Brad Kern — What Have You Done for Me Lately: The High Stakes of College Football Fandom in the Age of Instant Gratification

 

In the hypercompetitive world of college football, the mantra often seems to be, “What have you done for me lately?” Nowhere is this more evident than among the fan bases of powerhouse programs like Ohio State. For these communities, a good season isn’t good enough; they demand championships. Anything short of winning it all is often considered a failure — a disappointment that fuels hot takes, social media tirades, and even calls for coaching changes. Let’s delve into the intense, ever-demanding landscape of college football fandom in the modern era.

The Weight of Tradition

Teams like Ohio State carry the weight of a long and storied history, peppered with Heisman Trophies, national titles, and legendary coaches. This illustrious past is both a blessing and a curse. It endows the program with a rich tradition and a massive, devoted fan base. However, it also sets exceptionally high standards. A 10-win season without a national title can be seen as a letdown, and losing to arch-rivals like Michigan can cast a shadow over an otherwise stellar season.

The Double-Edged Sword of High Expectations

Expectations in Columbus — and similar college football hotspots — are sky-high every preseason. The phrase “National Championship or bust” isn’t a joke; it’s practically a mission statement. While these expectations can galvanize a team, providing motivation and a sense of purpose, they can also serve as a double-edged sword. Players are not just contending with their opponents on the field but also battling the specter of past champions and the hopes of a fan base that views each season through a championship-or-nothing lens.

The Social Media Amplifier

The age of social media has only fanned the flames of this win-it-all mentality. Every loss, every bad play, every coaching decision is dissected in real-time across Twitter, Facebook, and countless fan forums. Armchair quarterbacks and Monday morning coaches are more vocal than ever, and their critiques can sometimes turn toxic. This creates added pressure on young athletes and coaching staffs, who are all too aware that their performance is being scrutinized in the harshest possible light.

What Constitutes ‘Success’?

In the fast-paced, win-now world of college football, the definition of ‘success’ becomes increasingly narrowed. Is a successful season making it to a prestigious bowl game, or does success only come with a national championship trophy? For many Ohio State fans, it’s the latter. However, this overlooks the immense challenges and variables that come into play over a season — injuries, bad luck, and yes, sometimes even bad calls. Teams evolve and grow over a season, and sometimes their best isn’t good enough to win it all. Does that make the entire endeavor a failure?

The Cost of Passion

While passion is one of the most beautiful aspects of college football, it can come at a cost. The drive for perpetual excellence can create a culture of impatience, where coaches are given less time to build a program, players are written off after a single poor performance, and a single loss can overshadow a season of accomplishments. This type of environment can be draining, not just for those involved in the sport but even for fans themselves.

In conclusion, while the thirst for championships is part and parcel of what makes college football so exhilarating, it’s worth taking a step back to appreciate the journey. A team is more than the sum of its titles, and while winning it all is the ultimate goal, maybe it shouldn’t be the only measure of a season’s worth. After all, if a ‘good’ season is considered a failure, then perhaps we’re setting ourselves up for disappointment more often than not. Maybe, just maybe, it’s time to redefine what “What have you done for me lately?” really means. — Brad Kern

Originally posted here