Denny Hamlin has long been one of NASCAR’s most successful modern drivers, but if there’s one thing his critics love to point out, it’s his lack of a championship. Despite over 50 Cup Series wins and a knack for being in contention, the title has always eluded him. Fans have been quick to label him a “choke artist,” teasing him for falling short whenever the stakes were highest. But as the 2025 NASCAR season gears up, Hamlin’s championship drought has officially ended—just not in the way anyone expected and far from the race track, more on the football field.

The Ohio State Buckeyes put on a show in the 2025 College Football Playoff National Championship last night, beating Notre Dame 34-23 in a game that had everything: explosive offense, a valiant comeback attempt, and a bit of drama. It was their first national title since 2015 and the first champion crowned under the new 12-team playoff format. Senior quarterback Will Howard and junior running back Quinshon Judkins led the way, with Howard throwing for 231 yards and two touchdowns and Judkins rushing for 100 yards and three scores.

Notre Dame came out swinging, orchestrating a near 10-minute opening drive to score the game’s first touchdown. But Ohio State responded with three straight scoring drives in the second quarter, pulling ahead 31-7 by the third. While the Fighting Irish rallied late, cutting the deficit to eight points, a clutch third-and-11 catch by Buckeyes freshman Jeremiah Smith sealed the deal.

The win was historic for Ohio State, solidifying their place as a powerhouse in the NIL and transfer portal era. Players like Howard, a Kansas State transfer, and Judkins, a former Ole Miss standout, played pivotal roles. Add in Smith, a generational freshman talent, and you’ve got the recipe for a title-winning squad.

And then there was Denny Hamlin. The NASCAR star has become an unlikely face of Buckeye fandom, cheering the team on with all the enthusiasm of a lifelong supporter. Ahead of the big game, Hamlin took to social media to declare his allegiance, jokingly posting, “All aboard the @OhioStateFB bandwagon.” While it delighted Ohio State fans, Notre Dame supporters weren’t as amused. One user jabbed back, “Notre Dame by a million. Thank you for this. 1 podcast, 0 championships. Choke artist.”

Hamlin took the playful digs in stride, but his transformation into a Buckeye diehard has a backstory. “I never went to college, so no allegiance to any other schools,” he explained in a previous tweet. “I’ve got two friends who are absolute lunatic fanatics of OSU. Went to a game to watch them be fans, and I was wildly entertained. Friends ride with OSU, so I ride with them.”

Hamlin’s passion was on full display during the Buckeyes’ semifinal win over Texas. Cameras caught him celebrating in the stands as Ohio State punched their ticket to the championship.  He tweeted a video of him and his boys taking in the celebrations with a hilariously self-deprecating caption, “Finally a champ.”

It was clear he was all-in, and as the Buckeyes lifted the trophy, fans couldn’t resist giving Hamlin a share of the credit.

Fans crown Denny—Sort of

After the Buckeyes’ victory, social media lit up with reactions, and Hamlin’s name was everywhere. For a man who’s never won a NASCAR title, this was as close to a championship as he’d ever been—and fans weren’t about to let him forget it.

“Denny Hamlin 2025 cup champ confirmed,” one fan joked. Another added, “You’ve won more in the offseason than you did the entire playoffs. Still my favorite tho.” Hamlin’s playoff struggles have been well-documented, with his last Championship 4 appearance coming in 2021. In 2022, he famously lost a spot in the final to Ross Chastain’s now-iconic wall ride at Martinsville.

The ribbing didn’t stop there. “Congrats to the Buckeyes, Hamlin. I’m just happy Notre Dame didn’t win it,” wrote one commenter. Another added, “We got Denny champ before GTA 6.” And while some fans couldn’t resist taking digs at his NASCAR career, the overwhelming tone was one of camaraderie. Hamlin might not have been the one on the field, but his enthusiasm and loyalty earned him a small slice of the championship spotlight.

For Hamlin, it’s a fun distraction from the pressures of the upcoming NASCAR season. After three straight years of falling short in the playoffs, he’s determined to turn things around with his new crew chief, Chris Gayle. But for now, he can enjoy a rare moment of celebration, even if it’s in an unexpected arena.

Hamlin’s role as an honorary Buckeye champion is a fitting twist for a driver whose career has been defined by near-misses and what-ifs. It’s also a reminder that sports, at their core, are about connection—whether it’s with a team, a fanbase, or, in Hamlin’s case, a couple of Ohio State superfan friends.

As the NASCAR season approaches, Hamlin remains as determined as ever to finally win a title of his own. But for now, he’s happy to ride the wave of Ohio State’s success, shutting down the haters in his own unique way. After all, a championship win is a championship win—even if it’s by association.