Ohio State coach Ryan Day recently joked about a surprise recruit on the radar of NBA legend LeBron James right after securing a national championship. During a segment on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Fallon brought up a past tweet from James, where the Los Angeles Lakers star humorously asked about his eligibility to play a different sport, like football, in college.
When Fallon asked if LeBron could hypothetically join Ohio State, Day acknowledged James’ long-standing support for the team but emphasized that it wouldn’t guarantee him an easy path to playing time. He’d be right in line with the freshmen at the back of the room, Day quipped. He’d have to work his way up. No special treatment here.
James, always a good sport, replied on social media, I don’t mind it one bit, Coach Day! Earned, not given! But Day jokingly mentioned that the offer to join the Buckeyes was still there.
LeBron, a passionate supporter of Ohio State, even attended their recent title-winning game against Notre Dame, where he was seen celebrating the team’s touchdown. In a past interview on the New Heights podcast, James revealed that former head coach Jim Tressel once approached him with the idea of playing both basketball and football at Ohio State, much like Colorado’s Travis Hunter. While James turned down the offer at the time, the idea remains a fun hypothetical for fans.
Though the door remains open, for now, it appears LeBron’s football career will have to stay in the realm of what if as he’d have to earn his spot just like any other recruit.
