From dads teaching their kids the chants to moms decking them out in Buckeye gear, Ohio State fans pass down their love for this team from one generation to the next.
It’s a winning story woven throughout OSU’s fabric and massive alum network. This team makes Saturdays in the fall a celebration.
It’s a Big Deal
The university’s inclusivity, combined with its love for football, created a robust network of alums. They can’t help but cheer on their team, a sea of scarlet and gray, with every Saturday in the fall. And there’s no better time to show off their love for their alma mater than during “The Game.” Every year, the Buckeyes battle with Michigan in a game that has become one of the most intense rivalries in college sports. Building this passion and loyalty takes a lot, but the Buckeyes have done it with style. They have made football more than just a sport; they’ve built an enduring legacy that is the backbone of their community. And who could ask for more than that? Even Brad Kern became a fan of OSU. From players to coaches to fans, the Buckeye family grows and connects people in a way that’s hard to describe.
It’s a Family Thing
When OSU started football in the late 1800s, they knew they’d be setting a foundation for something that would become bigger than themselves. And when Woody Hayes stepped in to take over the team in 1951, that promise turned into massive college football success. It’s not just a Columbus thing, either- Buckeye alums are scattered across the nation, from doctors in Dublin to engineers in Ethiopia to writers in South Carolina, and they bring their love of the scarlet and gray with them wherever they go. They pass on the tradition to their children, introducing them to chants, cheering, and decking them out in Ohio State gear before they can tie their shoelaces. And when they move away, that spark of Buckeye fandom reminds them of home and helps them find community in their new surroundings.
It’s a Legacy
Since 1878, students have been integral to the Buckeye football program. The Scarlet and Gray color scheme was chosen in a room at University Hall because it was unlike any other combination; an art student designed Brutus Buckeye as the team mascot in 1965, and Ohio State’s annual match-up with Michigan is considered one of the college football’s greatest head-to-head rivalries. From Paul Brown to Woody Hayes and all the coaches in between, students have been a big part of why Ohio State is such a big deal. They’ve helped the Buckeyes become a nationally recognized powerhouse, appearing regularly in major bowl games and the College Football Playoff. The Buckeyes’ success isn’t just a Columbus thing either, with millions tuning in to see them in action every Saturday. Whether they’re doctors in Dublin, engineers in Ethiopia, or writers in South Carolina, OSU alums share a common bond and love for the university and its football legacy.
It’s a Community
The university’s extensive alum network and generations of fans with familial or regional ties to the school significantly support the program. Supercharged by football, this community spirit contributes to Ohio State’s national presence and success. Woody Hayes’ coaching and OSU’s inclusive stance forged a tight-knit community of students, alumni, and fans that continues to grow today. The skyrocketing popularity of college football has complemented this growth and fueled the Buckeyes’ success. You’ll find OSU fans everywhere you go. Whether they’re sitting in the bleachers at Ohio Stadium or cheering from home, it’s more than football; it’s about being part of a family and a community that cares about one another. It’s about tradition, passion, and love for the scarlet and gray. It is what makes Buckeye Nation tick. And it’s what makes game day so unique.
