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The bands were rolling as Grambling faced off against No. 1 Ohio State

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8 months ago

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Ohio State head coach Ryan Day and Grambling State Head Coach Mickey Joseph greet each other after a college football game on Saturday, September 6, 2025 at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. (Itoro N. Umontuen/Black Press USA)

COLUMBUS, Ohio — When the Grambling State Tigers traveled to Columbus to face the reigning, defending College Football Playoff National Champions, the Ohio State Buckeyes, everyone knew you could throw out the records. Attending this game was not about who would win, because the outcome was never in doubt. However, this game was about two things: the bands and each team’s spirit!

First and foremost, Ohio State’s Marching Band, nicknamed, “The Best Damn Band in the Land”, rolled out the red carpet for Grambling’s outfit, “The World Famed” Band! Ohio State’s band is known for precision, gravitas, Army-like structure and discipline. Ohio State’s band began as a military drill band in the 1870s. Their Ramp Entrance into Ohio Stadium has been done with very little change since 1928. As the current and alumni members of TBDBITL marched and did ‘Script Ohio’, the announced crowd of 100,624 patrons stuck around to see Grambling’s band perform.

Grambling’s ‘World Famed’ Band has performed in multiple Super Bowls, presidential inaugurations, and has a phenomenal reputation of its own. Saturday afternoon, Grambling brought soul, the flair, the party, and a wall of sound that made the fans – of all ages and colors – move their hips, bob their heads, and dance. 

Notably, Ohio State’s band learned Grambling’s fight song as a way to extend the olive branch of friendship. 

The spirit inside Ohio Stadium, which is also known as ‘The Shoe’, was congenial! While everyone respected Grambling’s historic contributions to college football and band culture, The Ohio State University rolled out the scarlet and grey carpet for Grambling. 

At the end of the game, TBDBITL invited Grambling’s band to perform post game, even though, it was unannounced. The members of Ohio State’s Marching Band really wanted to experience a fifth-quarter atmosphere. Grambling did not disappoint and were cheered as they marched out of Ohio Stadium.

As For The Game

The top-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes beat Grambling 70-0. Quarterback Julian Sayin completed 18-of-19 passes for 306 yards, and threw four touchdowns, all in the first half. Wide receiver Jeremiah Smith finished the day with five catches, 119 yards and two touchdowns. Notably, the Buckeyes rushed for 274 yards with Bo Jackson leading the way with 108 yards gained on nine carries and a touchdown. 

This is the second time Ohio State has played a member of the SWAC,  they played Florida A&M in 2013 at The Shoe. 

Grambling Head Coach Mickey Joseph caught a little flack for saying the bands would have a bigger ‘battle’ than the football teams would. During his postgame press conference, he did not back away from his sentiments. 

“I’m proud of the support staff, and I’m also proud of our band,” Joseph said. “Because y’all, some people took my comments out of context last week about what I said about the band. We’re going to give you everything we have. If you know me personally, you know what I told my boys, we were gonna fight. But this playing field’s not even at this level to college football right now. So they have a really good football team over there. I’m sure they’re going to be playing after January.”

Grambling’s next game is against Kentucky State this Saturday at Eddie G. Robinson Memorial Stadium. Kickoff is 7:00 PM Eastern on SWAC TV.

 

This was the first matchup between Ohio State and Grambling State.

  • Ohio Sate defensive coordninator, Matt Patricia, enters the field before a college football game between the Grambling State Tigers and the Ohio State Buckeyes on Saturday, September 6, 2025 at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. (Itoro N. Umontuen/Black Press USA)

  • Ohio State's Will Kacmarek, right, scores a touchdown during a college football game versus the Grambling State Tigers on Saturday, September 6, 2025 at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. (Itoro N. Umontuen/Black Press USA)

  • Ohio State's Will Kacmarek scores a touchdown during a college football game versus the Grambling State Tigers on Saturday, September 6, 2025 at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. (Itoro N. Umontuen/Black Press USA)

  • A general view of Ohio Stadium after Will Kacmarek scored a touchdown during a college football game versus the Grambling State Tigers on Saturday, September 6, 2025 at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. (Itoro N. Umontuen/Black Press USA)

