BREAKING NEWS — Ohio State Athletic Director Ross Bjork has sparked widespread controversy after announcing the end of a deeply cherished football tradition with seemingly no clear rationale behind the decision.
According to university insiders and reporting from Fansided, one of the most surprising changes is that the iconic song “Hang On Sloopy” will no longer be played at the start of the fourth quarter—a ritual that has been a pillar of Buckeye game-day history for decades. Instead, the band will now perform it only “when needed,” a move fans are calling baffling and disrespectful to tradition.
What’s Changing Under “Tradition Evolved”?
This policy is part of a broader initiative called “Tradition Evolved,” a reimagining of game-day through new elements like:
- The Victory Bell ringing before kickoff (rather than after wins)
- The marching band’s relocation to the north stands
- Introduction of “THE Towel” giveaways and The Buckeye Leaf incentives for fan noise
- Curated gameday music has sections like “Hang On Sloopy” being used flexibly
Fan Backlash
The response from Buckeye Nation has been swift and vocal. Social media is filled with criticism:
“Ross Bjork is a horrible athletic director who has no understanding of the wants or desires of Ohio State athletes, fans, and the community…he’s an empty suit.”
Many fans feel the changes—especially the alteration of long-standing traditions—are unnecessary and out of touch.
Final Take
With no clear explanation for changing such an iconic tradition, fans are feeling disconnected from the direction the athletic department is heading. This isn’t just a tweak—it’s a symbolic shift in what it means to be a Buckeye on game day.
