When his family immigrated to the United States, one of his relatives fought for the Union Army in the Civil War. Once settled, his father’s family plotted out land that would be farmed for generations. Hinzman, a fifth-year student at The Ohio State University and member of the offensive line for the Buckeye football team, grew up on that same 300-acre farm.

“A dairy farm is an every day, twice a day, no breaks sort of thing,” he said. “It instilled in me a lot of values. I learned from my grandma and grandpa, who lived on a farm close by.”

As Hinzman puts it, farming isn’t a job; it’s a way of life – which made training for football the fun part of his day, no matter how challenging it was.

“Whenever we’re training, doing something really difficult, I’m like, ‘Man, this is fun,’” he said. “I don’t know if the guys understand that this is time when we’re allowed to go do something, hang out together.”

It is the values he learned from farming that have made Hinzman a success at Ohio State. He is currently working on his second bachelor’s degree and is a three-time university scholar-athlete, as well as a 2025 first-team All-American.

Now, he wants to help people with the same values give back to the communities that taught them. Hinzman founded the Grit & Grain Foundation with his father, Jon. The foundation will give kids from rural and blue-collar communities more opportunities to succeed, Hinzman said. 

“Through mentorship, athletics, education and service, we want to help young people build confidence, develop strong character and take pride in where they come from.

“I want people to hone in on their values, that work ethic that was instilled in you and let that take you to your next level,” he said. “It could be sports or something else, like engineering, that becomes your next great opportunity. You grow your own legacy and then come back to the community to pick up that teaching role.”

“Community is important to our players and to our team.,” said head football coach Ryan Day. “To see Carson take on this role of supporting the people and the industry that made him who he is today, I am very proud of him and his efforts.”

Ohio State football players are very visible to the public, and with that comes responsibility, Hinzman said,

“It’s only right for us to give back to the community. Those are the people that put us in this position and give us the opportunity to be Ohio State football players. They’re what makes Ohio State football great,” he said. “Without them, we’d just be a club team hitting pads.”

Having worked with his grandparents, Hinzman knows that older farmers often need help, either with immediate needs or longer-term goals.

“Those people that developed the community” deserve respect and support, he said.

“It’s important for the next generation to hear about farming because right now, people don’t think farming is the coolest thing to do,” he said. “It is hard work, it is demanding but it’s also one of the most rewarding things you can do, work the land.”

Hinzman is a fixture at the university’s annual Farm Science Review, where he emphasizes the significance of small farms. And he walks the walk, too. Hinzman has personally helped farmers clean up their land after storms. He brings his Buckeye teammates with him when he can.

“For the guys who grew up in the city, who grew up in the suburbs, this is a very different lifestyle,” he said. “For them to see that this is the backbone of America and how farmers support you, that’s important.”

And football players are made for lifting bales of hay, he added.

“We have a lot of big guys who can move a lot of weight, that’s for sure.”

The class of 2026 includes J.T. Barrett (football), Katie Borchers (women’s cross country/track & field), Diane Dixon (women’s track & field), Jincy Dunne (women's hockey), Danielle Meyer (women’s volleyball), Oyesade Olatoye (women’s track & field), Chris Sanders (football/men’s track & field), Nick Swisher (baseball) and Stan White (football).

The Ohio State Athletics Hall of Fame was created in 1977 and has inducted 510 athletes, coaches and administrators through 2025.

Details on the official ceremonies for the class of 2026 will be announced at a later date.

J.T. Barrett, Football, 2014-17

J.T. Barrett is one of the great quarterbacks and leaders in the history of Ohio State football. He led the team to two Big Ten championships (2014 and 2017). He started 44 games and set the school record with 38 victories, including starting four wins over Michigan. He set a total of 39 Ohio State (34) and Big Ten Conference (five) records, including some of the most prestigious for a quarterback: Big Ten records for career total offensive yards (12,697), touchdown passes (104) and touchdowns responsible for (147), and Ohio State records for career completion percentage (63.5), touchdown passes (104), passing yards (9,434) and quarterback rushing yards (3,263). His 43 touchdowns scored are fifth-most at Ohio State, trailing only Pete Johnson, Keith Byars, Eddie George and Ezekiel Elliott. A Top 10 vote-getter in the Heisman Trophy race twice, Barrett was responsible for 147 passing and rushing touchdowns to rank fourth in NCAA history in that category. He also ranked 17th in NCAA history in career rushing yards by a quarterback (and third among Big Ten quarterbacks) and he is one of two Division I quarterbacks to throw at least 100 touchdown passes and rush for at least 40.

Barrett graduated in December 2016 with a degree in communication.

Katie Borchers, Women’s Cross Country/Track & Field, 2012-15

Katie Borchers rewrote the track & field and cross country record books during her time at Ohio State.

Borchers is the only two-time cross country All-American in school history. She was an individual qualifier for the 2013 NCAA Championships and finished 40th. In 2014, Borchers led the Buckeyes to the program’s second team appearance in the NCAA Championships and finished 34th individually. She was twice selected as an All-Great Lakes Region honoree.

In track and field, Borchers earned a spot on the All-Big Ten First Team in 2013 and All-Big Ten Second Team in 2014. Upon graduation, she held seven records (indoor 800m, indoor 1000m, mile, outdoor 800m, outdoor 1500m, sprint medley relay and distance medley relay). She is a three-time Big Ten Champion in the 800m (2014 outdoor, 2015 indoor, 2015 outdoor).

The 2015 Big Ten Medal of Honor winner also excelled in the classroom and was a Big Ten Distinguished Scholar and a three-time Academic All-Big Ten honoree.

Diane Dixon, Women’s Track & Field, 1983

Diane Dixon was a trailblazer for the Ohio State women’s track & field program, setting the standards for excellence in 1983. She captured the 1983 NCAA Outdoor 440y Championship after winning the Big Ten 300m indoor championship earlier that same year. Dixon holds the program records in each of those events and also ran a leg on the Ohio State record 4x400y relay squad. She continues to hold the Jesse Owens Classic and Ohio Stadium records in the 200m and 400m.

Following her time at Ohio State, Dixon went on to earn a silver medal in the 4x400m relay and compete in the 400m at the 1988 Olympics. She served as an alternate for the 1984 Olympics.

Jincy Dunne, Women’s Hockey, 2017-20

Jincy Dunne is one of Buckeye hockey’s best blue liners and was a key contributor to the program’s rise to national prominence. A four-time captain, Dunne was a member of the program’s first NCAA Tournament and Frozen Four team. The two-time WCHA Defensive Player of the Year and four-time All-WCHA performer also helped the team to its first WCHA Final Faceoff Championship in program history in 2020.

Dunne became the first player in program history to be named a two-time First Team All-American and is the only Buckeye to earn All-America honors three times in her career. The 2020 Ohio State Athlete of the Year skated in 147 games for her career and finished with 99 points on 17 goals and 82 assists.

Dunne also became the second Buckeye women’s hockey player to represent the United States at the Olympic Games, helping the team to a silver medal finish in 2022. She is also a two-time IIHF Women’s World Championship silver medalist for Team USA. Dunne currently plays in the Professional Women’s Hockey League for the Minnesota Frost after being drafted to the league in its inaugural season in 2023.

Danielle Meyer, Women’s Volleyball, 2004-07

Danielle Meyer was a two-time AVCA All-American (2005, 2006) during her time at Ohio State. She was also named AVCA All-Region and an ASICS/Volleyball Magazine Honorable Mention All-American each of those two seasons.

The three-time All-Big Ten First Team selection (2005, 2006, 2007) led the Buckeyes to three NCAA Tournament appearances, including a regional final appearance in 2004. Meyer currently ranks fourth in program history in career kills (1,760) as one of just five Buckeyes in program history to surpass the 1,500-kill threshold. She continues to rank in the top 10 in program history in seven additional career categories, including third in points (2,131.5) and fourth in points per set (4.75).

Meyer also excelled in the classroom, earning a spot on the 2008 Academic All-American First Team and the 2006 Academic All-District IV Second Team.

Oyesade Olatoye, Women’s Track & Field, 2015-21

Oyesade Olatoye raised the standard for Ohio State throwers. The 2019 NCAA Weight Throw Champion tallied nine NCAA First Team All-America accolades and won seven Big Ten Championships during her time at Ohio State. In 2019, she was named USTFCCCA Great Lakes Field Athlete of the Year and Ohio State Female Athlete of the Year. Olatoye also carved out a spot on the Bowerman watch list in 2019. She was selected as the Big Ten honoree for the 2021 NCAA Woman of the Year and was a 2021 NCAA Today’s Top 10 nominee.

As she wrapped up her collegiate career, Olatoye held four program records – indoor shot put (58’8”), weight throw (80’3”), outdoor shot put (58’8”) and hammer throw (229’3”). She still holds the program records for the weight throw and hammer throw and ranks in the top five in program history in the discus throw (185’11”).

Olatoye excelled in the classroom as a six-time Ohio State Scholar Athlete, five-time Academic All-Big Ten selection and five-time Big Ten Distinguished Scholar. She received postgraduate scholarships from Wayne Duke, NCAA and Varsity O.

After competing for the United States in the 2016 IAAF World U20 Championships, she began representing Nigeria in 2019. Since then, Olatoye has secured six global medals and consistently ranks among the top hammer throw athletes worldwide. She is a 2024 Paris Olympian and currently holds a top 35 world ranking in hammer throw. Alongside her athletic pursuits, Olatoye is committed to becoming a physician, continuing her academic and professional journey.

Chris Sanders, Men’s Track & Field/Football, 1992-94

Chris Sanders was a dual-sport athlete at Ohio State, excelling at football and as a member of the track & field team. He earned Ohio State Male Athlete of the Year honors, across all sports, in 1994.

As a member of the football team, Sanders was a three-year starter at wide receiver, totaling 71 career receptions for 1,120 total yards, and helped lead the Buckeyes to a Big Ten title in 1993. As a senior in 1994, he had 35 receptions for 533 yards and a team-leading eight touchdown receptions.

In track & field, Sanders was one of the best long jumpers – and athletes – the program has ever seen. The three-time First Team All-Big Ten selection earned a spot on the USTFCCCA All-America First Team on 10 occasions in four different events (long jump, 200m, 4x100m relay, 4x400m relay). Sanders captured six Big Ten Championships – 1992 indoor long jump, 1992 outdoor long jump and 4x100m relay, 1993 outdoor 4x100m relay, and 1994 outdoor 200m and 4x100m relay. He ran a leg on the winning 4x100m relay at the 1993 Big Ten Championships that set an outdoor championship record (39.33). Sanders held the program record for the indoor long jump (26’9.75”) for 34 years, a record that was just broken this season. He also ranks fourth in the outdoor long jump (26’7”).

Nick Swisher, Baseball, 2000-02

Nick Swisher was the Big Ten Freshman of the Year in 2000 and earned First Team All-Big Ten honors in 2001 and 2002. Swisher helped the Buckeyes to a Big Ten Tournament title in 2002 and was named to the Big Ten All-Tournament Team in 2000. He remains in the top 10 in program history in career home runs (35), RBI (156) and walks (131).

Swisher was drafted by the Oakland Athletics in the first round of the 2002 MLB Draft. During his 11-year MLB career, he played for the A’s, Atlanta Braves, Cleveland Guardians, Chicago White Sox and New York Yankees. He won the 2009 World Series with the Yankees. Swisher now serves as a special adviser for the Yankees and works as a baseball broadcaster.

Stan White, Football, 1969-71

Stan White Sr. was a standout for the Ohio State football team in the late 1960s and early 1970s and also competed in baseball and men’s basketball during his time at the university.

