Ohio State football will join Iowa’s Hawkeye Wave during their matchup at Kinnick Stadium on October 3, creating a unified moment for fans, players, and patients at the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital.
The Buckeyes, Hawkeyes, and everyone in attendance will turn to face the 14-story children’s hospital after the first quarter ends and wave to the children and families watching from their rooms. The wave has become one of college football’s most striking traditions since its debut in 2017, involving around 70,000 fans moving in unison to send a message of encouragement to the hospital’s patients.
The Hawkeye Wave originated from a simple Facebook post by Krista Young, a native of Anita, Iowa, who suggested that fans and players at Kinnick Stadium should pause each game to wave to the children in the hospital overlooking the field. Iowa Athletics and the hospital collaborated to bring the idea to life, and it first took place during a game against Wisconsin on September 2, 2017.
Ohio State first participated in the wave later that year on November 4, 2017, and will do so again during this year’s game, which kicks off at 3:30 p.m. Eastern Time. The tradition has grown to include the game’s Kid Captain, a current or former patient at the hospital who gets to choose a song played during the wave. This began in 2022, adding a musical element that deepens the connection between the stadium and the hospital.
The Hawkeye Wave is a moment when the usual intensity of a Big Ten football game pauses for a collective gesture that reaches beyond the field. Fans and players alike turn their attention to the hospital, creating a visible sign of solidarity with young patients facing health challenges.
The tradition reflects a broader effort by Iowa Athletics to connect with its community and provide moments of joy and inspiration for children undergoing treatment. Each wave is a reminder of the people behind the scenes watching every play and cheering on their teams from hospital rooms.
Ohio State’s participation in the Hawkeye Wave highlights the respect and recognition the gesture has earned across college football. The Buckeyes’ involvement brings added attention to the tradition as they prepare to face Iowa at Kinnick Stadium on October 3.
This year’s event will once again bring thousands of fans together in a unique display of support, turning the stadium into a place where sport and compassion intersect. The wave comes after the first quarter, ensuring all eyes in the stadium and on the field are focused on the children who inspire it.
The Ohio State-Iowa game will be one of the few times the Buckeyes join in this tradition, reinforcing the impact of the Hawkeye Wave beyond Iowa’s home crowd and reminding fans everywhere of the power of simple, shared moments during sporting events.
According to Yahoo Sports.