COLUMBUS, Ohio — For the Ohio State Buckeyes, picking up a big conference win against Nebraska is a solid start to the season. But just to get to this point is a victory — not only for the players, but for the parents as well.

When the Buckeyes ran onto the field, the players’ parents let out a sigh of relief and cheers of joy.

What You Need To Know

  • OSU’s Football Parents fought alongside their sons and coaches to make the Big Ten reconsider suspending the fall season

  • The group views the season opener as a sign of relief and a victory

  • Parents said they are excited for the chance to see their sons make a run for a championship

  • Ohio State defeated Nebraska 51-17

Randy Wade is the father of star cornerback Shaun Wade, who declared for the draft when the season was suspended. But Randy, along with many OSU parents, would not stop fighting for the chance to see his son play this year. He said the parents view their push to make the season possible as a big win.

“It feels great,” Randy said. “No one could have said a couple months ago this was gonna happen. We just fought as parents, they fought behind the scenes — the coaches, the ADs, and it’s so exciting that we got a chance to win a National Championship this year.”

Last year, the Buckeyes were so close to making it to the title game. In fact, they were just one play away.

Josh Myers’ father Brad Myers said his son wanted the chance to avenge the team’s loss to Clemson, and now they have the chance to at least give it a shot.

“I think there was a super bitter taste in their mouth, I know there was in Josh’s, and I think the entire team,” Brad said. “So, to have an opportunity to fulfill those dreams, is huge.”

Guard Wyatt Davis declared for the draft when the season was uncertain but returned when the Big Ten Conference amended its decision. Davis said he is thankful for another chance to play with his brothers.

“A couple months ago, it really seemed like this wasn’t going to happen,” Davis said. “I’m just grateful that I was able to get reinstated and that we were able to get the ball rolling with the Big Ten. Just really thankful for the opportunity and everyone behind it."

Randy Wade said they can’t wait to see what the season holds, but at the end of the day, he’s grateful that the Big Ten commissioner reconsidered.

“Biggest thing I wanna say is thank you to Kevin Warren,” he said. “Because at the end of the day, he said it wouldn’t be revisited. A lot of people talk bad about Kevin Warren. I understand what he was doing and his concepts of voting and all that stuff. But I really appreciate him allowing us to play safe. I really appreciate that.”