The Ohio State Buckeyes claimed their ninth national championship last week with a commanding 34-23 victory over Notre Dame. Despite falling behind early, the Buckeyes responded with a dominant 31-point surge to secure their first title since 2014. The win cemented head coach Ryan Day’s legacy, as he led the program back to the pinnacle of college football.
Following the championship victory, Day appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon to discuss the team’s success. During the interview, Fallon brought up a social media post from NBA star LeBron James. The Los Angeles Lakers forward had playfully inquired about his college eligibility for sports other than basketball, posting:
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“Do I have college eligibility if I went to play another sport besides basketball? How does that rule work?”
Fallon then posed a lighthearted question to Day, asking how he would handle James in the Buckeyes’ locker room. While acknowledging James’ long-standing support for Ohio State, Day made it clear that the NBA legend wouldn’t receive special privileges.
Just to be clear, we have a scholarship and great NIL deal for you though… https://t.co/jDSVSJMCf8
— Ryan Day (@ryandaytime) January 29, 2025
“But that being said, he’d be right in line with the freshmen in the back of the room,” Day remarked. “We’d have to work his way up. He doesn’t get any special treatment.”
Fans quickly reacted to the amusing exchange, with social media lighting up with comments:
“LeRedzone threat,” one fan joked.
“Are we serious right now?” another asked.
“I can come up with so many ‘LeNames’ but ima let yall cook,” a fan commented.
“That’s lefootball,” another quipped.
“This would be real entertainment lol make it happen,” one fan said.
I don’t mind it one bit Coach Day! Earned Not Given! 🙏🏾 https://t.co/ymM3bpcauc
— LeBron James (@KingJames) January 28, 2025
The conversation took another turn when James himself responded to Day’s comments. Rather than dismiss the idea, the four-time NBA champion embraced the challenge, posting on social media:
“I don’t mind it one bit, Coach Day! Earned Not Given!”
Day, quick to keep the playful banter going, responded with an offer:
“Just to be clear, we have a scholarship and great NIL deal for you though.”
While the prospect of James playing for Ohio State remains highly improbable, the exchange generated excitement among fans. Meanwhile, James continued to dominate on the basketball court, scoring 31 points, grabbing eight rebounds, and dishing out nine assists in a game against the Philadelphia 76ers. In the 2024-25 season, he is averaging 23.6 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 9.0 assists per game, proving he remains an elite athlete even in his 22nd NBA season.
Though purely hypothetical, the idea of LeBron James suiting up for the Buckeyes provided an entertaining moment for fans and added another chapter to his long-standing connection with Ohio State.