Ohio State Football: Three Group of Five teams fans would love to face

As football season inches closer to becoming a reality back in our lives and living rooms, we get the chance to have some fun. The Ohio State football team usually plays at least one Group of Five program per season. While Ohio State usually has its way with these programs, That doesn’t mean we can’t think about the good group of five programs.

There are plenty of good American teams, Sun Belt teams, and more that could be on this list! Like I said earlier this is just a fun list. Ohio State may or may not play any of these teams in the near future. This is just my opinion, and I am completely open to hearing what others have to say.

Until then, here are three Group of Five schools Ohio State, and their fans would like to play!

And now, for the honorable mentions.

Honorable Mention: Appalachian State

One of the best Group of Five programs. Ohio State could welcome them into Columbus and have a great game. Last year the Mountaineers knocked off Texas A&M in College Station. These two schools have never played. Mountaineer fans travel very well, it would be a great scene.

Honorable Mention: San Diego State

Led by former Michigan coach Brady Hoke. He has turned the program around. San Diego State is one of the best group of five programs. They won 12 games in 2021. The Buckeyes and the Aztecs have played four times with the last meeting coming in 2013 with Ohio State winning 42-7. It would be awesome to see Ohio State play in San Diego.

Number 3: Ohio University

I think this would be great for both universities. They have not played in football since their mascot, Rufus the Bobcat, attacked our beloved Brutus the Buckeye in 2010.

The Ohio State football team would go on to win that game and avenge their mascot, 43-7. I believe these two should run it back. It has been far too many years since these schools played. Ohio University fans would love to travel to Columbus for that game. I am sure that Ohio State wouldn’t mind having them. Last year the Bobcats went 10-4. It would be a fun game for both sides.

The Ohio State football program is 6-0 versus Ohio all time. Until they do eventually play again, history will show the last time they played, it wasn’t remembered for the game, but rather a bobcat tackling a buckeye.

Number 2: Boise State University

Probably the most well-known, well-respected, Group of Five school out there. Boise State and Appalachian State both hold that aura of “Why on earth would you want to play them?”

That is because they were one of the best programs in the 2000s. Led by Chris Peterson, they famously defeated Oklahoma in the Fiesta Bowl. From 2003, till 2013, they had nine 10 or more win seasons.

Last year they returned to their former glories, winning over 10 games for the first time since 2019.

The Buckeyes and Broncos have never faced off against one another. I know there would be mixed emotions about seeing the Buckeyes play on the famous blue turf field in Boise, Idaho. There would be some great games and would be a fun watch.

Number 1: Hawaii University

Some of you may be scratching your head over this. In this scenario, the Ohio State football team would be playing at Hawaii. Now it should make some more sense.

What Buckeye fan wouldn’t want to make a trip to Hawaii to watch some Buckeye football? It would be great, however, the time slot for that game would be very tough for those on the east coast.

Ohio State and the Rainbow Warriors of Hawaii have faced one time in their history, a 38-0 victory in 2015. A home and home would be great. Vanderbilt is doing that currently with Hawaii as they will welcome them into Nashville Week Zero. Hawaii could make a return to Columbus. But what Buckeye fan doesn’t want to see their favorite team play out in Hawaii? Sign me up, please!