Former Heisman Trophy-winning running back Mark Ingram II was shocked to hear how much the Ohio State Buckeyes’s merchandise sales increased prior to this year’s national championship. While discussing the big game on the popular podcast “The Triple Option,” Ingram was informed that the Buckeyes’ merchandise sales had spiked 550% ahead of the College Football Playoff title match.
Mark Ingram’s Reaction to Ohio State Buckeyes’ Merchandise Sales
Ingram played his entire college career with the Alabama Crimson Tide and won the 2009 Heisman Trophy. That season, he rushed for 1,658 yards and 17 rushing touchdowns while adding 334 yards and three scores as a receiver. Due to this dominant career, he was selected No. 28 overall by the New Orleans Saints in the 2011 NFL Draft.
College football analyst Rob Stone broke the news that the Buckeyes had seen a massive increase in merchandise sales prior to the big game.
“Ohio State merchandise, guys, spiked 550% ahead of this national championship game. And it’s hard to even put that into perspective because it is the brand of college football. Dallas Cowboys are America’s Team; they are the brand of the NFL. Ohio State is the equivalent on the college football landscape. To bump it up 550% is unfathomable,” Stone detailed.
In response, Ingram expressed his surprise and shock at the news.
“That’s crazy,” he stated.
Ohio State National Championship Win Analysis
As highlighted in the above clip, the Buckeyes boast one of the strongest and intense followings in all of college football.
The 550% increase in merchandise would be mind-blowing, even if the school were a small one. However, considering how big the Ohio State brand already is, it is a baffling increase.
This year, the Buckeyes and head coach Ryan Day had a rollercoaster season that ultimately concluded with the biggest team prize in college football.
At times this year, there were calls for Day to be fired amid poor team performances against the rival Michigan Wolverines and conference opponent Oregon Ducks.
Yet, Day and the Buckeyes righted the ship when it mattered most and were able to defeat the Tennessee Volunteers, the Ducks, the Texas Longhorns, and finally, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish to win this year’s national championship.
KEEP READING: List of FBS College Football National Champions by Year
The side featured numerous players who are expected to take the next step in their football careers at the professional level next season.
As a result, it will be on coach Day and others in the program to ensure that the football team continues winning and the Ohio State brand continues growing next year after this successful campaign.
College Football Network has you covered with the latest from the ACC, Big Ten, Big 12, SEC, and every Group of Five conference and FBS Independent program.