  • Ohio State's Bryce West celebrates during a college football game versus the Grambling State Tigers on Saturday, September 6, 2025 at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. (Itoro N. Umontuen/Black Press USA)

  • Ohio State's Bryce West celebrates during a college football game versus the Grambling State Tigers on Saturday, September 6, 2025 at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. (Itoro N. Umontuen/Black Press USA)

  • Grambling State quarterback C'zavian Teasett, attempts a pass during a game against the Ohio State Buckeyes on Saturday, September 6, 2025 at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. (Itoro N. Umontuen/Black Press USA)

  • The American Flag is displayed before a college football game versus the Grambling State Tigers on Saturday, September 6, 2025 at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. (Itoro N. Umontuen/Black Press USA)

  • Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin enters the field during a college football game versus the Grambling State Tigers on Saturday, September 6, 2025 at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. (Itoro N. Umontuen/Black Press USA)

  • Ohio State's Will Kacmarek is tackled by Devin Williams and Tyrell Raby during a college football game versus the Grambling State Tigers on Saturday, September 6, 2025 at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. (Itoro N. Umontuen/Black Press USA)

  • Ohio State's Carnell Tate scores a touchdown during a college football game versus the Grambling State Tigers on Saturday, September 6, 2025 at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. (Itoro N. Umontuen/Black Press USA)

  • Ohio State's Carnell Tate scores a touchdown during a college football game versus the Grambling State Tigers on Saturday, September 6, 2025 at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. (Itoro N. Umontuen/Black Press USA)

  • Grambling State's Ty(Itoro N. Umontuen/Black Press USA)

  • The Ohio State Alumni Band perform in the stands during a college football game between the Grabling State Tigers and the Ohio State Buckeyes on Saturday, September 6, 2025 at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. (Itoro N. Umontuen/Black Press USA)

  • Ohio State's wide receiver Brandon Inniss runs the ball during a college football game versus the Grambling State Tigers on Saturday, September 6, 2025 at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. (Itoro N. Umontuen/Black Press USA)

  • Ohio State's Jeremiah Smith catches a touchdown pass during a college football game versus the Grambling State Tigers on Saturday, September 6, 2025 at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. (Itoro N. Umontuen/Black Press USA)

  • Ohio State running back James Peoples runs the ball during a college football game versus the Grambling State Tigers on Saturday, September 6, 2025 at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. (Itoro N. Umontuen/Black Press USA)

  • Ohio State running back James Peoples runs the ball during a college football game versus the Grambling State Tigers on Saturday, September 6, 2025 at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. (Itoro N. Umontuen/Black Press USA)

  • Ohio State running back James Peoples runs the ball during a college football game versus the Grambling State Tigers on Saturday, September 6, 2025 at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. (Itoro N. Umontuen/Black Press USA)

  • Grambling State's Tyrell raby intercepts a pass intended for Ohio State's Carnell Tate during a college football game on Saturday, September 6, 2025 at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. (Itoro N. Umontuen/Black Press USA)

  • Grambling State's Tyrell Raby intercepts a pass intended for Ohio State's Carnell Tate during a college football game on Saturday, September 6, 2025 at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. (Itoro N. Umontuen/Black Press USA)

  • (Itoro N. Umontuen/Black Press USA)

  • Grambling State quarterback C'zavian Teasett, attempts a pass during a college football game against the Ohio State Buckeyes on Saturday, September 6, 2025 at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. (Itoro N. Umontuen/Black Press USA)

  • Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin calls signals during a college football game versus the Grambling State Tigers on Saturday, September 6, 2025 at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. (Itoro N. Umontuen/Black Press USA)

  • Ohio State running back CJ Henderson Jr. runs the ball during a college football game versus the Grambling State Tigers on Saturday, September 6, 2025 at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. (Itoro N. Umontuen/Black Press USA)

  • Ohio State running back Bo Jackson scores a touchdown during a college football game versus the Grambling State Tigers on Saturday, September 6, 2025 at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. (Itoro N. Umontuen/Black Press USA)

  • Ohio State running back Bo Jackson scores a touchdown during a college football game versus the Grambling State Tigers on Saturday, September 6, 2025 at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. (Itoro N. Umontuen/Black Press USA)

