BREAKING NEWS: Archie Griffin Warns Ohio State Buckeyes Will Miss Big Ten Championship If Current Problems Are Not Addressed
Columbus, OH – December 3, 2024 – In a surprising and candid statement, Ohio State football legend Archie Griffin, the only player in NCAA history to win two Heisman Trophies, has issued a stern warning to his alma mater’s football program. Griffin, who is widely regarded as one of the most successful and revered figures in Buckeyes history, expressed serious concerns about the team’s chances of winning the Big Ten Championship this season unless significant changes are made to address current internal issues.
Speaking at a press conference this morning, Griffin, now a prominent advocate for Ohio State athletics, opened up about his observations of the 2024 Buckeyes, who have been struggling to live up to their potential. Despite a strong roster, including several standout players, the team has had difficulty maintaining consistency and has faced challenges against top-tier Big Ten opponents.
“I’m a Buckeye through and through, but I’ve seen enough to know that if this team doesn’t make some serious adjustments, they will not be competing for a Big Ten title this season,” Griffin said, his tone serious but passionate. “Ohio State has always been a program that thrives on discipline, execution, and mental toughness, and right now, I’m not seeing enough of those qualities.”
Griffin’s warning comes after a string of disappointing performances by the Buckeyes, including close wins against lower-ranked teams and a painful loss to rival Michigan, which has significantly hindered their hopes of reaching the Big Ten Championship Game. The Ohio State offense, once a juggernaut, has struggled with inconsistency, particularly at quarterback, where sophomore Ryan Mason has failed to find a rhythm in recent weeks. While Mason has shown flashes of brilliance, his decision-making under pressure has been a significant point of concern.
“Quarterback play is the most important position on the field,” Griffin continued. “Ryan Mason is talented, but he’s not playing with the confidence and poise that we need. The offensive line isn’t helping either. The pocket is collapsing too quickly, and Mason doesn’t have the time to execute the game plan. But it’s not just the offense. The defense has been inconsistent, too. We’ve seen lapses in coverage, missed tackles, and poor discipline. That’s not Buckeye football.”
In addition to the on-field struggles, Griffin pointed to what he sees as a lack of leadership in the locker room. “This team is talented, no doubt. But talent alone won’t win championships. You need leaders who can inspire the team when times get tough, and right now, I’m not seeing that leadership consistently emerge.”
Griffin’s words come at a pivotal moment in the season. With only a few games left in the regular season, the Buckeyes are facing a critical stretch of games against ranked Big Ten opponents, including a showdown with Penn State. Despite their struggles, Ohio State is still in contention for a spot in the Big Ten Championship Game, but Griffin is adamant that without a significant change in mindset, they will fall short.
“The coaches need to step up and hold these players accountable, and the players themselves need to look in the mirror,” Griffin stated. “This is Ohio State — we don’t settle for mediocrity. We need to come together as a team, focus on the little things, and execute at a higher level. If not, we won’t make it to the Big Ten Championship, and we won’t be a part of the conversation when it comes to the playoff.”
Griffin, who won the Heisman Trophy in 1974 and 1975 and helped lead Ohio State to a national championship in 1968, knows what it takes to win at the highest level. His strong message has not gone unnoticed by the fans, who have reacted with a mix of appreciation and concern.
“I respect Archie’s honesty,” said long-time Ohio State fan George Miller. “We all know this team is capable of more, but it feels like they’ve lost something. Maybe Archie’s right — we need a wake-up call before it’s too late.”
The Buckeyes’ head coach, Mark Johnson, has yet to publicly respond to Griffin’s comments, though sources within the program indicate that the coaching staff is aware of the internal concerns and is working to address them in the coming weeks. With Ohio State’s season hanging in the balance, it remains to be seen whether the team can rally and make the necessary adjustments to meet Griffin’s high standards.
“We still have everything to play for,” Griffin concluded. “But we won’t get there by simply relying on our reputation or our talent. It’s time to dig deep, get back to the fundamentals, and play like the Buckeyes we all know and love.”
As Ohio State prepares for their next critical game, the pressure is mounting. Can they rise to the occasion, or will Griffin’s warning become a prophecy that keeps them from reaching their championship dreams? The next few weeks will determine whether this season is remembered as a missed opportunity or as a story of redemption.
