Bryce Harper talks to Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK

Bryce Harper was born in Las Vegas and plays professionally in Philadelphia, yet he supports the Ohio State Buckeyes. As it turns out, he has a good reason, and it is not that he is a bandwagon fan.

Harper was in Columbus for Saturday’s game against Minnesota and made an appearance on the Big Ten Network pregame show. His wife Kayla played soccer at Ohio State, and that is how Harper himself became a fan of the school.

“She’s the real Buckeye. I’m just kind of honorary. But I love this team, I love this university, and I’m all about it,” Harper said.

The Phillies star underscored how outwardly vocal he gets during games.

“I’m the lunatic. I sit on the couch and I go nuts,” Harper admitted. “But I love this team. I love the way they fight. I love the way they go about it.”

Harper and his wife have been married since 2016, so his Ohio State fandom goes back at least that far. In fact, he was the “College GameDay” celebrity guest picker for the Michigan-Ohio State game back in 2018. Perhaps he can bring them some good luck with the 2023 edition of the game looming next week.

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Jalen Brunson shakes off injury to lift Knicks to Game 2 win
Panthers dominate Bruins to even series
Watch: Pacers star ties playoff high in threes in one half
Former NFL player has major warning for Steelers QB Justin Fields: 'You can't fall into this'
Watch: Brad Marchand hurdle Panthers player on Charlie Coyle goal
Pressure mounts on Nuggets as Nikola Jokic wins third MVP Award
Pirates announce date for 2023 No. 1 overall pick's MLB debut
LeBron James rues 'missed opportunities' against Nuggets
Cardinals star gives update on timeline for injury rehab
Police investigating Patrick Beverley incident
J.J. Watt addresses possibly ending retirement to play for Texans
Inter Miami's Lionel Messi could surpass two major MLS records
Reporter weighs in on potential Giants quarterback controversy
Cowboys to release veteran WR
Lakers want Anthony Davis' opinion in search for next head coach
Patriots exec explains why team drafted two QBs in 2024 NFL Draft
Borussia Dortmund legend 'considering' move to MLS
NHL announces Ted Lindsay Award finalists
Mavericks' Luka Doncic lists Thunder swingman among best perimeter defenders in NBA
Cowboys reportedly meeting with recently released veteran WR

Want more Ohio State news?

Join the hundreds of thousands of fans who start their day with Yardbarker's Morning Bark, the best newsletter in sports.