‘Friction’ among Buckeyes is discussed by former Ohio State football CB Denzel Burke.
‘Friction’ Among Buckeyes Discussed by Former Ohio State Football CB Denzel Burke
The storied history of Ohio State Football has long been defined by dominance, fierce competition, and the unrelenting drive to succeed. Yet, behind the polished and disciplined image of one of college football’s most iconic programs lies a level of complexity that often goes unnoticed. For the players who wear the Scarlet and Gray, the pressures of expectations, internal competition, and the weight of legacy can sometimes result in moments of friction—moments that are rarely seen by the public eye.
In a recent, highly anticipated interview, former Ohio State cornerback Denzel Burke openly discussed the dynamics that led to friction among Buckeyes players during his time with the team. Burke, who was a standout on Ohio State’s defense, especially in his early years as a key contributor, offered an in-depth look at the challenges of being part of a program as high-profile as Ohio State, and the inevitable friction that can arise when you have a group of highly competitive, talented athletes vying for success under intense scrutiny.
The Pressure of High Expectations
Ohio State, under head coach Ryan Day, is a perennial powerhouse in college football. The Buckeyes consistently attract top-tier talent, often stacked at nearly every position. The expectation is clear: win the Big Ten, win the national championship, and maintain Ohio State’s position as one of the elite programs in the country. These lofty ambitions create an intense environment for players who know they’re expected to compete at the highest level.
Denzel Burke’s time at Ohio State coincided with the program’s transition from a strong defensive identity to one that also relied heavily on offensive firepower. As a freshman in 2021, Burke was thrust into a major leadership role on the defensive side of the ball. His experience and recognition came quickly after a standout debut, and with the added exposure, the expectations only grew.
“When you come to Ohio State, it’s not just about playing football; it’s about living up to something bigger than yourself,” Burke shared in his conversation. “There’s a legacy here, and it’s one that comes with a lot of pressure. The media, the fans, and the coaches expect you to deliver, and that’s a lot to carry on your shoulders when you’re a young player. I won’t lie—sometimes the weight of those expectations can make things tense in the locker room.”
Burke acknowledged that the intense environment bred competition, but it also set the stage for some internal friction among teammates. With players constantly vying for starting spots, playing time, and personal accolades, things inevitably became contentious. Burke reflected on the challenges that came with competing at such a high level, particularly with teammates who were also hungry for recognition and success.
“We all want to be the best. We all want to start. We all want to be the ones who make the game-winning play. But sometimes, that creates friction,” he explained. “You’re playing against the best players in the country, and you have this internal drive to be better than everyone else around you. And while that makes you a better player, it can also lead to tension, especially when things aren’t going the way you want them to.”
The Role of Internal Competition
At Ohio State, players are recruited from all corners of the country, many of them being stars in their own right at their high school programs. When they arrive at Columbus, they find themselves surrounded by other highly skilled players all aiming for the same goal: to be the best.
This hyper-competitive environment can lead to moments of friction, as Burke explained. Competition for positions in the depth chart, for starting spots, and for future opportunities in the NFL can create a sense of individualism, even in a team sport. There were times during his career at Ohio State when the pursuit of individual success caused division among teammates.
“I’ve seen it firsthand. Guys pushing each other on the field, but sometimes it went beyond that,” Burke said. “I remember times when it felt like we were more focused on individual accolades than the team. That’s the kind of thing that can cause friction—guys feeling like they’re not getting enough credit, not being respected the way they should be. It doesn’t happen all the time, but when it does, it’s something that can really affect the team dynamic.”
Burke noted that internal competition within the defensive backfield, where he played, could sometimes spill over into off-the-field tensions. The cornerback position is particularly competitive, given the need for speed, agility, and a deep understanding of both the offensive and defensive schemes. The players battling for playing time often became frustrated when they weren’t getting the reps they felt they deserved.
