Republican vice presidential candidate Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio, believes his Buckeyes can go the distance.
During an appearance on OutKick's “The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show,” Vance expressed cautious optimism about how far his favorite football team, the Ohio State Buckeyes, could go in the upcoming season.
Vance also joked that he hoped Michigan Wolverines fans wouldn't hold his loyalty to the rival Buckeyes against him in November.
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Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio and Republican vice presidential nominee, speaks during the Republican National Convention (RNC) at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S., Wednesday, July 17, 2024. (Al Drago/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
“Yeah, I joked with the president when he first asked me to be vice president,” Vance said. “I said, well, you know, I hope we don't lose Michigan by like 900 votes because you're going to regret it. Because it's probably just a thousand Wolverine fans who wouldn't vote for a Buckeye.”
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“But I think most Michiganders will be able to put aside sports rivalries and put the country first, which is of course what we all believe is most important.”
Vance added that the amount of talent on this year's roster was on par with the team that defeated the Miami Hurricanes in the BCS National Championship Game more than 20 years ago.
A general view of Ohio Stadium before the Ohio State Buckeyes play the Michigan Wolverines on November 24, 2018 in Columbus, Ohio. (Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)
“I mean, look, I'm a lifelong Buckeyes fan. I think we have, just in terms of pure talent, maybe the best Ohio State team I've seen since, you know, the great 2003 team that upset Miami in the national championship game.”
Vance also said he looks forward to attending the annual Ohio State-Michigan game. This year's game is scheduled for Nov. 30 at Ohio Stadium. Vance also expressed optimism about another Ohio football team: the Cincinnati Bengals.
Vice presidential candidate U.S. Senator JD Vance (R-OH) addresses the audience at a campaign rally on August 20, 2024 in Kenosha, Wisconsin. (Andy Manis/Getty Images)
“Well, let's go to the Ohio State-Michigan game, assuming we win, because I bet I can get some really good tickets as vice president-elect, and we'll be in a festive mood,” he continued. “And look, it's going to be a big game this year. I think it's going to determine the final seeding for the College Football Playoff. I mean how both teams could make the playoffs. I know Michigan, you know, isn't putting them that high this year, but you never know because it's always a good program. So, we'll see, guys. I feel really good about the Buckeyes. I feel really good about the Bengals.”
Cincinnati failed to make the playoffs last season, and quarterback Joe Burrow was limited to 10 games due to injury.
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Ohio State has won eight national titles. The Buckeyes won their most recent title by defeating Oregon in the opening game of the College Football Playoff National Championship.
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