LeBron James and Bryce Harper cheer on Ohio State at College Football Playoff championship

The College Football Playoff (CFP) National Championship has always been a marquee event in American sports, bringing together the nation’s top football teams for a showdown to determine the best of the best. In 2025, the championship game between the Ohio State Buckeyes and another powerhouse team became a spectacle not just for the players on the field, but for the celebrities in the stands as well. Two of the most prominent figures in American sports—LeBron James, NBA superstar, and Bryce Harper, MLB MVP—made their presence felt in a big way as they cheered on their beloved Ohio State Buckeyes. Their attendance at the game was a testament to their deep-rooted ties to Ohio and their love for the Buckeye State, amplifying the atmosphere and adding another layer of excitement to an already thrilling matchup.

This article will explore the significance of LeBron James and Bryce Harper’s support for Ohio State at the College Football Playoff championship, their personal connections to the team, and the broader impact of their presence on the game and the fans. It will also take a look at how sports figures like LeBron and Bryce help foster a sense of community and pride among Ohioans and fans of Ohio State, making moments like these even more special.

The Buckeye Connection: LeBron James and Bryce Harper

LeBron James and His Ohio Roots

LeBron James is more than just a basketball icon; he is a product of Ohio, and he has never shied away from his roots. Born and raised in Akron, Ohio, LeBron has often spoken about his love for the state and its sports culture. Throughout his career, whether he was playing for the Cleveland Cavaliers or the Los Angeles Lakers, LeBron has maintained a strong connection to his hometown, frequently returning to Ohio to give back to the community and support local sports teams.

Ohio State University (OSU) has always been close to LeBron’s heart. As a child, he idolized Buckeyes football players and followed the team’s games with passion. Over the years, LeBron has been spotted at Ohio State games, often wearing the team’s iconic scarlet and gray. His commitment to his home state has never wavered, and he has frequently used his platform to promote Ohio-based causes, including supporting the Ohio State Buckeyes, whom he sees as a symbol of state pride and success.

LeBron’s relationship with Ohio State is not just limited to fandom; he has also become a vocal advocate for the school and its athletic programs. In 2018, when Ohio State football was at the height of its success under head coach Urban Meyer, LeBron tweeted his admiration for the team’s achievements. He has also shared stories about his personal connection to the school, recounting how the Buckeyes’ success inspired him during his own youth. As a figure who has transcended basketball, LeBron’s loyalty to Ohio State and his involvement with the team are central to his identity as one of the state’s most influential sports figures.

Bryce Harper: A Proud Ohioan in the MLB Spotlight

Bryce Harper, the reigning National League MVP and one of the most electrifying players in Major League Baseball (MLB), is another prominent figure with deep ties to Ohio. Born in Las Vegas, Nevada, Harper moved to Ohio as a teenager, attending high school at the prestigious Las Vegas-based College of Southern Nevada. Despite his origins in Nevada, Harper has maintained a strong connection to the Buckeye State, and like LeBron, he has embraced his role as an Ohio sports ambassador.

Harper’s love for Ohio State is well-documented. He often speaks highly of the state’s sports culture and how Ohio State football has served as a model for success, discipline, and hard work. Though Harper’s career as a professional baseball player has taken him across the country, from Washington, D.C. to Philadelphia, he remains steadfast in his loyalty to Ohio State.

During the 2025 College Football Playoff championship, Bryce Harper was on hand to show his support for the Buckeyes as they battled for a national title. His presence at the game symbolized a deep-rooted connection not just to Ohio but to the state’s proud tradition of athletic excellence. As someone who has achieved success in his own professional sport, Harper’s admiration for Ohio State and its athletic programs runs deep, and his cheering on the Buckeyes added an extra layer of excitement to the game.

