ESPN REPORT: JD Vance drops piece of Ohio State’s CFP championship trophy during White House visit after it splits in his hands
In an unexpected and viral moment, Vice President J.D. Vance accidentally dropped a piece of Ohio State’s College Football Playoff National Championship trophy during a White House ceremony honoring the team’s triumphant 2024 season. The trophy broke apart after reportedly splitting in Vance’s hands as he attempted to pass it off to star running back TreVeyon Henderson.
The mishap took place in the East Room of the White House during a celebratory event on April 14, where the Buckeyes were being recognized for their dominant 34-23 victory over Notre Dame in January. The win marked Ohio State’s first national title since 2014. Vance, a proud alumnus of the university and known Buckeyes supporter, had just lifted the gleaming championship trophy—crafted from gold, bronze, and stainless steel—when the base separated and fell to the floor with a loud clunk.
The 35-pound, 26.5-inch tall trophy had been presented to the team by the College Football Playoff organization. Designed and built by UAP Polich Tallix in New York, the trophy’s sleek design and delicate craftsmanship may have made it vulnerable to damage, especially when handled in a lively, celebratory setting.
Gasps filled the room as the base hit the ground. However, the mood quickly shifted to laughter, and Vance kept things light-hearted. The Vice President took to social media shortly after, joking that he broke the trophy “to make sure Michigan can’t touch it.” The comment drew both laughs and eye-rolls, particularly from the Michigan fans watching from afar.
TreVeyon Henderson and head coach Ryan Day were seen helping to reassemble the fallen piece, while staff members inspected the damage. Fortunately, no permanent harm was done, and the trophy was temporarily restored to its pedestal.
Social media erupted as videos of the moment quickly made their rounds. The clip of Vance fumbling the trophy became a trending topic within hours, sparking a flood of memes and jokes from sports fans nationwide. Many compared the moment to a classic football “fumble,” adding playful commentary to an already memorable ceremony.
President Donald Trump, who was also present for the celebration, commended the Buckeyes for their resilience throughout the season. He praised the team’s ability to bounce back after a tough loss to Michigan and push forward to win the national title. During his remarks, Vance also made a tongue-in-cheek comment about a guest wearing a University of Michigan hat, calling it a “dangerous weapon” and joking that the Secret Service should keep an eye out.
Despite the unexpected trophy drop, the visit to the White House remained a proud and unforgettable moment for Ohio State and its players. The incident only added to the charm of the day, creating a viral footnote to a season full of highlights, grit, and ultimately, glory.