Why Winning It All, Not Just Winning, Is So Important to Buckeye Nation

 

In the heart of Columbus, Ohio resides a football program that’s not just full of spirit, but excellence as well. The Ohio State Buckeyes, draped in their iconic scarlet and grey attire are more than just a team. Buckeye Nation is an expectation; it’s pride for fans and the epitome of college football. It’s not just about winning; it’s winning it all. That national championship trophy represents everything that makes this team great.

The Rich History

The story of Ohio State Football can be characterized by resilience, unwavering spirit and success. Founded in 1890, they’ve grown from being nobodies to someone you don’t want to mess with. With over 900 wins, eight national championships and 39 conference titles; it’s safe to say they left their mark. Names like Chic Harley, Archie Griffin and Woody Hayes aren’t just names; they’re symbols of a legacy.

The Winning Culture

At Ohio State University winning isn’t enough; it’s about dominance. It’s about giving every ounce of effort possible on every play because anything less is unacceptable. They have a reputation to uphold and that will never change — ever.

Recruiting Power

Recruiting isn’t simply players being given scholarships to play at O.S.U., no — it’s much more than that. It’s the opportunity to play at one of the greatest programs in history — not number two either — THE GREATEST program in history! Imagine being able to tell your friends you played for the Buckeyes or even better won a National Championship with them! That allure alone is enough reason for any athlete to sign.

Returning Starters

It takes something special for players who have their choice at going pro to return back home for another year of school ball. But when you commit yourself to becoming a Buckeye there’s no shaking off the loyalty you develop with this program and fanbase.

Greatest of All Time

There are too many great players to name, but guys like Archie Griffin and Eddie George left a lasting impression. And who could forget about Orlando Pace and Chase Young? All of these names played vital roles in Ohio States success.

Chris Carter, who blessed the position of wide receiver with his hands and route-running, Chris Spielman, a linebacker whose ferocity and leadership took him to new heights, and Mike Vrabel, whose tenacity and football skills landed him in the hall of fame, A.J. Hawk and James Laurinaitis who continued the legacy of linebackers who have made it on their own while Troy Smith’s two-time Heisman winning season is still a highlight for Ohio State fans.

The list goes on; Joey and Nick Bosa who terrorized quarterbacks for over 10 years, now leaving behind a long lineage of excellence. Ezekiel Elliot was the spark plug that ignited Ohio States’ 2014 national championship run. J.T Barrett became one of the most decorated quarterbacks in school history with his versatility and leadership.

There’s also Vic Janowicz and CJ Stroud who’s already cementing himself as one of the best passers to ever play college football. Andy Katzenmoyer and Shawn Springs were both known to completely stop what they were doing if they saw someone with a ball running towards them. Dan Wilkinson, Pepper Johnson, and Cameron Heyward formed formidable defensive lines during their time at OSU. Malcolm Jenkins’ coverage skills are almost unheard of due to how efficiently he shut down opposing players.

Garrett Wilson and Chris Olave led OSU wideouts in catches these past years but it looks like Marvin Harrison Jr is next up for greatness.

The Buckeye Spirits

These players remind us why we love Ohio State Football so much. They embody everything about what it means to don scarlet and grey on Saturdays. Their talent dedication achievements have all contributed to what is now an incredibly rich tapestry filled with great memories for both fans and players alike.

As this new generation look to make a name for themselves, they’re reminded that even though there will be immense pressure, they’re playing alongside some of THE best athletes in the world.

• Emeka Egbuka: A dynamic wide receiver known for his speed, hands, and playmaking ability, Egbuka is a rising star in the Buckeye offense.
• TreVeyon Henderson: With his explosive runs and versatility out of the backfield, Henderson is quickly becoming a key weapon in the Ohio State arsenal.
• Jeremiah Smith: A highly touted wide receiver, Smith has the potential to be the next great pass-catcher in a long line of Buckeye greats.
• Denzel Burke: As a lockdown cornerback, Burke has shown flashes of brilliance in the secondary, making him a name to watch in the coming years.
• Tua Tuimoloau: A force on the defensive line, Tuimoloau’s strength and athleticism have already made an impact in the trenches.
• Carnell Tate: Another promising wide receiver, Tate’s route-running and catching ability have him poised for a breakout.
• Brandon Inniss: Inniss brings a combination of speed and agility to the receiver corps, making him a potential game-changer.
• Jermaine Mathews: A talented defensive back, Mathews has the skills to become a standout in the Ohio State secondary.
• Sonny Styles: An athletic and versatile defender, Styles has the potential to excel in multiple positions on the defense.
• Julian Sayin: A quarterback with a strong arm and sharp football IQ, Sayin is seen as a future leader for the Buckeyes.
• Air Noland: Known for his athleticism and playmaking ability, Noland is a versatile player who could make an impact on both sides of the ball.
• Caleb Downs: A highly rated safety, Downs brings a combination of speed, instincts, and hitting ability to the Ohio State defense.
• Quinshon Judkins: A powerful running back, Judkins has the potential to be the next great rusher in the Buckeye backfield.