“There were moments where we were all grinding to prove ourselves, and it wasn’t always about being a team,” Burke admitted. “Sometimes it was about showcasing your skills and getting that starting job. It’s tough when you’re in that environment and trying to balance the personal side of things with the team-first mentality that Coach Day and the staff try to foster.”
The Impact of Friction on Team Dynamics
While competition and friction are natural in high-stakes environments, the impact of these moments can be far-reaching. Ohio State football, especially under Day’s leadership, emphasizes the importance of team chemistry, unity, and shared goals. But as Burke revealed, when friction between players occurs, it can disrupt that harmony and prevent the team from functioning at its highest level.
“Football is a team sport, and at the end of the day, we all need to come together for the common good of the team,” Burke said. “But that’s easier said than done when there are personal motivations and issues at play. If you’re not careful, that friction can tear the team apart. That’s why it’s so important to make sure everyone is on the same page and that egos are put aside.”
One of the primary reasons that the friction became more pronounced at Ohio State was the program’s fierce rivalry with Michigan. Every year, the showdown between the Buckeyes and Wolverines is a pivotal moment for the program, often dictating the course of the season and shaping the future of the team. Burke touched on how the pressure of this rivalry could heighten the stakes, making the friction between players even more pronounced.
“The Michigan game is always on your mind the whole season,” Burke explained. “Every practice, every meeting, it’s all about beating Michigan. And when you lose that game or don’t play up to expectations, it really stings. It’s tough because everyone puts so much into it, and there’s a lot of pressure to perform, especially in those moments. If you’re dealing with internal friction during the season, it only gets worse when that game approaches. It can mess with your focus and your mentality.”
The loss to Michigan in 2024, which contributed to a lackluster finish for the Buckeyes, is a prime example of how friction and internal struggles can affect performance on the field. Ohio State had the talent to win, but the tension and division among players led to missed opportunities, critical mistakes, and a lack of cohesiveness when it mattered most.
Turning Friction into Motivation
Despite the challenges and friction, Burke emphasized that these moments of tension didn’t necessarily have to be negative. In fact, they could be used as motivation to push the team to greater heights. Burke, who eventually moved on from Ohio State and is preparing for his professional career, discussed how he learned from the friction he experienced and how it ultimately made him a better player.
“Look, friction isn’t always a bad thing,” Burke said. “It’s natural when you have so much talent and ambition in one room. The key is how you channel that friction. You can either let it tear you apart, or you can use it as fuel to push each other harder. I think as a player, you have to learn how to turn that tension into something positive. If you use it to sharpen your skills, elevate your performance, and focus on the team goals, it can make you a better player.”
Burke explained that overcoming internal friction required a mindset shift. Rather than focusing on individual accolades or competing against teammates, players needed to align with the broader team objectives and keep their eyes on the bigger prize. Team chemistry, he noted, required trust, respect, and an understanding that the success of one player ultimately contributed to the success of the team as a whole.
“The most successful teams I’ve been a part of were the ones where players cared about each other, not just about themselves,” Burke said. “We held each other accountable and worked through the friction. It’s all about how you handle the adversity and how you come together to fight for the same goal. That’s how you win championships.”
The Future of Ohio State: Lessons Learned from Friction
As Ohio State looks to rebound from the disappointments of the 2024 season and maintain its position as a top-tier program in college football, Denzel Burke’s insights into the internal friction that can affect a locker room are invaluable. The Buckeyes, like any successful program, will face moments of tension and challenge. But how the team handles those challenges will ultimately define its success moving forward.
For the players remaining in Columbus, the lesson from Burke’s experience is clear: competition is natural, but unity is essential. Ohio State’s future will depend on its ability to resolve friction, turn it into motivation, and come together as a cohesive unit—one focused on the common goal of returning to national prominence.
As Burke prepares for his next chapter in professional football, he’s reminded of the importance of teamwork, respect, and overcoming adversity. His message to current Ohio State players is simple: “Work through the friction, stay focused on the bigger picture, and never forget what you’re here for. The best teams always come together when it matters most.”
