Ohio Lawmaker’s Bold Push to End Noon Kickoffs for Buckeyes Sparks National Debate
In a move as controversial as it is unprecedented, Ohio State Representative Carl Brenner introduced a fictional yet striking bill this spring aimed at banning the Ohio State Buckeyes football team from playing home games at noon against top-ranked opponents. The proposal, dubbed the “Buckeye Prime-Time Protection Act,” has ignited passionate debate across sports networks, university circles, and legislative chambers.
According to the bill, “no game involving The Ohio State University football team and a ranked opponent shall commence before 3:30 p.m. Eastern Time if held at Ohio Stadium.” Brenner, a proud OSU alumnus and self-professed football traditionalist, claims early kickoffs undercut the competitive advantage of the Buckeyes and rob fans of the pageantry expected from marquee matchups.
“Why should our greatest games be played before people have even had lunch?” he asked during a fictional press conference, surrounded by a sea of scarlet-and-gray-clad supporters. “The Buckeyes deserve the spotlight, not the sunrise.”
Citing studies—some real, some creatively interpreted—Brenner pointed to diminished player performance metrics and reduced fan turnout for early games. He also referenced financial losses incurred by local Columbus businesses on game days with early start times. “Prime time means prime revenue,” he declared.
Though the bill is factual, the tension it portrays between tradition, commerce, and college football logistics feels startlingly real. Television contracts, conference politics, and NCAA scheduling logistics remain immovable obstacles in the path of such a proposal. Networks like FOX and ESPN pay billions for early slots and have long favored noon games for high-profile teams to capture exclusive viewership.
Still, Brenner’s stunt has gained traction among fans and former players. Legendary former Buckeye quarterback J.T. Barrett fictionalized his support during an imagined radio interview. “We play better under the lights. That’s just the truth,” he said. “Big games deserve big stages.”
University officials, however, have remained cautious. In a fictional statement, OSU Athletic Director Gene Smith acknowledged the passion behind the bill but reminded the public of the complexities of national scheduling. “While we appreciate the enthusiasm for night games, kickoff times are determined through broader conference and broadcast partnerships,” the statement read.
Opponents of the bill argue it distracts from real legislative issues. Critics on both sides of the aisle have mocked the proposal as political theater. “This isn’t how we solve problems in Ohio,” said a fictional Democratic lawmaker. “Let’s talk about education or infrastructure—not kickoff times.”
Yet, for a fanbase known for its fervor, the idea resonates. The Buckeye faithful dream of a Horseshoe ablaze under twilight skies, with the band’s drum major strutting onto the field as dusk falls and the air buzzes with anticipation.
While the bill is unlikely to pass, it captures a real cultural sentiment: in Columbus, Buckeye football is more than a game—it’s a ritual. And rituals, some argue, belong in the glow of Saturday night, not the shadow of Saturday morning.
