Ohio State football isn’t the only Buckeye team winning national championships: Buckeye Breakfast

When most people think of Ohio State University, the first thing that often comes to mind is their football program. The Buckeyes, with their storied history, national championships, and long tradition of excellence, have built a reputation as one of the premier programs in college football. However, Ohio State is not just a football powerhouse. The Buckeye spirit runs throughout the entire athletic department, and several other teams have garnered national recognition, with some claiming national championships of their own in recent years. From basketball to women’s volleyball to wrestling and even synchronized swimming, Ohio State’s success in various sports demonstrates that their athletic department is as diversified as it is successful.

In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into Ohio State’s championship pedigree across multiple sports. We’ll explore the achievements, the standout athletes, and the culture that fosters success in all Buckeye athletic programs. While Ohio State football may be the crown jewel, the broader Buckeye athletic department is also consistently producing national champions who bring pride to the school and its fans.

1. Ohio State Football: The Foundation of Buckeye Excellence

Before diving into other sports, it’s essential to recognize that Ohio State football has set the tone for the entire athletic department. The Buckeyes have won eight national championships in football, with the most recent title coming in 2014, when they triumphed in the College Football Playoff. Under legendary head coach Urban Meyer and now Ryan Day, Ohio State continues to be a perennial powerhouse in college football.

While the football team is the most visible example of Ohio State’s dominance in athletics, the team’s success has created a culture of excellence that permeates through other sports programs at the university. The same drive, commitment to excellence, and passion for winning that makes Ohio State football such a dominant force is mirrored across the athletic department.

2. Ohio State Men’s Basketball: A Strong Legacy of Success

While the Ohio State Buckeyes football team typically grabs the lion’s share of attention, the men’s basketball team has also made its mark in the world of college sports. Though they have yet to win an NCAA Tournament title, the Ohio State men’s basketball team has been a consistent contender and a dominant program in the Big Ten Conference.

The program has two national championships to its name, the first in 1960 and the second in 1961, led by coach Fred Taylor. More recently, Ohio State men’s basketball has made a number of deep runs in the NCAA Tournament, with the most notable being the 2007 team, which reached the national championship game before falling to the Florida Gators. Coaches like Thad Matta and now Chris Holtmann have kept the program competitive year in and year out.

Notably, the Buckeyes have produced several NBA-caliber players such as Jared Sullinger, Mike Conley Jr., and Evan Turner, whose contributions helped raise the profile of Ohio State basketball. While football remains the focus, men’s basketball continues to be a respected program at Ohio State, and with each year’s recruiting class, they look poised to compete for another NCAA title in the near future.

3. Ohio State Women’s Volleyball: A Rising Power

One of Ohio State’s most successful teams in recent years has been the women’s volleyball team, which has ascended into the upper echelons of college volleyball. Under head coach Jen Flynn Oldenburg, the team has not only become a powerhouse in the Big Ten Conference but also a serious contender on the national stage.

Ohio State’s women’s volleyball team won the NCAA National Championship in 2021, defeating Texas in a thrilling final. The championship run was the culmination of years of hard work, with players like Jenilee Rathje, Taylor Sandbothe, and Mac Podraza contributing to the team’s success. The Buckeyes have consistently made deep tournament runs, and their victory in 2021 solidified them as one of the elite programs in the country.

Ohio State’s volleyball team has become known for its fast-paced offensive system, strong defense, and gritty play. The Buckeye faithful are passionate about their women’s volleyball team, and the program is quickly becoming a national force. As the sport continues to grow, the Ohio State women’s volleyball program is sure to remain a prominent fixture in college athletics.

4. Ohio State Wrestling: A Legacy of Dominance

Another Buckeye program that has consistently delivered on the national stage is Ohio State wrestling. The Buckeyes have long been one of the premier programs in collegiate wrestling, and the team has won multiple NCAA championships. Their most recent national title came in 2015, when they captured the NCAA Wrestling Championship under the leadership of coach Tom Ryan. This victory was the culmination of a team effort that included Kyle Snyder, one of the most decorated amateur wrestlers in American history.