White played football for Ohio State under legendary head coach Woody Hayes and was a three-year letterwinner for the Buckeyes from 1969-71. He received All-Big Ten honors in 1971, finishing the season with 100 total tackles, 4.0 tackles for loss, four pass breakups and a defensive touchdown. He also led the Buckeyes with 106 total tackles en route to winning the 1970 National Championship. When he finished his college career, he held the school records for both career tackles, tackles in a season and tackles in a game. He was selected by the Baltimore Colts in the 1972 NFL Draft and spent time with both the Colts (1972-79) and Detroit Lions (1980-82) and in the USFL. White went on to earn a law degree from the University of Baltimore and served as a television analyst for the Baltimore Ravens.

All Pro Dad is a program that strives to help fathers strengthen their family relationships. Participants have access to tips and ideas in daily emails, weekly podcasts, monthly meetings and a yearly All Pro Dad Experience. The annual event, held at multiple professional and NCAA football venues across the country, lets fathers, as well as other guardians, create memories with their children.

In March of this year, Gov. Mike DeWine and Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel announced the event, which was made possible through a partnership between All Pro Dad and the Ohio Department of Children & Youth.

Tressel spoke at the event, saying how happy he was to be back at Ohio State and how important the cause is to him.

“We always want to get all pro players, but what we really want to build is all pro dads,” Tressel said, quoting Tony Dungy, All Pro Dad’s founder.

“People ask all the time, ‘What was your greatest victory?’” Tressel said. “Your greatest victory is watching what your guys do later – what kind of dads they become, what kind of co-workers they become, what kind of citizens they become and what kind of spouses they become.”

Joining the lieutenant governor was Ohio State football head coach Ryan Day. When the Columbus date was announced, Day immediately agreed to host participating families at the WHAC and asked former and current Buckeyes to attend, Tressel said.

“… [W]hat he can do for the community is very important to him,” Tressel said. “… [W]hen he can carve out a minute to help someone, he’s always available.”

Day lost his own father when he was 9 years old. An army of people stepped up to support him, he said.

“I looked at it like an opportunity because I was able to choose the attributes [from] a bunch of men in my community that I wanted to emulate down the road,” he said. “Thank God for my grandfather and my uncles, my father-in-law and the coaches that I had – they stepped in. They were my father. And then from there I wanted to become a good dad for my son R.J., who’s here tonight, [and] for my daughters.”

Guy Bolon attended the event with his son, Devin, and his grandson, Archer. All three are Ohio State fans, even 3-year-old Archer.

“We watch every Saturday,” he said of the Buckeyes. “This has been interesting so far. I’ve enjoyed hearing the speakers.”

Ohio State cornerback Jermaine Mathews Jr. said he didn’t hesitate when Day asked him to attend.

“It’s like, ‘Where can I sign up?’” he said. “The kids will remember this for the rest of their lives. It’s a great opportunity to give back.”

Researchers found that higher-drafted players did not perform significantly better than lower-drafted ones, especially those chosen during the same round. 

These findings were revealed by analyzing NFL draft data over a 10-year period and comparing information such as player draft position, value chart rating and rookie salaries with real-life performance statistics from their first four years in the league. 

Results showed that predictors of player performance based on order of draft selection in early rounds had no relationship to actual performance and career length for players chosen in the 4th and 5th rounds. Researchers also saw a distinct advantage in player performance for teams trading down for draft picks compared to those trading up for draft picks, contrary to the way the NFL currently values draft positions. 

The NFL draft consists of seven rounds, with the team with the worst regular season record picking first and the Super Bowl winner picking last. While this method initially appears favorable, with prevailing wisdom suggesting that higher picks should be valued more than lower picks, these findings weaken that argument, said Dennis Shaffer, lead author of the study and a professor of psychology at The Ohio State University. 

“In a draft, it’s not like everybody agrees that player X is always number one, so you’re going to have teams coming at it from different perspectives and based on their own positional needs,” said Shaffer. “That kind of thing will always play a role in their choices.”

Shaffer’s research often investigates how intuitive beliefs govern our behavior. In this case, the work shows how subjective, and imperfect, NFL draft value predictions can be in the long term. 

The study was recently published in The Sport Journal.

Although previous studies have ventured down several avenues to determine what other characteristics may affect NFL draft value, none has been definitive – though some have emphasized that draft value matters little to the probability of a team making the playoffs. 

In this work, researchers used the Pro Football Reference site to gather data for every player drafted from 2011 to 2020. They then used the Pro Football Focus (PFF) site to gather overall season grades for each player across their first four years in the NFL, resulting in a sample of 2,544 drafted players across 10 years.  

Importantly, the study’s results don’t imply that draft position is completely irrelevant when it comes to picking good players. Instead, it indicates that the connection between these factors  is just weaker than people think, said Shaffer. 

“For what the NFL is currently doing, performance doesn’t bear out according to draft values or rookie contracts,” said Shaffer. “It doesn’t matter how you look at it in terms of valuation, in trade values or rookie salaries, which are greater for higher picks.”

Yet there is one silver lining, at least for individual players. Despite initial wage differences attached to a player’s draft position, someone drafted at the bottom of the second round will likely last as long as someone chosen in the top of the second round – meaning wages over the lifetime of a player’s career could rise to be the same as or better than their peers’ earnings. 

“At least right off the bat, while higher draft position equals a greater salary, draft position has little bearing on how much you earn over the course of your contract,” said Shaffer. “You could equal or exceed that of a higher-drafted peer because your performance is better over more time in the league.” 

Still, to improve the process as a whole, the study concludes that subtly altering the NFL’s grading system may provide a better framework to achieve greater long-term success for teams as well as inform better strategies on which prospective football players to draft. 

“Executives may want to start basing trade value charts on something other than previous trades made,” said Shaffer. “It’ll ensure their sports intuition better aligns with eventual outcomes.” 

Ryanne E. Shaffer, an incoming undergraduate student at Ohio State, co-authored the study. 

Researchers found that compared to people born in earlier decades, youths born in the 1990s spent more of their recreational time playing formal sports – coached by adults and wearing uniforms – than with friends and neighbors playing informal matchups organized by kids. 

“Overall, there’s been a pretty healthy mix across generations and among our respondents in playing both informal and formally organized sports, both in general and in the sport one played the most,” said Chris Knoester, lead author of the study and professor of sociology at The Ohio State University. 

“But the data clearly showed a shift toward playing more formal sports across generations. And we found evidence of socioeconomic status differences primarily emerging among those born in the 1990s: People who came from higher social class backgrounds and whose parents were college educated were more likely to play formal sports disproportionately.”

Knoester conducted the study with Chris Bjork, professor of education at Vassar College. The research was published online recently in the journal Leisure Sciences. 

Considering that private coaching and travel teams are widely seen as necessary to develop elite athletes, the researchers note there is some irony to this shift away from playing for the love of the game. Take Norway’s medal dominance in the 2026 Winter Olympics, attributed at least in part to a lifestyle that revolves around public participation. 

“If you keep people playing sports for longer, then you have a broader base. If you nurture informal activity where people grow to love it, and persist in it, over and beyond whatever formal training you get, then you end up flourishing, being more creative, and essentially developing a greater passion for the activities,” Knoester said. 

“Formal sports are supposed to be these rational ways of improving performance, but informal sports activities seem to be at least as important for success.” 

The study used survey data on 3,845 adults who participated in the National Sports and Society Survey (NSASS), sponsored by Ohio State’s Sports and Society Initiative. Those surveyed volunteered to participate through the American Population Panel, run by Ohio State’s Center for Human Resource Research. Participants between age 21 and 65, who came from all 50 states, answered the survey online between the fall of 2018 and spring of 2019. 

Knoester and Bjork focused the analysis on the extent to which respondents born in the 1950s through the 1990s reported playing backyard sports with friends versus organized sports with adults in charge, and whether social class and parent education levels influenced the patterns. 

These national survey results showing a shift from informal to formal sports offer the best historical evidence at the individual level of what people familiar with the youth sports landscape have been talking about for quite a while, Knoester said. The findings also line up with data from the Aspen Institute’s Project Play initiative, showing that in recent years, youths who are regularly playing sports are now spending less than 25% of their sports participation time in informal, versus formal, sports settings.

And why does it matter? There are costs and benefits to both approaches, the researchers say – and the presumed advantages for kids from wealthier families who have more access to organized sports may not result in elite athletic status despite the heavy investment.

Knoester and Bjork found in a separate study that parents are spending more time, resources and money on kids’ sports. Project Play estimates parents pay about $1,500 per year per child participating in sports, and Bjork has found from interviewing parents that they tend to underestimate investments in travel time and costs for gas, hotels and babysitters.

“A common argument people make in favor of commercialization and increased specialization is that kids have to commit at a really young age if they’re going to make it to elite levels and, for example, get selected for an Olympic team. But it is less clear that that’s actually going to produce the outcome that people think it will have,” said Bjork, who is co-author of the book “More Than Just a Game: How the Youth Sports Industry Is Changing the Way We Parent and What to Do About It.”

“There has been this steady increase not only in sports, but across all extracurricular activities, toward intensive parenting and parents taking a much more active role in managing their children’s sporting careers,” he said. “Related to that is this desire to provide their kids with an advantage over other kids as opposed to just letting them have fun and socialize with kids in the neighborhood.”

And therein lies part of the rub – the loss of life lessons learned from informal play and less time experiencing the pure enjoyment of an activity with friends, Knoester said.

“Informal sports typically, by definition, are more focused on and organized by children themselves. Consequently, they tend to emphasize fun and relationships to a greater extent. They generally offer more opportunities for children to make arrangements, to make decisions, to negotiate with one another and otherwise take ownership of the activities,” he said. 

“In contrast, formal sports tend to focus more upon listening to expert adults, working hard, being obedient, learning the so-called ‘right’ way to play, improving performance, developing elite skills and winning games.” 

One way to expand opportunity for kids without imposing so much performance pressure would be supporting local community-based organizations that have lost funding and participants over the years, Bjork said. 

“I’d also encourage parents to be cognizant of these trends and to think about their long-term goals for their kids and if a specialization path fits into those goals or not,” he said, “because a lot of parents are following what their neighbors are doing without considering what’s best for their own kids.”

The revenue is part of a new report filed with the NCAA and places the Buckeyes among the most successful and financially sound athletic departments in the country.

“As the collegiate athletics model continues to evolve, successfully navigating the financial landscape is a must and I am proud of everyone within our program who made last year a success,” Senior Vice President and Wolfe Foundation-Eugene Smith Endowed Athletics Director Ross Bjork said. “While there will be continued challenges to our economic model, we will strive to be best in class by continuing to innovate and stay aggressive in generating new revenue streams while also managing our expenses as soundly as possible. We are grateful for every Buckeye fan, donor, season ticket holder, and all students who support our program in numerous ways.”

Success on the field contributed to strong box-office attendance. Ticket sales, the largest single source of athletics revenue, totaled $81,650,892, an improvement over $58,788,651 in FY 2024, when there were only six home football games.

The Buckeyes played eight home games in FY 2025 and hosted a College Football Playoff game against Tennessee in the new playoff format, along with playing in CFP bowl games against Oregon, Texas and the national championship final. Ohio State defeated Notre Dame to win its 9th national title.

Ohio State athletics also received a record $68,284,273 in donor-funded contributions. The fundraising total from individuals, foundations and other supporters shows the depth and breadth of support for the Buckeyes and eclipsed the $52,525,557 raised the previous fiscal year.

Media rights fees, including television and radio, grew to $64,917,009, up from $52,794,280 in the same period last year.

Department expenses totaled $320,394,965 for the fiscal year.  The department distributed more than $24.9 million in athletic student aid. That includes tuition, aid for student-athletes who are medically inactive, and other attendance-related expenses. The support is one part of the university’s holistic “Circle of Care” approach to student-athlete well-being.

Ohio State supports 16 men’s teams, 17 women’s teams, three mixed teams and approximately 1,000 student-athletes. The department is self-funded and receives no tuition or tax dollars.

