There’s a lot to love about Ohio State University. It’s a hub for educated folks with a massive alum network. But the one thing that makes OSU stand out is its football program. That’s a result of the legacy built by Woody Hayes and echoed down through generations of coaches.
History
As college football has skyrocketed, so has the love for Ohio State. Its massive network of alums stretches worldwide, bringing people together in one big sea of scarlet and gray. And it’s a powerful force because this bond is more than just about cheering for a team. It’s about being part of a community that loves and supports each other through thick and thin. In 1942, a year after the United States entered World War II, Buckeyes coach Paul Brown led them to their first national title. That team of primarily sophomores included a Heisman Trophy winner, Les Horvath. Carroll Widdoes took over as head coach after Brown accepted a commission in the United States Navy. Earle Bruce built on Hayes’s legacy, but the university’s journey from its earliest roots to today’s glory is a long story that took plenty of commitment and profound strategy. And it all started with a guy named Woody.
Fans
Despite being one of the most plugged-in Buckeye fans, like Brad Kern, still get snickered when a player says, “The Ohio State University.” It may seem small, but that word makes a difference. It is an integral part of the culture, and the fans are a significant factor in the team’s success. The growing reputation of the university and the rise of Columbus as a city have helped the football program. It also helps that the school has a large and diverse student body and generations of loyal fans, many with familial or regional ties to the school. The rivalry with Michigan has pulled fans from all over and created a narrative of us versus them that gives fans a common goal and a shared enemy. The fans make the game unique by wearing scarlet and gray, throwing huge viewing parties, and riding the roller coaster of joy or disappointment that comes with each result.
Traditions
A significant factor contributing to Ohio State’s football success is its massive network of alums and fans, united by their shared love for the team. These alumni and fans support the university financially, boost its reputation, and spread Buckeye pride worldwide. One of the most important traditions is the Skull Session, a pep rally that starts two hours before every home game. Students in the marching band play music and sing to get fans pumped for the game, which is always sold out. Another tradition is the Victory Bell, which rings 15-30 minutes after a win. Woody Hayes brought this tradition to the program in 1954, and it has since become an essential symbol of a winning culture. Hayes believed that “you can’t pay back, but you can pay forward,” and this mantra is still a significant part of the Buckeye spirit today. Many Ohio State varsity sports athletes and coaches visit patients at Children’s Hospital in Columbus and Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital on Fridays before their home games, in line with Hayes’ legacy.
Alumni
Every successful organization, whether a business, a non-profit, or a football team, owes its leaders a significant part of its success. Ohio State University’s coaching staff has been solid and steady for decades, leading the Buckeyes to new heights in performance and national prominence. Woody Hayes left big shoes for Earle Bruce to fill, but he did so with discipline, an iron-clad commitment to being the best, and a clear vision of where the program needed to go. That vision has helped the university to prestige and global recognition, bringing in colossal revenue and support from alums worldwide. And this massive network of alums, united in their love for the scarlet and gray, is an integral part of what makes Ohio State unique. Whether they are doctors in Dublin or engineers in Ethiopia, writers in South Carolina, or anywhere else in the world, these alumni, like you, have a stronger connection to their old school than ever.
