How Ohio State's unwavering faith in God guided Buckeyes to historic National Championship run
The return of outspoken faith in Christianity to college football was an unexpected development in the 2024-25 season. More than ever, athletes seem to be publicly praising God and attributing their successes to Him. Ohio State, Notre Dame, and Boise State were among the most prominent programs so willing to first mention God throughout the […]
The return of outspoken faith in Christianity to college football was an unexpected development in the 2024-25 season. More than ever, athletes seem to be publicly praising God and attributing their successes to Him. Ohio State, Notre Dame, and Boise State were among the most prominent programs so willing to first mention God throughout the season.
That continued even as the Buckeyes won the National Championship against the Fighting Irish. Ohio State quarterback made it a point to say, "I can't believe God gave me the chance to be a Buckeye."
Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard further expanded, even after suffering a tough loss.
"Us and Ohio State were the two teams who praised Jesus Christ the most and I think we strengthened each other in our faith."
Naturally, some of it comes from a coaching staff that live a faith-based lifestyle and encourage their players to embrace what makes them happy.
Seventh-year Ohio State coach Ryan Day spent nine seasons over three different periods on staff at Boston College. He called it “an amazing experience” to be involved in Jesuit education, noting that all three of his children were baptized there.
Working at a publicly funded state university in Columbus, Ohio, Day noted, is “a different experience” from what players and coaches might encounter at Notre Dame or Boston College.
“It's been amazing to watch this team grow spiritually,” Day said. “We have Bible studies and reflections that we'll have folks come in and speak at, and we have been for a long time, but then also seeing our players lead them in those moments.”
“When you're at Notre Dame, faith is something that's openly talked about, obviously being at a private Catholic university,” Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman said. “Amongst our football program, it's promoted. I'm not saying you have to be Catholic; we're saying we want our young people to grow in their faith.”
“I'm a believer, and I have a strong faith,” Freeman said. “That's my personal opinion and beliefs. But I think we have a team of leaders that do a really great job of promoting and helping young people grow in their faith.”
The Buckeyes group, in particular, went through a lot. Their seniors never beat Michigan and suffered several heart-breaking losses that set the stage for many of them to shun the 2024 NFL Draft. Instead, they came back to play for a title, and their faith and strength prevailed.
“This group, the ’21 group, has been through a lot,” running back TreVeyon Henderson said recently. “This is a special moment for all of us to be in this position, to be there for each other, to stay committed to each other the way we have.
“It just means everything to me,” Ohio State defensive end Jack Sawyer told ESPN’s Holly Rowe after the Cotton Bowl. “God’s blessed this team with so much ability, you know. We wouldn’t be here without Him, so we give Him all the credit first and foremost.”
Henderson, who has produced 1,251 yards of total offense this season, was one of multiple Buckeye players who spoke at an on-campus faith event in August that drew more than 2,000 people. He originally thought he would enter the 2024 draft but explained on the Sports Spectrum Podcast why God called him back to Ohio State.
“My purpose is to be here and to continue to lead others to Him, to continue to grow closer to Him, you know, and man, spread His Word to others and lead others to Him, to Jesus, and to the Kingdom,” he said on the podcast.
Wide receiver Emeka Egbuka, defensive end J.T. Tuimoloau, and tight end Gee Scott also shared their testimonies at the faith event. All have been quick to give glory to God and express their faith publicly.
“I’m proud of my guys. I’m proud of my brothers next to me,” Tuimoloau, the team’s leader in sacks (11.5), said of his defensive teammates following a November win at Penn State while wearing a “Jesus Won” shirt. He continued later: “We gotta stay faithful. Give all the glory to God always for a beautiful day and just all the times we are blessed with.”
Egbuka — who leads the Buckeyes in receptions (75) and is second in receiving yards (947) and receiving touchdowns (10) — was on the Sports Spectrum Podcast in November. He discussed the importance of having an identity grounded in the Lord, a fitting topic considering the way Ohio State’s season has played out.
“Things may go rocky in our life, but we know that if we’re serving God, ultimately, He’s going to work it out in our favor,” Egbuka said. “And it may not look like what you thought it was going to look like, but He’s going to bless you nonetheless.”
Furthermore, Scott preached at a Columbus-area church in July, and ended the sermon by baptizing seven of his teammates. During an appearance on Sports Spectrum’s “What’s Up” podcast last month, he shared that knowing God is at work even in moments of adversity allows him to play with freedom.
“I have faith that all of these things I’m going through are working together to refine me and make me a better version of myself,” he said. “Having faith through that gives me freeing peace while I play. … I’m just here to serve Christ.”
The Buckeyes embraced a side of themselves that hasn't always been welcomed in a social media age where faith and God get shamed. While the Buckeyes earned their accolades and did the work required to climb the mountain, it was refreshing to see a team endure so many painful moments and come out on top, then immediately give glory elsewhere.