Ohio State and its 36 varsity teams are experiencing the best-ever combination of academic and athletic success, Ross Bjork, the Wolfe Foundation-Eugene Smith Endowed Athletics Director, told trustees on Thursday in the Athletics committee meeting.

The NCAA recently released a new report on graduation success rates, which tracks the graduation rate of students receiving sport-based financial aid over a six-year period. Twenty-three teams had a rate of 90% or better, while 15 Buckeye teams had a perfect score.

“We’re just really proud of the academic profile,” Bjork said.

President Walter “Ted” Carter Jr. told the full board meeting later in the day that this kind of success speaks to the culture that Bjork, coaches and staff are setting where the “student” part of “student-athlete” continues to be emphasized.

“We’re very proud of our tradition of excellence on and off the field,” Carter said.

Ohio State’s excellence isn’t confined to fields, courts and classrooms. It is spread across Ohio’s 88 counties.

A new university impact report shares accounts of the incredible work being done by the Buckeye community, telling a comprehensive story that helps to “bring greater visibility to our work and ensure that Ohioans have awareness of the ways Ohio State touches their lives,” the president said.

University officials also highlighted key projects in an annual review of major campus building projects, including the new University Hospital, in the Master Planning and Facilities committee meeting this week. The hospital is scheduled to open in early 2026 and its construction included more than 7 million hours worked by tradespeople, with a peak of 1,200 workers on site.

Construction began on the hospital in September 2020 and finished on time and on budget.

Carter extolled the largest single-facilities project in Ohio State history.

“While I’m excited to cut the ribbon, I’m far more excited about the transformational work that will take place inside this incredible new space,” Carter told trustees. “The advances in cancer care, women’s and infant health, stroke care, organ transplantation and other areas will change and save untold lives across Ohio and beyond.”

The following actions were taken during the full board meeting:

Executive Master of Health Administration degree established
Trustees approved the creation of an Executive Master of Health Administration degree program in the College of Public Health. The program is an extension of the accredited full-time, residential, early career Master of Health Administration program and would extend the reach of the program to more experienced mid-career professionals.

Professional services and construction contracts approved
The board authorized the university to enter or increase professional service and construction contracts for the following projects:

East Hospital elevator renovations
Professional services totaling $1.7 million, to be paid for with auxiliary funds.

East Hospital fire suppression system
Professional services and construction totaling $7.4 million, to be paid for with auxiliary funds.

Newton Hall air handling unit replacements
Professional services and construction totaling $12 million, to be paid for with university funds.

Veterinary medical academic building library redesign
Professional services and construction totaling $4.5 million, to be paid for with auxiliary funds.

Dental simulation space modernization
Construction totaling $16 million, to be paid for with university debt, university funds and state funds.

Ohio Stadium, Woody Hayes Athletic Center audio and video upgrades
Construction totaling $6.5 million, to be paid for with auxiliary funds and university debt.

Wexner Medical Center Outpatient Care Powell
Construction totaling $4.7 million, to be paid for with auxiliary funds.

Degrees and certificates approved
The board approved degrees and certificates to be conferred on Dec. 21, 2025, to people who have completed the requirements. 

The board also revoked a doctor of philosophy degree and a bachelor of arts degree after the appropriate bodies and administrative officers of the university complied with applicable procedures.

Resolutions in Memoriam

• Ann D. Christy, who died on Oct. 3, 2025, at age 63. She was associate dean and professor in the Department of Food, Agricultural and Biological Engineering in the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences.

• Clyde C. Goad, who died on July 21, 2025. He was professor emeritus in the former Department of Geodetic Science and Surveying.

• William “Bill” E. Henderson, who died on Aug. 13, 2024. He was associate professor emeritus in the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences.

• Paul R. Hothem, who died on July 7, 2025. He was assistant professor emeritus in the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences.

• James “Jim” Gottling, who died on Oct. 29, 2025, at age 92. He was professor emeritus in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering in the College of Engineering.

• Jacqueline E. LaMuth, who died on July 28, 2025. She was associate professor emerita in the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences.

• Brian G. McHale, who died on July 27, 2025, at age 73. He was professor emeritus in the Department of English in the College of Arts and Sciences.

• Helen Deacon Swank, who died on Aug. 6, 2025, at age 93. She was professor emerita of voice in the School of Music in the College of Arts and Sciences.

• Desh Pal Singh Verma, who died on Oct. 10, 2025. He was professor emeritus in the Department of Molecular Genetics in the College of Arts and Sciences.

• Thomas A. Willke, who died on Aug. 21, 2025, at age 93. He was a founding member of the Department of Statistics in the College of Arts and Sciences.

Report on low enrollment courses and duplicate programs approved
Trustees approved submission of the report to the Ohio Department of Higher Education. Ohio Revised Code requires each state institution of higher education to evaluate courses and programs based on enrollments and duplication with other state institutions of higher education within a geographic region.

Chatham Lane property purchase approved
Trustees approved the purchase of 2.646 acres at 941 Chatham Lane in Columbus at a price of $3.55 million.

Golf course dues and fees approved
Trustees approved golf course membership dues and fees for calendar year 2026. The Ohio State University Golf Club Green Committee and Athletics administration propose raising membership dues and initiation fees to cover rising costs, maintain financial stability, and fund club improvements in 2026.

Revisions to the interim policy on faculty appointments, faculty workload, tenure and retrenchment
The board approved revisions to the interim policy to align with the Ohio legislature’s faculty workload policy requirements.

Amendment to the rules of the university faculty approved
The board approved an amendment to the rules of the university faculty as approved by the University Senate. The amendment would change the process for reviewing complaints pertaining to research compliance to ensure that faculty with relevant research experience perform these research compliance investigations.

Personnel actions approved
Trustees approved the following faculty appointments and reappointments:

Appointments

• Elliott Bendoly as professor (The Richard M. Ross Chair in Management) in the Fisher College of Business for a term running from Aug. 15, 2025, through Aug. 14, 2030.
• Laura Flannigan as assistant professor (The Warner Woodring Chair in History) in the College of Arts and Sciences for a term running from Aug. 15, 2025, through Aug. 15, 2030.
• Larry Garvin as professor (The Leon M. McCorkle Jr. Professorship in Commercial Law) in the Moritz College of Law for a term running from Aug. 15, 2025, through Aug. 15, 2030.
• Anna Gawboy as associate professor (Colleen McMahon Professorship in Music) in the College of Arts and Sciences for a term running from Aug. 15, 2025, through June 30, 2030.
• Kurt Gray as professor (Weary Foundation Endowed Chair in Social Psychology) in the College of Arts and Sciences for a term running from Dec. 4, 2025, through June 30, 2030.
• Roger Goddard as professor (Novice G. Fawcett Chair in Educational Administration) in the College of Education and Human Ecology for a term running from Sept. 15, 2025, through Sept. 14, 2030.
• Jennifer Gold as professor and chair (The Harry C. and Mary Elizabeth Powelson Professorship of Medicine) in the College of Medicine for a term running from Dec. 1, 2025, through June 30, 2030.
• Maryanna Klatt as professor-clinical (Endowed Chair in Integrative Health) in the College of Medicine for a term running from Nov. 1, 2025, through June 30, 2029.
• Joseph Kwon as professor (Richard M. Morrow Chair in Polymer Engineering) in the College of Engineering for a term running from Aug. 15, 2025, through June 30, 2030.
• Robert Lount as professor (Irving Abramowitz Memorial Professorship) in the Fisher College of Business for a term running from Aug. 15, 2025, through Aug. 14, 2030.
• Olan Munson as assistant professor (Dr. Chris Lee Endowed Professorship in Korean) in the College of Arts and Sciences for a term running from Aug. 15, 2025, through Aug. 15, 2030.
• Michael Murphy as assistant professor-clinical (Smathers Designated Professor at the Moritz Entrepreneurial Business Law Clinic) in the Moritz College of Law for a term running from Aug. 15, 2025, through Aug. 14, 2030.
• Efthimi Parasidis as professor (The Kara J. Trott Endowed Professorship in Law in honor of Prof. Morgan E. Shipman) in the Moritz College of Law for a term running from Nov. 15, 2025, through Nov. 14, 2030.
• Erik Porfeli as interim dean of the College of Education and Human Ecology for a term running from Jan. 1, 2026, through June 30, 2028, or until a permanent dean is appointed.
• Paul Reitter as professor (The Ohio Eminent Scholar in German) in the College of Arts and Sciences for a term running from Aug. 15, 2025, through June 30, 2030.
• Blaine Saito as associate professor (The Lawrence D. Stanley Professorship in Law) in the Moritz College of Law for a term running from Aug. 15, 2025, through Aug. 15, 2030.
• Colleen Settineri as professor-clinical (The Chief Justice Thomas J. Moyer Professorship for the Administration of Justice and Rule of Law) in the Moritz College of Law for a term running from Nov. 15, 2025, through Nov. 14, 2030.
• Abraham Schneider as professor (The George C. Paffenbarger Alumni Chair in Dental Research) in the College of Dentistry for a term running from Nov. 3, 2025, through Nov. 2, 2030.
• Bennett Tepper as professor (John A. Russell Chair for Communication Excellence) in the Fisher College of Business for a term running from Aug. 15, 2025, through Aug. 14, 2030.
• Andrew Van Buskirk as professor (The Harry T. Mangurian, Jr. Foundation Professorship in Business) in the Fisher College of Business for a term running from Aug. 15, 2025, through Aug. 14, 2030.
• Xiaoguang Wang as assistant professor (The H.C. ‘Slip’ Slider Professorship in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering) in the College of Engineering for a term running from Aug. 15, 2025, through June 30, 2030.
• Lin Zhu Newsad as assistant professor (Elizabeth McKeever Ross Professorship Fund) in the College of Medicine for a term running from Nov. 1, 2025, through June 30, 2029.

Reappointments

• Yigit Akin as associate professor (Carter V. Findley Chair of Ottoman and Turkish History) in the College of Arts and Sciences for a term running from Aug. 15, 2025, through June 30, 2030.
• Arnab Chakravarti as professor and chair (Klotz Family Chair in Cancer Research) in the College of Medicine for a term running from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2029.
• Jeffrey Chalmers as professor (Helen C. Kurtz Chair in Chemical Engineering) in the College of Engineering for a term running from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2030.
• Daniel Chow as professor (The Frank E. and Virginia H. Bazler Chair in Business Law) in the Moritz College of Law for a term running from Nov. 16, 2025, through Nov. 15, 2030.
• Louis DiMauro as professor (The Dr. Edward E. and Sylvia Hagenlocker Chair in Physics) in the College of Arts and Sciences for a term running from July 1, 2025, through Dec. 31, 2027.
• Edward Foley as professor (Charles W. Ebersold and Florence Whitcomb Ebersold Chair) in the Moritz College of Law for a term running from Nov. 16, 2025, through Nov. 15, 2030.
• John Fulton as professor (The Food, Agricultural, and Biological Engineering Endowed Professorship) in the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences for a term running from June 1, 2024, through May 31, 2029.
• Jingyin Huang as associate professor (The Alice Louise Ridenour Wood Chair in Mathematics) in the College of Arts and Sciences for a term running from Aug. 15, 2025, through Aug. 15, 2030.
• Dorothee Imbert as professor and director (The Hubert Schmidt Chair in Landscape Architecture) in the College of Engineering for a term running from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026.
• Alan Michaels as professor (The Edwin M. Cooperman Endowed Chair at The Michael E. Mortiz College of Law) in the Moritz College of Law for a term running from Feb. 1, 2026, through Jan. 31, 2031.
• Erin Moore as assistant professor (Dr. Carl F. Asseff Professorship in Anthropology and History of Medicine) in the College of Arts and Sciences for a term running from Aug. 15, 2024, through June 30, 2030.
• David Nagib as professor (Dr. Harold “Hal” Miller and Betty J. Miller Endowed Chair in Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry) in the College of Arts and Sciences for a term running from Aug. 15, 2025, through Aug. 14, 2027.
• Rita Pickler as professor (FloAnn Sours Easton Endowed Professorship in Child and Adolescent Health) in the College of Nursing for a term running from Oct. 1, 2025, through May 15, 2028.
• James Rocco as professor and chair (The Mary E. and John W. Alford Research Chair in Head and Neck Cancer) in the College of Medicine for a term running from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2029.
• Bruce Weinberg as professor (Eric Byron Fix-Monda Endowed Chair) in the College of Arts and Sciences for a term running from Dec. 4, 2025, through Aug. 14, 2026.

