A spiritual revival broke out in the heart of Columbus, Ohio before The Ohio State University football team kicked off their incredible season and it spread across the campus.
For many players, winning the national championship was nothing compared to the greatest prize: eternal life and faith in Jesus.
Qurarterback Will Howard: ‘God, I Trust You’
This season was far from perfect for the Buckeyes. Normally a loss to Michigan would shatter any chance at a national championship, but this year’s first-ever 12-team College Football Playoff gave them the a rare chance and they took it.
While the team has relied heavily on Ohio State’s quarterback Will Howard, he’s relied heavily on his faith, especially after that loss to the Wolverines.
“I sat back and thought the opportunity that I have here and what I’ve gone through this year, the ups and the downs, everything has been for my own good,” he said via Columbus news station WCMH, before reaffirming his unwavering faith. “I know that God is putting those obstacles in front of us to grow us and there’s a reason for it. I’m going to just trust the plan.”
Howard said he’s been pressing into his Bible and praying, telling the Lord, “I need you.”
“When you come to Him in a humble way, it changes your perspective. I lay it down for Him and say, ‘God, I trust You. I don’t know why this happened but it happened for a reason. I’m going to trust it.'”
Running Back TreVeyon Henderson: ‘God Made a Way’
Ohio State’s running back TreVeyon Henderson turned to his outspoken faith after he shoved a Longhorn player and got an unsportsmanlike 15-yard penalty in the first half.
“It was a battle, man, especially after making this mistake on the field, you know with the penalty,” Henderson told reporters after the game. “Just spending some time with the Lord on the sideline asking for forgiveness and helping me to repent to turn away ’cause that’s not the person I want to be and you know His hand is always there, and He picked me up in that moment.
Henderson, who often posts about his faith on X, said a teammate told him to focus on Jesus.
“I’m just thankful for my brothers in Christ to be there to pick me up and help to focus on the Lord,” he added. “God made a way.”
A Night of Faith and Fellowshp at OSU
On a warm Sunday evening in the fall of 2024, the campus courtyard became the stage for what was described as a “Jesus Revival” by attendees and participants alike.
Hundreds of students, estimated between 800 to 1,000, gathered to hear testimonies from some of OSU’s most celebrated athletes, including TreVeyon Henderson, Emeka Egbuka, J.T. Tuimoloau, and former wide receiver Kamryn Babb.
This gathering was more than speeches; it included prayers, worship songs, and, notably, baptisms.
Approximately 60 attendees, moved by the testimonies and the spirit of the night, chose to be baptized, using ice tubs typically reserved for post-game recovery as makeshift baptismal fonts.
The event was a collaborative effort by various Christian groups on campus, demonstrating a unity of purpose among different denominations and ministries.
The Impact of Faithful Athletes
The revival was sparked by OSU football players who openly shared their faith, with Henderson and Egbuka being vocal about their Christian beliefs throughout the season.
This wasn’t just a one-off event but part of a broader movement where these athletes have been using their platform to spread the gospel.
Their commitment to faith has been evident in their public appearances, from sporting “Jesus Won” t-shirts to participating in Christian podcasts like “Buckeye Revival.”
Their actions have not only inspired fellow students but also brought national attention to how athletes can influence spiritual life on campus.
A Campus United
The revival event at Ohio State was seen as a continuation of a trend observed across American universities, where spiritual awakenings are becoming more frequent.
It echoed a similar event at Asbury University in Kentucky the previous year, where a chapel service led to a 16-day revival.
The Ohio State revival marked a broader cultural shift towards spiritual engagement among young adults.
Looking Forward
This revival has left a lasting impact on Ohio State’s campus, fostering a sense of community and purpose beyond the gridiron.
The players involved have continued to use their platform for spiritual outreach, with Henderson notably stating, “God is using this team to bring people closer to Him.”
This movement has not only strengthened the bond within the team but has also sparked curiosity and conversation about faith among peers, potentially setting a precedent for how athletes might influence spiritual life at universities nationwide.
One month after the national championship, thousands of students at Ohio State’s campus decided to follow Jesus. Click here to read the full story on that.
Caleb Parke is a Newsmax correspondent. Follow him on X, Facebook, Instagram, and connect with him at calebparke.com.
