There are other Buckeye teams winning national titles besides Ohio State football: Buckeye Breakfast

Introduction: The Buckeye Legacy in Ohio Sports

When people hear the term “Buckeye,” their thoughts often go straight to Ohio State University and its football program. Known for producing some of the greatest athletes in college sports, Ohio State has a proud history of athletic success. However, the Buckeye legacy extends far beyond just the gridiron. While Ohio State football is often the first to come to mind, the state of Ohio and its various teams have seen success across a range of sports, with national championships to show for it.

This article seeks to explore the wide-ranging Buckeye teams that have not only made a mark on their respective sports but also clinched national titles. From women’s volleyball to the Cleveland Cavaliers’ historic win in the NBA, there is much more to Ohio’s sports scene than Ohio State football alone.

Ohio State University Football: A National Powerhouse

Ohio State’s football team, the Buckeyes, is synonymous with success. With eight national championships (as of 2024), the team’s dominance in college football has made it one of the sport’s most iconic programs. The team’s rich history, featuring legends like Archie Griffin, Woody Hayes, and Jim Tressel, has solidified Ohio State as a force to be reckoned with in the NCAA.

While the focus of this article is on other Buckeye teams, it would be remiss not to acknowledge Ohio State football’s critical role in shaping the identity of Buckeye sports as a whole.

Ohio State University’s National Championship Titles in Other Sports

While Ohio State football is king, the university has seen considerable success in other sports. Here are a few of the most significant non-football titles won by Ohio State:

1. Ohio State Women’s Volleyball: The Ohio State women’s volleyball team has been a powerhouse in NCAA volleyball. In 2011, they clinched the national championship, becoming the first team in school history to win a volleyball title. Their win cemented Ohio State’s place in the upper echelons of college volleyball.
2. Ohio State Wrestling: Ohio State’s wrestling program has had a strong presence in the sport, particularly in the last two decades. The team won its first NCAA championship in 2015, showcasing the strength and depth of their wrestling program. With several individual titles to their name, Ohio State wrestling is a critical part of the university’s athletic success.
3. Ohio State Men’s Basketball: Ohio State’s men’s basketball team is another noteworthy program. Though they have not won a national title in recent years, they have claimed one championship in 1960. Their consistent presence in NCAA tournaments and multiple Final Four appearances highlight their competitiveness.
4. Ohio State Women’s Basketball: While Ohio State women’s basketball has not yet won a national championship, they have been a consistent contender in the NCAA tournament. Their strong performances have built a foundation that will likely lead to future successes.

Cleveland Browns: NFL Championship Wins

While Ohio State is the state’s most famous sports entity, the Cleveland Browns are another iconic team with a national championship legacy. The Browns were a dominant force in the NFL during the 1950s and early 1960s, securing two NFL championships before the establishment of the Super Bowl.

The most famous of these was their 1964 victory over the Baltimore Colts. Led by legendary coach Paul Brown and featuring Hall of Fame players like Jim Brown, the Cleveland Browns’ victory was a triumph for the city of Cleveland and cemented the team’s place in football history.

While the Browns have yet to win a Super Bowl, the legacy of their earlier championships continues to be a point of pride for fans.

Cleveland Cavaliers: 2016 NBA Championship

Arguably one of the greatest sports stories in Ohio’s history came in 2016 when the Cleveland Cavaliers won their first-ever NBA championship. Led by LeBron James, the Cavs made history by coming back from a 3-1 deficit in the NBA Finals to defeat the Golden State Warriors. The victory not only marked a historic win for the Cavs but also ended Cleveland’s 52-year sports championship drought.

LeBron’s legendary performance in the Finals, including his block on Andre Iguodala and his clutch play in the closing moments of Game 7, cemented his place as one of the greatest basketball players of all time. The victory brought an immense sense of pride to the city of Cleveland and to the state of Ohio as a whole.

Cincinnati Reds: Baseball Legacy and World Series Titles

The Cincinnati Reds are one of the oldest and most successful teams in Major League Baseball. The team has won five World Series titles in its history, with the most notable victories occurring in the 1970s. The “Big Red Machine” of the 1970s, led by players like Johnny Bench, Pete Rose, and Joe Morgan, was one of the most dominant teams in baseball history. Their back-to-back championships in 1975 and 1976 solidified their place in MLB history.

The Reds’ success in baseball has been a symbol of the state’s rich sports culture, and their championship pedigree has earned them a lasting legacy.

Cincinnati Bengals: Super Bowl Appearance and Aspirations

The Cincinnati Bengals have long been a competitive force in the NFL, and though they have not yet won a Super Bowl, they have appeared in two—Super Bowl XVI (1982) and Super Bowl XXIII (1989). The Bengals’ most recent Super Bowl appearance, during the 2021-2022 season, was particularly emotional for the team’s fans, as it marked the franchise’s first appearance in the big game in over 30 years.

Though they have yet to capture a title, the Bengals remain a fan-favorite team with a loyal following in Ohio and beyond, with hopes for a future championship.

Other Buckeye Teams: National Titles in Niche Sports

Ohio State is also home to teams that have succeeded in less mainstream sports, with many capturing national titles in their respective disciplines.

• Ohio State Men’s and Women’s Ice Hockey: The Ohio State men’s ice hockey team won its first-ever national championship in 2002. Meanwhile, the women’s team has consistently been a competitive force in NCAA hockey, competing for national titles in recent years.
• Ohio State Gymnastics and Track and Field: Ohio State has also enjoyed success in gymnastics and track and field, with numerous NCAA titles in both sports. The university’s track and field program, in particular, has produced multiple Olympic athletes over the years, adding to its reputation as a breeding ground for athletic excellence.

 The Enduring Legacy of Buckeye Teams

Ohio has long been a hub of sporting excellence, and the state’s teams—from Ohio State to Cleveland and Cincinnati—have left an indelible mark on American sports. While Ohio State football may be the most famous of the Buckeye teams, the state’s history of championships stretches far beyond the gridiron. From the Cleveland Cavaliers’ 2016 NBA title to the Cincinnati Reds’ legendary baseball dynasty, the Buckeye state’s sports landscape is as rich and diverse as any in the nation.

As Ohio continues to produce talent across various sports, we can only look forward to more championships and historic achievements in the years to come. The legacy of the Buckeye teams is secure, and the future is bright for Ohio’s sports culture.