Trustees also approved the appointment of John Horack as vice president, Enterprise for Research, Innovation and Knowledge, for a term running from Oct. 1, 2025, through Sept. 30, 2027, and Rob Lowden as vice president and chief information officer starting Aug. 1, 2025.

East Hospital Level III Trauma Center verification approved
Trustees approved the triennial review of a Level III Trauma Center at East Hospital.

Amendments to bylaws and rules and regulations approved
The board approved amendments to the bylaws of the medical staff at The Ohio State University Hospitals, Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital, and amendments to the bylaws and rules and regulations of medical staff at Richard J. Solove Research Institute.

FY25 Progress Report on the Ohio Task Force on Affordability and Efficiency in Higher Education recommendations approved
The board approved the progress report as required each fiscal year by the Ohio legislature.

University Foundation Report approved
The board approved, as of Oct. 31, 2025, the establishment of: one endowed chair as part of the Provost’s Endowed Chair Matching Program: the Eric Byron Fix-Monda Endowed Chair; two endowed chairs: the Seth Andre Myers Chair in Global Military History and the Weary Foundation Endowed Chair in Social Psychology; one endowed chair fund as part of the Provost’s Endowed Chair Matching Program: the Horticulture and Crop Science Chair Fund for Future Molecular Plant Scientists - Bridging University Research and High School Classrooms; three endowed professorships: The William E. and Charlotte Curtis Hunt Professorship in the Department of Neurosurgery, The Daniel H. Reigle Endowed Professorship in Sarcoma Research and Care, and the Elizabeth McKeever Ross Professorship; five scholarships as part of the Scarlet and Gray Advantage Endowed Matching Gift Program; 34 additional named endowed funds; and the revision of 13 named endowed funds.

Naming of spaces
Trustees approved the following namings:

• The registration room in The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute as The Herbert J. Block Memorial Tournament Patient Registration.
• The turfgrass innovation lab in the Secrest Welcome and Education Center at the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences Wooster campus as the James L. Prusa Turfgrass Innovation Lab.
• The Capstone Room A (room W258) in Scott Laboratory as the Kimmet Family Capstone Room.
• The CARE Student Lounge in Hitchcock Hall as the Minnie M. McGee Academic Success Hub.

Trustees also approved the naming of the following internal spaces:

At University Hospital:

• Lampert Family Auditorium
• The Harry T. Mangurian, Jr. Foundation Visitor Lounge (Rooms 14000, X1403L, 14040)
• Gift in memory of William and Peg Armbrust by their grateful son, Douglas W. Armbrust, MD ’67 (Room 17582)
• Jane’s Room (Room 23420)

At the Multispecies Animal Learning Complex:

• Dr. Charles H. Ingraham Memorial Lobby
• VAL-CO Broiler Room (room D113)

At Engineering Research and Education Laboratories:

• Douglas “Ben” Herr and Jane Maliszewski Impact Engineering Lab (room 4260)
• Douglas “Ben” Herr and Jane Maliszewski Impact Engineering Collaboration Space (room 4319)
• The George and Gretchen Smith Lab (room 1230
• The James L. and Anita Y. Balthaser Lobby (X104L
• The Victor Yin EED Teaching Prep Room (room 1210)
• Smariga Collaboration Space (room 2235)
• The Joseph and Mary Jane Paquin Makerspace Office (room 1320)
• Tim and Susan Sand Conference Room (room 2243)
• The Allan V. Johnson Reception Area (room 6300)
• Bud and Shelley Baeslack Conference Room (room 6215)
• KG and Nivedita Ganapathi IBE Innovation Space (room 3243)
• The Mark Eisenman Family Collaboration Space (room 2227)
• The Ece & Doruk Borecki Family Huddle Room (room 2229)
• The Schavey Family Graduate Office (room 5229)
• The Byrne Family Foundation Collaboration Space (room 1227)
• Lincoln Electric Foundations Lab (room 1240)
• Lincoln Electric Collaboration Space (room 1235)
• Lincoln Electric Conference Room (room 1243)
• Lincoln Electric Huddle Room (room 1229)
• Lincoln Electric Collaboration Space (room 1241)

Trustees also approved the administrative naming of the Engineering Research and Education Laboratories building at the corner of West Woodruff Avenue and College Road.

In the most recent Graduation Success Rate report, the Buckeyes posted single-year and four-year rolling scores of 94 and 93, respectively. Those numbers remained the same for the third year in a row and are the highest in school history.

The NCAA established the GSR in 2002 as a means of understanding student-athletes’ academic completion rates more concretely. It does so by accounting for two groups that play an increasingly prominent role in collegiate athletics: mid-year, first-time enrollees and transfers. This year’s numbers include the 2015-16 to 2018-19 freshman cohorts.

“The consistency of Ohio State student-athletes stands out as they maintained a one-year GSR mark of 94 and a four-year mark of 93,” Faculty Athletics Representative John E. Davidson said. “These high scores reflect a culture of care that values academic achievement as a prime component of the world-class student-athlete experience.”

Twenty-three Ohio State teams had a GSR of 90 or better, including 15 with a perfect 100.

Artistic swimming, women’s cross country/track and field, men’s fencing, women’s fencing, field hockey, men’s golf, women’s golf, women’s lacrosse, pistol, rifle, women’s soccer, softball men’s tennis, women’s tennis and wrestling all had a 100 in the GSR.

Eight programs recorded GSR scores of 90 or better: baseball, men’s ice hockey, women’s ice hockey, men’s lacrosse, men’s soccer, women’s swimming and diving, men’s volleyball and women’s volleyball.

In all, 25 teams maintained or improved their score from the previous year, including 12 teams that maintained a perfect score or improved upon the prior year.

“That two-thirds of the 25 teams maintaining or improving on last year’s score attained a perfect 100 speaks to the commitment of coaches, the support of the Student Athlete Support Services Office staff, and, most of all, the incredible dedication of student-athletes to succeed to the utmost of their abilities in all their endeavors,” Davidson said.

The football program maintained the program-best score of 89 it recorded last year, the fourth year it improved or maintained its GSR. 

As the Buckeyes faced the University of Texas in the season opener, the 148th edition of the band played a medley of gospel music at halftime. Songs included “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot,” “Oh, Happy Day” and “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough.”

Fans were wowed by the band’s formations, which featured two saxophones, a smiley face, two people singing in a choir and more.

Saturday’s i-dotter was Sean Bauman, a Strongsville, Ohio, native with a degree in saxophone performance.  

The ad – titled “We Are Here” – will air alongside the fan-favorite “Maps” ad. The new spot focuses on how Big Ten universities make America healthier, safer and more prosperous through everything from discovering new medical treatments to developing healthier foods to driving economic growth.

Collectively, the 18 members of the Big Ten Conference educate more than 817,000 students and conduct $19.6 billion in research each year. The vast majority of that research is conducted thanks to the American people and their support for federal investments in the nation’s global leadership in health and innovation.

“On behalf of its 18 member universities, I commend the Big Ten Conference’s commitment to showcasing research innovation and our conference’s collective impact on communities and the nation,” said University of Maryland President Darryll J. Pines, who chairs the Big Ten’s Council of Presidents and Chancellors. “We are proud to be a part of an alliance that shares our dedication to student-athlete success and research for the public good.”

“The Big Ten Conference is an association of 18 world-class universities sharing a common mission of research, teaching and public service, alongside shared practices and policies that reinforce the priority of academics in the lives of its student-athletes,” said Commissioner Tony Petitti. “We look forward to highlighting the impact our member institutions make every day in their communities and across the nation.”

The ad will air on linear and digital platforms during sporting events featuring Big Ten universities, utilizing airtime allocated to the conference as part of its media agreements, including the Big Ten Network (BTN). This new initiative builds on other conference efforts, including research vignettes highlighting the impact of university research that air during select BTN sporting event broadcasts.

“We Are Here” was developed by a creative team made up of staff from Big Ten member universities under the auspices of the Big Ten Academic Alliance. It is the first in a planned series of three ads, which over the course of the series will feature footage from all 18 universities.

Ohio State and Learfield Impact, the company’s NIL services, are fueled by on-campus leadership professionals who prioritize Buckeye student-athlete brand engagement and content-driven campaigns. Additionally, BSG will have access to Learfield’s Compass NIL technology to facilitate deal transactions and gain insights into student-athlete interests that foster authentic brand connections.

“Ohio State has always been a leader in college athletics, and this initiative is another step forward to build upon our strong NIL foundation,” said Carey Hoyt, Ohio State’s deputy director of athletics. “By combining the power of our athletic brand with Learfield’s expansive network, we are creating an innovative, full-service approach to NIL that directly benefits our student-athletes.”

The House v. NCAA settlement marks a pivotal shift in college athletics. As part of the agreement, signed and approved Friday and taking effect July 1, schools will now be permitted to directly compensate athletes for use of their name, image and likeness. A key component of the settlement is the implementation of a Fair Market Evaluation process, and a “range of compensation” designed to establish standardized benchmarks for NIL deals across sports and institutions. Buckeye Sports Group will serve as a centralized hub for NIL brand deal facilitation, corporate partnerships, student-athlete storytelling and NIL support.

A comprehensive NIL strategy

The Buckeye Sports Group will support Ohio State’s student-athletes with comprehensive efforts within three key areas: deal facilitation and management, content creation and storytelling, and support services.

NIL deal facilitation & management

1. Negotiating and securing brand partnerships locally, regionally and nationally for student-athletes.
2. Overseeing contract preparation and fair market value assessments.
3. Utilizing analytics to track NIL performance and return on investment.

Content creation & student-athlete storytelling, powered by Learfield Studios

• Creating athlete-driven digital content, including social media campaigns, video series and podcasts.
• Leveraging Learfield’s Fanbase data and digital expertise to optimize distribution across social media and digital channels.
• Providing marketing resources for brand collaborations to maximize results, including the use of Ohio State marks and logos and access to campus facilities.

Athlete support & services

• Providing financial literacy and tax support through partnerships with industry experts.
• Offering branding and social media growth training to help athletes build their personal brands.
• Connecting student-athletes with brand partners to provide business experience and micro-internships and build professional networking relationships with companies.

A unified approach to NIL

In a move to streamline and optimize NIL operations, Buckeye Sports Group will also work to consolidate existing NIL collectives under a single marketing team. This unified structure will provide student-athletes with seamless access to opportunities while competing for the Buckeyes. The founding members of THE Foundation and The 1870 Society will remain engaged and serve in an advisory capacity to the new Buckeye Sports Group. Additionally, re-occurring donations and subscriptions made to The Foundation will continue to play a vital role in supporting Ohio State Athletics.

“We’re incredibly thankful for everything our NIL collective’s leadership, businesses and donors have done to support our student-athletes,” said Ross Bjork, senior vice president and Wolfe Foundation-Eugene Smith Endowed Athletics Director. “Their commitment has helped shape the landscape in powerful ways. As we move forward with a more unified approach, we’re excited to combine efforts and further strengthen the NIL success of our student-athletes.”

Impact & vision

Through this partnership, Ohio State Athletics and Learfield are setting a new standard for NIL excellence. The initiative aims to:

• Maximize student-athlete earning potential.
• Strengthen Ohio State’s brand value through strategic partnerships.
• Create a sustainable, best-in-class NIL ecosystem that benefits athletes, brands and the university.

