The Ohio State has a long-standing relationship with the James family. While LeBron James did not play college basketball, later on, after becoming a star the Chosen One revealed that if he was to play NCAA basketball, he would have chosen Ohio State. The relationship deepened with James’ family when they came close to committing Bronny James last year before he opted for the USC Trojans in May last year. And now with their most recent partnership, the Ohio State might lure the youngest James- Bryce.

Whether Bryce James will choose Ohio State or go with some other program is yet to be seen. But the efforts of Jake Diebler-coached team need to be applauded.

Bryce James might commit to the Ohio State

As per the recent announcement by Chipotle’s company spokesperson on Thursday, all Ohio State student-athletes will get a customized card that will help them get free food per week for 15 weeks during the 2024-25 athletic season as part of a NIL deal. The company in order to collaborate with Ohio State has also released an ad featuring famous Buckeyes athletes namely TreVeyon Henderson, Denzel Burke, and Jeremiah Smith which has made the brand a favorite for the Buckeyes fans and athletes.

Thus, Bryce James who is in his high school and on the verge of committing to a college has now got another reason for choosing Ohio State. Bryce visited the program on an unofficial trip in October last year. He also attended a football game between Ohio State and Maryland. Considering his involvement in the program, he is expected to commit to Ohio State and choose it over programs like Duquesne Duke in the class of 2025.

Therefore, Ohio’s strategy to lure Bryce James with the deal somewhat reflects that the program was taken aback when two Ohio stars LeBron and Bronny did not commit to it. And now when Bryce is on the lookout for colleges, the Buckeyes would not want to end the saga on a disappointed note. However, it also somewhere reminds the fans of the confusion that followed when Bronny was choosing his program.

Ohio State had missed out on Bronny James

When Bronny was looking to select a college, many had speculated that he would be committing to Ohio State since it was home to him. Bronny, born in Ohio, would have brought a lot of crowds and also gotten much support from the program. But that was before Andy Enflied and his recruiting staff chimed in. However, that wasn’t the end of Bronny’s speculated association with Ohio.

Instead, when Bronny declared for the NBA draft in May and chose to leave the University of Southern California Trojans, many had the notion that it would be better for James Jr. to go with Ohio if he was to come back to the NCAA. But, he was drafted into the NBA.

Hence, after Ohio missed two James, it is a good time for them to get Bryce James. Hopefully, a deal with Chipotle will help to get him not only for the core hooping skills but also for business opportunities with the billion-dollar company.