Snyder, a former Ohio State wrestler, won an Olympic gold medal in 2016, a World Championship gold in 2015, and became a household name in the world of wrestling. His legacy is a testament to the caliber of talent Ohio State is capable of producing. The Buckeyes have also produced other top-level wrestlers such as Nathan Tomasello, Bo Jordan, and Myles Martin, all of whom have found success in both the collegiate ranks and on the international wrestling circuit.

Ohio State’s wrestling program is known for its tough, physical style, and its coaching staff has built a reputation for producing elite-level athletes who compete at the highest levels. The Buckeyes have been consistently ranked among the top teams in NCAA wrestling and are considered one of the most dominant programs in the country.

5. Ohio State Men’s and Women’s Soccer: Emerging Contenders

While Ohio State soccer may not yet have the same recognition as football or basketball, the men’s and women’s teams have both shown a lot of promise in recent years. The men’s soccer team has consistently been a strong program in the Big Ten, earning multiple NCAA Tournament berths and achieving several impressive seasons.

The women’s soccer team has been especially successful in recent years, making several NCAA Tournament appearances and earning national recognition for their defensive prowess and disciplined play. Their recent Big Ten title win in 2022 helped elevate the program into the national spotlight, and they are expected to continue contending for national titles.

While both teams still have some ways to go before achieving their own national championships, their consistent success and growing reputations are a testament to Ohio State’s commitment to excellence across all sports.

6. Ohio State Women’s Track & Field: A Powerhouse in Sprints and Relays

Another area where Ohio State has demonstrated exceptional success is in track and field, particularly in the sprint and relay events. The Ohio State women’s track & field team has established itself as a national powerhouse, especially in the 100m, 200m, and 4x100m relay events. The program has produced numerous national champions, including Anavia Battle, who has become a rising star in the sprinting world.

Ohio State’s women’s track and field team has won several Big Ten titles, and their performances in national meets have continued to improve. With a mix of talented athletes, a well-respected coaching staff, and the support of Ohio State’s athletic resources, the Buckeyes are positioned to continue their track record of success in the coming years.

7. Ohio State Synchronized Swimming: A National Dynasty

If there’s one program at Ohio State that truly stands out for its sustained dominance, it is the synchronized swimming team. The Buckeye synchronized swimming team has captured numerous national championships over the years, establishing itself as a dynasty in the sport.

Ohio State has won over 30 national championships in synchronized swimming and continues to be a powerhouse in the NCAA. Their success in both the team and solo events is a testament to the dedication and commitment of the athletes, coaches, and staff involved. Ohio State’s synchronized swimming program is unique, with a level of consistency that has earned them respect and admiration from the entire college athletics community.

Conclusion: A Culture of Excellence Beyond Football

Ohio State football may be the cornerstone of the university’s athletic success, but as we’ve seen, the Buckeyes have created a thriving culture of excellence across many sports. From wrestling to volleyball, track and field to synchronized swimming, Ohio State consistently produces national champions and elite athletes. The athletic department has built a strong tradition of success that spans all of its programs, and the Buckeyes show no signs of slowing down.

While football may be the most visible and celebrated aspect of Ohio State’s athletic department, the achievements of the university’s other teams further solidify Ohio State’s position as one of the most successful athletic programs in the country. The dedication to excellence, the emphasis on discipline, and the drive for success in all Buckeye teams are qualities that will continue to make Ohio State a dominant force in college sports for years to come.

Buckeye Breakfast: Fueling the Next Generation of Champions

Every morning at Ohio State, student-athletes and coaches begin

their day with the goal of reaching the highest level of performance. As we reflect on the national championships and accomplishments of teams like basketball, wrestling, track, and volleyball, it’s clear that the Buckeye breakfast isn’t just about food—it’s about fueling the drive for excellence in every corner of Ohio State Athletics. Whether it’s on the field, on the court, or in the pool, Ohio State student-athletes are more than prepared to continue their tradition of success, ensuring that the Buckeye spirit is felt throughout all corners of college athletics.