LeBron James makes feelings clear on Ohio State | Sports News

Los Angeles Lakers celebrity LeBron James praised Ohio State offensive lineman Luke Montgomery during Saturday’s heated Big Ten showdown towards Michigan in Ann Arbor. The Ohio native was intently monitoring Saturday’s intense rivalry matchup, with each the Buckeyes and Wolverines having every thing on the road.

Drama erupted within the opening quarter when a Michigan participant appeared to headbutt an official, sparking controversy over his subsequent penalty. Following a sluggish opening for Ohio State, the Buckeyes bounced back by the break and held a 17-9 benefit getting into the third quarter. It got here after Dave Portnoy agreed to a big Ohio State-Michigan guess with Urban Meyer.

James was thrilled and particularly highlighted Montgomery for his work defending Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin. Throughout the school soccer contest, James tweeted: “So DAMN PROUD of my guy Luke Montgomery!!! Keep going kid! #51” Montgomery performed at Findlay High School in Findlay, Ohio, the place he earned four-star recruiting standing earlier than school.

Montgomery fielded scholarship affords from each Ohio State and Michigan however stayed true to the Buckeyes when he made his dedication to this system. Montgomery noticed restricted motion during the championship-winning 2024 marketing campaign however secured the beginning left guard place in 2025.

The 6-foot-5, 313-pound junior has delivered excellent performances this season, contributing to Ohio State’s excellent 11-0 file. Although James particularly acknowledged Montgomery’s efforts, the NBA legend additionally gave shoutouts to a number of of his teammates.

During the opening half, standout vast receiver Jeremiah Smith discovered the tip zone for the Buckeyes’ first landing. The rating got here courtesy of a birthday current from Sayin, who delivered a 35-yard strike to Smith because the receiver celebrated turning 20 on Saturday.

“TD 4!!!! Happy Bday too Young,” James posted on X. The Lakers celebrity additionally shared his pleasure after Brandon Inniss crossed into the tip zone with 16 seconds left within the first half.

“Yessir B Innis! The Captain TD,” James wrote. Ohio State constructed upon their benefit within the second half, because the Buckeyes lastly broke their shedding streak towards Michigan that stretched back to 2019.

Despite holding the nation’s prime rating and capturing the national championship final season, Ohio State had dropped their earlier 4 matchups towards the Wolverines. Michigan aimed to spoil the Buckeyes’ excellent file and desperately needed a victory to protect its College Football Playoff aspirations.

Nevertheless, head coach Ryan Day lastly orchestrated a 27-9 win over their bitter rivals and accomplished the common season with a pristine 12-0 file. James has beforehand declared himself an honorary Ohio State graduate, revealing that he would have dedicated to the Buckeyes had he pursued school.

James entered the NBA immediately from high faculty, however would have chosen Ohio State University if school attendance had been necessary. “The fans. The alumni fan base, the kids that are there, the tenured bit — like how many people always come back to their respective schools,” James informed the Los Angeles Times.

“I just think it’s super, duper cool… I feel like an honorary alum, for sure.”