Eric Boggs
The Ohio State Buckeyes are headed to the National Championship after a hard-fought win over Texas in the Cotton Bowl, and the hosts of The OHIO Podcast couldn’t contain their excitement as they reflected on the game. The podcast, hosted by Eric Boggs, Corey Thompson, Lisa Sims, and Chris Wilds, turned into a celebration of resilience, leadership, and team unity.
Cory Thompson, the voice of the Buckeyes on The OHIO Podcast’s Live Watch, opened the postgame discussion with praise for the team’s ability to endure challenges and come out on top. “Credit to the Buckeyes. They went through all kinds of trials, didn’t have momentum for much of the game, but kept fighting,” Corey said. “Texas isn’t some lightweight, and we still came out on top. I am immensely proud of the players.”
Chris Wilds echoed Thompson’s sentiments, highlighting the pivotal moments that defined the game. “At a point when the game could have gone either way, we needed the offense to step up, and Will Howard made a big run to put us in position,” Wilds said. “We tried to shoot ourselves in the foot a few times, but when it mattered most, our leaders stepped up and made history.”
For Lisa Sims, the game was an emotional roller coaster. She spoke passionately about the defense’s resilience, especially during Texas’ final drive when they were on the one-yard line. “This defense stuck with it despite being on the field for so long,” she said. “And to have Jack Sawyer get that scoop-and-score to end it—what a perfect, cinematic finish. It was amazing.”
Jack Sawyer, a Central Ohio native and team leader, earned widespread praise from the hosts for his defining play and leadership throughout the season. Eric Boggs emphasized the significance of Sawyer’s journey, noting that the defensive MVP could have turned pro but chose to stay with the Buckeyes. “He’s one game away from being a national champion,” Eric said. “That’s validation for everything he’s worked for.”
The hosts also didn’t shy away from expressing their excitement about the upcoming matchup with Notre Dame. Lisa mentioned how it would be a fun week of banter with her Notre Dame fan friends, while Eric and Chris took jabs at Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman. “I’ve wanted nothing more than to cost that man the biggest prize in this sport,” Wilds said with a grin.
Throughout the discussion, the hosts celebrated the team’s resilience and the thrilling moments of the game. They also reflected on the podcast’s journey since 2019, when Eric started it as a way to connect with fellow fans. “This is why we do what we do,” Boggs said. “Tonight’s win was gritty and took everything this team had. It’s moments like these that remind us why we love being Buckeye fans.”
For Corey, Lisa, Chris, Eric, and their listeners, the Cotton Bowl win wasn’t just a victory—it was a moment of validation and pride that will live on in Buckeye history. And as always, they closed with their rallying cry: “Go Bucks!”