“As we enter a new era for college athletics, we’re excited to build on our past successes and create even more meaningful NIL opportunities for Ohio State student-athletes,” said Todd Knisley, vice president & general manager of Learfield’s Ohio State Sports Properties. “Buckeyes have excelled both on and off the field, and we’re committed to amplifying that momentum. We also recognize the unique potential of our footprint in Columbus, one of the fastest-growing metro markets, for impactful deal-making. With the strength of Buckeye Nation behind us, we’re able to unlock incremental opportunities for partnerships on a local, regional and national scale.”

BSG will fuel Ohio State’s NIL deal-making success and build upon the momentum of over 500 NIL brand partnerships featuring Buckeye student-athletes across all 36 sports. Buckeye student-athletes have already collaborated with prominent brand partners such as Beats by Dre, Chipotle, Right Rug, Weber Grills, Element Electronics and more.

“We are committed to making Ohio State the premier destination for NIL success,” Hoyt said. “With Buckeye Sports Group, we’re building a model that will serve as the new standard for college athletics.”

Ohio State has added a game against Navy, scheduled for Sept. 1, 2029. The contest will be that season’s opening game. In order to add that game, Ohio State and the University of Nevada have agreed to move their previously scheduled game on that date to Sept. 7, 2030.

Ohio State also rounded out its 2029 non-conference schedule by adding a game against Youngstown State, which will be played at Ohio Stadium on Sept. 15, 2029. The Buckeyes have one game remaining in order to fill out the team’s non-conference schedules over the next five years: the season opener on Aug. 31, 2030.

Ohio State 2026 Non-Conference Schedule
Sept. 5 – Ball State
Sept. 12 – at Texas
Sept. 19 – Kent State

Ohio State 2027 Non-Conference Schedule
Sept. 4 – Bowling Green
Sept. 11 – New Hampshire
Sept. 18 – Alabama

Ohio State 2028 Non-Conference Schedule
Sept. 2 – Buffalo
Sept. 9 – at Alabama 
Sept. 16 – Northern Illinois

Ohio State 2029 Non-Conference Schedule
Sept. 1 – Navy
Sept. 8 – Charlotte
Sept. 15 – Youngstown State

Ohio State 2030 Non-Conference Schedule
Aug. 31 – TBD
Sept. 7 – Nevada
Sept. 14 – at Georgia

2025 Single Game Tickets Available Soon

On-sale dates to purchase 2025 Ohio State single game football tickets and to select games for the Pick 3 mini-plan option are set and are approaching soon. The dates for the mini-plan sale and single game tickets for students, alumni association members and the general public are as follows: 

• June 6 / 4 p.m.: Deadline for students to request ticket packages;
• June 16 / 10 a.m.: Pick 3 mini-plan; Fans can build their own mini-plan by selecting one of these two games (either Grambling or Rutgers) and adding any two games from this trio of games: Ohio University, Minnesota and UCLA;
• June 24 / 10 a.m.: OSU Alumni Association members single game presale; and
• June 27 / 10 a.m.: General public single game sales.

Prices for the Pick 3 mini-plan will start as low as $190. Depending on availability, fans will be able to choose the best available seating from multiple price zones in Ohio Stadium to build their package.

Where available, single game ticket prices will start as low as $64 and will vary across price zones and opponents. More information on mini-plan and single game ticket options can be found by visiting https://go.osu.edu/fbtix.

2025 Ohio State Football Schedule

Aug. 30 – Texas – 12 Noon / FOX

Sept. 6 – Grambling – 3:30 p.m. / BTN

Sept. 13 – Ohio University – 7 p.m. / Peacock

Sept. 20 – Off

Sept. 27 – at Washington

Oct. 4 – Minnesota (Homecoming)

Oct. 11 – at Illinois

Oct. 18 – at Wisconsin

Oct. 25 – Off

Nov. 1 – Penn State

Nov. 8 – at Purdue 

Nov. 15 – UCLA

Nov. 22 – Rutgers

Nov. 29 – at Michigan – 12 Noon / FOX

Trustees heard from Liang-Shih Fan, Distinguished University Professor and C. John Easton Professor in Engineering in the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, as he accepted the Pierre Agostini Prize. Fan’s research focuses on creating cleaner, more efficient ways to produce energy, fuels and chemicals while reducing pollution.

The prize is Ohio State’s most prestigious honor for scholarly and artistic achievement. It memorializes Pierre Agostini, professor emeritus of physics at Ohio State, who won the 2023 Nobel Prize in Physics with two of his colleagues, and highlights Ohio State’s commitment to the promotion of innovative and consequential research and creative expression. Agostini attended the ceremony.

The Agostini Prize is a celebration of Fan’s lifelong research. One of his most important innovations is a process called chemical looping, which allows fossil fuels, biomass or plastic wastes to be used for producing energy, fuels and chemicals without releasing harmful carbon dioxide into the air. Instead of burning fuel in the traditional way, his method uses special metal oxide particles to transfer oxygen, which helps generate energy while capturing the carbon dioxide before it escapes.

“We know that the work of our faculty changes and literally saves lives – we want to celebrate that accordingly,” Ohio State President Walter “Ted” Carter Jr. said Friday during the full board of trustees meeting.

Just this week, the American Institute of Chemical Engineers announced the creation of a new Institute-level high honor, the L.-S. Fan Award for Advancing Fundamentals of Chemical Engineering, which recognizes “significant and new contributions to fundamental practice in chemical engineering.”

“The decision through my life to stay on at Ohio State is the best decision I have ever made,” said Fan, an Ohio State faculty member since 1978. “I feel the impact that can be produced at Ohio State.”

The following actions were taken during the full board meeting:

Personnel actions approved
Trustees approved the following appointments:

• Aravind Chandrasekaren as interim dean of the Fisher College of Business for a term running from June 1, 2025, to June 30, 2027.
• W. Kimryn Rathmell as CEO of the James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute for a term beginning May 27, 2025.
• Paula Song as dean of the College of Public Health for a term running from July 9, 2025, to June 30, 2030.
• Dukagjin Blakaj as professor (The Drs. Malati and Ganesh Potdar Professorship in Radiation Oncology-Proton Therapy) in the College of Medicine for a term running from June 1, 2025, through June 30, 2029.
• Colleen Cebulla as professor (Dr. Paul A Weber Chair in Ophthalmology) in the College of Medicine for a term running from March 1, 2025, through June 30, 2029.
• Jeremy Fantl as professor (The Steve R. and Sarah E. O’Donnell Professorship in Philosophy) in the College of Arts and Sciences for a term running from Aug. 15, 2025, through June 30, 2030.
• Stephanie Gorka as associate professor (The Kaufmann Family Professorship for Breakthroughs in Psychiatry and Behavioral Health) in the College of Medicine for a term running from June 1, 2025, through June 30, 2029.
• Nina Vanessa Kraguljac as professor (Dr. Lee E. Shackelford Chair in Psychiatry and Behavioral Health) in the College of Medicine for a term running from June 1, 2025, through June 30, 2029.
• Somashekar Krishna as professor-clinical (Endowed Professorship in Internal Medicine Research) in the College of Medicine for a term running from June 1, 2025, through June 30, 2029.
• Amy Margolis as professor (S.T.A.R. Professorship) in the College of Medicine for a term running from June 1, 2025, through June 30, 2029.
• Molly McNett as professor-clinical (Helene Fuld Health Trust Endowed Professorship for Evidence-based Practice in Nursing and Healthcare) in the College of Nursing for a term running from May 20, 2025, through May 20, 2030.
• Leah Pyter as associate professor (Doctor John D. and E. Olive Brumbaugh Chair in Brain Research and Teaching) in the College of Medicine for a term running from Feb. 1, 2025, through June 30, 2029.
• Christian Rolfo as professor (Diane Nye and Michael Rayden Chair in Innovative Cancer Research) in the College of Medicine for a term running from June 1, 2025, through June 30, 2029.
• Christo Sevov as associate Professor (ASC Distinguished Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry) in the College of Arts and Sciences for a term running from May 1, 2025, through April 30, 2030.
• Ambro Van Hoof as professor (Ohio Eminent Scholar in Molecular Genetics) in the College of Arts and Sciences for a term running from Aug. 15, 2025, through June 30, 2030.

Trustees approved reappointments for the following:

• Vishnu Srinivasan as vice president and chief investment officer in the Office of Business and Finance for a term running from May 1, 2025, through June 30, 2030.
• Sujit Basu as professor (The Jack C. Geer M.D. Professorship in Pathology) in the College of Medicine for a term running from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2029.
• Nicole Bernal as professor (The American Electric Power Foundation Chair in Burn Care) in the College of Medicine for a term running from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2029.
• Trevor Brown as dean of the John Glenn College of Public Affairs for a term starting June 30, 2028.
• William Carson III as professor (The John B. and Jane T. McCoy Chair in Cancer Research) in the College of Medicine for a term running from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2029.
• Pierre Giglio as associate professor-clinical (The Esther Dardinger Endowed Chair in Neuro-Oncology) in the College of Medicine for a term running from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2029.
• Deliang Guo as professor (Urban and Shelley Meyer Professorship in Cancer) in the College of Medicine for a term running from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2029.
• Maria Ignatieva as professor (The Martha W. Farmer Endowed Professorship in Theatre) at the Ohio State Lima campus for a term running from June 1, 2025, through May 31, 2026.
• Wael Jarjour as professor (The Martha Morehouse Chair in Arthritis and Immunology Research) in the College of Medicine for a term running from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2029.
• Ani Katchova as professor (The Farm Income Enhancement Endowed Chair in Agricultural Policy, Trade and Marketing) in the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences for a term running from Jan. 1, 2025, through Dec. 31, 2029.
• Sorabh Khandelwal as professor (Samuel J. Kiehl III MD Chair in Emergency Medicine) in the College of Medicine for a term running from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2029.
• Ryan King as divisional dean in the College of Arts and Sciences, Social and Behavioral Sciences, for a term running from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2030.
• Ching-Chang Ko as professor (Vig/Williams Endowed Chair in Orthodontics) in the College of Dentistry for a term running from Jan. 27, 2025, through Aug.14, 2028.
• Susan Koletar as professor (Frank E. and Mary W. Pomerene Professorship in the Prevention and Treatment of Infectious Diseases) in the College of Medicine for a term running from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2029.
• Ryan Nash as professor (The Hagop S. Mekhjian MD Chair in Medical Ethics and Professionalism) in the College of Medicine for a term running from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2029.
• Anil Parwani as chair and professor (The Donald A. Senhauser, MD, Chair in Pathology) in the College of Medicine for a term running from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2028.
• Kamal Pohar as associate professor (The Julius Skestos and Diana Skestos Chair in Urology) in the College of Medicine for a term running from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2029.
• Matthew Ringel as chair and professor (The Ralph W. Kurtz Chair in Hormonology) in the College of Medicine for a term running from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2027.
• Orlando Simonetti as professor (The John W. Wolfe Professorship in Cardiovascular Research) in the College of Medicine for a term running from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2029.
• Mytheli Sreenivas as chair and professor (Designated Professorship in Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies) in the College of Arts and Sciences for a term running from March 1, 2024, through Feb. 28, 2028.
• Andrew Thomas as professor (The Robert F. Wolfe and Edgar T. Wolfe Foundation Chief Clinical Officer Chair in the Wexner Medical Center) in the College of Medicine for a term running from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2029.
• Ingrid Werner as professor (The Martin and Andrew Murrer Professorship in Finance) in the Fisher College of Business for a term running from March 1, 2025, through Aug. 14, 2030.
• Hsin-Jung Joyce Wu as professor (Ronald L. Whisler MD Chair in Rheumatology and Immunology) in the College of Medicine for a term running from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2029.

