Why So Many Hate the Ohio State Buckeyes: A Deep Dive into Josh Pate’s Analysis

In the world of college football, few programs evoke as much passion—both positive and negative—as the Ohio State Buckeyes. With a storied history, a massive fanbase, and consistent success on the field, Ohio State has cemented itself as one of the most powerful and influential programs in college football history. However, with such prestige and dominance comes a significant amount of disdain from rivals and even casual observers.

College football analyst Josh Pate recently spoke candidly about why so many people harbor such negative feelings toward the Buckeyes. His comments, which echoed the frustrations of many fans and analysts alike, lifted the veil on what he believes are the underlying reasons for Ohio State’s polarizing presence in college football. Pate’s analysis touches on everything from the perception of Ohio State’s fanbase to the attitude of its players and coaching staff, providing a nuanced look at why this proud program has so many detractors.

The Power of Ohio State’s Brand

First, it’s essential to understand the immense cultural footprint of Ohio State in the landscape of college football. The Buckeyes have built one of the most recognizable brands in the sport, thanks in large part to their success on the field. Ohio State has won numerous Big Ten titles, multiple national championships, and consistently ranks among the nation’s top teams. With a stadium that seats over 100,000 people—one of the largest in college football—Ohio State’s sheer presence is hard to ignore.

However, with such a large and successful program comes a level of hubris and arrogance that many perceive as off-putting. Ohio State, in the eyes of many critics, has become a symbol of college football elitism. The program’s massive recruiting advantage, especially within the state of Ohio, where it is the premier football power, contributes to an aura of entitlement. Critics argue that Ohio State’s dominance—both on and off the field—has bred a certain arrogance, one that is sometimes difficult to stomach for outsiders.

Josh Pate highlights this issue by pointing out that Ohio State is often viewed as the “blue blood” of college football—a program that believes it is entitled to success simply by virtue of its history and resources. This sense of entitlement has rubbed many the wrong way. In an era where smaller programs are fighting tooth and nail for respect, Ohio State’s swagger can be seen as a reminder of the uneven power dynamics that exist in college football. For every fan of a mid-tier program, Ohio State’s dominance can feel like a roadblock to achieving their own dreams of success.

The Hype and Expectations

Another major reason why people dislike Ohio State, according to Pate, is the overwhelming hype that surrounds the program year in and year out. Ohio State’s fanbase, which is massive and fervent, creates a level of noise that can be grating to people who don’t have a personal connection to the school. Buckeyes fans are known for their unrelenting support and their tendency to vocalize their program’s superiority—sometimes to an obnoxious degree.

While other programs may experience peaks and valleys in their seasons, Ohio State is almost always at or near the top of the rankings. That kind of constant pressure to succeed brings with it an environment of high expectations that no other program in the Big Ten can match. Every season, Ohio State is expected to make a run at the national championship, and anything less than that is seen as a disappointment. For fans of rival schools, this level of hype can be exhausting, especially when it feels like the program’s success is inevitable.

Pate’s comments about Ohio State’s inflated expectations and the accompanying media attention shed light on a perception that many college football fans share. From the outside looking in, it can sometimes feel like Ohio State gets more credit than it deserves simply because of its brand. In this regard, the Buckeyes are often compared to a “media darling,” a program that gets attention for the sake of attention, rather than on the merits of their on-field performance.

Rivalries and Historical Context

A big part of the animosity toward Ohio State can be traced back to its intense rivalries with other powerhouse programs, particularly Michigan. The Ohio State-Michigan rivalry is one of the most storied in all of college sports, and it has created a deep-seated hatred between the two fanbases. Michigan fans view Ohio State as the primary obstacle to their own success, while Ohio State fans have long considered Michigan their primary rival. For decades, the annual game between these two teams has been a clash of titans, and the stakes could not be higher.

However, the Buckeyes’ rivalry with Michigan is not the only point of contention for critics. Pate also alludes to Ohio State’s tendency to dominate other teams in the Big Ten, which breeds resentment among other fanbases in the conference. Programs like Penn State, Wisconsin, and Iowa have had moments of success, but they have often found themselves in Ohio State’s shadow. This one-sided dominance over other Big Ten teams contributes to the perception that Ohio State is an invincible force in the conference, a perception that fans of other Big Ten schools are quick to challenge.

In this context, Josh Pate’s analysis also highlights the perception of Ohio State as a “bully” in the Big Ten—one that not only dominates on the field but does so with a brash, in-your-face attitude that rubs rival fans the wrong way. Whether it’s through the antics of players, coaches, or fans, Ohio State’s swagger often leads to ill will, especially when their success appears to be both expected and inevitable.

The Fanbase Factor

The role of Ohio State’s fanbase cannot be overlooked when discussing the negative perception of the program. Josh Pate points to the passionate, often overzealous supporters who follow the Buckeyes as a contributing factor to the widespread disdain for the team. Ohio State fans are known for their unwavering loyalty, which can cross the line into obnoxiousness at times. Whether it’s online trolling or aggressive behavior at games, many fans of rival teams feel that Ohio State’s supporters are some of the most difficult to deal with in all of college football.

The Buckeyes’ fanbase is vast, stretching across the country, but it is particularly intense in Ohio itself. For fans of smaller, regional programs, the sight of Ohio State’s fans celebrating every victory can feel like salt in the wound. Pate’s comments shed light on how this passion, while admirable in its loyalty, can also make it hard to root for Ohio State from a neutral perspective. The constant parade of Ohio State gear, the deafening chants, and the ever-present “O-H-I-O” can feel overwhelming to those on the outside looking in.

The Urban Meyer Era and Its Aftermath

No discussion of Ohio State’s polarizing nature would be complete without touching on the Urban Meyer era, which brought its own set of controversies and ethical questions. While Meyer was undeniably successful at Ohio State, winning a national championship and consistently competing for Big Ten titles, his tenure was marred by scandal and criticism.

The most notable controversy occurred in 2018 when Meyer was suspended for three games following allegations that he mishandled domestic violence claims involving one of his assistant coaches. The scandal was a blow to Ohio State’s reputation, and critics of the program saw it as another example of the university’s willingness to overlook moral and ethical concerns in the pursuit of success. While Meyer’s record on the field was stellar, the off-field issues left a bad taste for many outside the Ohio State fanbase.

Josh Pate’s analysis touches on how this era of Ohio State football, characterized by Meyer’s dominant presence, added to the program’s already divisive nature. Meyer’s coaching style, which was often seen as cutthroat and authoritarian, mirrored the way some fans viewed the program as a whole—ruthless, unapologetic, and unyielding in its pursuit of victory.

The Complex Nature of Ohio State’s Hatred

Ohio State’s dominance, both on and off the field, has made it one of the most disliked programs in college football. Whether it’s their overwhelming success, their unrelenting fanbase, or their brash attitude toward rivals, the Buckeyes have earned a reputation that is difficult to shake. Josh Pate’s candid analysis of why so many people hate Ohio State serves as a reminder of how complex and layered the rivalry dynamics are in college football. What Ohio State fans view as pride and tradition is often seen by others as arrogance and entitlement.

In the end, Ohio State is a program that will continue to be a lightning rod for both admiration and animosity. Their success is undeniable, but so is the backlash that comes with it. Love them or hate them, the Buckeyes will always be a fixture in the conversation about college football’s elite programs, and the reasons behind their widespread hatred will continue to be discussed for years to come.