It’s been seven years since Baker Mayfield planted a flag at the center of Ohio Stadium, yet the controversial moment continues to live rent-free in the minds of Ohio State fans. What was once a bold act of defiance has now become a symbol of unforgettable tension that still echoes across the football landscape.
Back in 2017, Mayfield, the Oklahoma quarterback, led his team to a stunning 31-16 victory over the Buckeyes in Columbus. The game was a defining moment for both the Sooners and Mayfield, as they not only triumphed in a hostile environment but also made a powerful statement about their national title ambitions. The moment of disrespect that followed, however, would leave an indelible mark on Ohio State fans: Mayfield, in an act of celebration, planted an Oklahoma flag at midfield of Ohio Stadium.
To many, it was a symbolic middle finger to one of college football’s most storied programs. The act quickly spiraled into a media frenzy, with Ohio State fans fuming over what they saw as an affront to their pride and tradition. For Mayfield, it was an unapologetic statement of dominance. For Ohio State, it was an unforgivable slight.
Despite the years that have passed, that moment has never quite been erased from Ohio State’s memory. Every mention of Mayfield’s name in Columbus is accompanied by memories of that flag. Even now, as Mayfield’s career has taken him from the NFL to numerous teams and challenges, Ohio State fans are quick to recall the game that still stings. It’s a reminder that in the world of college football, respect is earned and not easily forgotten.
In the end, Mayfield’s boldness in 2017 may have solidified his place in college football history, but it also cemented his role as a figure of division. Seven years later, the flag is still planted firmly in the minds of Ohio State fans, a lasting reminder of a clash that is far from over. The flag may have come down that day, but its impact is still felt every time those two teams meet.
