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With the 2025 college football season underway, the Ohio State Buckeyes are hoping to defend their national title and once again forge their way through the playoffs. Their path to the title of beating four ranked teams was epic last year, especially after a disappointing loss to Michigan. Their victories over Tennessee, Oregon, Texas and Notre Dame will forever live in scarlet-and-gray lore, the type of historical run made for legendary movies. As Ohio State University players begin to focus on the grind of Big Ten conference play, adding more hardware to the Woody Hayes Athletic Center is not the only significant goal they have. This team also continues to be Christ-focused, as players recently held a fall kickoff for students on campus with an "invitation to Jesus." Former Buckeye stars TreVeyon Henderson and Emeka Egbuka were among the faith leaders on last year's team. Henderson, now a running back for the New England Patriots, shared in a Columbus ABC affiliate interview that he received a Bible from one of his coaches who helped him learn about Jesus. He views his athletic gifts on the field as a platform to "spread the gospel." Egbuka, who is making his mark in the NFL as a rookie wide receiver for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, gave "all the glory to God" after scoring two touchdowns in his debut game against the Atlanta Falcons. The faith leaders for this year's team include All-American safety Caleb Downs, and linebacker Sonny Styles. Both spoke to the students gathered for fellowship and revival, and Styles echoed Henderson's comments to the media regarding football being a platform, saying that he and his teammates have been "put on a pedestal to lead." Downs pointed out the power of prayer, stating that this is where the team's strength comes from.
Students are taking notice of OSU players and their bold affirmation of their faith, and many were baptized at this campus event. College football fans across the Big Ten are also encouraged by the Buckeyes being strong witnesses for Christ. On YouTube, many comments of admiration for these young men came from alums of fellow conference schools.
A Michigan fan wrote, "Props to OSU players. Where you'll spend eternity is far more important than football, or rivalries."
A Wisconsin fan remarked, "(A) Christ follower first, this is really cool to see. Praise God! Way to stand up in your faith OSU!"