Eric Boggs
A spiritual revival seems to be taking place on the campus of The Ohio State University, ignited by the passionate faith of several Ohio State football players. In a time when college athletes often find themselves drawn into poor decisions, it’s refreshing to witness young men who choose to dedicate their free time to sharing God’s Word instead of getting into trouble on High Street.
This resurgence of faith within the Buckeyes’ ranks has manifested itself in powerful ways. On a recent Sunday evening, a significant event organized by former Ohio State receiver Kamryn Babb brought together current players, students, and visitors from across the country. This faith event, held on campus and attended by over 2,000 people, was a collaboration with several local Christian churches. It featured prayer, player testimonies, baptisms, and worship through song. Babb’s message to the crowd was clear: “Whatever you’re going through in life — whatever you’ve been through — I’m telling you there’s a God that desires you… Let’s give Him the glory.”
The players didn’t come empty-handed; the Lantern reported that they brought with them 10,000 Bibles, ready to share with anyone seeking spiritual guidance. Among those sharing their faith was wide receiver Emeka Egbuka, who spoke about the transformative power of Jesus in his life. “The world didn’t give me this joy, the world can’t take it away,” he said. Running back TreVeyon Henderson echoed these sentiments, testifying that “Jesus changed my life, set me free from my sin, made me holy, made me righteous.”
The event also featured testimonies from tight end Gee Scott Jr., defensive end J.T. Tuimoloau, and former running back Master Teague. Tuimoloau highlighted the foundational role of faith in his Polynesian heritage, while Babb concluded the evening with a powerful reminder that the night’s gathering was about more than just hearing football players speak—it was about eternity.
This event wasn’t a one-time occurrence. The players have consistently shown their commitment to their faith. In a promotional video for the event, Egbuka shared that the team has seen a revival over the past few years, a revival that seems to be spreading across the campus and beyond. At fall camp, many players were seen wearing “Jesus Won” T-shirts, a testament to the deep faith that binds this team together.
Gee Scott Jr., who recently preached at One Church in Gahanna, Ohio, emphasized the importance of God’s timing. Scott shared his personal journey, where he felt a clear message from God about baptizing his teammates. Despite initial discouragement, Scott’s faith was rewarded as he had the joy of baptizing seven teammates during a powerful worship service.
Scott’s passion for sharing the Gospel doesn’t stop there. Along with Henderson and Egbuka, he participated in an event organized by The Walk Foundation, where the players shared their testimonies with over 700 people. Scott’s faith is evident in everything he does, both on and off the field. As Ohio State prepares to start the football season, these players are not just focused on winning games—they are also committed to making a positive impact on their community by spreading the message of Christ.
In a world where college athletes often face temptations and distractions, the Ohio State football team is proving that there’s a different path—one that leads to faith, hope, and revival.
