Dwayne Haskins starts for Ohio State, and Tua Tagovailoa starts for Alabama.
Both quarterbacks are big names on undefeated college football teams. Both emerged out of unlikely spotlights, Haskins as the Buckeyes’ leader in an upset of Michigan and Tagovailoa as Jalen Hurts’ second-half replacement in the Crimson Tide’s 2018 national championship game win. Both captain nationally-heralded contenders, Haskins’ team ranked No. 3 in the nation and Tagovailoa’s team above all others. Both are surefire NFL prospects. Both are guaranteed Heisman Trophy candidates with gaudy numbers, Haskins with 25 touchdowns in six games and Tagovailoa with 18 scores and zero interceptions.
Even bigger than all their football accomplishments, though, both are invested in their faith.
As Eleven Warriors noted this week, Haskins recently opened up on the dueling Heisman candidates’ friendship, and he made it clear that a mutual trust in God is what helps drive their bond.
“We sent each other scriptures before the game on Saturday,” he said. “Just send out blessings to each other.”
It’s not the first time either quarterback has spoken publicly about faith. Haskins has credited his transition to college ball to God having “His hands on me,” and Tagovailoa used his platform as a national champion to give glory to his “Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” after helping the Crimson Tide to victory in January. The latter has shared repeatedly how his faith drove him to Alabama and how his relationship with God impacts his life.
The two signal-callers won’t play each other during the 2018 regular season but could meet in a bowl game. Haskins and the Buckeyes play Minnesota on Saturday, while Tagovailoa is expected to play through a knee sprain when Alabama hosts Missouri the same day.
RELATED STORIES:
– Tim Tebow says departure from NFL was a ‘come-to-Jesus moment’
– On this date: Tim Tebow delivers emotional ‘promise’ speech
– Michigan middle school teen boldly proclaims Christ through football