Trustees also approved an extension for Karla Zadnik as dean of the College of Optometry for a term running from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026.

Honorary degree awarded
Trustees approved an honorary doctor of public service degree to LeBron James, an Ohio native, professional basketball player and community leader. James visited the university virtually in February and spoke with a class in the John Glenn College of Public Affairs about his passion for bettering his community.

Professional services and construction contracts approved
The board authorized the university to enter or increase professional service and construction contracts for the following projects:

• Athletics technology modernization
  Professional services totaling $1.7 million, to be paid for with auxiliary funds.
• North Towers building upgrades
  Professional services totaling $10 million, to be paid for with university debt.
• Tunnel rehabilitation, phase one
  Professional services totaling $1 million, to be paid for with university debt and funds, state funds and partner funds.
• Doan Hall sprinkler installation
  Professional services totaling $1.2 million, to be paid for with auxiliary funds.
• Doan Hall SPECT CTs
  Professional services and construction totaling $4.6 million, to be paid for with auxiliary funds.
• Outpatient East existing lot renovation
  Professional services and construction totaling $5.5 million, to be paid for with auxiliary funds. 
• Outpatient East new west parking lot
  Professional services and construction totaling $7.2 million, to be paid for with auxiliary funds.
• Schottenstein Center scoreboard replacement
  Professional services and construction totaling $5.2 million, to be paid for with auxiliary funds.
• Battery Cell Research and Demonstration Center
  Professional services and construction totaling $1.7 million, to be paid for with university and partner funds.

2025-2026 academic year undergraduate tuition and mandatory fees approved
Trustees approved tuition and mandatory fees, non-residential and international surcharges, and room and board rates for undergraduate students at all campuses of Ohio State for the academic year 2025-2026.

2025-26 academic year graduate tuition and mandatory fees approved
Trustees approved tuition and mandatory fees, and non-residential surcharges for graduate students at all campuses of Ohio State for the academic year 2025-2026. Graduate and professional fees and student health plan were also approved.

Zollinger Road property purchase approved
Trustees approved the purchase of 5.070 acres at 1800 Zollinger Road in Upper Arlington, Ohio. The property, Ohio State Wexner Medical Center Outpatient Care Upper Arlington, supports the university’s plan for strategic investment in outpatient services for neighboring communities.

Degrees and certificates approved
The board approved degrees and certificates to be conferred on May 4 and Aug. 3, 2025, to people who have completed the requirements.

Interim capital investment plan for fiscal year 2026 approved
Trustees approved the interim capital investment plan for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026.

Ohio State Energy Partners utility system interim capital improvements plan for fiscal year 2026 approved
Trustees approved utility system life-cycle renovation, repair and replacement projects by Ohio State Energy Partners.

Digital textbook fees approved
The board approved digital textbook pass-through fees at all campuses for the 2025-2026 academic year.

Non-resident tuition waiver for Ohio State students who are veterans, military members, or their immediate families approved
Trustees approved waiving, for fiscal years 2026 and 2027, all but $5 of the non-resident tuition surcharge for Ohio State students who are veterans or military members, with 90 days or more of honorable service in the United States uniformed services, and their immediate families that do not otherwise qualify for in-state tuition.

Waiver of tuition for Ohio State students who enroll in university-approved third-party provider or direct enrollment study abroad programs approved
The board approved waiving, for fiscal years 2026 and 2027, tuition and fees for students enrolled in a third-party provider or direct enrollment study abroad program and to allow the students to remain enrolled at the university while participating in these programs. The university has received this waiver since fiscal year 2015.

Resolutions in Memoriam

• Frank E. Battocletti, who died on May 28, 2024, at age 90. He was professor emeritus in the Department of Electric and Computer Engineering at the College of Engineering.
• Morris “Murray” Beja, who died on Feb. 6, 2025, at age 89. He was professor emeritus in the Department of English.
• Harding Ganz, who died recently at age 86. He was professor emeritus in the Department of History.
• Dennis R. Heldman, who died on April 3, 2025, at age 86. He was professor emeritus in the Department of Food Science and Technology in the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences.
• Richard Kenneth Lindquist, who died on Sept. 16, 2024. He was a professor in the Department of Entomology in the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences.
• William J. Mitsch, who died on Feb. 12, 2025. He was Distinguished Professor of Environment and Natural Resources in the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences. 
• Forest V. Muir, who died on Jan. 2, 2025, at age 85. He was professor emeritus in the Department of Animal Sciences in the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences.
• Charles F. Parker, who died on July 19, 2024, at age 89. He was professor emeritus in the Department of Animal Sciences in the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences.
• Robert Hall Wagoner II, who died on Jan. 28, 2025. He was professor emeritus in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering in the College of Engineering.
• Gerald Winer, who died on Nov. 17, 2024, at age 83. He was professor emeritus of psychology in the College of Arts and Sciences.

Interim operating budget for fiscal year 2026 approved
The board approved the interim operating budget that will allow the university to continue to advance its academic and financial goals during the period from July 1, 2025, through Aug. 31, 2025.

Amendment to the rules of the university faculty approved
The board approved an amendment to the rules of the university faculty as approved by the University Senate. The amendment would modify salary recovery percentages for research faculty and allow them to engage in these additional required activities consistent with funding requirements.

Authorization for designated officials to buy, sell, assign and transfer securities, to deposit or withdraw funds from bank and investment accounts, to designate depositories and to execute treasury- and insurance-related agreements 
The board approved designated officials to buy, sell, assign and transfer securities, to deposit or withdraw funds from bank and investment accounts held in the name of Ohio State, to designate depositories and to execute treasury- and insurance-related agreements.

Reappointments to the Self-Insurance Board approved
Trustees approved the reappointment of two members of the Self-Insurance Board that oversees the University Self-Insurance Program:

• Cynthia A. Powell, CPA, term ending June 30, 2027
• D. Brent Mulgrew, term ending June 30, 2027

Issuance of general receipts, obligations and Multiyear Debt Issuance Program III approved
Trustees approved the program that authorizes the issuance and sale of general receipts obligations of the university in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $400 million for the purposes of financing, on an interim or permanent basis, the costs of certain university capital improvement projects, refunding the outstanding principal amount of current obligations of the university and paying costs and expenses associated with the issuance of such debt, and authorization for amendments to the existing trust indenture and other documents as required.

Easements approved

• Trustees authorized to Columbia Gas of Ohio a perpetual natural gas transmission easement across university property located on 6.069 acres located along Ackerman Road and the northern border of the Waterman Agricultural and Natural Resources Laboratory.
• The board authorized the Board of County Commissioners of Wayne County a perpetual roadway easement across university property located along Messner Road in Wooster, Ohio.
• Trustees also authorized the city of Columbus a perpetual sanitary sewer easement across 1.438 acres of university property located along Woody Hayes Drive.

University Foundation report approved
The board approved the report as of March 31, 2025, which includes: the establishment of one endowed chair: the Dr. Lee E. Shackelford Chair in Psychiatry and Behavioral Health; four endowed professorships: The Dr. Frederick H. Davidorf Honorary Professorship, the Margaret Bowers Hardymon Professorship in Surgery, the Honda Endowed Professorship in Automotive Manufacturing and The Drs. Malati and Ganesh Potdar Professorship in Radiation Oncology-Proton Therapy; six scholarships as part of the Scarlet and Gray Advantage Endowed Matching Gift Program; 35 additional named endowed funds; and the revision of 13 named endowed funds.

Naming of spaces
Trustees approved the following namings:

• The Meta STEM Instruction Innovation Hub, room A, in Ramseyer Hall
• The Gary (Class of 1962) And Helen Cole Office, room 105A, in the Controlled Environment Agriculture Research Complex
• The Lasko Family Home Team Locker Room, room 183, in the Lacrosse Stadium
• The Dr. Jack L. Beal Room, room R200A, in the Riffe Building
•  Two buildings in the Waterman Complex at Lane Avenue and Kenny Road:
  • Waterman – Dairy
  • Waterman – Multispecies Animal Learning Center
• Internal spaces in Waterman – Dairy:
  • Galton Dairy Display Hall
  • Specht and Deam Family Viewing Walkway
  • Dale and Betty Hedge Family Automated Milking System Room
• Internal spaces in Waterman – Multispecies Animal Learning Center:
  • Clifford and Dale Baughman Outreach & Engagement Center
  • Dave and Dorothy Case Terrace
• The renaming of Medical Center Drive (east of Westpark Street to West 10th Avenue) and the naming of Medical Center Drive East and Medical Center Drive West in the Wexner Medical Center.
• The renaming of Wexner Medical Center buildings from:
  • Inpatient Tower to University Hospital
  • James A. Rhodes Hall - University Hospital to University Hospital – Rhodes Hall
  • Charles Austin Doan Hall to University Hospital – Doan Hall
  • Brain and Spine Hospital to University Hospital – Pavilion

Updates to charters for the Internal Audit Department and the Legal, Audit, Risk and Compliance committee
Trustees approved the amended charters for the Internal Audit Department and Legal, Audit, Risk and Compliance committee.

Amendments to retirement plans approved
The board approved the following amendments to various retirement plans:

• Fifth Amendment to The Ohio State University Retirement Continuation Plan
• Fifth Amendment to The Ohio State University Retirement Continuation Plan II
• First Amendment to The Ohio State University 403(b) Retirement Plan
• First Amendment to The Ohio State University 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan
• First Amendment to The Ohio State University Alternative Retirement Plan
• Third Amendment to The Ohio State University Alternative Retirement Plan

Ratification of settlement agreement and amendments to cost allocation agreement approved
Trustees approved a settlement agreement and amendments to a cost allocation agreement regarding the Combined Heat and Power Plant.

Election of officers approved
Trustees approved the following slate of officers for the board of trustees:

• John W. Zeiger, chair
• Elizabeth P. Kessler, vice chair

Ratification of committee appointments for fiscal year 2025-2026 approved
Trustees approved the ratification of committee appointments for fiscal year 2025-2026 as follows:

Academic Affairs & Student Life
Reginald A. Wilkinson, chair 
Elizabeth A. Harsh, vice chair
Elizabeth P. Kessler 
Jeff M.S. Kaplan 
Michael F. Kiggin 
Bradley R. Kastan 
Kendall C. Buchan 
Eric Bielefeld (faculty member) 
Stefanie Sanford 
John W. Zeiger (ex officio)

Athletics
Gary R. Heminger, chair
Michael F. Kiggin, vice chair
Elizabeth P. Kessler
Jeff M.S. Kaplan
Pierre Bigby
Bradley R. Kastan
George A. Skestos
Kendall C. Buchan
John W. Zeiger (ex officio)

Finance & Investment
Tomislav B. Mitevski, chair
Pierre Bigby, vice chair
Gary R. Heminger
Michael F. Kiggin
George A. Skestos
Amy Chronis
Kent M. Stahl
John W. Zeiger (ex officio)

Legal, Audit, Risk & Compliance
Elizabeth P. Kessler, chair
Bradley R. Kastan, vice chair
Michael F. Kiggin
Juan Jose Perez
Kendall C. Buchan
Amy Chronis
John W. Zeiger (ex officio)

Master Planning & Facilities
Juan Jose Perez, chair
George A. Skestos, vice chair
Reginald A. Wilkinson
Pierre Bigby
Bradley R. Kastan
Kendall C. Buchan
Robert H. Schottenstein
Keith Myers
John W. Zeiger (ex officio)

Research, Innovation & Strategic Partnerships
Kara J. Trott, chair
Reginald A. Wilkinson, vice chair
Elizabeth A. Harsh
Juan Jose Perez
Phillip Popovich (faculty member)
John W. Zeiger (ex officio)

Talent, Compensation & Governance:
Jeff M.S. Kaplan, chair
Elizabeth P. Kessler, vice chair
Gary R. Heminger
Reginald A. Wilkinson
Tomislav B. Mitevski
Juan Jose Perez
Kara J. Trott 
John W. Zeiger (ex officio)

Wexner Medical Center
Leslie H. Wexner, chair
Gary R. Heminger
Tomislav B. Mitevski
Juan Jose Perez
George A. Skestos
Kara J. Trott
Robert H. Schottenstein
Stephen D. Steinour
Cindy Hilsheimer
Amy Chronis
Hiroyuki Fujita
John W. Zeiger (ex officio, voting)
Walter E. Carter Jr. (ex officio, voting)
Ravi V. Bellamkonda (ex officio, voting)
Michael Papadakis (ex officio, voting)
John J. Warner (ex officio, voting)

Finance Committee, Wexner Medical Center
Stephen D. Steinour, chair
John W. Zeiger
Tomislav B. Mitevski
Juan Jose Perez
Pierre Bigby
George A. Skestos
Amy Chronis
John J. Warner|
Michael Papadakis

Quality & Professional Affairs Committee, Wexner Medical Center
Juan Jose Perez, chair
George A. Skestos
Ravi V. Bellamkonda
Michael Papadakis
John J. Warner
Eric Adkins
Doreen Agnese
Jay M. Anderson
Carol R. Bradford
Stacy A. Brethauer
David E. Cohn
Scott A. Holliday
Elizabeth Seely
Deana Sievert
Corrin Steinhauer
Andrew M. Thomas

Foundation Board Representative
Pierre Bigby

Alumni Board Representative
Elizabeth A. Harsh

The women’s team recognized seniors at the Feb. 26 game in which the team bested the Michigan State Spartans, 89-78.

