55 Ohio State Football Quotes: Buckeye Legends Speak

The legacy of Ohio State football is built on more than just wins; it’s built on words that echo through the Horseshoe for generations. From the gruff wisdom of Woody Hayes to the modern intensity of Ryan Day, Ohio State football quotes capture the passion, pride, and purpose of Buckeye Nation. This collection is for every fan who lives by the creed of “The Team, The Team, The Team.”

The 10 Best Ohio State Football Quotes

These are the iconic lines that define what it means to be a Buckeye.

1. “You win with people.” – Woody Hayes
2. “The Team, The Team, The Team.” – Woody Hayes (often echoed)
3. “We have a saying here: ‘I love you.’ And I love our players.” – Ryan Day
4. “Nobody despises losing more than I do. That’s what drives me.” – Urban Meyer
5. “You can’t pay back, so you must pay forward.” – Woody Hayes (on his players’ loyalty)
6. “We’re not a program, we’re a culture.” – Ryan Day
7. “He’s a busted nose and a bloody lip waiting to happen.” – Kirk Herbstreit on RB Keith Byars
8. “I love this program. It’s been my life.” – Jim Tressel
9. “We give them the edge. We are the difference.” – Ryan Day (on the fans)
10. “You throw the ball, three things can happen, and two of them are bad.” – Woody Hayes

5 Woody Hayes Ohio State Football Quotes

The foundation of Buckeye philosophy comes from the legendary Coach Hayes.

1. “You win with people.”
2. “You can’t pay back, so you must pay forward.”
3. “You throw the ball, three things can happen, and two of them are bad.”
4. “I love football. I think it is the most wonderful sport in the world and I despise to lose.”
5. “A man is always better than he thinks.”

5 Football Coach Ohio State Football Quotes

Wisdom from the men who have led the Buckeyes onto the field.

1. “The Team, The Team, The Team.” – Woody Hayes
2. “We’re not a program, we’re a culture.” – Ryan Day
3. “Nobody despises losing more than I do. That’s what drives me.” – Urban Meyer
4. “I love this program. It’s been my life.” – Jim Tressel
5. “We have a saying here: ‘I love you.’ And I love our players.” – Ryan Day

5 Ryan Day Ohio State Football Quotes

Capturing the modern voice and emotional drive of the current leader.

1. “We have a saying here: ‘I love you.’ And I love our players.”
2. “We’re not a program, we’re a culture.”
3. “We give them the edge. We are the difference.” (on the fans)
4. “The standard is the standard… and the standard is a flat-line standard of excellence.”
5. “Tough times don’t last, tough people do.”

5 Coach Woody Ohio State Football Quotes

A focused look at the most famous sayings from the man himself.

1. “You win with people.”
2. “You throw the ball, three things can happen, and two of them are bad.”
3. “You can’t pay back, so you must pay forward.”
4. “I love football. I think it is the most wonderful sport in the world and I despise to lose.”
5. “A man is always better than he thinks.”

10 Short Ohio State Football Quotes

Perfect for social media, game day captions, and quick bursts of motivation.

1. “The Team, The Team, The Team.”
2. “You win with people.”
3. “We are a culture.”
4. “I love my players.” – Ryan Day
5. “Pay it forward.”
6. “O-H!”
7. “I-O!”
8. “Go Bucks!”
9. “TBGII” (The Best Guard In Ireland, re: Harry Miller)
10. “Win the moment.”

5 Inspirational Ohio State Football Quotes

Lift your spirits with these powerful and motivational Buckeye quotes.

1. “A man is always better than he thinks.” – Woody Hayes
2. “You can’t pay back, so you must pay forward.” – Woody Hayes
3. “Tough times don’t last, tough people do.” – Ryan Day
4. “We’re not a program, we’re a culture.” – Ryan Day
5. “He who has a why to live for can bear almost any how.” – Woody Hayes (quoting Nietzsche)

10 Funny Ohio State Football Quotes

A lighter look at the quips and moments that make Buckeye fans smile.

1. “You throw the ball, three things can happen, and two of them are bad.” – Woody Hayes
2. “I’m not a real emotional guy, except on game days. Then I’m a wreck.” – Urban Meyer
3. On his playbook: “It’s not exactly ‘War and Peace.'” – Jim Tressel
4. “I can accept failure, but I cannot accept not trying.” – (Often associated with the program’s effort)
5. “I’m not a doctor, but I play one on the sideline.” – (A fan-favorite joke about coaches diagnosing injuries)
6. “He’s a busted nose and a bloody lip waiting to happen.” – Kirk Herbstreit on Keith Byars
7. “We have a silent count for a reason… it’s called the Shoe.” – (On the deafening crowd noise)
8. “My job is to make the 3-yard plunge into the line a thing of beauty.” – Woody Hayes (on his offensive philosophy)
9. “I love my running backs like I love my fullbacks… a lot.” – (A nod to the traditional power run game)
10. “The best thing about freshmen is they become sophomores.” – (An old coaching adage)

What Do Ohio State Fans Chant?

The most iconic and simple chant is the call-and-response of “O-H!” and “I-O!” This spells out “OHIO” and can be heard anywhere Buckeye fans gather, from the stadium to an airport. During games, the fight song “Across the Field” and “Hang On Sloopy” (which leads into the “O-H-I-O” chant) are central to the game day experience.

What Is Ohio State Saying?

Beyond the chants, the core saying that defines the program’s philosophy is “The Team, The Team, The Team,” emphasizing selflessness and unity above all else. This Woody Hayes-ism is as relevant today as it ever was. Another key saying is the official motto: “Education for Citizenship,” which reflects the university’s broader mission, but on the field, the focus is always on the team.

Conclusion: The Lasting Power of Ohio State Football Quotes

From the timeless principles of Woody Hayes to the evolving culture under Ryan Day, these Ohio State football quotes are more than just words—they are the bedrock of a tradition steeped in excellence, toughness, and brotherhood. They remind us why we shout “O-H!” and why we live by the code of “The Team.” These sayings will continue to inspire Buckeye Nation for generations to come.

What’s your favorite Buckeye quote? Share it with us on social media!