Ohio Governor Braun Governor DeWine bets on regional sweets during the National Football Championship
As the 2025 College Football Playoff National Championship approaches, the excitement among college football fans has reached a fever pitch. With the Ohio State Buckeyes facing off against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in a high-stakes game for the national title, two state governors have decided to add a fun twist to the rivalry between Ohio and Indiana. Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb have made a friendly wager that involves one of the most beloved parts of both states’ culinary identities—regional sweets.
In a playful gesture of camaraderie and competition, the two governors have agreed to wager local, iconic treats on the outcome of the game, which will be played in Atlanta. This bet between DeWine and Holcomb is more than just about the football game—it symbolizes the lighthearted rivalry between the two states and the pride they take in their regional specialties. As the game draws near, fans in both Ohio and Indiana are eagerly following the bet, eagerly anticipating not just the outcome of the championship but the culinary showdown that will follow.
The Friendly Rivalry Between Ohio and Indiana
Ohio and Indiana share more than just a border; they share a long history of competition, collaboration, and community. Both states are home to passionate college football fanbases, especially when it comes to their respective teams, the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. The rivalry between Ohio and Indiana, while friendly, has often manifested in lighthearted bets and friendly wagers surrounding sporting events, especially in the world of college football.
This time, however, the rivalry has taken on a new and flavorful dimension. When the Ohio State Buckeyes earned their spot in the 2025 National Championship, the stage was set not just for an epic football contest, but for a delicious wager that would showcase the best that both states have to offer in terms of regional sweets. Both governors, knowing the pride their constituents take in local delicacies, quickly decided that the stakes should be something sweet and delightful.
The idea of wagering regional sweets is a nod to the cultural and culinary pride of both states. In Ohio and Indiana, the notion of food as a unifying factor is deeply ingrained, and regional sweets represent more than just a treat—they are part of the cultural fabric that makes each state unique.
Ohio’s Regional Sweet: Buckeyes and More
When it comes to regional sweets, Ohio has a few iconic treats that are beloved by locals and tourists alike. As a fitting tribute to the Ohio State Buckeyes, one of Ohio’s most famous sweets is, fittingly, the Buckeye candy. Named after the state’s mascot, the Buckeye nut, the candy is a delectable combination of peanut butter and chocolate, shaped to resemble the nut itself. The sweet treat is often enjoyed by fans during Ohio State football games and is a true representation of Ohio pride.
In addition to Buckeye candies, Ohio is also known for other sweets such as Cincinnati chili, often served over spaghetti and topped with cheese, though this savory dish may not fit into the “sweet” wager. However, another notable Ohio sweet that often makes its way into discussions of regional treats is apple butter. Particularly in southeastern Ohio, apple butter is a favorite spread for biscuits and breads, offering a sweet, spiced flavor that is uniquely Ohioan.
For the bet between DeWine and Holcomb, however, the Buckeyes are the clear representative of Ohio’s culinary offerings, with Buckeye candy likely taking center stage in this wager. Ohioans take great pride in these treats, and for many, the candy is more than just a snack—it’s a symbol of the state’s identity and a shared love for Ohio State sports.
Indiana’s Regional Sweet: Sugar Cream Pie and More
While Ohioans might have their Buckeyes, Indiana is no stranger to its own regional culinary treats that are just as iconic and beloved. In fact, Indiana boasts one of the state’s most famous desserts—the sugar cream pie, often referred to as the “Indiana Pie.” The sweet, custard-like filling of the sugar cream pie is made with simple ingredients like heavy cream, sugar, vanilla, and butter, creating a creamy and comforting dessert that has been a staple of Hoosier cuisine for generations.
Sugar cream pie is often served at family gatherings, community events, and holiday celebrations, making it a fitting and meaningful representation of Indiana’s sweet culinary identity. Its creamy texture and smooth flavor make it a beloved favorite across the state, and it is a true symbol of Indiana’s baking heritage. For Governor Holcomb, it’s clear that this pie would be the ideal wager in a friendly bet with Ohio’s Governor DeWine.
In addition to sugar cream pie, Indiana also boasts other sweet offerings like Indiana popcorn, known for its rich flavor and buttery texture, as well as various fruit preserves, jams, and regional cakes. However, sugar cream pie is the undisputed queen of Indiana’s dessert world and will be the star of the wager between Holcomb and DeWine.
The Terms of the Bet: A Delicious Challenge
Governor Mike DeWine and Governor Eric Holcomb’s bet is as simple as it is sweet. The wager hinges on the outcome of the 2025 National Championship game between Ohio State and Notre Dame. If Ohio State wins, Holcomb will be required to send Governor DeWine an assortment of freshly made Buckeye candies. These will be shipped directly from Ohio, representing the state’s pride and devotion to the Buckeyes.
On the flip side, if Notre Dame emerges victorious in the championship, DeWine will be tasked with delivering a beautiful sugar cream pie to Holcomb, shipped directly from one of Indiana’s most beloved bakeries. The pie will serve as a delicious token of Indiana’s triumph and will undoubtedly be enjoyed by Holcomb, his family, and anyone else in his administration who has a sweet tooth.
In keeping with the friendly nature of the wager, both governors have promised to share updates on social media as the game approaches, keeping their followers engaged and informed about the bet and the outcome. Fans on both sides of the rivalry are eagerly following along, eager to see which sweet treat will reign supreme in this friendly competition.
The Impact of the Bet on the Rivalry
Beyond the playful nature of the bet, the wager between DeWine and Holcomb serves as a reminder of the strong regional pride that exists between Ohio and Indiana. The bet isn’t just about the outcome of a football game—it’s about celebrating the unique cultural identities of both states and fostering a sense of camaraderie in the midst of friendly competition.
In recent years, sports-related bets between governors have become a popular way to engage with the public and showcase local traditions. Whether it’s a wager involving food, local products, or iconic memorabilia, these bets bring a sense of fun and lightheartedness to the intense competition that can often surround major sporting events. The Ohio-Indiana wager is a perfect example of how a shared love for food and local culture can transcend rivalries and bring people together, even when they’re on opposite sides of a sporting contest.
The addition of regional sweets to the bet also provides an opportunity for fans from both states to celebrate the culinary heritage of their home regions. Food is a powerful connector in any community, and these beloved treats represent much more than just desserts—they’re a window into the heart of each state’s traditions and culture.
Preparing for the National Championship
As the National Championship game draws near, the tension between the two states continues to build. Ohio State and Notre Dame fans alike are gearing up for an intense and thrilling showdown in Atlanta, and the governors’ wager is just one of the many exciting elements of the lead-up to the game. For Ohioans, there’s nothing like the anticipation of watching their beloved Buckeyes compete for another national title, while Notre Dame fans are equally eager to see their Fighting Irish rise to the occasion.
Regardless of which team comes out on top, the real winners will be the citizens of Ohio and Indiana, who will have the chance to enjoy the fruits of this friendly bet in the form of regional sweets. Whether it’s the rich, creamy sugar cream pie or the indulgent, peanut-butter-filled Buckeye candy, each treat represents a piece of each state’s culinary soul.
