Amidst Recent Appearance in One-Sided Minnesota Clash, How Is Bryce Harper Connected to Ohio?

MLB world’s beloved Las Vegas-born Bryce Harper is an Ohio State Buckeyes fan. How does someone who dedicates his life to the city of Philadelphia join the Ohio fandom? Well, in a recent appearance at the Buckeyes vs. Minnesota Golden Gophers match, the 31-year-old Harper shed light on some hows and whats. 

The Philadelphia Phillies right-fielder is no less of a college soccer fan than he is a baseball fan. He usually watches the match with his wife Kayla Varner as a passionate follower of the sport. One might wonder how this is all coming together. 

How is Bryce Harper Related to Ohio?

Among the lesser-known facts, there’s one which is that Kayla was an Ohio State soccer player. That’s how Harper got interested in the university. Harper appeared on the Big Ten Network pregame show while in Columbus for Saturday’s game against Minnesota. He shared, “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,”

The Phillies star went on to say that he might be a more ardent fan than his wife. He revealed that his wife is calm, in contrast to what one might assume from her passion for Ohio State football. Harper went on, “I’m the lunatic. I sit on the couch and go nuts. I love this team, I love the way they fight, I love the way they go about it.“

Harper’s Ohio State fandom dates back to the time he and Kayla tied the knot in 2016. He was actually the 2018 ‘College GameDay’ celebrity guest picker for the Michigan vs. Ohio State game. With the 2023 edition of the game coming up next week, maybe he can bring them some good fortune. 

Minnesota Fought A Lopsided Battle 

On Senior Day, Saturday, the No. 2 Ohio State Buckeyes host the Minnesota Golden Gophers in their final home game of the season. On Senior Day, they easily defeated their opponent 37–3. 

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In the history of the series, which dates back more than a century, the Buckeyes have a 46-7 record against the Golden Gophers. The Golden Gophers’ final victory occurred in Columbus, Ohio, on October 14, 2000. On home ground, Minnesota defeated Ohio State 29–17. Ohio State has since won all of its meetings with Minnesota dating back to 2001, including a 45-31 victory in Minneapolis. 

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