No. 1 Ohio State has been the best team in college football this season, and it has the support of one of the world’s most famous athletes.
LeBron James — the NBA superstar and well-known Ohio State fan — has gifted the team custom cleats ahead of the Buckeyes’ game against Penn State on Saturday afternoon.
Though James did not attend college, he has always said the Buckeyes are his favorite college team. Before the huge Big Ten matchup, he made sure to support Ryan Day’s team.
Here’s more on LeBron’s gift to the defending national champions.
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LeBron James Ohio State cleats details
James has gifted rare cleats to the Buckeyes before Penn State comes into town.
The King always brings the 🔥
Thank you for our cleat heat for the Penn State game @KingJames 👑 pic.twitter.com/3m7h3RbkTG
— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) October 27, 2025
The cleats are white and Scarlet red — which go with the Buckeyes uniforms — and have James’ logo on them. They are not available for sale for the public.
Per House of Heat, “The pair features the same “White/University Red/Metallic Gold/Black” color scheme found on the basketball sneaker, but changes its materials and layout, overall shape, and sole plate underfoot.”
Why is LeBron James gifting Ohio State cleats?
Ahead of Saturday’s game, James gifted the Ohio State team cleats inspired by his “Grand Opening” Nike LeBron 23.
LeBron James hooked up the Ohio State Buckeyes with special cleats inspired by his “Grand Opening” Nike LeBron 23 👑👀 pic.twitter.com/idgG9v1eJj
— Nice Kicks (@nicekicks) October 27, 2025
“Ohio State means a lot to me,” James said. “If you’ve followed my journey, I’m a big-time football fan. I played football all the way through high school. It’s always been fulfilling to me and an honor for me to be able to give back.”
James frequently gifts high-end, custom, and exclusive gear to the football and basketball teams, often ahead of major games (like against Michigan or Penn State). This has included custom Beats headphones and unique Nike LeBron-branded cleats.
LeBron James helps give headphones to Ohio State players. School says it’s not NCAA violation. https://t.co/m6CJ4NWR0o
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) January 11, 2015
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Why is Lebron James an Ohio State fan?
James’s support for Ohio State is deeply rooted in his connection to his home state of Ohio. He was born and raised in Akron, less than two hours from Columbus, home of Ohio State.
The Ohio State Buckeyes are the 2025 College Football Playoff National Champions.
LeBron James has Will Howard as his MVP of the game! pic.twitter.com/mfusjrSt3p
— DraftKings (@DraftKings) January 21, 2025
The superstar has gone on record saying if he went to college, he would have went to Ohio State.
He is a frequent and very visible attendee at major Ohio State football games, especially the huge matchups at “The Horseshoe” (Ohio Stadium).
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Where did LeBron James go to college?
James did not attend college.
After graduating from St. Vincent-St. Mary High School, he went straight to the professional ranks, entering the 2003 NBA Draft. At 18, he was selected first overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers, which was permitted under NBA rules at the time.
Although he never attended college, James has repeatedly said that, if he had, he would have chosen to play basketball for the Buckeyes.
Ohio State has recognized James as one of their own, including awarding him an honorary Doctor of Public Service degree in 2025 for his philanthropic work.
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