Buckeyes Are Worthy of a Procession of Champions: Columbus Made a Mistake Once More
The city of Columbus has made a glaring oversight—one that reflects a larger, troubling trend of undervaluing the true worth of its most enduring symbol: The Ohio State Buckeyes. In the grand tapestry of collegiate sports, there’s no denying the exceptionalism of the Ohio State University athletic programs, particularly the football team, whose dominance has repeatedly put Columbus on the national stage. Yet, despite the Buckeyes’ remarkable accomplishments, it appears the city itself has made the mistake of not honoring them with the fanfare they deserve. To overlook the team that has brought so much pride to the region, that continues to shape the cultural and economic landscape, is not just an error—it’s an injustice.
The Legacy of the Buckeyes
Before diving into the details of Columbus’s misstep, it’s important to contextualize the incredible legacy of the Ohio State Buckeyes. Few sports teams have captured the hearts of an entire state, and even fewer have done so for as long and with as much success as Ohio State football. Since its inception in 1890, the Ohio State football program has been a consistent force in college football, boasting over 900 wins, eight national championships, and 40 conference titles. This rich tradition, deeply rooted in excellence, has produced some of the sport’s greatest athletes, coaches, and moments.
A key component of Ohio State’s identity is its unyielding commitment to winning. The team’s rivalry with the University of Michigan, which dates back more than a century, is the gold standard of college football rivalries. With each passing year, the stakes of this game grow, as it often carries with it playoff implications and the weight of Ohio State’s storied history. Yet, it’s not just about beating Michigan. It’s about Ohio State’s sustained excellence, which has seen the Buckeyes repeatedly perform on the biggest stages of college football, culminating in several memorable national championships.
The success of the Buckeyes is not confined to the football field. Ohio State has become a symbol of athletic prowess across many sports, from basketball to wrestling, to track and field. The University’s athletes continue to achieve remarkable feats, earning accolades on both the national and international stages. These athletes represent not just the university but the entire state of Ohio. Their performances, their victories, and their representation of the Buckeye Nation should be celebrated and immortalized.
A Mistake in the Heart of Columbus
It’s one thing for outsiders to overlook the Buckeyes’ greatness; it’s another thing entirely for the very city that is home to the team to make that mistake. Columbus has had opportunities to fully recognize the magnitude of the Buckeyes’ impact, yet it has failed to do so in meaningful ways. A true procession of champions should be a staple event in the city—one that showcases the collective pride of Columbus, Ohio, for its incredible athletes, teams, and their triumphs.
But unfortunately, this has not been the case. The city’s failure to organize such celebrations speaks volumes about its priorities. The lack of consistent, grand-scale recognition for the Buckeyes, who have brought national attention to Columbus time and again, is a glaring oversight. Yes, there have been sporadic celebrations in the wake of major victories, but they pale in comparison to the level of recognition that Ohio State athletes truly deserve. In many ways, Columbus has failed to create the kind of atmosphere befitting a city that houses such a prestigious and high-performing program.
The Case for a Procession of Champions
A procession of champions is not simply about the spectacle of a parade. It’s a cultural institution—an expression of gratitude and pride from the people to their heroes. A procession can serve as both a celebration and a reminder of the hard work, dedication, and sacrifice that athletes put into their craft. For the Buckeyes, it would be an acknowledgment of their place in the annals of college sports history, a place that is often underappreciated by those who do not fully understand the magnitude of their success.
Consider the scale of Ohio State’s football team and its impact on the broader sports community. The team has consistently attracted some of the brightest minds in football coaching and development, creating a football program that is respected and feared nationwide. From the era of Woody Hayes to Urban Meyer and Ryan Day, Ohio State has attracted some of the most accomplished figures in college football history, each leaving their mark on the program. The team’s recent success in the College Football Playoff system and its continual presence in the national conversation should not be overlooked.
A procession of champions would serve as an opportunity for the people of Columbus to reflect on this legacy. It would be a moment to honor the coaches, players, and staff who have contributed to Ohio State’s dominance. Such an event would reinforce the idea that Columbus is more than just a city in Ohio—it is the heart of the Buckeye Nation. It would offer an opportunity for young fans to see their heroes in person, to feel the thrill of being part of something larger than themselves.
Moreover, a procession would have long-term benefits for the city. Events like these bring people together, boost local businesses, and put Columbus on the map as a city that knows how to honor its champions. It would be a unifying moment for the entire community, from lifelong Buckeye fans to those who have recently adopted the team as their own. The sense of pride that a well-executed procession of champions would instill in the community is immeasurable.
Columbus’s Mistake is an Opportunity for Change
In the absence of a proper procession, the city of Columbus has missed an opportunity to foster unity and pride. Yet, in this error, there is hope for future change. Columbus has the power to correct this misstep by organizing a grand celebration that reflects the true significance of Ohio State’s success.
The example of other cities hosting similar events should serve as a guide for Columbus. Cities like New Orleans, with their annual Mardi Gras parades celebrating the success of the New Orleans Saints, or Cleveland, which has recently hosted celebrations for its Cleveland Cavaliers, provide clear examples of how sporting victories can be celebrated in a way that transcends just the games themselves. These events bring people together and establish a sense of shared identity—something that Columbus could certainly benefit from.
A procession of champions would allow the people of Columbus to see the true power of sport in uniting a city. It would be an event that reaches beyond the athletes and extends to the fans, the supporters, the families, and the businesses that have helped fuel the Buckeyes’ success. In doing so, Columbus would fulfill its duty to properly honor the institution that has become a vital part of its identity.
Buckeyes Are Champions, and They Deserve Their Day
It’s not enough to merely recognize the Ohio State Buckeyes when they win a national championship. These athletes, coaches, and staff deserve to be recognized at the highest level, year in and year out. The football team’s continued success, along with the triumphs of other Ohio State sports teams, should be met with ongoing celebrations—ones that are consistent and grand in scale. Whether it’s a national championship or a conference title, every success is an opportunity to honor the champions who have made Columbus proud.
The lack of a proper procession is a missed chance to acknowledge the Buckeyes’ contribution to the city’s identity. More than that, it’s a missed chance to reflect on what makes Ohio State so special. The Buckeyes are not just athletes—they are cultural icons whose success has resonated far beyond the gridiron. They are a source of inspiration, a symbol of hard work, determination, and excellence.
Columbus may have missed the mark this time, but there is still time to correct this oversight. A procession of champions would not only honor Ohio State’s incredible legacy but would solidify Columbus’s place as a city that understands the value of its heroes. It would be a celebration of everything that makes the Buckeyes great: their commitment to excellence, their enduring success, and their place in the hearts of every Ohioan.
Ultimately, the time for a procession of champions has come. It’s time for Columbus to rise to the occasion and recognize its champions with the grand celebration they so rightfully deserve.