Players Taylor Thierry and Madison Greene were honored before the game, while managers Shelby Granger and CJ Williams as well as videographer Enrique Cabotage were honored at halftime.

The women’s team plays their first game in the Big Ten tournament on Friday in Indianapolis.

The men’s team recognized veterans at the March 4 game in which they prevailed over the Nebraska Cornhuskers, 116-114.

The men’s team honored players Ques Glover and Kalen Etzler as well as managers Nick Moore and Eric Oberholtzer, equipment manager Kyle Peters, student trainer Taylor Finnerty and Cabotage, the team’s social media manager, prior to the game.

The men’s team takes on the Indiana Hoosiers Saturday at Bloomington. They play their first game in the Big Ten tournament on March 12.

Trustees heard from assistant coach Brian Hartline, who lauded the team’s performance on its way to winning the first national championship in the 12-team playoff era. Returning student-athletes Caleb Downs, Carson Hinzman, Sonny Styles and Tegra Tshabola – along with the championship trophy – were featured during the meeting.

President Walter “Ted” Carter Jr. celebrated the team, but noted Ohio State’s exceptionalism includes more than athletics.

“We strive for excellence in all aspects: athletics, student learning, research and patient care,” Carter said.

The board also honored coaches and student-athletes from the Buckeye spirit program, which last month won the national championship, its second in a row.

At the Monday meeting of the Athletics board committee, Head Coach Ryan Day outlined the major changes impacting college football – and how Ohio State has adjusted to them to become champions.

“With all this change going on, to me it was the timeless principles and values of this university that our team displayed which allowed us to reach our goals of becoming national champions,” Day said. Those include hard work, sacrifice, loyalty, courage, humility, excellence, perseverance and resilience.

Day also highlighted the academic achievements of the team. The most recent semester was the fifth straight for the team to achieve a cumulative GPA over 3 – with more than 120 student-athletes on the team – and a perfect academic progress rate of 1,000, tying Harvard University as the best in the country.     

The board on Wednesday approved Day’s contract extension through Jan. 31, 2032. Athletic Director Ross Bjork on Monday lauded the move for providing “longevity, stability, [and] continuity in this ever-changing world we think is so, so important, and we’re just blessed to have Coach Day’s leadership of our football program.” 

Trustees also approved the establishment of the Salmon P. Chase Center for Civics, Culture, and Society as a tenure-initiating unit. The University Senate’s Council on Academic Affairs granted the Chase Center temporary center status in September 2023 to support the center’s initial organizational efforts pending the hiring of the Chase Center’s inaugural executive director, Lee Strang, in August 2024.

Initiated in 2023 by the state of Ohio, the Chase Center will serve as an academic home at Ohio State for teaching and researching the foundation of the American constitutional order and its impact on society. The Ohio General Assembly selected Ohio State and four other state universities for these independent academic units.

Trustees also approved the appointment of Richard Silveria as vice president and chief financial officer of the Wexner Medical Center, effective April 1, 2025, and the extension of Michael Eicher’s contract as senior vice president for advancement and president of the Ohio State University Foundation through June 30, 2025. The board also approved the reappointment of Trevor Brown as dean of the John Glenn College of Public Affairs for a term ending June 30, 2028.

The following actions were taken during the full board meeting:

Distinguished Service Awards approved
Trustees approved the following Distinguished Service Awards to be presented in 2025:

• Patricia Brundige
• William Farrar
• Elizabeth and Richard Germain
• Gerald Newsom
• Charles Wise
• Melissa Conrath

Professional services and construction contracts approved
The board authorized the university to enter or increase professional service and construction contracts for the following projects:

Ohio State Brain and Spine Hospital: Air handler replacement
Professional services totaling $5.2 million, to be paid for with auxiliary funds.

Dental simulation space modernization at Postle Hall
Professional services totaling $1.4 million, to be paid for with university funds.

Bus technology testing facility for Center for Automotive Research
Professional services and construction totaling $14.6 million, to be paid for with partner funds.

Schottenstein Center main roof replacement
Professional services and construction totaling $8 million, to be paid for with auxiliary funds.

Cell therapy lab at Polaris
Professional services and construction totaling $4.6 million, to be paid for with auxiliary funds.

Emergency response radio system for Wexner Medical Center facilities
Construction totaling $3.2 million, to be paid for with auxiliary funds.

James Outpatient Care: Nuclear medicine expansion
Construction totaling $5 million, to be paid for with auxiliary funds.

Ohio State East Hospital: Emergency generator
Construction totaling $4.2 million, to be paid for with auxiliary funds.

Resolutions in Memoriam approved

• Marion L. Cremer, professor emerita in hospitality management in what is today the College of Education and Human Ecology, who died on Nov. 6, 2024, at age 89.
• Mark E. Headings, professor emeritus of entomology in the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences, who died on Dec. 19, 2024, at age 87. 
• Larry E. Miller, professor emeritus of agricultural education in the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences, who died on Oct. 5, 2024, at age 81.
• Carole Rogel Poirier, associate professor emerita of history in the College of Arts and Sciences, who died on Sept. 30, 2024, at age 85.
• Stacy Weislogel, professor emeritus in the former department of aviation in the College of Engineering, who died on Nov. 30, 2024, at age 85.

Personnel actions approved
Trustees approved the following appointments and extensions:

• Ezekiel Johnston-Halperin as professor (ENGIE-Axium Endowed Professorship) in the Office of Academic Affairs, for a term running from Sept. 1, 2024, through Aug. 31, 2029.
• Mitch Phelps as professor (Charles H. Kimberly Professorship in Pharmacy) in the College of Pharmacy, for a term running from Nov. 1, 2024, through Oct. 31, 2027.
• Emma Read, professor-clinical (Ruth Stanton Chair in Veterinary Medicine) in the College of Veterinary Medicine, for a term running from Jan. 1, 2025, through Dec. 31, 2030.

Trustees approved reappointments for the following:

• Marcelo Dapino as professor (American Honda Motor Co., Inc. Designated Professorship) in the College of Engineering, for a term running from Sept. 1, 2024, through Aug. 31, 2025.
• Jonda McNair as professor (The Charlotte S. Huck Professorship in Children’s Literature) in the College of Education and Human Ecology, for a term running from Aug. 15, 2025, through Aug. 14, 2030.
• John Nusstein as professor (Dr. William J. Meyers Endowed Chair in Endodontics) in the College of Dentistry, for a term running from July 1, 2024, through Aug. 14, 2026.

Joint use agreements approved
Trustees approved joint use agreements between Ohio State and PrimaryOne Health for $250,000 and Rev1 Ventures for $500,000.

Establishment of new affiliate for university-owned captive insurance company approved 
Trustees approved the establishment of a new affiliate for a university-owned captive insurance company, Great River Insurance, LLC, in the state of Vermont. The establishment is necessary to manage and mitigate risks, enhance cost-efficiency and improve the overall control of the insurance program and process for the university.

University Foundation report approved
The board approved the report as of Dec. 31, 2024, which includes: the establishment of a designated professorship: the Smathers Designated Professor at the Moritz Entrepreneurial Business Law Clinic; one endowed chair: the Dr. Tom Mack Endowed Chair in Global One Health; one endowed chair fund: the Edward and Julie Bacome Foundation Head Basketball Coach Fund; two endowed professorships: The Russell C. Shaw and Lynn B. Shaw Endowed Professorship in Mathematics and the Kaufmann Family Professorship for Breakthroughs in Psychiatry and Behavioral Health; four endowed professorship funds: The Dr. Frederick H. Davidorf Honorary Professorship Fund, the Elizabeth McKeever Ross Professorship Fund, The Drs. Malati and Ganesh Potdar Professorship Fund in Radiation Oncology-Proton Therapy and the Tingkang Xia Endowed Professorship Fund in Physics; nine scholarships as part of the Scarlet and Gray Advantage Endowed Matching Gift Program; two scholarships as part of the Joseph A. Alutto Global Leadership Initiative and 54 additional named endowed funds; the revision of 13 named endowed funds; and the closure of two named endowed funds.

Amendment to Ohio State Energy Partners utility system capital improvements plan approved
Trustees approved amending the Ohio State Energy utility system capital improvements plan for fiscal year 2025.

Property sale approved
Trustees approved the sale of 23.5 acres at 3455 West Dublin Granville Road, located north of the Don Scott Airport.

Naming of internal spaces
Trustees approved the following namings:

• The Julia S. Hansen Auditorium in Morrill Hall, 1465 Mt. Vernon Ave., in Marion.
• The Reid Family Career Closet in the Younkin Success Center, 1640 Neil Ave., in Columbus.
• The Reactor Annex at 1296 Kinnear Road (building 155), in Columbus.

No. 6 Ohio State (14-2) scored 31 unanswered points to pull away from No. 5 Notre Dame (14-2) to earn the program’s ninth national title Monday at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia.

After the Irish scored on the first drive of the game, the Buckeyes scored the next 31 points on their way to the 34-23 win, the seventh consecutive victory for the Buckeyes over the Fighting Irish.

Prior to the title this year, Ohio State won the 2014 title, in the inaugural College Football Playoff national championship.

Will Howard quarterbacked the Buckeyes to the win behind 17-of-21 passing for 231 yards and two touchdowns.

Running back Quinshon Judkins scored twice on the ground and once through the air. He finished with 11 carries for 100 yards to go with two receptions for 21 yards.

Jeremiah Smith had five catches for 88 yards and a touchdown. Emeka Egbuka added six grabs for 64 yards. Cody Simon led the defense with eight tackles, with Sonny Styles adding six stops.

Fans are invited to celebrate the historic achievement at Ohio Stadium on Sunday, Jan. 26, at noon. The event will be free along with parking. More information to follow here: https://ohiostatebuckeyes.com/feature/2024-fb-national-champions.

The Ohio State University football team is scheduled to play seven home games next fall, highlighted by a season-opening game v. Texas along with Ohio Stadium visits from Grambling, Ohio, Minnesota, Penn State, UCLA and Rutgers.

The 2025 season marks the second in a new, expanded 18-team Big Ten. Of the four west coast teams, Ohio State plays two of them – at Washington (Sept. 27) and home v. UCLA (Nov. 15). The trip to Seattle will be Ohio State’s first since 2007.

