Can Anything Good Come Out of Ohio State?
A Humorous Review of the New Docuseries “Redemption” (from a Michigan Fan Who Promises to Behave… Mostly)
By a Lifelong Michigan Wolverine—Go Blue! (Richard)
When I first heard that Director Doug Joseph’s new football-faith film series Redemption was dropping on Prime Video this past Sunday, October 16, my immediate response was—well—biblical:
“Can anything good come out of… Ohio State?”
(A loose Michigan translation of John 1:46.)
Let’s be honest. For a Michigan fan, watching an inspirational documentary about Ohio State football feels a bit like being asked to cheer for your neighbor’s dog after it buries things in your yard for 20 years. Noble? Maybe. Natural? Not at all.
But I watched it. And, friends… dare I say… it’s actually good.
Yes, I’m checking myself for a fever.
A Revival in Columbus? Who Knew?
The series follows the Buckeyes’ 2024 season—faith, brotherhood, adversity, leadership, and yes, football. Lots of football. It explores how a group of young athletes were galvanized by a spiritual spark that turned into its own kind of revival movement.
Now, I know what you’re thinking:
“Revival? In Columbus? Isn’t that something Michigan usually brings down from Ann Arbor?”
But this documentary really does show something meaningful happening. Real stories. Real growth. Real young men figuring out life, purpose, character, and how to trust God—even in the shadow of The Horseshoe.
Michigan Fan Confession #1
The cinematography is beautiful.
I wanted to criticize it. I really did. But the shots are crisp, the storytelling moves, and the music does what music should do in a sports documentary—it makes you feel like lacing up cleats even if you haven’t run since the Clinton administration.
Michigan Fan Confession #2
The players’ testimonies are powerful.
There are young men in scarlet and gray talking about faith, perseverance, humility, second chances, personal struggles—and it’s honestly moving. These aren’t clichés; they’re honest and vulnerable. You’ll walk away rooting for them as human beings… even if not on November 30th.
Michigan Fan Confession #3
You don’t have to be an Ohio State fan to enjoy it.
If you love:
- sports stories
- redemption stories
- testimonies of faith
- underdog perseverance
- documentaries where people actually grow and change
…this series delivers.
Think of it like this: you can enjoy The Ten Commandments without wanting to wander in the desert. Watching Redemption doesn’t require converting to Buckeye Nation.
A Michigan-Friendly Way to Watch
If you’re worried about feeling unfaithful to Ann Arbor, here are some helpful guidelines:
- Watch with a Michigan blanket on your lap.
- Keep a Michigan mug nearby with coffee, tea, or something stronger—no judgment.
- Whenever Ohio State scores in an old highlight clip, just say, “It doesn’t count.”
- If anyone walks into the room, immediately say:
“I’m doing research. FOR MINISTRY.”
So… Can Anything Good Come Out of Ohio State?
Surprisingly… yes.
At least this once.
(Write this date down—it may never happen again.)
Redemption is well-made, meaningful, and inspiring—an unexpectedly worthwhile watch even for the maize-and-blue faithful. And in an age where positive, faith-forward storytelling is rare, it’s good to celebrate it wherever it appears… even, apparently, in Columbus.
But don’t worry—this doesn’t change the rivalry.
I’m still praying Michigan wins this year.
Just… maybe with a little more grace toward the Buckeyes.
Go Blue.
P.S. I was told about this Film Project by a lifelong friend, an MSU Grad.
Here’s the trailer:
