Eric Boggs
Faith has always been at the heart of Ohio State football, and that legacy continues to grow stronger with each new season. While the Buckeyes dominate on the field, it’s their commitment to something greater than football that makes this program truly special. That truth was once again on display when players helped lead the second annual “Fall Kickoff: An Invitation to Jesus” on campus, an event filled with worship, testimonies, and baptisms that drew thousands of students and community members.
The gathering doubled in size from last year, showing just how much impact Ohio State’s culture of faith is having beyond the walls of the Woody Hayes Athletic Center. From the moment worship music began in the courtyard outside Curl Market, it was clear the night was about more than football—it was about sharing the hope and joy of Jesus Christ. Current stars like Caleb Downs, Sonny Styles, Luke Montgomery, Ethan Onianwa, and Carson Hinzman stood on stage, joined by former Buckeyes Gee Scott Jr. and Kamryn Babb, not as athletes but as believers eager to spread their faith.
“No play we make on the field — no touchdown, no interception — can compare to the Kingdom of God,” Downs told the crowd, wearing a “Jesus Won” T-shirt alongside his teammates. That kind of perspective is exactly why Ohio State’s culture feels different. Styles also spoke about how older teammates inspired him in his own walk with the Lord, eventually leading him to embrace his faith. Later that night, Styles himself was baptized alongside freshman linebacker Payton Pierce, as more than 50 people publicly declared their belief in Jesus.
The event served as a powerful reminder that while Ohio State currently sits atop the AP Poll and looks every bit the favorite to repeat as national champions, this team’s true strength doesn’t come from rankings or Saturday performances. It comes from their faith. As Styles explained, he feels a responsibility to lead because of the platform God has given him: “When you’re blessed with a platform and you’re put in a position — kind of on a pedestal — to lead, when you’re believing in Jesus, I think you’re called to lead.”
This wasn’t just a one-night moment—it’s part of a growing tradition that ties the current Buckeyes to the same faith foundation that carried last year’s championship team. Players like Downs made it clear that they know their human power isn’t enough on its own, and that relying on the Lord is what gives them strength to face challenges both on and off the field.
As offensive lineman Julian Goines-Jackson put it perfectly on social media: “Ohio State Football is so much more than just what people see on Saturdays. It’s not about the wins or the losses nor is it about the national championships. It’s about using the platform that the Lord has given us to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ!”
The Buckeyes will continue their pursuit of another national title this fall, but events like “Fall Kickoff” show what makes this program special. For Ohio State, faith is not only part of the culture—it’s the foundation. And that foundation is exactly why this team plays with a purpose and a fire that no opponent can match.
