The College Football Playoff (CFP) has provided its usual array of drama, electrifying performances, and unexpected storylines, and this year’s clash between Ohio State and Tennessee was no exception. While the game was notable for Ohio State’s dominant performance, which secured their spot in the next stage of the playoff, it was the behavior of a former Alabama star, now serving as a commentator for the game, that caught the attention of fans and analysts alike.
Ohio State’s triumph over Tennessee was filled with momentum shifts, critical plays, and moments that could shift the national championship race. The Buckeyes displayed a well-rounded effort on both offense and defense, overwhelming Tennessee’s high-powered offense with a relentless defensive front and precise offensive execution. For Ohio State, the win solidified their standing in the playoffs and demonstrated the strength of their roster, particularly their defensive line and standout quarterback play.
However, as Ohio State secured their 38-21 victory, it wasn’t just the game’s result that made headlines. The behavior of former Alabama star **Xavier McKinney**, who was seen on the sideline and on social media during the game, has left many questioning his role and actions, especially given his personal history and connection to the college football world.
Xavier McKinney, a former standout safety for the Alabama Crimson Tide, has been a key player in the NFL for the New York Giants. Known for his leadership on the field and his football IQ, McKinney was a pivotal part of Alabama’s defense during his college career. His connection to the Tide runs deep, having played under the tutelage of legendary head coach Nick Saban and contributing significantly to Alabama’s national championship run in 2020. However, it was his presence and actions during the CFP game between Ohio State and Tennessee that has stirred conversation in the football world.
While McKinney was not involved directly in the action on the field, he was present during the game, attending as a guest analyst for the broadcast. His role as an analyst for the game, as well as his occasional appearances on social media during the game, quickly became a point of controversy. McKinney, often seen showing visible excitement and vocal support for Ohio State throughout the game, was seen celebrating Buckeyes’ big plays and cheering loudly in the stands. His loud reactions, especially in critical moments of the game, raised eyebrows among fans who noted his connection to Alabama and its rivalry with Ohio State.
What made McKinney’s behavior particularly noteworthy was the timing and context of his enthusiasm. Ohio State and Alabama have been long-standing rivals in college football, especially in the CFP era, with both programs consistently fighting for national championships and top-tier recruits. McKinney, who had spent years in Alabama’s program, was seen as a player deeply tied to the Crimson Tide’s traditions and expectations. Seeing him openly cheer for Ohio State during a key playoff game—one in which Alabama fans were hoping for a different outcome—certainly didn’t sit well with many.
While it is not uncommon for former players to support teams outside their own, the intensity of McKinney’s reactions was surprising to many. His behavior didn’t sit well with some fans, especially those in the Alabama community, who felt his allegiance to his alma mater should have been more evident. Some fans took to social media to voice their disappointment, with many expressing that McKinney’s excitement for Ohio State felt like a betrayal, considering his history at Alabama.
In the face of mounting criticism, McKinney took to social media to explain his actions. “I’ve been a part of a lot of big games, and at the end of the day, I’m a fan of good football. Ohio State and Tennessee both put on a great performance tonight, and as an analyst, I want to support what’s exciting and what’s happening in the game. I have no ill will towards Alabama, but when I’m on the outside looking in, I’m looking for the best matchups and the best plays.”
McKinney’s response did little to quell the firestorm. While he reiterated that his role as an analyst is about appreciating the game of football, many continued to argue that a former Alabama player should be more neutral when it comes to rival programs. His explanations seemed to fall short for some fans, who expected a more balanced demeanor given his ties to the Tide.
McKinney’s actions during the Ohio State-Tennessee CFP game highlight a larger issue that many former players face when transitioning to careers in broadcasting or other post-playing roles. For many, it is difficult to separate themselves emotionally from the teams and programs that shaped their careers. While some fans appreciate the insights that former players like McKinney bring to the table, others are quick to scrutinize them when they show support for teams that may be rivals of their former programs.
At the same time, McKinney’s response shows the evolving nature of college football fandom and the complexities former players face. As the game becomes more of a national spectacle, with alumni and fans having deep emotional investments, former players must navigate their newfound roles carefully. McKinney’s actions serve as a reminder that personal allegiances and professional duties sometimes clash, and this can lead to mixed reactions from the public.
Xavier McKinney’s actions during Ohio State’s College Football Playoff win over Tennessee may have turned heads, but they also highlighted the passion and complexity that surrounds college football rivalries. Whether or not McKinney’s enthusiasm for Ohio State is viewed as a betrayal or simply as part of his role as an analyst, it’s clear that his actions sparked a conversation about the delicate balance former players must strike when moving on from their collegiate careers. As the playoff race intensifies, McKinney’s behavior might have been a small footnote in the grand scheme of things, but it certainly served as a reminder of the emotional connection fans and players alike have with college football.