Cavs players Tristan Thompson, LeBron James and J.R. Smith walk onto field before an Ohio State vs. Michigan game at Ohio Stadium.Sports Illustrated via Getty Ima
COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio State football’s most famous fan is at it again, using the internet tell the world that in another life he would’ve been a Buckeye.
LeBron James has never been quiet about his OSU fandom, even if life took him down a path where he never needed college to become one of the greatest basketball players of all time. He’s twice been present for football national titles, first in 2014 under Urban Meyer and now recently this past season under Ryan Day. He’s teased the idea of trying to find eligibility to join the roster even now.
While making a guest appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Day got asked about James’ ideas, making it clear he’d be open to it. But it would come with stipulations.
“He’d be right in line with the freshmen in the back of the room,” Day joked. “He’d have to work his way up. He doesn’t get any special treatment.”
Apparently, James has no problem starting from the bottom and working his way up the depth chart. He actually would prefer it that way.
“I don’t mind it one bit Coach Day!” James posted on social media in response. “Earned Not Given!”
Day responded to that post by keeping the bit going, suggesting that OSU had “a scholarship and great NIL deal” waiting for him in Columbus.
Making James an honorary member of the program isn’t a crazy thought. This is the same guy who already has a spot in the men’s basketball team’s locker room.
It’s just another comedic moment and a reminder of how deep his fandom goes, while also allowing fans to run with their imagination when thinking about a world where James chose football instead of basketball. He did earn football all-state honors as a sophomore at St. Vincent-St. Mary High School after catching 42 passes for 752 yards and 11 touchdowns.
James might’ve been a special player at Ohio State. He maybe could’ve even had a similar impact to what star receiver Jeremiah Smith just had as a true freshman. But he’d be just like every other freshman in terms of having to earn the right to have that impact — a road he prefers anyway.