Though Ohio is not typically considered a sports powerhouse, the state is home to some of the most popular teams in the country. In fact, according to a recent study by Forbes, three of the top ten most popular sports teams in America are based in Ohio. So, let’s take a closer look at these beloved teams.
Cincinnati Bengals
Founded in 1967, the Cincinnati Bengals are a professional gridiron football team based in Cincinnati, Ohio. They play in the American Football Conference (AFC) Central Division. They were a divisional title winner in 2021. They have made nine playoff appearances.
The Bengals have won seven division championships and played in three Super Bowls. Their most recent Super Bowl appearance was in 1988. They lost to the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl XVI.
They have a tumultuous offseason. They signed a contract with iHeartMedia as a radio partner. Dave Shula was hired as their head coach in 1992. His record was mediocre. He didn’t win more than seven games in any season.
The Bengals’ logo changed in 1997, introducing an alternate orange jersey with black tiger stripes. They also started wearing white home uniforms. The tiger stripes were added to the shoulders and side panels.
Cleveland Cavaliers
Located in Ohio, the Cleveland Cavaliers are the state’s most popular sports team and are a favorite for Ohio sports betting. They are a National Basketball Association’s Eastern Conference Central Division member.
Cleveland Cavaliers won two NBA championships in 2014 and 2016 and qualified for the playoffs in four consecutive seasons. They have also won one of the top prizes in the NBA draft three times between 2010 and 2014.
Cleveland has had a long and successful sports history, with some of the nation’s best teams. The Ohio State Buckeyes, the Cincinnati Bengals, and the Cleveland Browns are just a few examples.
The Cavaliers started as a National Basketball Association expansion team in 1970. They first made an appearance in the playoffs in 1976. They had varying levels of success in the 1980s, 1990s, and early 2000s.
Dayton Flyers
Despite the Flyers’ 23-10 record and a sixth-place finish in the Atlantic 10 Conference, they haven’t made it to the NCAA tournament. However, that could change in 2022-23. The Flyers are on a six-game winless streak against non-conference teams. But they are a perennial power in attendance.
They also have a rich history of success in the National Invitation Tournament. They are one of the most decorated teams in tournament history. Despite a loss to Akron 69-85, they have seven of last season’s top eight scorers returning to the floor.
Last season, Dayton was the youngest team in Division I. This year, they are one of the oldest.
They are expected to have a great season and make a deep run in the NCAA tournament. But they may not be the unanimous choice.
Xavier Musketeers
Xavier is a member of the Big East Conference and plays NCAA Division I basketball. The team plays in front of an average of 10,071 fans per game at the Cintas Center. The Xavier athletics program is working towards a national championship.
In the season’s first four games, Xavier leads in both points scored and points allowed. In addition, the Musketeers are plus-48 on the boards. Their adjusted defensive efficiency ranks eighth nationally and is tops in the Big East Conference.
The Musketeers are shooting 25 percent from three-point range. The team’s five players average double-digit points. Three players average more than seven rebounds per game.
Xavier played tough defense against Ohio State. They contested every shot at the rim. The Buckeyes began the game shooting 1-for-10. Xavier outscored the Buckeyes 43-35.
Ohio State Buckeyes
Among the many popular sports teams in Ohio are the Cleveland Browns, Cincinnati Bengals, and Ohio State Buckeyes. Ohio has significantly impacted sports in the United States for more than 200 years. Ohio State is considered one of the premier football programs in the country. Ohio State is one of only seven universities to win an NCAA national championship in football.
Ohio State has won national championships in men’s gymnastics, men’s outdoor track & field, men’s rowing, and men’s swimming & diving. The school has also produced more than 200 athletes who have won Olympic medals.
Ohio State has also won national championships in men’s fencing. In men’s outdoor track & field, Ohio State is one of the only teams to win national championships in four events.
Conclusion
Ohio is home to some of the nation’s top teams in sports. From the Cleveland Cavaliers and Dayton Flyers to the Xavier Musketeers and Ohio State Buckeyes, there are plenty of great teams playing at a high level in Ohio. Whether it’s basketball, football, or any other sport, competitive teams from Ohio compete for championships. Ohio’s teams have had great success in the past, and they continue to build their legacy each year. Whether winning championships or simply providing entertainment for fans, Ohio is sure to be right at the top of the list for sports teams.
