Denny Hamlin earned his buckeye leaves.
The NASCAR star, who jumped aboard the Ohio State bandwagon during their College Football Playoff run this season, received official buckeye leaves stickers as a gift from the university. The Buckeyes, of course, don the stickers on their famous helmets. Hamlin was surprised with the gift during the latest episode of his “Actions Detrimental” podcast.
When it comes to buckeye leaves, players earn more based on achievements. So, the more wins Hamlin compiles this season, perhaps we’ll see some buckeye leaves on his helmet too.
“How about that? Oh, man. So, I think one for each win. Like, when I win, I need to put a buckeye [on my helmet],” Hamlin said. “These are authentic, I can tell.”
Denny Hamlin hilariously calls himself out amid Ohio State CFP Championship celebration
Thanks to his “Actions Detrimental” producer Travis Rockhold, Hamlin’s love for Ohio State blossomed during its playoff run. When you don’t have anyone to root for, sometimes it’s fun to just root for whoever your buddies are rooting for. Hamlin and the “Actions Detrimental” crew were there for the semifinal win over Texas, and the championship game against Notre Dame.
Turns out, Hamlin made a smart choice rolling with the Buckeyes. Ohio State defeated Notre Dame, 34-23, in the College Football Playoff National Championship game, capturing its first title since 2014. Now, Hamlin can finally call himself a champion — well, a fan of team who won a championship. Hamlin wasted no time making that known on social media straight from his seat at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
“Finally a champ,” Hamlin wrote on X.
Ohio State snapped their National Championship-less streak; Will Hamlin finally get his hands on a Cup Series Championship trophy in 2025? Well, his bid for the only thing that’s eluded him throughout his Hall of Fame career begins Sunday, Feb. 16, in the 67th running of the Daytona 500. Perhaps being one of 77,660 in attendance for Ohio State’s National Championship victory will provide some extra inspiration for Hamlin.