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National Anthem Performance Before Texas–Ohio State Game Draws Attention

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Cole Sullivan | Last updated Aug 30, 2025 1:48 PM ET

There isn’t a spectacle quite like Ohio Stadium in Columbus when it’s filled to the brim with raucous college football fans. On Saturday afternoon, plenty of burnt orange mixed in with the scarlet and gray as the No. 1 Texas Longhorns faced the No. 3 Ohio State Buckeyes.

It marked Ohio State’s first game back in Columbus since defeating Tennessee in the opening round of the College Football Playoff and ultimately dominating their way to a national championship.

Before kickoff, though, the Buckeyes set the stage on their home field with their iconic band performing a stirring rendition of the “Star-Spangled Banner,” captivating a crowd of more than 100,000 fans.

Check it out:

Ohio State Marching Band Performs National Anthem including Flyover pic.twitter.com/2pYZ5CPGIZ
— Jαƈƙʂσɳ Tҽҽɳ (@teen_jackson) August 30, 2025

The national anthem performance drew mixed reactions, with some fans enjoying the rendition while others felt a few notes may have been missed.

"As someone who played the trumpet, that was the worst instrumental version of the national anthem I've ever heard by Ohio State's band. They had the wrong instruments playing the melody, it didn't mesh at all," a fan said.

"This Ohio State band doing the national anthem is getting me emotional," someone else added.

Another person wrote, "Wow ESPN plays the Ohio State marching band playing the National Anthem !! Great Fly over!, RTR."

One more fan commented, "Couple missed notes from that ohio state band on the national anthem. Just saying."

Following the national anthem performance, the band remained on the field to honor the legendary Lee Corso, who officially retired from the "College GameDay" crew today after a remarkable 38-year tenure.

The marching band—considered one of the best in the country—spelled out “Corso” at midfield, directly behind the "College GameDay" set. It was there that Corso made his 431st and final headgear pick, choosing Ohio State and ending his run exactly where it began: with Brutus the Buckeye on his head.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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