Ohio State football had just won the national championship, and like many winning teams before them, they were invited to the White House to celebrate. What should have been a proud day quickly turned awkward because President Donald Trump couldn’t help himself.
The Buckeyes were greeted with big smiles, trophies, and cheers. But as usual, Trump made it all about himself. While speaking at the event, he tried to compliment quarterback Will Howard. But in classic Trump fashion, he got it all wrong. “Tennessee quarterback Will Howard,” he said—forgetting that Will actually plays for Ohio State.
But he didn’t stop there.
“I watched that game and said, ‘That guy is good!’” Trump said. “He’s going to be so rich, aye, aye, aye… think of that. To look like that and to play (like that), that’s a good combination.”
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Sure, he probably meant it as a joke. But many people found it odd—and even inappropriate—for a president to talk about a young athlete’s looks and future money in such a weird way. This wasn’t a locker room. It was the White House.
Trump also added, “We’ll be watching him for 15 years, maybe longer.” Not creepy at all, right?
And then came another cringeworthy moment. When Trump tried to joke about team captain Jack Sawyer, he said: “He later said that it was the best feeling he’d ever felt. Are you sure about that, Jack? I don’t know about that. As he gets older, who knows?”
Trump to Ohio State football players: “He later said that it was the best feeling he’d ever felt. Are you sure about that, Jack? I don’t know about that. As he gets older, who knows?” pic.twitter.com/6m967iyMMA
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) April 14, 2025
To their credit, the players stayed polite. They smiled, shook hands, and gave Trump a Buckeyes jersey. The team even brought all three of its championship rings, one of which includes real pieces of the confetti that fell after its big win.
“It makes it feel real,” Will Howard later said. “Been a long time coming for these rings, but a combination of a lot of hard work, sacrifice, and love when I see them.”
Coach Ryan Day added, “They’re champions. So it puts a smile on your face when you see.”
But not everyone was smiling.
Let’s be honest—these visits are supposed to honor the hard work of young athletes. These players put their hearts into the game. They train for years. They push their bodies to the limit. When they finally win, they deserve respect, not strange jokes and messy facts.
Trump also used the event to throw shade at other teams. “ Many people counted you out after the losses against Oregon and that team up north – we won’t talk about it,” he said, referencing Michigan.
The team seemed to take it all in stride. They walked the National Mall, smiled for photos, and proudly showed off their rings. But the tone could have been much better.
Sometimes, saying less is more. A simple “Congratulations” would have done the job.
Featured image via Screengrab