The Impact of LeBron and Bryce’s Presence

The arrival of two of Ohio’s most recognizable sports figures—LeBron James and Bryce Harper—at the College Football Playoff championship undoubtedly raised the stakes for Ohio State’s fans, adding an element of celebrity and excitement to the already high-energy atmosphere. The impact of their presence was felt across the stadium and beyond, as fans, players, and commentators alike acknowledged the significance of having these iconic athletes in the stands.

1. The Power of Celebrity Influence in Sports

LeBron James and Bryce Harper are not just local heroes; they are global sports icons with massive followings. Their attendance at the CFP National Championship game brought a new level of attention to the matchup, not only because of their celebrity status but also because of their genuine passion for Ohio State. Their support created a buzz in the media and among fans, sparking conversations about Ohio State’s program and adding an extra layer of intrigue to the game.

For the players on the field, seeing LeBron and Bryce cheering them on must have been a source of motivation. Having such influential athletes support their efforts created a sense of validation and pride for the Buckeyes, as they knew they had the backing of some of the most successful figures in Ohio sports. As role models who have overcome adversity and reached the pinnacle of their respective sports, LeBron and Bryce’s presence served as a reminder of what hard work, dedication, and teamwork can accomplish.

For Ohio State fans, seeing two of Ohio’s most beloved figures in the stands reinforced their sense of connection to the team. The presence of LeBron and Bryce became a rallying point for the Ohio State faithful, who were eager to show their pride in front of these sports legends.

2. Fostering State Pride and Unity

The College Football Playoff National Championship has become a celebration of not just the teams on the field but also the communities and fanbases behind them. For Ohioans, the game served as a moment of pride, and having LeBron and Bryce in attendance helped to unify fans across the state. Both athletes, though from different sports, represent the best of Ohio’s athletic tradition. Their shared pride in Ohio State and their collective presence at the game demonstrated the deep sense of state pride that runs through the veins of Ohioans, regardless of sport or background.

LeBron and Bryce’s support for Ohio State transcended the game itself. It was a testament to the power of sports to bring people together, to unify communities, and to create moments of collective celebration. Their enthusiasm and support for the Buckeyes amplified the sense of excitement and unity in the stadium, as fans cheered not only for their team but also for the representation of Ohio’s sporting legacy.

3. Motivation for Future Generations of Athletes

For young athletes across Ohio, the presence of LeBron James and Bryce Harper at the CFP National Championship was an inspirational moment. The fact that two of the most successful athletes in the world were not only watching the game but were actively cheering on the Ohio State Buckeyes spoke volumes about the importance of staying connected to one’s roots, no matter how far one’s career may take them.

For Ohio’s aspiring football players, watching their heroes show support for Ohio State could have been a moment of inspiration, reinforcing the idea that greatness is achievable with hard work, perseverance, and dedication to one’s craft. LeBron and Bryce, both of whom have been through their own challenges and triumphs, served as powerful symbols of what it means to represent Ohio on the national stage.

The Game Itself: Ohio State’s Performance and the Atmosphere

The game itself was a thrilling spectacle, as Ohio State faced off against a formidable opponent in the College Football Playoff National Championship. The atmosphere in the stadium was electric, with the fans energized by the presence of celebrities like LeBron James and Bryce Harper. Every play was met with heightened excitement, and the energy from the stands was palpable.

As the game progressed, Ohio State’s players seemed to draw energy from the crowd, feeding off the support from their fans and the presence of their high-profile celebrity backers. LeBron and Bryce, standing alongside the Buckeye faithful, represented more than just support for the team—they embodied the spirit of Ohio, and their enthusiasm fueled the intensity of the game. While the outcome of the game was still uncertain as the teams battled it out on the field, one thing was clear: Ohio State had a whole state—and two sports legends—behind them.

In the end, whether Ohio State triumphed or fell short in the championship game, the impact of LeBron James and Bryce Harper’s presence would be felt long after the final whistle. Their attendance at the College Football Playoff championship was a reminder of the power of sports to unite, inspire, and elevate moments of competition to something greater than just a game.