It was a faith-fueled victory.
Several Ohio State University football players demonstrated their faith on the field before their Cotton Bowl game last Friday. The Buckeyes secured a 28-14 victory against the University of Texas, earning their spot in the National Championship game, which will take place on January 20 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. Their opponent, the University of Notre Dame, advanced after defeating Penn State.
Footage from the game at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, captured nearly the entire Ohio State team kneeling in prayer on the field before the match began. This public display of faith aligns with the Buckeyes’ actions throughout the season, during which players frequently expressed their religious beliefs both on and off the field.
In November, after Ohio State’s loss to Michigan in a regular-season game, a heated confrontation broke out between the teams as Michigan attempted to plant their flag on Ohio State’s field. Amid the chaos, a few players from both teams chose to pray together, a moment highlighted by videos and photos shared on social media. Similarly, in October, players from Ohio State and Nebraska gathered for a post-game prayer.
Earlier in the season, some Ohio State players participated in an on-campus revival event organized by Christian groups, where they shared their personal faith journeys. The event, attended by hundreds, resulted in around 60 baptisms, showcasing the players’ commitment to their beliefs beyond the football field.
The Buckeyes’ Cotton Bowl victory caught the attention of Senator J.D. Vance, an Ohio State fan and the vice president-elect of the United States. In a humorous post on X, he joked about skipping his upcoming inauguration to attend the championship game. The National Championship coincides with Inauguration Day, creating a playful dilemma that Vance highlighted with a meme about choosing between the two events.