The stage is set for an epic College Football Playoff Championship as the Ohio State Buckeyes and Notre Dame Fighting Irish prepare to clash at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium. With decades of tradition and a chance for Ohio State to claim their first national title since 2014, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Adding to the drama, NASCAR star Denny Hamlin has become an unlikely protagonist, sparking social media buzz with his outspoken support for the Buckeyes.
Hamlin’s Buckeye allegiance riles Notre Dame fans
Hamlin, a Joe Gibbs Racing driver and a three-time Daytona 500 champion, has recently embraced Ohio State as his team of choice. In a playful social media post, he declared his allegiance: “All aboard the @OhioStateFB bandwagon.” However, his lighthearted comment didn’t sit well with Notre Dame fans, many of whom wasted no time firing back.
One Notre Dame supporter sarcastically jabbed, “Notre Dame by a million. Thank you for this. 1 podcast, 0 championships. Choke artist,” referencing Hamlin’s NASCAR career and his well-documented struggles to secure a championship title despite over 50 Cup Series wins.
Hamlin doubles down on his Buckeye fandom
This isn’t Hamlin’s first public show of support for the Buckeyes. In a heartfelt post, Hamlin explained his connection to the Ohio State program:
“I never went to college, so no allegiance to any other schools. I’ve got two friends who are absolute lunatic fanatics of OSU. Went to a game to watch them be fans, and I was wildly entertained. Friends ride with OSU, so I ride with them.”
Hamlin’s transformation into a die-hard Buckeye supporter was further solidified during their semifinal win over Texas. Cameras captured him celebrating Ohio State’s dramatic victory from the stands, clearly relishing the moment with his friends.
Parallel struggles: Hamlin and Ohio State’s championship chase
For some, Hamlin’s NASCAR career mirrors Ohio State’s recent title drought. Both have been dominant in their respective fields but have fallen short in critical moments. Hamlin has come tantalizingly close to winning the NASCAR Cup Series championship multiple times but has yet to claim the sport’s ultimate prize. Similarly, Ohio State has been a perennial powerhouse but has failed to secure a title since their 2014 triumph.
The Buckeyes’ semifinal victory over Texas showcased their grit and resilience, much like Hamlin’s ability to bounce back year after year in NASCAR. With a new crew chief, Chris Gayle, Hamlin will be looking to change his narrative in 2025, just as Ohio State aims to silence their critics by winning it all.
Hamlin adds drama to the championship buildup
Hamlin’s bold support for Ohio State has added an unexpected layer of intrigue to the championship game. His playful boast has intensified the rivalry, with Notre Dame fans eager to see their team prove him wrong.
Whether Ohio State captures the title or Notre Dame spoils the party, one thing is certain: Denny Hamlin’s allegiance has made this year’s championship buildup even more thrilling.