COLUMBUS, Ohio — On the latest episode of Buckeye Talk, hosts Stephen Means, Stefan Krajisnik, and Andrew Gillis explored a compelling question that goes beyond stats and trophies: What truly defines an Ohio State legend?
As they debated matchups in their “Greatest Buckeye” bracket, the discussion continually returned to the elusive idea of “Buckeye aura” — that unique quality that makes certain players stand out in the hearts and minds of fans.
Consider the spirited debate between Chris Spielman and Ted Ginn Jr. On paper, Spielman’s credentials are undeniable: three-time All-American, Lombardi Award winner, and three-time All-Big Ten honoree. But Ginn’s dynamic and electrifying impact made the choice far less straightforward.
“There’s something about Ted Ginn Jr. that keeps coming up in Ohio State conversations,” Krajisnik noted.
This sparked a deeper question about what truly defines greatness.
As Krajisnik put it, “Is aura enough to push you past the Sweet 16? Is the way you made me feel watching you play football enough to get you beyond the first round?”
It’s this clash between tangible accomplishments and emotional resonance that makes these discussions so captivating. The podcast hosts wrestled with how to balance factors that go beyond just stats and awards.
The idea of aura isn’t limited to a select few players.
When talking about Orlando Pace, Gillis highlighted how extraordinary it is for an offensive lineman to capture the fans’ imagination.
“Do you realize how good you have to be to have aura as an offensive lineman? People still remember Orlando Pace as one of their favorite Buckeyes,” Gillis remarked.
Here’s this week’s podcast:
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