A Christ-centered culture in college football

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 OSU 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!" And a fan from Notre Dame, the team the Buckeyes defeated for the 2024 championship, said, "CHRIST IS KING! God bless you young men (for) rooting your identity in Christ, although opponents on the field. We are brothers in CHRIST!" As a believer and an OSU fan, alumna and professor, I am deeply touched by how these players are using their ministry gifts. They are competing in perhaps the most difficult era to be an athlete in a Power 4 program. The millions that star players like Downs are making from their name, image and likeness deals comes with added pressure to perform well. College players are now open to much more criticism due to being paid, which places them in an even brighter spotlight. Then there are always the age-old temptations of what Scripture refers to as "the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life" (1 John 2:16). The New Living Translation explains these lures as "a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions," which are worldly and not from our Father, God. For Buckeye and other college players who are becoming multimillionaires at such a young age, these enticements are constantly flashed before their eyes through the entertainment industry, the internet and social media. It is refreshing to see that Buckeye players want to guard against idolizing their accomplishments in the wrong way and veering down a wayward path. They are trusting God to prosper and lift them up while they acknowledge Him for everything they have been blessed to have. Like many Buckeye fans, I am going to be rooting for a repeat championship this season, but if our football team does not achieve this goal, I take great joy in knowing that they have prioritized something much greater: leading people to salvation in Christ. Dr. Jessica A. Johnson is a lecturer in the English department at Ohio State University's Lima campus. Email her at smojc.jj@gmail.com.