Baker Mayfield knows all too well the drama that comes with planting a flag in enemy territory after a big win—a gesture that became a hot-button topic of discussion this weekend. The former Oklahoma quarterback, who famously planted the Sooners flag on Ohio State’s field after a major victory in 2017, was one of many voices weighing in on the controversy.
However, Mayfield’s perspective on the recent incidents stands out as one of the most level-headed takes you’ll hear.
The final week of the college football season is known for its storied rivalry games—matchups that can generate plenty of passion, pride, and sometimes chaos. Rivalry Week 2024 certainly lived up to its reputation, delivering intense showdowns, upsets, and a fair share of postgame fireworks.
One of the most talked-about moments came when Michigan stunned Ohio State, securing its fourth consecutive win over the Buckeyes. What followed, however, turned Columbus into a scene of chaos.
After the Wolverines celebrated their monumental win, some players attempted to plant the Michigan flag at midfield—a symbolic act meant to stake their claim in enemy territory. The move did not sit well with the Buckeyes, sparking a massive on-field melee that escalated to the point where some players were hit with pepper spray by security attempting to restore order.
Similar scenes played out elsewhere as Rivalry Week unfolded across the country. In Raleigh, NC State secured a hard-fought victory over North Carolina, leading to a heated confrontation when Wolfpack players tried to plant their flag on the Tar Heels’ field.
Meanwhile, Florida brought Florida State’s season to a disappointing end with a road win in Tallahassee, leading to yet another attempted flag-planting that nearly boiled over into an all-out brawl. With these incidents occurring back-to-back, it was only a matter of time before the conversation shifted to whether the NCAA should intervene and institute rules discouraging such acts of perceived disrespect.
Baker Mayfield’s history with flag-planting makes his voice particularly relevant in this debate.
In 2017, after leading Oklahoma to a decisive win over Ohio State, Mayfield famously planted the Sooners’ flag at the Buckeyes’ 50-yard line, a move that cemented his reputation as a fiery competitor but also drew criticism for its provocative nature.
RELATED: Arizona and Arizona State Mascots Brawl in Full Costume on Sideline During Game
Earlier this year, after the Texas Longhorns defeated Oklahoma in the Red River Shootout, a Texas player returned the favor by driving a Longhorns flag through Mayfield’s jersey—a gesture that Mayfield took in stride, suggesting that he wasn’t particularly bothered by it.
Following the Buccaneers’ win over the Panthers on Sunday, Mayfield addressed the latest spate of flag-planting incidents, offering a measured response.
He emphasized that, while the emotions behind flag-planting are understandable, players should be mindful of the potential consequences. Still, Mayfield stopped short of outright condemning the practice, suggesting that such acts are simply part of the passion and intensity that make college football so unique.
“Listen, I get it. I get why people do it,” Mayfield said. “When you go into a hostile environment, win a big game, and you want to make a statement, that flag is just a symbol of everything you fought for. I’ve been there. I understand that it’s not always taken well by the other side, but I also think it’s important to remember that it’s just a game. The emotions run high, but we all need to have some perspective.”
Mayfield’s comments reflected a broader sentiment that flag-planting, while inherently provocative, isn’t meant to incite violence. Instead, it’s often an expression of pride in a hard-earned victory, albeit one that can sometimes cross the line into poor sportsmanship.
Mayfield also acknowledged that rivalries are part of what makes college football so exhilarating, and removing the emotional moments, even the controversial ones, could risk taking away part of the sport’s soul.
“I know the NCAA might feel pressured to step in after what happened with Michigan and Ohio State,” Mayfield added. “But I hope they don’t overreact. Football is supposed to be emotional. It’s supposed to be passionate. Sometimes, that spills over, and yeah, things can get a little heated. But I think there are better ways to handle it than just banning any and all forms of celebration.”
Mayfield’s take stands in contrast to the calls from some quarters for harsher penalties on flag-planting, which they view as an unnecessary provocation that risks inciting violence. In the wake of the incidents that unfolded during Rivalry Week, some commentators have suggested implementing stricter rules, including hefty fines or automatic suspensions for players caught planting flags on opponents’ fields.
Mayfield, however, offered a perspective rooted in his own experiences as a player—one that acknowledges the competitive spirit of the game while advocating for balance and understanding.
The debate around flag-planting is a reflection of the tightrope that college football must walk between maintaining sportsmanship and preserving the raw emotion that makes it so captivating.
While flag-planting may not be the most respectful way to celebrate a win, Mayfield’s comments suggest that its significance lies more in the passion of the players than in any real attempt to disrespect an opponent.
For Mayfield, and for many others, the act is simply part of the pageantry of college football—a symbol of victory that can sometimes be misinterpreted but is ultimately a part of the game’s fabric.
As the NCAA considers its next steps, the hope is that they will remember what makes rivalry games so compelling: the intensity, the passion, and yes, even the drama.
Whether or not flag-planting remains a part of college football, Baker Mayfield’s perspective offers a reminder that sometimes, a little perspective can go a long way in understanding the emotions behind the game.
