Ohio State Football Earns Prestigious ESPY Nomination as Fan Support Becomes Crucial in Pursuit of Coveted National Recognition
In yet another testament to the continued excellence and cultural impact of the Ohio State football program, the Buckeyes have officially been nominated for a 2024 ESPY Award. As one of the most storied programs in college football history, Ohio State’s presence in this year’s ESPY nominations is not just a celebration of past accomplishments—it’s an opportunity for Buckeye Nation to stand tall and rally behind their team once again. And this time, fans can play an active role by casting their votes.
The ESPY Awards—short for Excellence in Sports Performance Yearly—represent one of the most high-profile and respected honors in the world of sports. Presented annually by ESPN, the awards celebrate the biggest moments, best athletes, and most inspiring stories from the past year across every major sport. For Ohio State football to be among the nominees is a reflection of the program’s influence not just on the field, but also within the wider sports landscape.
While the exact category in which Ohio State is nominated may vary (ranging from “Best Team” to “Best Game” or even “Best Play”), the significance of the nomination remains the same: national recognition of a program that continues to set the bar in college athletics. Whether it’s the Buckeyes’ thrilling come-from-behind victories, standout individual performances, or their continued ability to produce NFL-ready talent, the body of work from the past year has clearly caught the attention of sports media, analysts, and fans across the nation.
Now, it’s time for the Buckeye faithful to take that recognition one step further—by voting.
Unlike many awards that rely solely on media panels or insider votes, the ESPYs allow fans to directly participate in the outcome. This democratic approach makes the honor even more meaningful because it’s not just about what experts think—it’s about what the fans feel. And if there’s one thing Ohio State is known for, it’s having one of the most passionate, dedicated, and loyal fanbases in all of sports.
For head coach Ryan Day, the nomination is a symbol of the consistency his program has maintained during his tenure. Under his leadership, Ohio State has remained in the national title hunt year after year, producing top recruiting classes, developing elite players, and maintaining a winning culture. Whether the team is playing under the lights in a primetime showdown or grinding through winter workouts, the standard never changes—and now, the recognition is coming in from outside the program as well.
But what makes this nomination truly special is the sense of community it fosters. From alumni who proudly wear scarlet and gray decades after graduation to current students who camp out for tickets and chant in unison at The Shoe, Ohio State football has always been about more than just X’s and O’s. It’s about tradition. It’s about pride. It’s about belonging to something larger than yourself. An ESPY vote, in that sense, becomes more than a ballot—it becomes a show of unity.
And the competition is fierce. Ohio State isn’t the only powerhouse nominated this year. Other top programs and sports moments are in the running, and each has its own devoted following. That’s why every vote matters. Every click on the ESPN ESPY voting page brings the Buckeyes closer to adding another accolade to their already rich legacy.
This year’s ESPY nomination also comes during an era of transition and expansion in college football. With the introduction of the 12-team College Football Playoff and the ongoing realignment of conferences, the sport is evolving rapidly. Amidst all the changes, programs that remain consistent in both performance and relevance stand out. Ohio State is one of those programs. Whether it’s playing under pressure in the Big Ten or sending another group of first-rounders to the NFL Draft, the Buckeyes keep finding ways to lead.
It also doesn’t hurt that Ohio State is entering the 2025 season with perhaps the two most talked-about players in the country. Quarterback Will Howard, a veteran transfer with elite poise and skill, has instantly become a leader on and off the field. Meanwhile, wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, already being dubbed the next great Buckeye playmaker, is poised to redefine what a true freshman can do at the college level.
Together, they represent the future. But the ESPY nomination reflects the present—and the past. It’s a nod to everything that has made the Buckeyes elite: the hard-fought wins, the heartbreaks that became fuel, the grit in the trenches, and the magic in the moments that fans will never forget.
And let’s not overlook the off-field impact of the program. From community service initiatives to academic achievements, Ohio State football consistently produces well-rounded student-athletes. The players represent their university and their community with pride, and their impact stretches far beyond the gridiron. An ESPY nomination also acknowledges these intangibles—the unseen work, the character, and the influence the team has had across the country.
As voting opens, Ohio State fans are already taking to social media to spread the word. Hashtags are popping up. Alumni groups are circulating links. Former players are chiming in. It’s a groundswell of energy and pride that’s uniquely Buckeye in nature.
Voting for the ESPYs is simple. Fans can visit the official ESPN website, navigate to the ESPY Awards section, and select their favorites in each category. The process takes only a few minutes, but the impact can be long-lasting. An ESPY win wouldn’t just go in a trophy case—it would be a powerful reminder of what Buckeye Nation can do when it comes together.
So what’s at stake? Recognition, yes. A national spotlight, certainly. But also something deeper—a shared moment of celebration for a program that defines excellence in college football. Winning an ESPY would symbolize how the team’s accomplishments have resonated far beyond Columbus and into the hearts of fans everywhere.
In recent years, the ESPY stage has hosted the best stories in sports: buzzer-beaters, miracle comebacks, and underdog triumphs. For Ohio State football to be on that stage is no small feat. It means the program’s legacy continues to grow. It means the eyes of the sports world are fixed on The Horseshoe once again.
And with the 2025 season just around the corner, the ESPY nomination serves as the perfect launchpad. It’s a moment to reflect, to appreciate, and to rally. It’s a celebration of where the Buckeyes have been—and a preview of where they’re going.
So Buckeye Nation, the ball is in your hands. The votes are open. The challenge is clear. Let’s help Ohio State bring home the ESPY and show the sports world what Scarlet and Gray pride really looks like.
Because at the end of the day, this isn’t just about an award. It’s about a program. A legacy. A family. And when the Buckeyes win, we all win.