  • Grambling State headd coach Mickey Joseph speaks to his team during a college football game against the Ohio State Buckeyes on Saturday, September 6, 2025 at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. (Itoro N. Umontuen/Black Press USA)(Itoro N. Umontuen/Black Press USA)

  • The Ohio State Marching Band, nicknamed, "The Best Damn Band in the Land," performs before a college football game between the Grambling State Tigers and the Ohio State Buckeyes on Saturday, September 6, 2025 at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. (Itoro N. Umontuen/Black Press USA)

  • Ohio State Head Coach Ryan Day leads his team to the field before a college football game between the Grambling State Tigers and the Ohio State Buckeyes on Saturday, September 6, 2025 at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. (Itoro N. Umontuen/Black Press USA)

  • Members of the Ohio State Buckeyes enter the field before a college football game between the Grambling State Tigers and the Ohio State Buckeyes on Saturday, September 6, 2025 at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. (Itoro N. Umontuen/Black Press USA)

  • Members of the Grambling State Tigers enter the field before a college football game versus the Ohio State Buckeyes on Saturday, September 6, 2025 at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. (Itoro N. Umontuen/Black Press USA)

  • Members of the Grambling State Tigers enter the field before a college football game versus the Ohio State Buckeyes on Saturday, September 6, 2025 at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. (Itoro N. Umontuen/Black Press USA)

  • A general view of Ohio Stadium before a college football game versus the Grambling State Tigers on Saturday, September 6, 2025 at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. (Itoro N. Umontuen/Black Press USA)

  • Ohio State's Jeremiah Smith runs the ball during a college football game versus the Grambling State Tigers on Saturday, September 6, 2025 at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. (Itoro N. Umontuen/Black Press USA) the ball during a college football game versus the Grambling State Tigers on Saturday, September 6, 2025 at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. (Itoro N. Umontuen/Black Press USA)

  • Ohio State's Jeremiah Smith runs the ball during a college football game versus the Grambling State Tigers on Saturday, September 6, 2025 at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. (Itoro N. Umontuen/Black Press USA)

  • Ohio State's Caleb Downs exits the field during a college football game versus the Grambling State Tigers on Saturday, September 6, 2025 at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. (Itoro N. Umontuen/Black Press USA)

  • B.J. Bell serves as the Voice of Grambling State’s World Famed Tiger Marching Band, poses for photographs during a college football game between the Grabling State Tigers and the Ohio State Buckeyes on Saturday, September 6, 2025 at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. (Itoro N. Umontuen/Black Press USA)

  • Ohio State defensive back Caleb Downs is congratulated by defensive backs coach Michael Hunter Jr., during a college football game versus the Grambling State Tigers on Saturday, September 6, 2025 at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. (Itoro N. Umontuen/Black Press USA)

  • (Itoro N. Umontuen/Black Press USA)

  • (Itoro N. Umontuen/Black Press USA)

  • (Itoro N. Umontuen/Black Press USA)

  • (Itoro N. Umontuen/Black Press USA)

  • (Itoro N. Umontuen/Black Press USA)

  • (Itoro N. Umontuen/Black Press USA)

  • Fans of The Ohio State University celebrate the World Famed Band's halftime show performance during a college football game on Saturday, September 6, 2025 at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. (Itoro N. Umontuen/Black Press USA)

  • Ohio State Drum Majors Brian Speckman and Joshua Ford, pose for photos with Grambling State's Drum Major during a college football game on Saturday, September 6, 2025 at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. (Itoro N. Umontuen/Black Press USA)(Itoro N. Umontuen/Black Press USA)

  • (Itoro N. Umontuen/Black Press USA)

  • Ohio State head coach Ryan Day and Grambling State Head Coach Mickey Joseph greet each other after a college football game on Saturday, September 6, 2025 at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. (Itoro N. Umontuen/Black Press USA)

  • Ohio State head coach Ryan Day and Grambling State Head Coach Mickey Joseph greet each other after a college football game on Saturday, September 6, 2025 at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. (Itoro N. Umontuen/Black Press USA)