These young Buckeyes are the future of Ohio State Football. With their talent, skill, and dedication to excellence, they’re ready to continue the program’s legacy that has defined it for decades. Watch them grow and take the field — Buckeye Nation waits in anticipation as they cheer on these stars in scarlet and grey.

The Coaching Legacy

The impact coaches have had on Ohio State Football can never be overstated. From John Wilce, all the way to Ryan Day, each coach left behind a culture. Woody Hayes’ tough approach set the standard of excellence that we still see today. Jim Tressel brought with him a calm demeanor and an ability to win big games. Urban Meyer introduced a high tier offense and a relentless recruiting strategy. Every era came with its own flavor, challenges and wins — all coming together to shape what is now known as Buckeye football.

Memorable Games

Ohio State Football has been a part of some of the most unforgettable games in college history over the years. These contests didn’t just define seasons — but left permanent marks on this programs legacy that won’t ever fade away.

• 2002 Fiesta Bowl (National Championship): In a game for the ages, the Buckeyes upset the heavily favored Miami Hurricanes in a thrilling double-overtime victory to claim their first national championship in 34 years.
• 2006 Ohio State vs. Michigan: Known as “The Game of the Century,” this matchup saw №1 Ohio State face off against №2 Michigan. The Buckeyes emerged victorious in a high-scoring affair, solidifying their spot in the BCS National Championship Game.
• 2014 Big Ten Championship Game: Ohio State, led by third-string quarterback Cardale Jones, demolished Wisconsin 59–0, a statement win that propelled them into the College Football Playoff.
• 2015 Sugar Bowl (National Semifinal): The Buckeyes faced Alabama in a classic showdown, overcoming an early deficit to defeat the Crimson Tide and advance to the National Championship Game.
• 2017 Ohio State vs. Penn State: In a thrilling comeback, the Buckeyes erased a 15-point fourth-quarter deficit to defeat the Nittany Lions, keeping their playoff hopes alive.
• 2018 Ohio State vs. Maryland: A high-scoring affair that showcased the Buckeyes’ resilience as they survived a Maryland two-point conversion attempt in overtime to secure a one-point victory.

The Rivalry with That Team Up North (TTUN)

The rivalry between The Ohio State-Michigan is one of sports most intense rivalries ever in existence. It’s a battle that goes beyond just records, rankings or stakes — it’s about pride, tradition and hate between two players who go by different names but hold similar statuses when it comes to how good their programs are.

• The Ten-Year War (1969–1978): This period, marked by the intense rivalry between coaches Woody Hayes of Ohio State and Bo Schembechler of Michigan, saw some of the most memorable battles in the history of “The Game.” The 1969 upset by Michigan over an undefeated Ohio State team is particularly notable, as it marked the beginning of this fierce decade-long struggle.
• 2002 Ohio State vs. Michigan: With a trip to the National Championship on the line, the Buckeyes secured a hard-fought victory over the Wolverines, propelling them to the Fiesta Bowl.
• 2006 №1 vs. №2 Showdown: In a rare №1 vs. №2 matchup, Ohio State and Michigan battled in a high-scoring affair, with the Buckeyes coming out on top to secure a spot in the National Championship Game.
• 2016 Double Overtime Thriller: In a game filled with playoff implications, Ohio State defeated Michigan in a double-overtime thriller, highlighted by Curtis Samuel’s game-winning touchdown.
• 2024 Return to Glory? After a series of setbacks in the rivalry, will Ohio State emphatically reclaim dominance with a resounding victory over Michigan, reminding everyone of the Buckeyes’ prowess in “The Game”? The Buckeyes have certainly made a lot of moves this offseason to position themselves to do just that, but only time will tell if that happens!

This rivalry isn’t something you can just explain through words; it’s something you feel deep inside your bones all year long until both teams play each other again at the end of every season.

Carrying careers, shaping legacies and forging eternal bonds between players and the fans is what this game does best for both sides. But one thing remains certain: There isn’t any victory sweeter than one over That Team Up North.

Why Winning It All Matters!

For Buckeye Nation, winning isn’t just a want, it’s a need. And when they say all — it means all. It’s about the pursuit of excellence, the quest for glory and being crowned as the best college football team in the country.

Winning the national championship is the ultimate goal that validates all the hard work, sacrifices and commitment made by everyone involved in this program.

Winning is important to Buckeye Nation because it’s what defines them: Excellence, resilience and an unyielding pursuit to greatness. They want to carry on those before them and set up those who will follow. Making history, setting a legacy and engraving their name in college football greatness is what drives these players — so when you see them take the field every season… keep in mind that it’s not just about getting another win under their belt — but rather creating something special, something beyond winning the game!

Originally published at https://bradkern.medium.com on February 20, 2024.