The story of a walk-on defensive end (DE) who became an influencer but ultimately parted ways with Ohio State University (OSU) involves a blend of talent, social media, college football dynamics, and personal choices. In this piece, we’ll explore the journey of this player from an overlooked walk-on to a prominent social media personality, his experiences at OSU, and the reasons behind his departure.
Early Life and High School Football
The story begins long before his time at OSU. The player, a defensive end with an innate understanding of the game, was not initially seen as a blue-chip recruit. Growing up in a competitive high school football environment, he was a standout athlete who showcased his ability to rush the passer, set the edge, and play with high energy. While many of his peers earned scholarships to Division I schools, he was left without offers from major programs, often overlooked in favor of more well-known recruits. Despite the setbacks, he refused to give up on his dream of playing college football at the highest level.
As a walk-on player at OSU, he had to prove himself every day in practice, fighting for playing time and the respect of his coaches and teammates. Walk-ons at major programs like Ohio State rarely get the recognition they deserve, and the journey to earning a scholarship and meaningful playing time can be arduous. But this player wasn’t just working hard on the field; he was also making a name for himself off the field, specifically on social media.
Rise as an Influencer
While his football journey was just beginning, the player quickly recognized the power of social media to amplify his personal brand. He started posting regular updates on platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube, sharing everything from training videos and workout routines to behind-the-scenes glimpses of life as a college athlete. His authentic personality, mixed with a unique sense of humor and charisma, drew a substantial following. Over time, his account began to flourish, attracting fans not only from Ohio State but from all corners of the sports world.
As his social media presence grew, the player found himself becoming an influencer in the college sports space. He used his platform to promote various brands, giving a glimpse into his personal life and the grind of being a college athlete. His fans, particularly those who admired his work ethic and determination, responded positively to his posts. Brands that targeted younger demographics in the sports and fitness sectors began reaching out to him for partnerships. He built a rapport with fellow athletes and influencers, which helped him expand his reach. By blending football content with lifestyle elements, he created a multifaceted persona that resonated with his audience.
The rise of NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) rights in college athletics also helped him maximize his earning potential as an influencer. With the new regulations allowing athletes to profit from their social media presence, his increasing popularity proved beneficial. He began securing endorsement deals, appearing in campaigns that aligned with his personal values and athletic image. For many athletes, this was a game-changer — and for him, it was an opportunity to tap into a new income stream that was previously unavailable to college players.
Life at Ohio State University
While his social media presence was thriving, life at OSU presented its own set of challenges. Ohio State University is one of the premier football programs in the country, and the competition to make the team — let alone earn playing time — was fierce. As a walk-on defensive end, the player often found himself buried on the depth chart, facing long odds of cracking the starting lineup. Even with hard work, determination, and hustle, it was clear that making an impact on the field would take time.
Despite limited on-field success, he remained an important part of the team. Walk-ons like him often play critical roles on practice squads, where they simulate opponents’ schemes and help the starters prepare for upcoming games. His leadership in these sessions did not go unnoticed, and his work ethic earned him respect among his peers. However, as time passed, it became clear that his path to a significant role on the field was uncertain. In the world of big-time college football, roster spots are always at a premium, and talented players on scholarship are often favored over walk-ons, regardless of effort or potential.
In parallel, his growing influencer status started to draw attention outside of the football program. His social media posts, which sometimes veered into non-football topics, became a point of contention for some of his teammates and coaches. College football programs, especially at a place like OSU, have strict rules regarding the balance between academics, athletics, and personal branding. As his social media presence grew, so did the scrutiny, and there were increasing concerns about whether his focus was shifting from football to being an influencer.
The Departure from Ohio State
After several years at OSU, the player made the decision to leave the program. There were many factors contributing to this decision. His standing on the football team remained largely the same, with little opportunity for significant playing time. While his social media following was flourishing, the demands of being a student-athlete — combined with the pressure of maintaining a competitive performance — led to burnout. Balancing the intense rigors of football training with the growing expectations of his influencer persona became increasingly difficult.
Additionally, the culture within the OSU football program was changing. There was a new wave of recruits coming in, and the competition for spots on the roster was intensifying. The pressure to perform and the limited opportunities for walk-ons to contribute on the field eventually led him to question his future in the sport. He began to realize that while football was his passion, he could continue to have an impact off the field without being constrained by the traditional college football trajectory.
At the same time, his influencer career was at a crossroads. His growing social media presence, brand partnerships, and audience engagement were opening up new career avenues outside of football. He saw the potential to focus full-time on creating content, expanding his brand, and exploring opportunities in fitness, lifestyle, and digital media. Leaving the football team at OSU allowed him to devote more time to building his influencer career.
Thus, he made the difficult decision to leave Ohio State University, effectively ending his football career there, and focus on expanding his social media presence. He made an official statement acknowledging the challenges he faced and expressing gratitude for his time at OSU. While he wouldn’t be playing for the Buckeyes anymore, he made it clear that he would continue to support the team and maintain a connection to the football community.
The Aftermath and New Beginnings
Following his departure from OSU, the player’s social media following continued to grow. His fans, many of whom admired his resilience as a walk-on athlete, rallied around him as he ventured into new projects. He collaborated with other influencers, launched his own merchandise line, and began creating more personal content, from motivational speaking to lifestyle vlogs. His authentic, unpolished persona resonated with audiences who felt connected to his journey.
Over time, he became one of the prominent voices in the conversation about the intersection of sports, personal branding, and the changing dynamics of college athletics. As more athletes began to embrace NIL opportunities, his story served as an example of how athletes could build their personal brands while still maintaining their love for the game, even if it meant pursuing different paths.
While the departure from OSU marked the end of his time as a college football player, it also marked the beginning of a new chapter. His story resonated with fans who saw him as an underdog who turned his setbacks into opportunities. Through his content, he continued to inspire others who may feel like they don’t have the traditional “star” qualities but still possess the drive, determination, and ability to succeed in their own way.