  • Grambling State Head Coach Mickey Joseph directs his team after a college football game against the Ohio State Buckeyes on Saturday, September 6, 2025 at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. (Itoro N. Umontuen/Black Press USA)

  • Grambling State Head Coach Mickey Joseph directs his team after a college football game against the Ohio State Buckeyes on Saturday, September 6, 2025 at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. (Itoro N. Umontuen/Black Press USA)

  • Grambling State Head Coach Mickey Joseph directs his team after a college football game against the Ohio State Buckeyes on Saturday, September 6, 2025 at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. (Itoro N. Umontuen/Black Press USA)

  • Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin waits to get interviewed after a college football game versus the Grambling State Tigers on Saturday, September 6, 2025 at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. (Itoro N. Umontuen/Black Press USA)

  • Members of the Grambling State football team and coaching staff sing the alma mater after a college football game against the Ohio State Buckeyes on Saturday, September 6, 2025 at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. (Itoro N. Umontuen/Black Press USA)

  • A fan of the Grambling State football team appears after a football game against the Ohio State Buckeyes on Saturday, September 6, 2025 at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. (Itoro N. Umontuen/Black Press USA)

  • A fan of the Grambling State football team appears after a football game against the Ohio State Buckeyes on Saturday, September 6, 2025 at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. (Itoro N. Umontuen/Black Press USA)

  • Fans of the Ohio State Buckeyes appear after a college football game against the Grambling State Tigers on Saturday, September 6, 2025 at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. (Itoro N. Umontuen/Black Press USA)

  • A fan of the Grambling State football team appears after a football game against the Ohio State Buckeyes on Saturday, September 6, 2025 at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. (Itoro N. Umontuen/Black Press USA)

  • Sha'Cyla Allen, the 72nd Miss Grambling State University-Elect, appears after a college football game against the Ohio State Buckeyes on Saturday, September 6, 2025 at Ohio Stadium In Columbus, Ohio. (Itoro N. Umontuen/Black Press USA)

  • Sha'Cyla Allen, the 72nd Miss Grambling State University-Elect, appears after a college football game against the Ohio State Buckeyes on Saturday, September 6, 2025 at Ohio Stadium In Columbus, Ohio. (Itoro N. Umontuen/Black Press USA)

  • Members of Grambling State University's “World Famed” Marching Band march off the field after a college football game against the Ohio State Buckeyes on Saturday, September 6, 2025 at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. (Itoro N. Umontuen/Black Press USA)(Itoro N. Umontuen/Black Press USA)

  • Members of Grambling State University's “World Famed” Marching Band march off the field after a college football game against the Ohio State Buckeyes on Saturday, September 6, 2025 at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. (Itoro N. Umontuen/Black Press USA)(Itoro N. Umontuen/Black Press USA)

  • Members of the Ohio State Cheer Team sing "Carmen Ohio" before a college football game between the Grambling State Tigers and the Ohio State Buckeyes on Saturday, September 6, 2025 at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. (Itoro N. Umontuen/Black Press USA)

  • A general view of Ohio Stadium during a college football game between the Grambling State Tigers and the Ohio State Buckeyes on Saturday, September 6, 2025 at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. (Itoro N. Umontuen/Black Press USA)

  • Members of Grambling State University's “World Famed” Marching Band performs in the stands during a college football game against the Ohio State Buckeyes on Saturday, September 6, 2025 at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. (Itoro N. Umontuen/Black Press USA)(Itoro N. Umontuen/Black Press USA)

  • Grambling State quarterback C'zavian Teasett, attempts a pass during a college football game against the Ohio State Buckeyes on Saturday, September 6, 2025 at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. (Itoro N. Umontuen/Black Press USA)

Related Topics:

Itoro Umontuen serves as the National Sports and Entertainment Editor with Black Press USA. He is also a veteran photographer for 20 years, based in Atlanta for the past 15 years. His photography and videography style is a blend of portraiture and contemporary photojournalism. Previously, Umontuen served as the Managing Editor for The Atlanta Voice. While at the historic publication, Umontuen reported on local, statewide, and national politics. He also photographed thousands of sporting events, including Super Bowls and National Championships. He also engineers podcasts while mentoring emerging journalists. Umontuen is a native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana and is a proud graduate of Tennessee State University.

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