Tennessee football’s upcoming clash against Ohio State in the first round of the College Football Playoff promises to be an exciting contest, showcasing both teams with their unique and intriguing nicknames. The No. 8 Buckeyes (10-2) will host the No. 9 Volunteers (10-2) at Ohio Stadium this Saturday, where victory will set the stage for a quarterfinal match against the top-seeded Oregon next week.
Both the Buckeyes and the Volunteers contribute to the rich tapestry of college football with their distinct names, standing out amid a sea of common mascots like Tigers, Bulldogs, and Wildcats. While Tennessee fans are familiar with the term “Volunteer” and its roots, many may wonder about the origins of Ohio State’s nickname, “Buckeye.” The teams have met only once previously, in the 1996 Citrus Bowl, where Tennessee emerged victorious with a score of 20-14.
A Buckeye refers to both a type of nut—specifically, a small, shiny, dark brown nut with a light tan patch—and is also associated with the official state tree, the buckeye tree. The term originated from European immigrants who noted the larger eyes of indigenous people, likening them to those of a male buck deer, thus coining the term “buckeye.”
Ohio State University traces the nickname to Col. Ebenezer Sproat, referred to as a “hetuck” or “big buckeye” in 1788. The term gained traction through stories, particularly during the War of 1812, and became increasingly popular in reference to Ohio natives by the 1830s and during the presidential campaign of William Harrison in 1840.
The Buckeye nickname first appeared in newspapers covering Ohio State’s football team around 1919, but it wasn’t until 1950 that the university officially adopted it as their program’s nickname. Fans may also notice unique helmet stickers shaped like buckeye leaves, which are awarded for individual and team achievements, with distribution varying by head coach.
Ohio State’s mascot, Brutus Buckeye, has been a beloved figure since 1965, created by students Ray Bourhis and Sally Huber. Debuting at a homecoming game against Minnesota, Brutus has since become an iconic representation of Ohio State spirit, sporting scarlet pants and a distinctive head that resembles a buckeye nut, topped with a hat reminiscent of coaching legend Woody Hayes.
As the Buckeyes and Volunteers prepare to face off in this highly anticipated match, fans of both teams will be eager to see which nickname will prevail in this exciting playoff showdown. Regardless of the outcome, the game stands as a celebration of college football tradition and rivalry that fans will remember for years to come.