The Ohio State football team is set to host its first-ever College Football Playoff game at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio, on December 21. The Buckeyes will face the Tennessee Volunteers, marking a notable homecoming for Tennessee defensive back Andre Turrentine.
Turrentine, a former four-star recruit from the class of 2021, initially joined Ohio State but transferred to Tennessee after his freshman season. The Nashville native played in only four games during his time with the Buckeyes, which allowed him to retain his redshirt status. His chances of securing a significant role at Ohio State were slim, making the transfer a pivotal decision. Since joining Tennessee, Turrentine has earned a starting role for the Volunteers, a scenario unlikely to have unfolded had he stayed in Columbus.
Ahead of the matchup, Turrentine shared his perspective on the atmosphere at Ohio Stadium. He remarked that “The Shoe isn’t as loud as the SEC,” highlighting the difference in intensity between Big Ten and SEC environments. He noted that stadiums in the SEC, such as Arkansas and South Carolina, were louder. However, he did add a positive note by saying, “The SEC is a little bit louder, but the Shoe brings it as well.”
While it is not uncommon for Ohio Stadium’s home-field atmosphere to be critiqued, this upcoming College Football Playoff game is expected to showcase the energy and passion of Buckeye fans. As a primetime night game, it is anticipated to draw peak crowd engagement, potentially offering a memorable experience for players and spectators alike.
Turrentine’s return to Columbus as an opponent adds an intriguing layer to the game, as he faces the team he once called his own in a historic playoff setting.