Did JD Vance Play College Football? Examining the Incoming Vice President’s Sporting Prowess

On Monday, Donald Trump’s running mate, JD Vance, will take the oath of office as Vice President. The 40-year-old, Vance hailing from Middletown, Ohio, will be the youngest person to become Vice President since Richard Nixon in the 1950s.

As Vance prepares to step into his role, he jokingly said he could miss his own inauguration due to a college football match. This led to fans wondering if Vance ever played college football himself.

Was JD Vance a Member of the Ohio State College Football Team?

The answer is no—there’s no record of Vance suiting up for any college football games during his time at Ohio State University. However, that doesn’t mean he isn’t deeply connected to the sport. 

A die-hard fan of the Buckeyes, Vance’s love for the game is so deep that he once joked that he could even miss his inauguration as Vice President in 2025 to catch the College Football Playoff National Championship Game between the Buckeyes and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.

Vance may not have played college football, but his passion for the sport is undeniable. On Jan. 12, 2025, the Vice President-elect made a playful remark on social media about the Buckeyes’ upcoming championship game.

Hopefully everyone is cool with me skipping the inauguration so I can go to the national title game

— JD Vance (@JDVance) January 11, 2025

With his post, Vance shared a popular meme that showed him having a hard time choosing between attending his own inauguration or watching the Buckeyes vie for glory. The joke became quite a hit among his followers and the fans of Ohio State and showed his unwavering support towards his alma mater’s football team.

As the Buckeyes gear up for their first potential national title since 2014, fans like Vance are holding their breath. The team’s head coach, Ryan Day, is entering his second title game with a roster brimming with talent. Unlike their last championship appearance, where they fell to the Alabama Crimson Tide in 2020, this year’s team is healthy and poised to make a strong showing.

Will the Buckeyes make history this year?

Ohio State’s championship hopes rest on a solid foundation. The Buckeyes’ high-powered offense and formidable defense make them strong contenders against Notre Dame. Meanwhile, Notre Dame’s strategy leans heavily on its running game—a strength that might falter against Ohio State’s defensive prowess. 

With both teams boasting impressive seasons, the championship clash promises to be a battle for the ages.

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For Vance, the outcome of the game could be the perfect way to kick off his tenure as Vice President. With this event, Cincinnati comes closer to having a president than it has in over 100 years. While he’ll likely be watching from Washington during the inauguration ceremonies, his heart will undoubtedly be with his beloved Buckeyes on the field. 

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