Ohio State freshmen ready for first gameday experience as students

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — One of the most highly anticipated openers in college football is just one week away when No. 3 Ohio State plays host to No. 1 Texas.

Buckeye Nation is already buzzing, and for freshmen on Ohio State University’s campus, it’ll be their first taste of gameday as students inside The Shoe. 

“It’s been my dream school since I was a kid,” Ohio State freshman Mouhamed Gueye said. “I’m so excited for this first game.”

Thousands of Ohio State freshmen just moved onto campus. For many of them, the top two showdown between the Buckeyes and the Longhorns is more than just a football game. 

“I come from a really small high school,” Ohio State freshman Payton Hopkinson said. “My graduating class was like 50 kids, so I’m just really excited to be a part of a super big student section.”

Stepping onto campus this fall means finally stepping into a tradition they’ve only seen from afar. 

“I really love listening to the band,” Ohio State freshman Meagan Sharp said. “Their halftime shows, their preseason, their walkout. I love the band live. I adore it.”

As the anticipation around the first game of the season builds, so does the confidence.

“Our offense is really strong this year, so I expect to see a great offensive performance,” Ohio State freshman Kais Alwawi said.

According to students, the Buckeyes are built to win. 

“We have probably the best wide receiver [Jeremiah Smith] in all of college football history,” Ohio State freshman Matt Kotara said. “He’s nasty, so it’s going to be great to see him throw it. And we got [quarterback Julian] Sayin throwing the football. He’s going to be slinging a pigskin right down the field. Touchdown’s automatic.”

Win or lose next weekend, the freshmen said their first gameday inside The Shoe as students will be unforgettable. 

“It’s just a hell of a game opener,” Ohio State freshman Eric Leonard said. “The first ever game of being the number one seed versus the number two seed, and I’m just expecting energy, a lot of people in the student section to bring it together and really cheer on our fellow football players.”

The students expect Saturday’s matchup to set the tone for the season and they have faith in their Buckeyes that it’ll work out in their favor.

“I think we’re running the natty champ back,” Kotara said. “I’m calling it right now. I mean, easily. Michigan? They got nothing.”

Ohio State is set to take on Texas at Ohio Stadium Aug. 30 at 12 p.m.