Why College Football Beats the NFL: An Ohio State Fan’s Perspective

The debate over whether college football provides a more compelling experience than the National Football League often centers on the emotional intensity and tribal loyalty inherent in the collegiate game. For the Ohio State Buckeyes, this tension is currently exemplified by the conflict between achieving the ultimate goal of a national championship and the traditional necessity of defeating their primary rival, the University of Michigan.

Ohio State recently secured national championship redemption, though the victory coincided with a period of struggle in their rivalry with Michigan. On November 30, 2024, the Michigan Wolverines defeated Ohio State 13-10 in Columbus. This result marked the fourth consecutive rivalry loss for the Buckeyes.

National Titles Versus Rivalry Success

The prioritization of a national title over a rivalry win has become a central point of discussion within the Ohio State community. In a survey of more than 1,000 fans conducted in May 2025, 89.3% of respondents agreed with player Jack Sawyer’s assertion that winning a national championship is more important than winning the game against Michigan.

Despite this statistical preference for the national title, the mood of the fan base remains heavily influenced by the outcome of the Michigan game. According to a reader in the May 2025 survey, the expectations for head coach Ryan Day have increased following the championship run. The reader noted that another pucker in The Game would cause the fan base to grab their pitchforks and five back into ‘Fire John Cooper 2.0’ mode.

Ryan Day currently stands as one of only three active coaches possessing a national championship. However, the internal pressure persists because the program’s baseline expectations are to beat Michigan, win the Big Ten, and compete for a national title every season.

The College Football Experience Versus the NFL

The perspective that college football is an enhanced version of the professional game often stems from the unique atmosphere and motivation found in the collegiate ranks. Arguments in favor of the college game emphasize the pride and nationalist sentiment fans feel toward their connected institutions.

On December 17, 2024, website editor Ria Naraian argued that the NFL cannot compare to college football in terms of the tension generated by big rival teams. Naraian stated that no NFL game could top the intensity of a matchup between Ohio State and Michigan or UCLA and USC.

This perceived superiority is often attributed to the players themselves. Naraian noted that college players frequently bring more energy and passion to the field, playing for pride rather than a professional contract. This dynamic is contrasted with the professional experience; for example, while the drafting of Marvin Harrison Junior was an exciting event for Buckeye fans, his initial professional season was described as less eventful than his collegiate games.

Additional factors contributing to the appeal of college football include the specific traditions and halftime activities that are absent from the NFL product.

Roster Transitions and Future Outlook

The transition from the collegiate to the professional level remains a significant narrative for the program. Following the national championship run, Ohio State saw 14 players depart for the NFL Draft. This loss of talent forces the program to rebuild while maintaining the high expectations of a fan base that demands both conference dominance and national success.

As the program moves forward, the expanded College Football Playoff has raised questions about whether the importance of traditional rivalries will diminish. While the ultimate goal remains the national championship, the emotional weight of the rivalry with Michigan continues to serve as a primary barometer for the program’s health and the stability of the coaching staff.