0 record, although postseason sanctions kept the team from participating in the national championship race. Despite this setback, Meyer’s influence on the Buckeyes was immediately felt, and he quickly re-established Ohio State as a dominant force in college football.
Perhaps Meyer’s most memorable achievement came in 2014 when he guided Ohio State to a national championship in the inaugural College Football Playoff.
The Buckeyes shocked the top-seeded Alabama Crimson Tide in the semifinals before defeating the Oregon Ducks 42-20 in the championship game. This victory marked Meyer’s third national championship and solidified his legacy as one of the best coaches in college football history.
However, Meyer’s time at Ohio State was not without its challenges. In 2018, he was placed on administrative leave during an investigation into how he handled domestic abuse allegations involving his former assistant coach, Zach Smith.
While Smith was never charged, the controversy surrounding the incident raised questions about Meyer’s decision-making. Despite the scrutiny, Meyer’s success on the field continued, and he remained focused on leading Ohio State to victories.
After stepping down in 2018, Meyer left Ohio State with a legacy of excellence. His tenure at the school was defined by dominance on the field and a commitment to developing NFL-caliber players. Meyer’s ability to recruit top talent and elevate players to their full potential was a hallmark of his coaching style, and it was this approach that helped him achieve sustained success at every stop in his career.
Urban Meyer’s Legacy of Innovation and Leadership
Meyer’s legacy extends beyond his wins and championships. At Utah, Meyer coached Alex Smith, who would go on to be the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft. This was just the beginning of his track record of developing quarterbacks who succeeded at the next level. At both Florida and Ohio State, Meyer continued to cultivate talent, coaching numerous All-Americans and future NFL stars.
The 2025 College Football Hall of Fame Class, which includes Meyer alongside legendary coaches like Nick Saban, serves as a reflection of the greatness of modern college football.
FOLLOW ALONG: Track Every Transfer Portal Entrant in our CFN Transfer Portal Tracker now!
Saban, who retired in 2023 after winning six national championships at Alabama, shares many of the same accolades as Meyer, further highlighting the significance of the latter’s induction into the Hall of Fame.
The College Football Hall of Fame Class of 2025 will be officially inducted on Dec. 9, 2025, during the National Football Foundation’s Annual Awards Dinner in Las Vegas. This event will celebrate Meyer’s career and the contributions of all those inducted, including players like Michael Vick and Michael Strahan.
College Football Network has you covered with the latest from the ACC, Big Ten, Big 12, SEC, and every Group of Five conference and FBS Independent program.
