It is a specific kind of cold. If you've ever stood on High Street in January, you know exactly what I'm talking about. The wind whips off the Olentangy River, slicing through layers of scarlet fleece like they aren't even there. But when there is an Ohio State football parade on the schedule, nobody actually feels the chill.
They don't care.
The last time this city truly exploded was early 2015. Urban Meyer was at the helm. Ezekiel Elliott had just shredded Oregon’s defense for four touchdowns in the first-ever College Football Playoff National Championship. That celebration wasn't just a party; it was a collective exhale for a fan base that had spent years hearing they couldn't win the "big one" anymore. Columbus doesn't just host parades; it stages massive, chaotic, scarlet-and-gray exorcisms.
The anatomy of a championship celebration in Columbus
A lot of people think a victory lap is just a few buses and some confetti. Not here. An Ohio State football parade usually starts near the intersection of Lane Avenue and High Street, snaking its way toward the Ohio Stadium—the Horseshoe. It’s a literal pilgrimage.
You’ll see kids sitting on their fathers' shoulders, guys who haven't missed a home game since the 70s wearing tattered Woody Hayes-style hats, and students who definitely skipped a chemistry midterm to be there. The police presence is massive, but honestly, the vibe is mostly just pure, unadulterated relief. When the team reached the stadium in 2015, the crowd inside was estimated at over 45,000 people. Just for a trophy presentation.
Think about that. That is more people than most MLS teams get for a playoff game, showing up just to watch a bunch of guys in tracksuits walk onto a stage.
💡 You might also like: Por qué los partidos de Primera B de Chile son más entretenidos que la división de honor
Why we haven't seen the floats lately
It’s been a minute. Fans are getting restless. Since that 2014 season (which culminated in the 2015 parade), the Buckeyes have been close. Really close. They’ve made the playoffs, they’ve won Big Ten titles, and they’ve produced Heisman finalists like C.J. Stroud and Marvin Harrison Jr. But the parade route has stayed quiet.
Ryan Day knows this. He lives it. In Columbus, 11-1 isn't a success; it’s a failure if that "1" is a loss to Michigan. You don't get a parade for winning the Rose Bowl anymore. The bar has moved. It’s National Championship or bust, and that reality creates a pressurized environment that few other programs in the country—maybe only Alabama or Georgia—can truly understand.
What actually happens during the march to the Shoe
If you’re lucky enough to be there when the next one happens, expect total gridlock. The city basically shuts down. Businesses close early. The "Best Damn Band in the Land" (TBDBITL) leads the way, and there is nothing—absolutely nothing—like the sound of those brass instruments echoing off the brick buildings of University District.
The players are usually on the back of flatbed trucks or open-top trailers. You see the human side of them then. They aren't gladiators in helmets; they’re 20-year-old kids losing their minds with excitement. In 2015, Cardale Jones was the king of the world. Joey Bosa was doing his signature shrug every ten feet.
- The Route: Typically down High Street, turning onto Annie and John Glenn Ave.
- The Destination: The North end of the Horseshoe.
- The Sound: "Across the Field" on a loop until your ears ring.
- The Visual: A literal sea of scarlet.
There’s a misconception that these events are organized months in advance. Nope. The university and the city of Columbus have a "break glass in case of emergency" plan. The turnaround from the trophy ceremony in whatever city is hosting the final to the parade in Columbus is usually less than a week. It’s a logistical nightmare that works because the people running it are fans too.
📖 Related: South Carolina women's basketball schedule: What Most People Get Wrong
The Michigan factor and the parade drought
Let’s be real. The reason the talk about an Ohio State football parade has reached a fever pitch lately is because of what’s happening up North. Watching Michigan have their own celebration recently was a bitter pill for Buckeye Nation to swallow. It changed the conversation from "We're a great team" to "We need to reclaim the throne."
This isn't just about football. It’s about the identity of the state. Ohio State football is the pro team, the college team, and the local religion all rolled into one. When they don't win, the economy in the Short North feels it. The mood in the grocery store is different.
The 2024-2025 expectations
The current roster is arguably the most talented since the 2014 squad. With the expansion of the College Football Playoff to 12 teams, the road to a parade is longer but arguably more "fair." You can drop a game and still find your way to the podium.
Experts like Kirk Herbstreit—who knows this program better than anyone—have pointed out that the defensive depth currently in Columbus is NFL-caliber. If the Buckeyes can navigate the gauntlet of the new Big Ten, including games against Oregon and the usual suspects, that January date on High Street becomes a very real possibility.
Logistics: If you go to the next one
Look, if the Buckeyes win it all this year, the city will be a madhouse.
👉 See also: Scores of the NBA games tonight: Why the London Game changed everything
- Parking: Don't even try to park near campus. Use the COTA buses or park in the garages downtown and walk the two miles up. It’s worth the hike.
- Timing: If the parade starts at 11:00 AM, people will be claiming spots on the curb by 6:00 AM. Bring a thermos.
- The Stadium: If the celebration ends inside the Horseshoe, you usually need a ticket, even if they are free. They disappear in minutes.
- Dress Code: Layers. It’s Ohio. It might be 40 degrees or it might be a blizzard.
The psychological impact on Columbus
Success on the field translates to a massive spike in morale. Local retailers like Homage or Conrads see a surge in "Championship Edition" gear. But more than that, it’s about the legacy. An Ohio State football parade cements a team in history. We still talk about the 1968 team. We still talk about the 2002 squad that beat Miami in the desert.
The parade is the moment the "student-athlete" persona fades and they become legends. Seeing Archie Griffin or Eddie George on a float years later reminds everyone that this is a fraternity.
The wait has been long. Ten years is an eternity in Columbus. But that wait only makes the eventual celebration crazier. The city is primed. The Horseshoe is waiting. All that’s left is for the Buckeyes to finish the job.
Actionable Insights for Fans
To stay ahead of the next major celebration, make sure you're following the official @OhioStateFB and @ColumbusPolice social media accounts, as they provide the first word on route changes and security protocols. If you're traveling from out of town, book "refundable" hotel rooms in the Dublin or Polaris areas for mid-January dates if the Buckeyes are ranked in the top four by November. Always keep a digital copy of your Ticketmaster login ready, as stadium celebration passes are distributed through the official athletics portal and typically "sell out" within thirty minutes of the announcement. For those wanting the best view without the 5:00 AM wake-up call, the parking garages overlooking High Street near 11th Avenue offer a bird's-eye view of the motorcade, provided you get to the top level early. Regardless of the weather, ensure you have the "Waze" app updated, as Columbus implements rolling road blocks that can trap vehicles in the campus area for hours after the parade concludes.