Vivek Ramaswamy ripped for wearing ‘knockoff’ Ohio State jersey to home opener

Ohio governor hopeful Vivek Ramaswamy was mocked online after attending Ohio State’s home opener in what commenters described as a “knockoff” jersey. The Trump-endorsed Republican nominee watched Saturday’s game against Ball State in Columbus and later posted photos of himself gladhanding fans in the crowd. Let’s go Bucks,” he wrote on X.

The post quickly went viral, drawing 3 million views and hundreds of comments. College football fans homed in on Ramaswamy’s black jersey — which featured the Ohio State logo and the number 1 — noting it did not match the team’s official red jerseys with striped sleeves. According to critics, Ramaswamy’s outfit resembled a “Temu knockoff,” the “generic CVS” version, and something “fresh off the rack at Walmart.” One even said that the clothing choice could impact his decision at the ballot box, writing: “I can’t vote for you with that jersey on I’m sorry man.” The Independent has contacted Ramaswamy’s campaign for comment.

The backlash appeared to hinge less on fashion than on optics: the gubernatorial candidate has a massive fortune and could easily afford an authentic jersey – or hundreds. Ramaswamy, an Ohio native, Harvard graduate and founder of a drug development company, has an estimated net worth of $3 billion, according to Forbes. That seems fitting.” Others sought to paint Ramaswamy — who won the GOP primary in May — as an out-of-touch member of the coastal elite, noting that he appeared to have attended the U.S.

Open in New York City the previous day. Amy Acton, the Democratic nominee for Ohio governor, slammed her opponent for attending the tennis tournament in a Saturday social media post. Open in VIP seating with his billionaire friends,” she wrote on X.

Still other commenters seized on a viral 2024 post by Ramaswamy in which he wrote that American culture venerates “mediocrity” over excellence. Ladies and gentlemen,” wrote another. Ramaswamy will face off against Acton on November 3.

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