COLUMBUS, Ohio — As the Ohio State Buckeyes host the Iowa Hawkeyes on Saturday, one former Buckeye player has a vested interest in the opponent, with his son sporting black and yellow on the field. But Jim Lachey won’t be able to show it, because he’s also the local radio color analyst for the Buckeyes. 

Walking into the Lachey’s home, you wouldn’t know it was in Columbus with all the Hawkeye decorations.

The outside of the Lachey home sports some Hawkeyes decor. (Spectrum News 1/Katie Kapusta)

“I’ll always be a Buckeye fan," Jim said. "But I’ve certainly got a special place in my heart now for the Hawkeyes.”

That’s because Jim and Ann Lachey’s youngest son, Luke, is a tight end for the Iowa Hawkeyes. Of course, growing up in Columbus, he used to sport scarlet and gray.

“Baby Luke when they were all in their Buckeye gear," Jim said, pointing at a picture of his five children dressed in OSU gear as kids.

Luke and his four siblings dressed in OSU gear. (Spectrum News 1/Katie Kapusta)

What makes this homecoming so special is that Jim can see the game. He’s covered the Buckeyes for 26 years after 12 years in the NFL and playing at OSU. 

But covering every Bucks game makes it tough to get to his son’s. 

Jim and his broadcast crew before an OSU game. (Spectrum News 1/Katie Kapusta)

“We kind of knew it was going to happen with him going to Iowa and me doing my current job, it wasn’t going to be easy," Jim said. "We understand that, but we’re looking forward to seeing him. I know I am to see him play. It’s going to be a little different when your son’s on the opposing team after covering the Buckeyes for 26 years.”

Ann goes on the road every weekend to help make up for it, though she’s happy to have a quicker commute this weekend.

“Yeah, it’ll be nice!" Ann said. "Three miles to the stadium to watch him play, I’m really excited!”

Jim (left), his three daughters, Luke and Ann (right) at an Iowa game last season. (Ann Lachey)

Jim says that while he still has to work on Saturday ...

“I haven’t worked a day in my life," he said.

He still plans to see his son after the game and meet up with the 100 friends and family at a pre-game tailgate. During the game, while he will stay professional, he’ll let his excitement for his son shine through.

Jim Lachey's OSU jersey hangs next to his two sons' in his basement. (Spectrum News 1/Katie Kapusta)

“If he has a big play," Jim said. "I’ll be happy for him, it’s your kid out there.”

Luke had 28 college offers to play football and he got a gray shirt offer from OSU, meaning he would enroll on his own for the first semester before being put on scholarship. But Luke wanted to play right away, which is why he decided on Iowa.