theinfohub

Joe Burrow is a name that resonates deeply in college football and the NFL alike. As the starting quarterback for the Cincinnati Bengals, Burrow has achieved superstar status with his elite play, leadership, and poise. However, before he became a household name in the NFL, Burrow’s football journey began at Ohio State, where he spent several years before transferring to LSU, ultimately winning the 2019 Heisman Trophy and leading the Tigers to a National Championship.

Burrow’s story is one of resilience, growth, and unexpected turns, with the Ohio State program playing a significant role in his early development. Despite his success at LSU and now in the NFL, Burrow has always maintained a complicated relationship with his roots in Columbus. Recently, in an interview, Burrow made a candid admission about his “love-hate” relationship with Ohio State, revealing more about how he feels about the program that helped shape his football career.

### From Ohio State to LSU: The Journey That Shaped Burrow

Joe Burrow’s college football career started at Ohio State, where he joined the Buckeyes as a highly touted recruit in 2015. However, despite his potential, Burrow found himself behind future NFL stars like J.T. Barrett and Dwayne Haskins on the depth chart. While Burrow demonstrated his abilities in limited appearances, he was unable to secure the starting job at Ohio State, which led to a pivotal decision: a transfer to LSU, where he could have the opportunity to start and showcase his skills on a larger stage.

Burrow’s decision to leave Ohio State was not an easy one. After all, he had been a part of the Buckeyes’ program for three years, building connections with teammates, coaches, and fans. Yet, the lack of playing time and the desire to grow as a quarterback led him to Baton Rouge, where the change in scenery would be the catalyst for his transformation into one of the best quarterbacks in college football history.

At LSU, Burrow flourished. He became the face of the program and led the Tigers to an undefeated season, a national championship, and, in the process, rewrote the record books. He won the Heisman Trophy and displayed a level of play that helped cement his legacy as one of the most accomplished quarterbacks in recent memory.

### The “Love-Hate” Relationship with Ohio State

In a recent interview, Joe Burrow opened up about his complex feelings toward Ohio State, admitting that he has a “love-hate relationship” with the program. While Burrow respects the role that Ohio State played in his development as a football player and acknowledges the importance of his time there, he also expressed some frustration with the way things unfolded during his time in Columbus.

Burrow’s “love” for Ohio State is evident. The program gave him an opportunity to play at a major college football program, and he has often spoken highly of his experience there, particularly the relationships he built with his teammates and coaches. Additionally, Ohio State is one of the most successful and storied football programs in the country, and Burrow’s time there undoubtedly contributed to his growth as a player.

However, the “hate” aspect of Burrow’s relationship with Ohio State stems from his feelings about the quarterback competition he faced while at the university. Despite his considerable talent, Burrow was never able to unseat J.T. Barrett as the starting quarterback, which ultimately led to his decision to leave the program. For a player of Burrow’s caliber, this was a difficult pill to swallow.

In hindsight, Burrow’s departure from Ohio State was the best decision for his career, as it allowed him to develop into the player he is today. But there’s a sense of lingering frustration that perhaps he didn’t get the chance he deserved at Ohio State, especially considering how things panned out in the years following his departure. It’s a story that many athletes can relate to: feeling overlooked or underappreciated in one place, only to prove everyone wrong by succeeding somewhere else.

### The Buckeyes’ Legacy and Burrow’s Unique Position

For Burrow, his feelings toward Ohio State are further complicated by his unique position in Buckeyes lore. He’s a former player who never got the chance to lead the team on the field, yet his success after leaving the program has drawn attention to the talent Ohio State had on its roster during his tenure. In some ways, Burrow’s success at LSU serves as a reminder of what could have been for the Buckeyes, had things played out differently.

Despite these feelings, Burrow still has a deep respect for Ohio State. He has never publicly criticized the program or any individuals involved in his time there. In fact, his connection to Ohio State has been a topic of discussion on several occasions, especially during matchups between Ohio State and LSU or when he faces former Buckeye teammates in the NFL. Burrow understands that his journey is part of a larger football narrative, and he doesn’t want to diminish his experience at Ohio State—he just acknowledges that it’s a complicated part of his past.

Burrow’s comments also highlight the competitive nature of college football. The decision to transfer is never an easy one, and for many players, it’s a moment of personal reflection and growth. For Burrow, that decision ultimately shaped his future, and while his relationship with Ohio State may be mixed, it’s clear that he has no ill will toward the program. Instead, his focus is on his career, his development, and his connection to the people who helped him get to where he is today.

### The Role of Ohio State in Burrow’s Success

While Burrow may not have been able to break through as the starting quarterback at Ohio State, there’s no denying the role that the program played in his success. The coaching staff, the practices, and the competition all helped shape Burrow into the quarterback he would eventually become. The experience he gained at Ohio State gave him a solid foundation that he later built upon at LSU.

In fact, Burrow has often spoken about how his time at Ohio State prepared him for the challenges he would face later in his career. The coaching he received at Ohio State, particularly under Urban Meyer and then-offensive coordinator Tom Herman, laid the groundwork for his understanding of the game and his ability to read defenses. Additionally, practicing against a defense as talented as Ohio State’s undoubtedly improved his skills and made him a more complete player.

There’s also the aspect of familiarity with big-time college football programs. Ohio State is a perennial contender, and the level of competition he faced there helped prepare him for the pressures of playing in the SEC at LSU, where he faced high expectations from day one. Though his starting opportunities were limited at Ohio State, Burrow’s time in Columbus was far from wasted. It was an integral part of his overall development.

### Burrow’s Future and Ohio State’s Legacy

As Burrow continues to shine in the NFL, his connection to Ohio State will always be a part of his legacy. However, it’s clear that his journey is one of growth, resilience, and finding the right place for his talents to flourish. The “love-hate” relationship Burrow has with Ohio State speaks to the complexities of a young athlete’s journey—sometimes, it takes stepping away from a familiar environment to truly realize one’s potential.

For Ohio State fans, Burrow’s success is a bittersweet reminder of what could have been, but also a testament to the quality of the program. While Burrow may have found his true calling at LSU, the Buckeyes played an essential role in his development. Ultimately, Burrow’s story is about overcoming obstacles, believing in himself, and proving that the best path forward is often the one least expected.

In the end, Joe Burrow’s relationship with Ohio State is a microcosm of the challenges and rewards that come with playing high-level college football. It’s a reminder that sometimes, a player’s true greatness can only be realized after leaving a place they thought they’d call home. And for Burrow, that’s exactly what happened—he found his home in Baton Rouge, but Ohio State will always be a part of his journey.