Eric Boggs
As Ohio State prepares for the National Championship game against Notre Dame, former Buckeyes head coach Jim Tressel joined Morning Juice on 97.1 The Fan to discuss preparation, leadership, and the emotional dynamics of a title run. Reflecting on his coaching experiences and offering perspective on the current Buckeyes, Tressel provided a unique lens into what it takes to succeed at the highest level of college football.
Tressel acknowledged the shift in preparation dynamics from his time as a coach to the current playoff model. “Back when I was coaching, there were longer layovers between games, which created different challenges. Now, it’s more like the NFL, playing every 7 to 10 days,” he said.
The key, Tressel emphasized, is maintaining physical and emotional readiness. “You have to be careful not to overwork your players physically while keeping their emotional gas tank full. It’s about staying sharp and focused, knowing the games will hinge on the smallest details.”
Tressel praised the leadership within the Ohio State roster, highlighting a moment when wide receiver Emeka Egbuka rallied his teammates before the Texas game. “He told them, ‘This isn’t my last day as a Buckeye,’ setting the tone for the team’s collective mindset,” Tressel said.
That sense of camaraderie, he noted, is pivotal. “One of the biggest goals is to have one more week together. That desire to keep fighting for your brothers can be a powerful motivator.”
Having coached in nine national championship games and winning five, Tressel offered candid reflections on the differences between victory and defeat. “The hardest losses to live with are when you feel you didn’t prepare your team as well as you could have,” he admitted. “You can live with playing well and coming up short, but those moments where you fall below your potential are tough to accept.”
As a mentor to Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman, a former Ohio State player, Tressel expressed mixed emotions about the championship matchup. “It’s strange rooting for both sides,” he said, noting his admiration for Freeman and the Buckeyes alike. “I’ve been proud of both programs, but Monday night will be about letting the best team win.”
Tressel emphasized the importance of sticking to what a team does best while adjusting to an opponent’s strengths. “You have to assess who you are now, how you’ve evolved, and what you do best,” he said. “At the same time, you need to understand your opponent’s strengths and weaknesses. It’s a chess game, but ultimately, it’s about believing in yourself.”
Momentum swings, Tressel warned, will play a crucial role. He recalled moments from past championship games where special teams and missed opportunities shifted outcomes. “These games flow on momentum. You have to execute in those moments and be the team applying pressure.”
Tressel confirmed he’ll be in Atlanta for Monday’s game, eager to witness the culmination of the Buckeyes’ journey. “I’m looking forward to it. It’s been a wild ride, and I couldn’t be more excited to see how it unfolds,” he said.
As Ohio State aims for another national title, Tressel’s insights serve as a reminder of the discipline, emotion, and preparation required to achieve greatness.
