NBA superstar LeBron James didn’t go to college, which means technically he does have eligibility to play college sports.
But James’ dream of playing for his beloved Ohio State Buckeyes, a team he openly supports and roots for, will have to wait.
At least according to Ohio State head coach Ryan Day.
After Ohio State Day, won the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff, Day appeared on “The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon” and was shown a post made by James from 2022 speculating if he could play college football.
“Do I have college eligibility if I went to play another sport besides basketball? How does that rule work,” James wrote.
Do I have college eligibility if I went to play another sport besides basketball? How does that rule work?
— LeBron James (@KingJames) September 24, 2022
James, who is a daunting physical presence no doubt could athletically handle playing football.
But Day informed James that playing for the Buckeyes is earned, not given.
Day told Fallon he’d be willing to let LeBron James join his football team, but the four-time NBA MVP would have to earn a spot just like everyone else.
Ryan Day on “recruiting” LeBron James at Ohio State:
“LeBron is a great supporter. With that said, he’d have to start with the freshman in the back of the room and work his way up. He doesn’t get any special treatment.” 😂😂 pic.twitter.com/E0DWdqLqCG
— The Silver Bulletin (@tSilverBulletin) January 28, 2025
To his credit, James accepted Day’s mandate.
I don’t mind it one bit Coach Day! Earned Not Given! 🙏🏾 https://t.co/ymM3bpcauc
— LeBron James (@KingJames) January 28, 2025
James has toyed with playing football at both the college and professional level in the past.
James was a standout wideout in high school at St. Vincent–St. Mary in Akron, Ohio.
He was even recruited by Ohio State, then coached by Jim Tressel, at the time.
More recently, James told Jason and Travis Kelce that he thought about playing in the NFL during the NBA’s lockout-shortened season.