Staff Reports
Politics and pigskin have always had a curious intersection, but nothing quite like the spectacle that unfolded at the annual Army-Navy game recently when soon-to-be President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance graced the event with their presence. These football legends of political theater showcased not only their love for the game but also their affection for the country, trading a political rally for a good ol’ American football rivalry. Judging by the thunderous applause and cheering, the crowd was more than ready for a dose of leadership that remembers what patriotism looks like.
Trump and Vance weren’t riding solo in their celebration of all things football and freedom. They brought along a star-studded group that included Tulsi Gabbard, Elon Musk, Ron DeSantis, Mike Johnson, and Pete Hegseth. Their appearance stirred up quite the frenzy among the fans. In a scene that screamed ‘real America,’ Trump stood at attention during the national anthem, while Vance demonstrated heartwarming loyalty by placing his hand over his heart. This refreshing display of national pride stands in stark contrast to the cringeworthy antics we often see from the left.
What added a unique twist to the day was the presence of U.S. Marine Corps veteran Daniel Penny, invited as a personal guest by Vance. Mr. Penny, who recently found himself in court over what many see as a politically charged prosecution, basked in the camaraderie of America’s future leaders. It’s quite the turnaround for a guy facing serious charges one week, and enjoying a celebratory football game with the elite the next. Superhero stories in real life are often stranger than fiction.
In the broader college football landscape, one can’t help but notice the amusing spectacle of Ohio State nursing its wounds after an embarrassing defeat to an unranked Michigan team. Following this disheartening loss, the Buckeyes took to the legislative route to deal with their sorrow. Ohio State Representative Josh Williams proposed the O.H.I.O. Sportsmanship Act, aiming to turn flag planting—a time-honored tradition of celebration after a win—into a felony offense on Ohio State’s turf.
This Week in College Football: Politics and Pigskins Collidehttps://t.co/rFHDRAO3hF
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This is where the tale takes a ridiculous turn. Williams seems to believe that rather than rallying for future victories, the Buckeyes should focus on criminalizing the celebration of their rivals. This legislative overreach is not just a sign of sore losing, but a reflection of how seriously Ohio State takes itself. The bill attempts to assure fans will be kept safe from the supposed peril posed by flags, but most reasonable folks would argue that Ohio has bigger fish to fry than making grown adults’ celebrations illegal.
Lastly, in a lighthearted jab at the current football college scene, Georgia Congressman Mike Collins suggested that maybe Texas Longhorns would be better off returning to the Big 12. Texas has shown themselves as an underwhelming contender in the SEC, receiving unwanted praise for their lackluster performance. Meanwhile, Georgia fans are still reveling in their Bulldogs’ solid performances, including wins over Texas during their inaugural SEC season. Collins couldn’t be more right: Texas just doesn’t seem ready for the real competition, and they should perhaps take a step back before claiming their spot among the giants of college football.
