Ohio State Buckeyes Fans Look Like They’re About to Have a Pro Football Team in Columbus to Root For
Something extraordinary is stirring in the heart of Ohio. The city of Columbus, long celebrated for its loyalty to the Ohio State Buckeyes, may soon have something else to cheer for—something that feels inevitable and overdue. For decades, the people of Columbus have poured their passion, identity, and energy into Buckeye football. The team has been more than just a college program. It’s been the city’s pulse, its heartbeat, its everything. But now, as talks heat up and whispers evolve into solid speculation, it appears that Columbus might finally welcome its own professional football franchise. The idea is no longer just a dream. It’s rapidly becoming a reality, and Ohio State fans look like they’re about to have a pro football team in town to root for.
For years, Columbus has lived in an unusual football limbo. It is one of the largest cities in the United States without a professional football team. Despite its rapid growth, vibrant economy, and die-hard football culture, Columbus was long seen as a market dominated by college allegiance. The Buckeyes were so big, so powerful, so emotionally consuming, that some doubted whether there was even room for another team in town. But as demographics shift, as the city continues to evolve into a thriving metropolitan hub, and as the NFL eyes expansion or relocation options, Columbus has emerged as not only a viable candidate but a potentially iconic new home for pro football.
The city has all the necessary ingredients. A passionate fanbase steeped in football tradition. A centrally located market with deep sports roots. A corporate sector hungry to invest in local identity and entertainment. A growing population of young professionals, families, and sports fans craving more live experiences and civic pride. And, perhaps most importantly, an atmosphere where football already rules the weekends in a way that rivals any NFL town. Ask anyone who’s been in Columbus on an autumn Saturday and they’ll tell you—it feels like the entire state has gathered downtown. Now, imagine adding Sundays into that equation.
Talk of bringing a pro team to Columbus isn’t exactly new. It has surfaced in waves over the past two decades, often dismissed as fantasy because of the outsized presence of Ohio State. But the times have changed. The city is no longer just a college town with a football problem. It’s now the fastest-growing city in the Midwest. It boasts a modern infrastructure, sports venues that rival those in larger cities, and a media market big enough to command national attention. The success of the Columbus Crew in Major League Soccer and the Columbus Blue Jackets in the NHL have proven the city can support professional sports at the highest level. Add to that a fan culture that lives and breathes football, and the stage is finally set.
The NFL, always interested in tapping into rich football markets, has taken notice. League officials have reportedly studied Columbus as a potential expansion site or relocation option, should a current franchise look to move. Though the league has not made any official statements, several high-ranking insiders have alluded to Columbus being “on the short list” for the future. Investors, both local and national, have expressed interest in bringing a team to the city, and preliminary discussions about stadium locations and naming rights have begun to circulate behind closed doors. While nothing is set in stone yet, the movement is real, and momentum is building fast.
What makes this scenario even more fascinating is the synergy that could emerge between a pro football team and Ohio State. Rather than competing, the two could complement each other in a way few other cities could replicate. Imagine Saturdays at the Horseshoe followed by Sundays at a brand-new NFL stadium across town. The weekend would become a celebration of football culture, an ongoing festival of sport, pride, and community spirit. For players, coaches, and fans, the idea of staying in Columbus for both college and professional careers offers a unique sense of continuity and belonging.
Some even speculate that the Ohio State brand itself helped make the case for the city’s readiness. Buckeye fans are among the most loyal and knowledgeable in the country. Their tailgates are legendary, their game-day traditions iconic, and their support unwavering. These same fans, many of whom already support NFL teams from other cities out of necessity, would undoubtedly throw their full weight behind a Columbus-based team. And that allegiance wouldn’t just be emotional—it would be financial. Merchandise, ticket sales, viewership, and sponsorship would pour in, fueled by decades of football fervor.
The cultural shift would also be remarkable. For young fans growing up in Columbus, the opportunity to see not only their beloved Buckeyes but also a hometown NFL team could change the way they relate to the game. Instead of choosing between their college loyalty and a pro team from Cleveland, Cincinnati, or beyond, they could embrace a seamless football identity rooted in their own city. High school players would dream not just of Saturdays in scarlet and gray but also of Sundays in an NFL jersey with “Columbus” on the chest. It would be a football ecosystem unlike any other, where every level of the game is represented and celebrated within one passionate community.
Of course, logistical challenges remain. Questions about stadium financing, franchise ownership, and scheduling logistics will need to be addressed. Some skeptics worry about market saturation or the potential for divided fan loyalty. But these concerns are fading in the face of Columbus’s undeniable growth and the overwhelming hunger for more football. City officials are already exploring infrastructure updates. Community leaders are voicing support. And fan-driven campaigns online are gaining serious traction, with hashtags like #NFLtoColumbus trending weekly and petitions garnering thousands of signatures. The groundswell of enthusiasm is no longer hypothetical. It’s a real movement with a clear voice and a growing presence.
There’s something poetic about this moment. Columbus, a city that has given so much to the sport of football, finally preparing to receive something in return. The city has been a cradle for talent, a beacon for tradition, and a cornerstone of American football culture for over a century. Now, the prospect of professional football in Columbus is not just a nod to the past, but a bold leap into the future. It acknowledges what the world already knows—that Columbus is ready, deserving, and more than capable of becoming one of the NFL’s premier markets.
For Buckeye fans, the possibilities are thrilling. Imagine watching a Heisman-winning Ohio State quarterback return to Columbus, not just for alumni events, but to lead the city’s pro team on Sundays. Picture tailgates that span two full days, stadiums lit up in back-to-back nights, and a community unified by a single passion across generations. Imagine national sports media descending on Columbus every weekend, highlighting not only the Buckeyes’ storied history but also the rise of a new powerhouse in professional football. It’s not just wishful thinking anymore. It’s coming into view.
As the NFL continues to evolve, expand, and explore new frontiers, Columbus stands tall as the next logical step. It’s not just a city that loves football—it’s a city built on it. And now, as the stars align and the path becomes clearer, it appears that the fans who have poured their hearts into Saturdays will soon have a reason to keep cheering into Sunday. The dream of an NFL team in Columbus is no longer confined to imagination. It’s breathing, it’s moving, and it’s knocking on the door.
For the fans who’ve waited, who’ve supported, who’ve believed, this is your moment. Columbus is on the brink of something historic, and the echoes of “O-H” may soon be followed by roars that fill the city not just once a week, but twice. The Buckeye State is preparing to go pro in its capital city—and the world of football will never be the same.
