Denny Hamlin is no stranger to controversy. With 54 NASCAR victories, including iconic wins like the Daytona 500, the No. 11 Toyota driver has built a career as one of racing’s most polarizing figures. But this off-season, it wasn’t a daring overtake or a war of words on the track that ignited the fandom—it was football. Specifically, Hamlin’s newfound, exuberant allegiance to the Ohio State Buckeyes that left fans and rivals buzzing, some cheering, others jeering.
“Buckeye Fever” or Fan Faux Pas?
Hamlin, co-owner of 23XI Racing alongside Michael Jordan, surprised many with his passionate support for Ohio State University’s football team, a move that quickly became a topic of heated discussion. During a recent match against the Indiana Hoosiers, Hamlin was seen cheering in the stands, embracing the team’s energy from the opening whistle to their 13-point victory. However, when the Buckeye anthem played, Hamlin admitted he didn’t know the lyrics, opting instead to swing his arms awkwardly, much to the amusement of fans.
A Villain Embraces the Role
Hamlin’s public Buckeye fandom may have seemed harmless, but for a driver already labeled as NASCAR’s most divisive figure, it added fuel to the fire. Known for his brash, unfiltered personality, Hamlin has long thrived on the blend of boos and cheers that follow him. At races, his detractors aren’t shy—displaying their disdain with middle fingers and loud jeers—but Hamlin has leaned into the animosity, embracing his role as the sport’s quintessential villain.
“Hamlin is NASCAR’s bad boy,” one fan posted on social media. “Now he’s trying to be a Buckeye? What’s next, singing ‘Hang on Sloopy’ off-key?”
Is This a Misstep or Masterstroke?
For Hamlin, who thrives on the drama of competition, aligning himself with a major sports team like Ohio State is likely no accident. It could be seen as a bold attempt to connect with a new audience or perhaps a way to solidify his status as NASCAR’s most talked-about figure. But the move has left some wondering: Does Hamlin risk alienating his core fanbase with his Buckeye fandom?
Critics argue that Hamlin’s sideline antics detract from his racing legacy, while supporters see it as another example of his willingness to live unapologetically. “Hamlin thrives on attention,” said one analyst. “Whether it’s on the track or in the stands, he knows how to keep people talking.”
A Legacy of Contradictions
At 44, Hamlin sits 12th on NASCAR’s all-time wins list, with victories at storied events like the Coca-Cola 600 and Würth 400. Despite his accomplishments, his polarizing personality ensures he’s as famous for his off-track antics as he is for his on-track dominance.
His Buckeye allegiance is just the latest chapter in a career defined by complex contradictions—a Virginia native who cheers for Ohio State, a champion who courts controversy, and a villain who relishes his role.
The Final Lap
As NASCAR’s 2025 season approaches, Hamlin’s antics—whether on the racetrack or in the stands—are sure to keep fans talking. The question remains: Is his Buckeye fandom a savvy PR move or a distraction from his racing career? Either way, one thing is certain: Denny Hamlin isn’t afraid to blur the lines between hero and villain, leaving his legacy as one of NASCAR’s most fascinating figures firmly intact.
