Vice President-elect J.D. Vance couldn’t contain his excitement following Ohio State’s thrilling victory over Texas in the Cotton Bowl on Friday night. In fact, the Buckeyes’ performance had him so fired up that he joked about skipping one of the most significant days of his political career—his own inauguration.
After Ohio State secured a hard-fought 34-27 win over the Longhorns at AT&T Stadium, Vance took to social media to share his enthusiasm. “Hopefully everyone is cool with me skipping the inauguration so I can go to the national title game,” Vance tweeted, adding a touch of humor to a moment that resonated with Buckeye fans everywhere.
A Loyal Buckeye Through and Through
Vance, a proud Ohio State alumnus, graduated in 2009 with a bachelor’s degree before going on to achieve national prominence as a U.S. Senator from Ohio and now as Vice President-elect. His unwavering support for his alma mater has been evident throughout his political career and personal life.
Even during the Buckeyes’ tough loss to Michigan earlier this season, Vance stood by the team when others were quick to criticize. In a heartfelt message on social media, he wrote: “To the OSU seniors on that team: I know it sucks to lose four to Michigan, but for your entire college career you guys have conducted yourselves like champions. I speak for nearly all of us fans when I say: we’re proud of you!”
That loss could have been a turning point for Ohio State’s season, but under head coach Ryan Day’s leadership, the team bounced back to earn a spot in the College Football Playoff and ultimately the national title game.
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A Balancing Act: Football and Politics
While Vance’s tweet about skipping Inauguration Day to attend the championship game was clearly a joke, it showcased his deep connection to Ohio State football and his sense of humor. Despite his love for the Buckeyes, Vance knows where his responsibilities lie, and he’ll be front and center in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 20 for his historic swearing-in ceremony as Vice President of the United States.
“I wouldn’t miss the inauguration for anything,” Vance later clarified in a follow-up statement. “But you can bet I’ll be cheering on my Buckeyes every step of the way. This team has worked so hard to get to this point, and they deserve every ounce of support.”
Ohio State’s Road to the Championship
Ohio State’s journey to the national title game has been nothing short of extraordinary. After overcoming a midseason setback against Michigan, the Buckeyes regained their form with impressive wins over Oregon in the playoff semifinal and now Texas in the Cotton Bowl. The victory against Texas was a testament to the team’s resilience and determination.
Head coach Ryan Day reflected on the team’s achievement following the game: “We talked before the game about how to leave a legacy—it’s to become your own legend. There’s some guys on this team today that I believe will become legends in Ohio State history. Now they get 10 more days together and an opportunity to tell their story if they go win one more.”
A Nation Watching
Ohio State will head into the national championship game as favorites, and the Buckeyes’ faithful—Vance included—are eagerly anticipating the showdown. The matchup will test every ounce of the team’s mettle as they aim to bring home their first title since 2014.
For Vance, the stakes are high on multiple fronts. While he prepares for his inauguration and the start of his tenure as Vice President, he’ll also be rooting passionately for Ohio State to cap off their incredible season with a championship.
“Jan. 20 will be an unforgettable day for me and my family,” Vance said. “But I’ll make sure to catch the game no matter where I am. Once a Buckeye, always a Buckeye.”
The national championship game, set to take place on Jan. 20, promises to be a night of high drama and intense competition. And whether from Washington, D.C., or a private viewing with his family, you can count on J.D. Vance cheering loudly for his beloved Buckeyes.
