An Ohio State legend who landed a big NFL contract was criticized for his shocking take.
Few college football programs have produced more NFL-ready talent than the Ohio State Buckeyes. From elite defensive backs to All-Pro pass rushers and dynamic skill players, the Buckeyes consistently send stars to the next level. Among them stands a household name—an Ohio State legend who made the leap to the NFL and secured a massive contract. But recently, that same former Buckeye found himself at the center of controversy for an eyebrow-raising opinion that many in the football world, both fans and analysts alike, weren’t ready to let slide.
The Player in Question: A Buckeye Turned Star
The name that’s lit up headlines this week is none other than Joey Bosa, the Pro Bowl pass rusher and former Ohio State defensive end. Drafted No. 3 overall in 2016 by the then-San Diego Chargers, Bosa quickly validated the hype, capturing the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year award and later signing a 5-year, $135 million contract extension in 2020—at the time, the richest deal ever for a defensive player.
At Ohio State, Bosa was a cornerstone of Urban Meyer’s defense, earning unanimous All-American honors in 2014 and helping the Buckeyes win the first-ever College Football Playoff National Championship. His relentless motor, strength at the point of attack, and polished technique made him a can’t-miss prospect—and an icon in Columbus.
But despite his accolades, Bosa stirred the pot during a recent appearance on a national podcast, making comments that alienated fans and puzzled analysts alike.
The Shocking Take: “College Football’s Overrated”
While appearing on the popular “Gridiron Insight” podcast, Bosa was asked about his thoughts on college football’s evolution. Instead of sticking to praise or nostalgia, Bosa delivered a hot take that ignited instant backlash.
“Honestly, college football doesn’t hold a candle to the NFL,” Bosa said. “It’s slower, sloppier, and honestly kind of overrated. Half those guys aren’t ready to play on Sundays. It’s entertaining for fans, but let’s not act like it’s high-level football.”
That quote, especially coming from someone whose career was built on dominance at the college level, rubbed many the wrong way. Ohio State fans, in particular, felt betrayed.
Fan Reaction: “Don’t Forget Where You Came From”
Buckeye Nation wasn’t shy in voicing its disapproval. Social media lit up with responses ranging from disappointment to outright anger.
“This is the same guy who wore the ‘Basic Defense’ shirt after we shut down Michigan,” one fan tweeted. “Now he’s saying college football is a joke? Get real.”
Another added, “I love Joey Bosa, but man… if college is so ‘sloppy,’ why did it make you a top-3 pick? Don’t bite the hand that fed you.”
The frustration wasn’t just about Bosa’s comment—it was about perceived disrespect to a program and fanbase that championed him long before the NFL did.
Analyst Response: Tone-Deaf and Shortsighted
It wasn’t just fans who weighed in. ESPN’s Paul Finebaum labeled Bosa’s comments as “tone-deaf,” especially given the timing amid college football’s ongoing fight for credibility and respect amid the NFL’s overwhelming popularity.
“For someone who thrived at Ohio State and used it as a launchpad for a $100 million payday to turn around and call the sport overrated? That’s hypocrisy at its finest,” Finebaum said on The Paul Finebaum Show. “Joey Bosa should know better.”
Fox Sports’ Joel Klatt, who often defends college athletes and programs, also chimed in, highlighting how college football continues to be a deeply influential stage for both player development and fan culture.
“It’s not perfect,” Klatt said. “But to reduce it to ‘sloppy football’ is both unfair and inaccurate. You don’t get to the NFL without cutting your teeth in these atmospheres. And Joey knows that.”
Bosa Attempts to Clarify: “Not What I Meant”
The backlash prompted Bosa to take to Instagram to try and clarify his statement.
“Look, I love Ohio State. I love what the program did for me and how it shaped me,” he posted. “I wasn’t trying to disrespect college football. I was just saying that the NFL is a different beast, and sometimes people hype up college games like they’re the same. They’re not. That’s all.”
While the clarification helped cool things down, some felt it wasn’t enough.
“That’s not an apology—it’s a ‘sorry you’re upset,’” said one OSU alum in a Reddit thread. “He still thinks college football’s second-rate, and that’s sad.”
Former Buckeyes Weigh In: Brotherhood First
Some of Bosa’s former teammates and fellow Buckeyes tried to play peacemaker, defending his right to an opinion while also reaffirming their pride in the program.
Chase Young, now with the New Orleans Saints, said, “Joey’s got his way of saying things, but I know he respects Ohio State. We all do. That’s the brotherhood. Sometimes we just talk a little spicy.”
Former quarterback J.T. Barrett echoed that sentiment.
“You can be real about the NFL being a different game without dogging college ball,” Barrett said on 97.1 The Fan. “Joey probably should’ve framed it better, but I know he still reps Scarlet and Gray.”
The Broader Debate: Is College Football Losing Its Identity?
Bosa’s comments, though controversial, touched on a broader conversation already happening in football circles: has the rise of NIL, the transfer portal, and conference realignment fundamentally changed the nature of college football?
Some fans worry the “amateur spirit” that once separated college football from the NFL is disappearing.
“It’s becoming the minor leagues,” said former coach and current analyst Urban Meyer. “That’s not necessarily a bad thing, but it’s different. And for some, that change is hard to swallow.”
Still, to label the sport as “overrated” ignores the millions who fill stadiums every fall Saturday, the rivalries that span generations, and the deeply emotional investment of fanbases across the country.
The Legacy Question: Will This Hurt Bosa’s Buckeye Image?
Bosa’s legacy at Ohio State is solidified—on the field. But when it comes to how fans remember him off it, this moment may stick for a while.
“I’ll always respect what he did in 2014 and 2015,” said a longtime OSU season ticket holder. “But I’ll think twice before buying a Joey Bosa jersey for my grandson now. That stings to say.”
Others are more forgiving, chalking it up to Bosa’s famously blunt personality.
“He’s always been a bit of a straight shooter,” another fan commented. “He probably didn’t mean to insult anyone, but words matter—especially when you’re a public figure.”
Moving Forward: Lessons in Platform and Perception
If anything, Bosa’s comments and the ensuing fallout serve as a reminder of the power of words—especially from athletes whose careers were born in the passionate world of college football. The platform that comes with NFL superstardom doesn’t just include fame and fortune—it includes responsibility.
Whether Bosa intended to start a firestorm or not, he’s now at the center of a dialogue about respect, perspective, and the evolution of the game. It’s a moment that may be fleeting in NFL circles, but it will linger a little longer in Columbus.
College Football’s Heart Beats On
College football may not match the NFL in speed, talent concentration, or salary, but to millions, it represents something more: tradition, pride, and the formative years of future legends. For every Joey Bosa, there’s a stadium full of fans who remember the sack on third down against Michigan or the championship celebration in January 2015.
So when one of their own suggests the sport is overrated, it’s not just a take—it feels personal.
Joey Bosa remains a Buckeye legend. But even legends are reminded, sometimes harshly, that where you come from matters just as much as where you end up.
