Following the Ohio State Buckeyes’ surprising loss to rival Michigan on Saturday, Vice President-elect JD Vance praised the team, while the internet responded critically.
Vance took to X to declare the Buckeyes played like “champions” and expressed his pride in them.
“To the OSU seniors on that team: I know it sucks to lose four to Michigan, but for your entire college career you guys have conducted yourselves like champions. I speak for nearly all of us fans when I say: we’re proud of you!” Vance wrote.
The Buckeyes, favored by 21 points, lost to Michigan for the fourth consecutive time, despite Michigan’s 2024 team being one of the program’s weakest in years with a 6-5 record prior to the game.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
Davis Warren (16) of the Michigan Wolverines carries the ball against the Ohio State Buckeyes during the fourth quarter at Ohio Stadium Nov. 30, 2024, in Columbus, Ohio. (Jason Mowry/Getty Images)
Ohio State, previously ranked No. 2 with a 10-2 record, aimed for the Big 10 championship game and a College Football Playoff spot, which are now uncertain after the loss.
A post-game brawl involving Ohio State and Michigan players further marred the defeat.
OHIO STATE LOSES TO MICHIGAN FOR FOURTH STRAIGHT YEAR IN HUGE UPSET; PLAYOFF STATUS NOW UP IN THE AIR
Vance faced backlash for his loyalty to the Buckeyes, with some users criticizing him for supporting the team.
“Ohio State sucks and so do you!” one user commented.
Another user questioned Vance’s praiseworthy comments, citing the postgame altercation as evidence of poor sportsmanship.
Law enforcement officers intervened to stop the brawl, with videos showing players affected by pepper spray.
In the aftermath, Michigan player Kalel Mullings called the incident “bad for the sport” in an interview.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Vance had previously warned Trump about the potential implications of his Buckeyes loyalty on winning Michigan.
During an appearance on OutKick’s ““The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show.”“, Vance shared how he advocated for putting country over sports rivalries.
The DNC attempted to use Vance’s Ohio State connection in a campaign strategy in Michigan, aiming to exploit his loyalty to impact the election.
Sen. J.D. Vance, R-Ohio, the Republican vice presidential nominee, introduces Former President Trump, the Republican presidential nominee, during a rally at Herb Brooks National Hockey Center July 27, 2024, in St Cloud, Minn. (Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)
The Trump-Vance ticket ultimately won Michigan with ease.
Vance even hinted at attending the Ohio State-Michigan game with Trump had they won the election, envisioning a celebratory atmosphere.
Trump and Vance, however, did not attend the game.
Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
