OFFICIAL: Exciting News: Ohio State’s 2024 championship season will be chronicled in the documentary “The Heart of the Buckeyes: A Journey Through Team and Band,” which Netflix has released.

In what is being heralded as a monumental celebration of college football excellence, Netflix has officially announced the release of a new sports documentary titled “The Heart of the Buckeyes: A Journey Through Team and Band.” The film will provide an intimate, behind-the-scenes look at the Ohio State Buckeyes’ thrilling 2024 national championship campaign, blending the stories of the players, coaches, and the university’s iconic marching band into a tapestry of passion, tradition, and triumph.

The announcement was made official on Monday, with the streaming giant confirming the project’s release date and unveiling a powerful trailer that quickly gained traction across social media platforms. In a college football season filled with drama, adversity, and ultimate redemption, the Buckeyes’ run to the top captivated the nation—and now, fans will get an all-access view of how it all unfolded.

Ohio State’s 2024 season was the stuff of legends. Under head coach Ryan Day, the Buckeyes stormed through the regular season with a vengeance, fueled by a roster rich in talent and character. They reclaimed the Big Ten title and ultimately toppled the Georgia Bulldogs in the College Football Playoff National Championship in a game that instantly etched itself into the annals of college football history.

But what made the 2024 campaign extraordinary wasn’t just the victories—it was the resilience and transformation the team displayed over the course of the season. Coming off a heartbreaking loss to Michigan in 2023 and questions surrounding the program’s ability to win on the biggest stage, the Buckeyes turned inward and recommitted themselves to excellence. This emotional and strategic metamorphosis is at the core of the new documentary.

What sets The Heart of the Buckeyes apart from other sports documentaries is its dual narrative approach. The film doesn’t just focus on the football team—it also tells the story of “The Best Damn Band in the Land,” the Ohio State University Marching Band (OSUMB), whose synchronized pageantry and spirited performances are as integral to the school’s identity as its football tradition.

This artistic choice creates a rich, multidimensional narrative that captures what it means to be part of Buckeye Nation. From the thunderous pregame renditions of “Script Ohio” to the deafening roar of fans after a touchdown pass, the documentary illustrates how music and sport intertwine to form a culture of unmatched collegiate pride.

The decision to highlight Ohio State’s championship season comes as Netflix continues to expand its portfolio of original sports content. Following the success of series like Quarterback, Untold, and Formula 1: Drive to Survive, the streaming service has demonstrated a growing interest in spotlighting the emotional journeys behind athletic achievement.

In a press release, Netflix Vice President of Sports Content Brandon Riegg said, “We are honored to tell the story of a team that not only won a national title, but did so while embodying the heart and soul of one of the most passionate fan bases in the world. This documentary goes beyond football—it’s about perseverance, unity, and the heartbeat of a campus.”

Over the course of the 2024 season, Netflix’s production crew was granted unprecedented access to Ohio State’s facilities, practices, locker rooms, and team meetings. Cameras were rolling through the highest highs and the lowest lows, from emotional halftime speeches to personal player struggles that never made the headlines.

Featured heavily in the documentary is quarterback Devin Brown, whose maturation over the season turned him from a controversial selection into a hero. Brown, initially doubted by analysts and fans alike, silenced critics with his leadership and clutch play, especially during a gritty performance against Penn State and a surgical dismantling of Michigan in the season finale.

Also featured are defensive stalwarts Jack Sawyer and Denzel Burke, whose ferocity set the tone for one of the stingiest defenses in the country. Interviews with players, coaches, and family members provide deeper insight into the sacrifices and motivations that fueled Ohio State’s championship pursuit.

Equally moving is the documentary’s portrayal of the Ohio State Marching Band, often regarded as the most accomplished collegiate band in the country. Led by Dr. Christopher Hoch, the band’s 2024 season was just as rigorous and high-stakes as the football team’s.

Viewers will get a rare look at the behind-the-scenes preparations that go into every halftime show, including the planning, practice sessions, and choreography required to execute formations like “Script Ohio” with perfection. The documentary emphasizes how each performance is a tribute to Buckeye history and an expression of student excellence.

For many band members, this exposure is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to showcase their contributions to Ohio State’s gameday experience. One segment focuses on fourth-year trumpet player Maya Thompkins, who became the first woman in band history to dot the “i” during Script Ohio in a postseason performance.

“This documentary doesn’t just celebrate football; it celebrates what it means to be a Buckeye,” Thompkins says in one emotional interview. “The pride, the preparation, the purpose—it’s something you feel deep in your soul.”

To further connect fans with the spirit of the university, Netflix tapped none other than Ohio State legend Eddie George to narrate the documentary. The 1995 Heisman Trophy winner and former NFL All-Pro brings his signature gravitas and emotional depth to the narration, weaving together the stories of the past and present.

George’s voice guides viewers through pivotal moments of the season, reminding audiences of the legacy upon which the 2024 team built its success. His involvement underscores the idea that being a Buckeye transcends generations.

The announcement of The Heart of the Buckeyes instantly sent waves through social media, with fans, alumni, and analysts expressing eager anticipation. Buckeye greats like Chris Olave and Chase Young tweeted their excitement, while ESPN’s Kirk Herbstreit—himself an Ohio State alum—called the film “an essential watch for every college football fan.”

Even rivals showed begrudging respect. A Michigan beat writer admitted, “If you love college football, you have to admire what Ohio State accomplished in 2024. This documentary will be compelling even for those of us on the other side of The Game.”

More than just a film about winning, The Heart of the Buckeyes is being framed as a cultural moment—an exploration of how sports can unify, inspire, and reflect a broader American identity. In a divided time, the Buckeyes’ journey speaks to shared values like resilience, teamwork, and community.

The documentary’s focus on both the football team and the marching band also presents a broader commentary on the collegiate experience. It’s not just about athletes or musicians—it’s about young people chasing excellence in every field, pushing boundaries, and making history in their own ways.

The Heart of the Buckeyes is set to premiere exclusively on Netflix on May 30, 2025, just in time for summer viewing and well ahead of the next college football season. It will be released as a feature-length film, running approximately 90 minutes.

Early previews shown to select media and Ohio State donors have already earned glowing reviews, with praise for its cinematic quality, emotional resonance, and balance between storytelling and sports action.

As fans prepare to relive the magical 2024 season, Ohio State’s football program is already hard at work preparing for 2025. With Ryan Day returning, along with a handful of elite recruits and returning veterans, expectations are sky-high.

While the documentary captures a finished chapter, it may also serve as the opening note to a new era of Buckeye dominance. And for incoming players and fans alike, it’s a reminder of the gold standard they are expected to uphold.

In the pantheon of college football documentaries, The Heart of the Buckeyes has all the makings of a classic. It is not just a story of triumph on the field but a celebration of school spirit, musical excellence, and the intangible qualities that make Ohio State one of the most revered institutions in American sports.

For fans of the Scarlet and Gray, and college football lovers everywhere, this film promises to be both a retrospective and a rallying cry—a moving tribute to the power of unity, pride, and belief.