Ten of the most recognizable Ohio State celebrity fans
Seemingly every college fan base has them. Celebrity fans. Matthew McConaughey seems to be at almost every Texas Longhorns football game, Ashley Judd has seen cheering on her Kentucky Wildcats from stands, and Will Ferrell is known to be a huge USC fan.
It’s the same with Ohio State too. With being such an iconic brand, and with the rich tradition of the football and basketball programs, there are also a ton of celebrity Buckeye fans. But who are they? Some you know, like LeBron James, while others may surprise you a wee-bit.
Here are ten of the most recognizable celebrities that also just so happen to be big Ohio State fans (in no particular order).
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Nicklaus is a Columbus native and played on the OSU golf team from 1957-1961. The “Golden Bear” Still holds his annual Memorial Tournament in the Central Ohio area and is one of the few non-band members to have “dotted the I” in Script Ohio. He is as Buckeye as they come.
Next … A “king”
LeBron James
Perhaps the most famous Ohio State celebrity fan, the globe’s best basketball player never attended the OSU, but said he would if he wasn’t allowed to go straight to the NBA. King James has a locker in OSU’s locker room, and frequently gifts his shoes to the team. You can often spot him on the sidelines of some of the biggest Ohio State football games.
Next … The Legend
John Legend
The extremely talented singer/songwriters grew up in Springfield, Ohio and is also a pretty big huge fan. “Legend” has it that he has Buckeye stickers all over his piano in his apartment. He doesn’t get to attend many games, but make mistake on where his allegiances lie.
Next … An MLB phenom
Bryce Harper
I’ll admit, I didn’t know the Phillies slugger was a Buckeye fan until I saw him as a celebrity guest picker on ESPN College Game Day. He didn’t grow up an Ohio State fan, but married into the fandom when he tied the knot with former Ohio State soccer player Kayla Varner. Now, he’s a big part of Buckeye Nation.
Next … The face of college football
Kirk Herbstreit
Herbie might catch a lot of grief from Buckeye Nation because he’s not a homer, but he’s a Buckeye through and through, having played quarterback and graduating from Ohio State back in 1993. He may have moved to Nashville now and have a couple of sons that play for Clemson, but he’s still a big OSU fan. He’s still one of the best in the business as the analyst for ESPN.
Next … Mr. Chicago?
Vince Vaughn
The famous actor has been known to show up in Chicago Cubs or Notre Dame gear, but did you know he’s also an Ohio State fan? His parents and extended family all lived in Ohio prior to his move to Illinois. He was born into Buckeye Nation and is a big fan. Yes, it’s true.
Next … How about some Law & Order here?
J.K. Simmons
The well-known actor from Law & Order, Spiderman and other successful movies is also a huge Ohio State fan. He’s been seen gloating in front of famous Michigan alum Rich Eisen on sports radio shows after almost every Ohio State win over TTUN.
Next … A Rascal
Gary LeVox
The Rascal Flatts lead singer graduated from Olentangy High School, a suburb of Columbus, and loves his Ohio State Buckeyes. He is an Alum and often gets his band-mates to make the O-H-I-O formation, especially when he is back in the Buckeye state. If you’ve ever gone to the band’s concerts in Ohio, there’s no doubt where his priorities are.
Next … A boss of a man
George Steinbrenner
“The Boss.” The late, great George Steinbrenner was the long-time owner of the New York Yankees, but also an Ohio State alum and fan. He was an OSU donor and had a luxury sweet at the ‘Shoe for years. He is a native Ohio and made no secret of his rooting interests for the Buckeyes. Heck, the Yankees Triple A affiliate was in Columbus for years.
Next … A little Youngstown pride
Kelly Pavlik
10. Kelly PavlikThe former WBC, WBO, Ring Magazine, and lineal middleweight boxing champion actually wore his Buckeye pride into the ring in a lot of cases. He hailed from the same hometown of Jim Tressel and Maurice Clarett (Youngstown) and had special trunks that showed off the OSU colors.
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