Ohio and Indiana governors put friendly wagers on the CFP National Championship.
As the College Football Playoff (CFP) National Championship draws near, one of the most exciting aspects of the game isn’t just the thrilling matchup on the field, but the unique and light-hearted wager placed between two neighboring states: Ohio and Indiana. These two states have long been rivals in college sports, particularly when it comes to football, and as the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Indiana Hoosiers (or any other team from Indiana) are set to clash in the College Football Playoff finale, the governors of both states—Mike DeWine of Ohio and Eric Holcomb of Indiana—have decided to add a touch of fun to the proceedings by putting up a friendly wager.
This tradition of friendly bets between governors from rival states has become a popular and entertaining part of college football culture, as it allows leaders to showcase their state pride in a playful and public way. This particular bet is no different, with both governors having some fun with the rivalry, as well as ensuring that the losing state gets to show respect for the winner’s football program and culture in a very tangible way.
The Governors’ Friendly Bet
When the Ohio State Buckeyes and the team from Indiana (whether it be the Hoosiers or the Purdue Boilermakers) secured their spots in the College Football Playoff, it wasn’t long before the governors took notice. Both Mike DeWine of Ohio and Eric Holcomb of Indiana are known for their competitive spirits, and the stage was set for them to get involved in a tradition that has been passed down for years in the world of college sports.
Governor DeWine, a long-time advocate for the Buckeyes and a proud Ohioan, quickly jumped at the chance to initiate a friendly wager with his counterpart in Indiana. “We have a deep-rooted tradition of success in Ohio, particularly with the Ohio State Buckeyes,” DeWine said in a statement shortly after Ohio State secured their spot in the national championship game. “So, when we face off with Indiana in this monumental game, I’m confident that Ohio will come out on top. I’m happy to make this bet, and it will be a fun way for us to celebrate the spirit of competition.”
Governor Holcomb of Indiana, whose loyalty lies with the Hoosiers or the Boilermakers, depending on the team representing the state, was just as eager to get in on the fun. “Football is an important part of Indiana’s culture, and we love to compete. Whether it’s Indiana or Purdue, we’re proud of the teams that represent our state. So, I’m looking forward to a spirited contest, and we’re ready to make this bet on behalf of Hoosier pride,” Holcomb said with a smile, showing that while he was confident in his state’s team, he was also a good sport about the friendly competition.
The bet itself was designed to be a win-win situation, regardless of the outcome of the game. Both governors agreed to place wagers that reflected the unique aspects of their states. In the event that Ohio State emerged victorious, Governor Holcomb would have to send a selection of Indiana’s finest craft beers, a basket of local snacks, and a collection of Purdue or Indiana University (IU) merchandise to Governor DeWine, symbolizing the pride of Indiana. On the other hand, if Indiana’s representative team won the championship, Governor DeWine would return the favor by sending a collection of Ohio-based treats, including Ohio-made wines, a selection of snacks from local Ohio companies, and a set of Buckeye merchandise to Governor Holcomb.
Beyond the food and beverages, the wager also included a fun stipulation: the losing governor would be required to don the winning team’s gear for a day in the public eye—whether it be an Ohio State shirt or an Indiana Hoosiers cap. This would be a light-hearted way for the losing state’s leader to show respect for the victorious program and a humorous reminder of the stakes of the wager.
The Rivalry Between Ohio and Indiana
While the governors’ bet is all in good fun, it’s impossible to overlook the long-standing rivalry between Ohio and Indiana, particularly in the realm of college football. The two states have a rich tradition in the sport, and their respective teams have often competed at the highest levels. Ohio State University, with its legacy of national championships and a dedicated fan base, is undoubtedly one of the most dominant teams in college football history. Meanwhile, Indiana’s teams, although less decorated in comparison to the Buckeyes, have enjoyed moments of success and have a proud fan base that lives and dies with every win and loss.
The Ohio State Buckeyes, led by their historic football program, have achieved unparalleled success in the College Football Playoff era, making regular appearances in the national title race and winning multiple championships. The team’s roster consistently features some of the best talent in the country, and their annual battles with rivals like Michigan and Penn State are some of the most anticipated games in college football. Ohio State’s success on the field has made it a dominant force in the sport, and its status as one of the blue-chip programs in the country continues to bring attention to the state of Ohio.
On the flip side, Indiana’s teams—primarily the Indiana Hoosiers and Purdue Boilermakers—have been on the other end of the college football spectrum in recent years, with both schools striving to establish themselves as contenders in the Big Ten conference. While neither team has enjoyed the same consistent success as Ohio State, they both have passionate fanbases that embrace the pride and history of their respective programs. Indiana fans may not always have a national title to boast about, but they take immense pride in their teams’ accomplishments and are known for their unwavering loyalty.
The rivalry between Ohio and Indiana is not just limited to football. It also extends to basketball, where both states have a rich history in the sport. The fierce competition between the Ohio State Buckeyes and Indiana University Hoosiers on the hardwood adds another layer to the dynamic of the two states’ sports culture. While Ohio has historically been more successful in football, Indiana has often been a formidable competitor in both basketball and football, which fuels the healthy tension between the states.
A Celebration of College Football Culture
The wager between Governor DeWine and Governor Holcomb serves as more than just a fun way to engage with the rivalry between Ohio and Indiana. It is also a celebration of the culture of college football and the way it brings people together. College football is a unique sport in that it fosters deep connections among fans, students, alumni, and state leaders, who all rally around their respective teams.
The friendly wager not only showcases the camaraderie between the two governors but also highlights the cultural significance of college football in each state. For many Ohioans, the Ohio State Buckeyes are more than just a team; they are a point of pride and a unifying force for the state. In Indiana, although the teams may not always be national contenders, the sense of pride in the state’s football programs is no less significant.
As the governors’ bet unfolds in the lead-up to the national championship game, it serves as a reminder of the light-hearted nature of sports and the way they can foster community spirit, even in the heat of competition. No matter which team emerges victorious, the wager will add a bit of levity to an otherwise serious sporting contest.
The Stakes and the Outcome
Of course, the most important aspect of the wager is the game itself. The College Football Playoff National Championship brings the best teams in the country together for a highly anticipated battle. For Ohio and Indiana, this championship represents more than just a game. It’s an opportunity to showcase their football programs and, for the Buckeyes, to add another chapter to their storied history.
As the two governors prepare for the outcome of their bet, their playful competition provides a unique backdrop to the larger drama of the game. Whether it’s Ohio State’s talent-laden roster taking on the challenge of an Indiana team looking to pull off an upset, or whether the championship game turns out to be a nail-biter, one thing is for certain—the friendly wager between DeWine and Holcomb adds an extra layer of fun to an already exciting contest.
In the end, whether Ohio or Indiana claims the victory, the friendly bet between the two governors will remain a symbol of the camaraderie and rivalry that make college football—and the states themselves—so special. It’s a reminder that while the games may be intense, at the heart of it all is the shared love of sports, competition, and pride in one’s home state. And no matter the outcome, both governors will walk away knowing that their states gave their all in the pursuit of glory on the biggest stage in college football.
