Former Ohio State Coach Urban Meyer Takes Aim at ‘Idiots on Social Media’ After Buckeyes Win National Title
When Urban Meyer, the former head coach of the Ohio State Buckeyes football team, led the program to national championships in 2014, he cemented his legacy as one of the most successful coaches in college football history. Meyer, who served as Ohio State’s head coach from 2012 to 2018, is well-remembered for his leadership, discipline, and ability to guide his teams to the highest levels of competition. As the Buckeyes recently celebrated their 2024 national title victory, Meyer has resurfaced in the headlines, taking aim at what he calls “idiots on social media” who, according to him, attempt to discredit the achievements of his former program.
Meyer’s outburst comes in response to the constant online criticism and negativity that often surrounds top-tier programs like Ohio State, particularly when they fall short of achieving their ultimate goal. This criticism, which has become a constant fixture in the age of social media, often undermines the immense efforts made by coaches and players throughout an entire season, especially when a program has secured a national title. Meyer, no stranger to public scrutiny, is now speaking out, defending the honor of Ohio State and the incredible feat of winning a national championship in one of the most competitive landscapes in college football.
Urban Meyer’s Historic Run at Ohio State
Urban Meyer’s tenure at Ohio State remains one of the most successful in the school’s storied history. Taking over the program in 2012, Meyer quickly established himself as a force to be reckoned with, leading the Buckeyes to an undefeated regular season in 2012. However, it was in 2014 that Meyer truly etched his name into Buckeye lore, delivering a national title to Ohio State in dramatic fashion.
In his third season at the helm, Meyer’s Buckeyes, led by quarterback Cardale Jones, running back Ezekiel Elliott, and a ferocious defense, completed an improbable championship run. Despite losing starting quarterback Braxton Miller to injury before the season and having to rely on backup quarterbacks in J.T. Barrett and Jones, Meyer orchestrated a remarkable postseason performance. The Buckeyes triumphed in the inaugural College Football Playoff, defeating Alabama in the Sugar Bowl and Oregon in the national championship game, giving Ohio State their eighth national title in program history.
That victory, perhaps Meyer’s crowning achievement, was the result of meticulous preparation, incredible depth, and a relentless team mentality. Meyer’s leadership and ability to adapt to unforeseen circumstances made him one of the most respected coaches in college football. His success at Ohio State not only cemented his status as a coaching legend but also set the bar for future programs vying for national titles.
The Rise of Social Media Criticism
Fast forward to 2025, and Meyer’s former program, Ohio State, has once again reached the pinnacle of college football, securing another national title after an undefeated season. While the Buckeyes’ victory was celebrated by thousands of loyal fans and college football pundits, it did not come without its detractors—particularly on social media.
Social media has become a powerful tool in the world of sports, with fans, pundits, and analysts offering instant opinions and commentary. While this has brought a new level of engagement and excitement for college football fans, it has also led to a culture of constant negativity, criticism, and “hot takes.” The scrutiny that programs like Ohio State face online often feels disproportionate to their success, as fans and commentators pick apart every play, every decision, and every win or loss.
For example, after Ohio State’s national championship victory, there were immediate online discussions about the team’s performance in the playoff and their path to the title. Critics argued that the Buckeyes’ road to the championship wasn’t as difficult as some of the other teams in the tournament. Social media users took aim at Ohio State’s schedule, performance in the playoff, and even specific players, despite the team’s dominant run to the championship.
These kinds of online comments and criticisms are nothing new in the world of sports, and they often come from those who, for one reason or another, refuse to acknowledge the accomplishments of teams that succeed at the highest levels. Meyer, a coach who has experienced his share of criticism over the years, is particularly frustrated with what he perceives as the ungratefulness and lack of understanding displayed by some members of the social media community.
Meyer’s Response: Defending Ohio State’s Success
In a recent interview, Meyer addressed the “idiots on social media” who continue to downplay Ohio State’s accomplishments, saying that “these people who are hiding behind keyboards, they don’t understand what it takes to win at the highest level.” He pointed to the hard work and dedication of the Buckeye players and coaching staff, emphasizing that winning a national championship in college football requires more than just talent. It requires preparation, sacrifice, and resilience.
“It’s easy for people to sit behind a screen and criticize, but they don’t see the blood, sweat, and tears that go into winning,” Meyer said. “These players, coaches, and staff put everything they have into this. They don’t just show up and win. They work relentlessly, day in and day out, to put themselves in a position to succeed.”
Meyer’s comments resonate with anyone who has followed college football closely. The sport, particularly at elite programs like Ohio State, is grueling. The season is long, the competition is fierce, and the pressure to perform is immense. To win a national title requires a perfect storm of talent, execution, and sometimes even a bit of luck. In Meyer’s eyes, the critics who fail to acknowledge this are only adding to the negative culture that plagues sports commentary in the modern age.
The former Ohio State coach also expressed frustration with the way in which social media platforms allow anonymous accounts to thrive. “These people don’t have to put their name on anything. They can say whatever they want without any accountability,” Meyer said. “It’s easy to talk down to someone when you’re hiding behind a screen, but if you put in the work and had to deal with the pressure of coaching or playing at that level, you might have a different perspective.”
Meyer’s frustration isn’t just with random social media users. He’s also taking aim at so-called “experts” who fail to recognize the significance of Ohio State’s achievements. He pointed to the fact that some so-called analysts criticized the Buckeyes for not dominating their playoff opponents in the same way that other teams might have. Meyer argued that those criticisms ignore the complexities of the sport, where matchups, momentum, and the dynamics of individual games often play a much larger role than many realize.
The Impact of Social Media on College Football
Meyer’s comments raise important questions about the role social media plays in shaping public perception of college football programs and coaches. While social media has certainly democratized sports commentary and allowed fans to engage in real-time discussions, it has also created an environment where negativity and hyperbole often take center stage. It’s easy to find countless posts decrying a team’s performance, questioning a coach’s decision-making, or blaming players for individual mistakes. The constant flow of commentary can sometimes overshadow the accomplishments of teams that deserve recognition.
This culture has become particularly evident at programs like Ohio State, where the expectations are sky-high, and every win is scrutinized in excruciating detail. For fans of these elite programs, the pressure can feel overwhelming. Coaches like Meyer understand this better than anyone, as they have lived through the highs and lows of coaching at the highest level.
However, despite the criticism, Ohio State’s 2024 national championship remains an undeniable achievement. The Buckeyes were the last team standing in a field of 130 schools, all of whom were vying for the same goal: a national title. To downplay that accomplishment, as many critics on social media tend to do, is to overlook the hard work and talent that went into earning that championship.
The Legacy of Urban Meyer at Ohio State
While Meyer may have stepped away from coaching at Ohio State, his legacy as one of the program’s all-time greats is secure. His leadership in helping to build the Buckeyes into a national powerhouse is undeniable, and his impact on the players, staff, and fans will be felt for years to come. As Ohio State continues to win championships and set new records, Meyer’s influence will remain a guiding force behind the program’s success.
His words on social media serve as a reminder that success in college football—just like in life—should be celebrated and appreciated, not downplayed or criticized by those who have no understanding of the effort that goes into achieving greatness.
As Ohio State continues to build on their success, Meyer’s call to stand up to the “idiots on social media” is a timely one, reminding us all that behind every national title is a story of sacrifice, teamwork, and resilience—a story that deserves to be told and respected.
