Eric Boggs
LeBron James once again showed his deep connection to Ohio State, gifting custom-designed white, scarlet, and black cleats for the Buckeyes to wear in their highly anticipated matchup against Penn State. The donation, announced Sunday via social media, continues a long tradition of support from James, who has repeatedly provided gear and inspiration to Ohio State’s athletic programs.
James’ contributions to the Buckeye family go far beyond the locker room. Earlier this year, Ohio State honored him with a Doctor of Public Service degree for his extraordinary impact both on and off the court. During a virtual appearance with Ohio State’s Public Affairs 5120 class in February, the NBA legend emphasized the importance of using influence and resources to make lasting change — a message that resonates deeply with the Ohio State community.
“I have too much of a platform and too many resources to not give back in order to create a change that’s long-term,” James said. He also encouraged students to leverage their own positions of influence, reminding them, “You guys are the future. You’re at The Ohio State University, one of the most prestigious colleges in the world. People see that name and they respect it.”
While wearing the custom cleats is optional, it’s expected that many Buckeyes will lace them up when they take the field Saturday at noon in Ohio Stadium. The top-ranked Buckeyes face Penn State on FOX’s Big Noon Kickoff, with the national broadcast crew set up live on campus ahead of the clash between the Big Ten rivals.
Following their matchup with the Nittany Lions, Ohio State will turn its focus to Purdue, where the Buckeyes are scheduled for a rare 1 p.m. kickoff at Ross-Ade Stadium on Nov. 8. The game will air on Big Ten Network, marking the team’s second appearance on BTN this season after their dominant 70-0 victory over Grambling State in Week 2.
The 1 p.m. kickoff stands out in modern college football scheduling, as it will be the Buckeyes’ first game at that time in more than 13 years. The last 1 p.m. contest came during the 2012 Gator Bowl, while the most recent regular-season 1 p.m. game dates back to 2005 — a 25-21 win over Michigan.
Ohio State enters the matchup riding a three-game win streak against the Boilermakers and a commanding 42-15-2 all-time record in the series, excluding one vacated result from 2010. With Purdue sitting at 2-6 and still winless in Big Ten play, the Buckeyes are expected to be heavy favorites as they continue their march toward another conference title and College Football Playoff appearance.
