Ohio State football has long been a powerhouse in college sports, but despite their championship pedigree and high national ranking, there’s an elephant in the room that Buckeyes fans can no longer ignore: the team’s rough luck with officiating. Ohio State, a program known for its rich history and elite talent, has been caught in a never-ending cycle of frustrating calls, botched reviews, and missed penalties, with the recent backlash finally prompting a shift in how the Buckeyes are approaching their game-day officiating. As tensions rise and frustrations mount, the question must be asked: is Ohio State simply being unlucky, or is there something deeper going on?
A History of Controversy
Let’s face it: Ohio State football has become synonymous with controversial officiating calls. From questionable targeting penalties to game-changing missed calls, Buckeyes fans can name countless instances where officiating has played a pivotal role in swinging a game — and not in their favor. The 2016 College Football Playoff against Clemson, the 2020 Big Ten Championship Game versus Northwestern, and last year’s bitter loss to Michigan all saw critical moments that Buckeyes faithful claim were influenced by bad officiating.
But while the complaints may sound like sour grapes to some, a deeper look reveals a disturbing pattern. In these high-profile moments, Ohio State has often been on the receiving end of bizarre, head-scratching calls that continue to fuel the narrative of mistreatment. This year, head coach Ryan Day himself hinted at the issue, saying the officiating “has been pretty bad,” signaling that Ohio State is finally ready to address a problem that’s been lingering for years.
The Case for a Bias
It’s tempting to chalk it all up to bad luck, but could there be an underlying bias against Ohio State? It’s certainly not a new narrative, as the Buckeyes have always attracted attention — both positive and negative — due to their prominence in college football. But some argue that the sheer magnitude of the program’s visibility could be working against them.
Ohio State’s success means they are often under the microscope, and some officials may be more inclined to penalize the team for minor infractions to balance out the narrative of dominance. The idea of bias isn’t new to major college football; critics point out that teams like Alabama and Clemson seem to get favorable treatment in key moments. Ohio State, unfortunately, finds itself on the other end of that equation.
Even though Ohio State is often the top seed in the Big Ten, their games are rarely without controversy when it comes to penalties. For example, the infamous “block in the back” penalty that negated a game-winning touchdown against Michigan in 2020 remains a sore spot for many Buckeyes fans. This call, which could have propelled Ohio State into the playoff, is seen by some as emblematic of a bigger problem.
The Unseen Impact on Recruitment
One of the less talked about but more critical effects of inconsistent officiating is its potential to affect Ohio State’s recruiting. High school athletes dream of playing on the biggest stages and for the most prestigious teams, but if a program is seen as constantly getting the short end of the stick in big games, it could impact their ability to land the most elite players. While Ohio State’s overall recruiting still attracts top-tier talent, how much would a reputation for poor officiating harm their efforts to secure those “game-changers” in the future?
The media plays a role in this too. Every time Ohio State gets shafted by a bad call, it becomes a talking point, amplifying the narrative that the Buckeyes are a victim of biased officiating. It doesn’t take long before recruits begin to internalize that narrative — whether true or not — and wonder if it’s worth playing for a team that seems to be fighting against both its competition and the officials.
A Call for Reform
The biggest question that remains is: what can be done about this? For Ohio State, the key is transparency and accountability. The Big Ten, like many other conferences, needs to seriously address the inconsistencies in its officiating crew. The days of simply sweeping complaints under the rug need to end, and Ohio State is making sure its voice is heard.
The Buckeyes, led by Ryan Day, are taking the fight to the conference offices, demanding changes to ensure that their players are given a fair shot. The implementation of technology and real-time reviews has made officiating more transparent, but the problem remains in how officials interpret the rules — and that needs to evolve. Ohio State is calling for reform, not only to improve the fairness of their games but to preserve the integrity of the sport itself.
Is Change on the Horizon?
For Ohio State, the question remains: will their cries for reform be answered, or will they continue to be an afterthought in a system that prioritizes other programs? The Buckeyes are clearly tired of being on the wrong side of so many controversial calls, and with the backing of the fanbase and media, the hope is that change will come sooner rather than later. If nothing else, this controversy has sparked a broader conversation about officiating standards across the sport.
Whether you’re a die-hard Ohio State fan or a neutral observer, one thing is clear: the Buckeyes are ready for their officiating fortunes to change, and it’s about time college football took note.