Legendary Ohio State Football Player Eddie George Desires a MAC Team to Compete in the National Title
Eddie George, one of the most iconic figures in Ohio State football history, is making waves again—this time with a call for greater inclusion in college football’s biggest stage. The former Heisman Trophy winner and NFL star recently expressed his desire to see a team from the Mid-American Conference (MAC) rise to the level of competing for a national championship. George, who knows what it takes to build a powerhouse program, is advocating for more opportunities for smaller conferences to showcase their talent and take on the giants of college football.
This surprising and passionate desire from George shines a light on the growing discussions about the lack of representation for smaller conferences, especially in the College Football Playoff (CFP) era. While Ohio State is frequently in the mix for a national title, and George himself helped lead the Buckeyes to the 1997 Rose Bowl and a national championship contention, his comments suggest that even those at the highest levels of college football recognize the need for change, especially when it comes to the underdogs of the sport.
Eddie George’s Legacy: From Ohio State to National Glory
Before diving into George’s call for greater representation, it’s important to remember the legendary career he enjoyed at Ohio State. As a running back, Eddie George became the face of the program, breaking records and ultimately winning the 1995 Heisman Trophy. His time at Ohio State was marked by his ability to carry the team on his back, delivering spectacular performances in both regular-season and postseason games.
George’s skill set—combining size, speed, and vision—helped elevate the Buckeyes into national prominence during his time in Columbus. His legacy at Ohio State remains cemented as one of the best players to ever wear the Scarlet and Gray, and it’s no surprise that George still keeps a keen eye on college football, even though his playing days are long behind him.
The transition from college football to a successful NFL career is also a testament to George’s character and work ethic. His determination helped shape him into a versatile and dominant force, playing for the Houston Oilers/Tennessee Titans. However, his time at Ohio State and his love for the sport’s evolution have clearly influenced his current perspectives on the direction of college football, including his growing concern about the imbalance of opportunities for smaller programs.
George’s Vision: The MAC’s Path to the National Title
When it comes to the MAC, George believes that it’s time for a team from that conference to have an equal shot at competing in the College Football Playoff and ultimately the national title. Historically, the MAC has been one of the most competitive mid-major conferences in college football, known for producing talented players who often go on to succeed in the NFL. However, MAC teams have often struggled to break into the upper echelon of college football, especially with the ever-present dominance of Power Five conferences such as the SEC, Big Ten, and ACC.
As of now, the MAC has struggled to gain traction in the College Football Playoff rankings. The system has typically favored teams from Power Five conferences, leaving smaller programs with no realistic chance of playing for a national championship. George, who experienced the spotlight of college football’s biggest stage firsthand, sees this as a problem. His dream is to see a MAC team with enough talent, drive, and coaching to break through and compete for a national title on equal footing with the powerhouses of the sport.
“I’d love to see a team from the MAC have a shot at the national title,” George said. “There’s a lot of talent in those smaller conferences that gets overlooked. It’s not just about the big names or the big conferences; it’s about the opportunity for all programs to compete at the highest level.”
The Case for MAC Representation in the CFP
George’s call to action has sparked a larger conversation about fairness and competition in college football. The idea of opening up the CFP to a team from a non-Power Five conference is something that many fans and analysts have discussed for years. With college football being so heavily skewed toward the traditional powerhouses, it can be difficult for teams in smaller conferences to break through. The MAC is home to schools like Western Michigan, Toledo, and Miami (OH), which have had successful seasons but have rarely gotten the national spotlight.
To understand George’s desire, one only needs to look at some of the past seasons in which MAC teams showed flashes of greatness. For instance, in 2016, Western Michigan finished with an undefeated regular season record and was ranked as high as No. 12 in the nation. Despite their success, they were shut out of the College Football Playoff conversation, as a team from a Power Five conference with two losses (like Ohio State or Alabama) received priority for a spot in the New Year’s Six bowls.
This discrepancy in opportunities is what George is pointing out. Smaller conferences, despite producing incredibly talented players and having competitive teams, are often relegated to lesser bowl games or, in some cases, excluded from the national conversation altogether. As the College Football Playoff system evolves and the conversation around expansion grows louder, George’s advocacy for a MAC team to have a chance at the title is more relevant than ever.
George’s Impact on the Dialogue Around College Football
Eddie George’s comments are important because of his background and influence in the sport. He has been there, on the big stage, representing Ohio State as a player, and now, as a commentator and advocate, his voice carries weight. George’s desire for more inclusion isn’t just a casual wish—it’s a reflection of the deep-rooted love he has for the game and for making it more accessible to all teams, not just the programs with the most resources.
Moreover, George’s perspective isn’t limited to just the MAC. He’s a proponent of seeing more teams from smaller conferences compete for national titles in general. Whether it’s the Mountain West, Conference USA, or the Sun Belt, George believes that college football’s top-tier should be open to a wider variety of schools. In essence, his comments speak to a larger movement for more fairness and transparency in college football’s postseason structure.
Will the College Football Playoff Expand?
The conversation surrounding College Football Playoff expansion has been ongoing for years, and George’s remarks add another layer to the debate. Currently, the CFP only allows the top four teams to compete for a national championship. These teams are often selected based on their ranking in the College Football Playoff rankings, which are heavily influenced by the strength of their conferences and schedules.
However, as the conversation around playoff expansion grows louder, many believe that a change is needed. The NCAA has explored the possibility of expanding the field to as many as 12 teams, allowing for a more inclusive postseason that could give deserving teams from smaller conferences a shot at the national title. While it’s unclear when or if this will happen, George’s comments only add fuel to the fire of those advocating for an expanded playoff system.
Eddie George’s Vision for College Football’s Future
Eddie George’s desire to see a MAC team compete for the national title is more than just a wish—it’s a call for change in a system that often overlooks smaller programs in favor of the elite powerhouses. His experience in college football gives him a unique perspective, and his belief that all teams, regardless of conference, deserve an equal shot at glory resonates with many fans and analysts.
As college football continues to evolve, the conversation about playoff expansion and greater representation will only intensify. If George’s vision becomes a reality, we could see a future where a MAC team finally has the chance to compete on the grandest stage in college football, leveling the playing field and ensuring that every program, big or small, has the opportunity to chase a national title.
For now, though, Eddie George’s call remains a reminder of what makes college football so great—the passion, the tradition, and the belief that, with the right opportunity, anything is possible.