Schedules are arranged so that each Big Ten team will continue to play nine intraconference games per season, and teams will play every other conference opponent at least twice, and not more than three times, in a five-year period.

In addition to Texas, which is making its second trek to Columbus (2005), the nonconference portion of the schedule features a first-ever meeting against prominent FBS program Grambling State University and the first meeting since 2010 with Ohio University, the 2024 Mid American Conference champion.

Ohio State’s game at Illinois will mark its first trip to Champaign in 10 years, since a 28-3 win on Nov. 14, 2015. The Buckeyes have visited their other three conference road sites for next year – at Purdue, Wisconsin and Michigan – as recently as the 2024 season.

There will be two off weeks: Sept. 20 (after the Game 3 home game v. Ohio) and Oct. 25, following Ohio State’s road game at Wisconsin on Oct. 18.

The 18 conference teams will be vying to compete in the 2025 Big Ten championship game Dec. 6 at Lucas Oil Stadium, with the winner claiming the league’s automatic entry into the College Football Playoffs.

2025 Season Ticket Information

Ohio State season ticket holders for the 2024 season were sent renewal information in November and can renew their seats anytime until March 1. Those interested in becoming season ticket holders or learning more about other ticket packages for the 2025 season should visit https://go.osu.edu/fbtix.

2025 Ohio State Football Schedule
Aug. 30 – Texas
Sept. 6 – Grambling
Sept. 13 – Ohio
Sept. 20 – Off
Sept. 27 – at Washington
Oct. 4 – Minnesota
Oct. 11 – at Illinois
Oct. 18 – at Wisconsin
Oct. 25 – Off
Nov. 1 – Penn State
Nov. 8 – at Purdue
Nov. 15 – UCLA
Nov. 22 – Rutgers
Nov. 29 – at Michigan

As the director of player development, Sheldon will play a pivotal role in enhancing student-athlete growth both on and off the court. She will work closely with the coaching staff, athletic trainers and strength and conditioning coaches to develop and implement comprehensive, individualized player development plans. Sheldon will serve as a mentor for student-athletes, helping them develop leadership skills, confidence and a strong work ethic by fostering a high-performance environment focused on skills development, overall personal growth, player development and post-graduation success.

“I’m extremely excited to add both Jacy and Katie to the staff,” McGuff said. “As former Buckeyes they both possess a passion for this program that will be instrumental in helping us continue to compete at the highest level of women’s college basketball. Together they will have a big presence in the community as we proceed with growing our already incredible fan base.”

Smith joins the Buckeye coaching staff after 11 seasons coaching in the WNBA. She spent the past five seasons with the Minnesota Lynx, serving as the associate head coach since 2022. Smith helped lead the Lynx to the 2024 WNBA Finals this season. Minnesota has made playoff appearances in four of the five seasons with Smith on staff.

Prior to her time with Minnesota, Smith became an assistant coach with the New York Liberty in 2013 after retiring from the WNBA as a player that same year. She was promoted to associate head coach prior to the 2016 season and took over as head coach for the 2018 and 2019 seasons. 

“I’m both excited and grateful to return to my alma mater, Ohio State, and to the city my family and I proudly call home,” Smith said. “Ohio State and its women’s basketball program played such a pivotal role in my journey and I am honored to have the opportunity to give back to the program that helped shape me. I look forward to joining Coach McGuff and the entire staff in guiding and supporting these talented young women as they chase their dreams. Together, we’re committed to building on Ohio State’s proud legacy and taking our program to championship levels in a fiercely competitive Big Ten. I can’t wait to see and connect with the Buckeye community – around town and at our games. Go Bucks!”

Smith is enshrined in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame and Ohio State Athletics Hall of Fame. The two-time WNBA Champion with the Detroit Shock was also a two-time All-WNBA First Team selection during her time with the Lynx, also becoming the 2001 WNBA scoring champion. Smith is a seven-time WNBA All-Star and was the WNBA Finals MVP in 2008. In 2011, Smith was named one of the WNBA’s top 15 players of all time and retired from playing in 2013 as the all-time leading scorer in women’s professional basketball. She is a 2006 WNBA All-Decade Team member and a three-time Olympic gold medalist (2000, 2004, 2008). 

Smith was inducted into the Ohio State Athletics Hall of Fame in 2001 in her first year of eligibility – a first among Buckeye women’s basketball players – and her jersey was retired in January 2001. She led the Buckeyes to a Big Ten Championship during the 1992-93 season and then became the first Big Ten women’s basketball team to make an appearance in the NCAA Championship game. Smith became the first freshman since Cheryl Miller to be honored as a Kodak All-American First Team member after also being named National Freshman of the Year and Big Ten Freshman of the Year.

She capped her collegiate career as the 1996 Big Ten Player of the Year and a Chicago Tribune Silver Basketball recipient. Smith scored 2,578 points as a Buckeye, holding the program's all-time leading scorer title for more than a decade and currently sits third. Her career point total led the Big Ten until 2004. Smith became the youngest collegiate player to score 1,000 career points at the age of 19 years and eight months (during her sophomore season). In the classroom, Smith was a four-time Ohio State Scholar Athlete, three-time Academic All-Big Ten selection and the recipient of various scholarships, including a distinguished NCAA postgraduate scholarship.

Sheldon returns to Ohio State after spending her rookie season as a professional with the Dallas Wings. She was the fifth pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft and played in 40 games, earning a starting spot midway through the season. Sheldon recorded six double-figure scoring performances in her rookie season, scoring a season-high 17 points against Atlanta on July 5 on the back of 5-of-8 long-range shooting.

“I’m so excited to have the opportunity to contribute to a program that did so much for me as a player and a person,” Sheldon said. “As someone who has so much love and respect for this university and this program, I’m grateful to be around this program beyond my playing years.”

Sheldon wrapped up her collegiate career as one of the most well-rounded players in school history as she’s one of three who totaled 1,900 points, 400 rebounds, 350 assists, 200 steals and 150 made triples in their Buckeye career. She finished in the top-15 in program history in 10 different career categories, including sixth in scoring with 2,024 career points. Sheldon helped Ohio State to its first Elite Eight appearance in 30 years in 2023 (first Elite Eight since 1993 when Smith was a Buckeye) and the Buckeyes claimed their first outright Big Ten regular season title since 2009-10 last season. 

In 2024, Sheldon earned her spot on the AP All-American Second Team, USBWA All-American Third Team and The Sporting News All-American Second Team and was a finalist for the Nancy Lieberman Award. The two-time regional finalist for the WBCA Coaches’ All-America Team was on watch lists for the Naismith Trophy, Wooden Award, Ann Meyers Drysdale USBWA National Player of the Year Award and Wade Award. Sheldon was a three-time All-Big Ten Selection, was twice named to the All-Big Ten Defensive Team and was a four-time Ohio State Scholar Athlete and Academic All-Big Ten selection.

“The opportunity, in Ohio Stadium, to dot the ‘i’ is a very special honor,” says Griffin. “I know that Woody was proud to have had that opportunity, and I am following in his footsteps and am extremely proud of this opportunity.” 

The recognition, considered the greatest the band can extend to a nonmember, is being presented by the “i-dotters” — the senior sousaphone members of the Ohio State Marching Band. The students visited Griffin at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center early in July to surprise him with the invitation. 

“As a sousaphone player, dotting the ‘i’ is the highest honor one can achieve. It’s a dream many of us have for years, one that we work hard for each day as a member of this band. It takes unrelenting dedication to finally be able to live that dream,” says Nick Pisanelli, senior sousaphone player, who is dotting the “i” during the Ohio State vs. Nebraska game this year.  “Archie Griffin embodies that same spirit, and on the 50th anniversary of his first Heisman Trophy, we felt it was an easy decision to ask him to share this honor with us. He’s living proof that hard work, determination and passion can take you anywhere, and we are so excited for him to join us as we all live out our dream.”  

As a player at Ohio State, Griffin rushed for a school-record 5,589 yards on 924 carries and scored 26 rushing touchdowns. His 31 consecutive 100-yard games are still an NCAA record. In addition to two Heisman Trophies, Griffin also has a pair of Silver Footballs, which are presented annually by the Chicago Tribune to the Big Ten’s MVP.  

“When you see someone outside of the band dotting the ‘i,’ you know that it is extraordinary. That is how I look at it,” says Griffin. “It is a big-time tradition for our band, university, fans and everyone who knows Ohio State. To give someone who is not part of the band the opportunity, it must be something special.”

“We are super excited and honored to have him be a part of this tradition,” says Christopher Hoch, director of Marching and Athletic Bands. “While I didn’t have the opportunity to watch Archie play at Ohio State, I remember my dad talking about him as a legend and how great of a person he was. We are looking forward to Aug. 31 and being able to watch Archie have his well-deserved moment with the band.” 

After a seven-year NFL football career, Griffin returned to Ohio State and served as the president and CEO of The Ohio State University Alumni Association, as an assistant athletic director, and as Ohio State’s senior adviser for advancement before retiring.  

“To see the band perform, it gives you goosebumps. You wonder what the next big show they’re going to do, because they always do something that is special and that no others are doing,” says Griffin. “It makes you, as an Ohio State alumnus, very proud. Our band is The Best Damn Band in the Land.” 

The invitation to be an honorary i-dotter has only been extended to a select few individuals over the history of Script Ohio. Previous honorary i-dotters have included comedian Bob Hope (1978), Hayes (1983), golfer Jack Nicklaus (2006), Sen. John and Annie Glenn (2009), and Marching Band director emeritus Jon R. Woods (2011). The most recent was former football coach Earle Bruce, who dotted the “i” in 2016.

The Ohio State vs. Akron game begins at 3:30 on Saturday, Aug. 31. The Marching Band will perform a Script Ohio during pregame with band member Brody Hyre dotting the i. Griffin will dot the “i” in a halftime Script Ohio following the band’s halftime show. Griffin will also be recognized at Skull Session, the band’s free pregame pep rally at St. John Arena, which will begin at 1:10 p.m.

“Jake Diebler possesses all of the characteristics we were seeking as we conducted a very comprehensive and thorough search for a new head coach,” Bjork said. “Those include coaching ability, passion, energy, program knowledge, character, integrity and ties to Ohio. As an Ohio native, the son of a longtime Ohio high school coach and with deep connections to Ohio State, Jake knows what it takes to lead this program on a championship course. 

“I’d like to thank Dan Cloran, our executive associate athletic director who oversees the men’s basketball program, for his efforts and expertise throughout our search.” 

Diebler, the first Ohioan to be named Ohio State’s head coach in 35 years, is in his eighth season at Ohio State. He was named the interim head coach on Feb. 14 and led the Buckeyes to a 6-2 record over the last month of the season. The first of those six wins came in his first game as the interim coach and in stunning fashion, over No. 2 Purdue on Feb. 19. Ohio State lost at Minnesota in its next game, but then won five consecutive games: at Michigan State, vs. Nebraska, vs. Michigan, at Rutgers and over Iowa in the second round of the Big Ten Tournament. 

The team played a terrific quarterfinal game against Big Ten tourney finalist Illinois only to lose, 77-74, on Friday. The Buckeyes are 21-13 overall.   

“Throughout the search, every time we analyzed what was best for the program, our decision kept leading right back to Jake,” Bjork said. “The way he has led the program since Feb. 14 has been exemplary and is only the beginning of what lies ahead for Buckeye basketball. The future is exciting, and I cannot wait to watch him lead this program.” 

“Our Buckeyes have rallied and shown true grit on the court with Coach Diebler, who has exhibited impressive leadership with the team,” said President Walter “Ted” Carter Jr. “In addition to his multiple wins since being named interim head coach, he’s been an inspiration to the players. I’ve gotten to know Jake and I’m confident he will continue to lead the team admirably.”  

Diebler first worked with Ohio State basketball in 2014, spending three seasons as a video coordinator on Thad Matta’s staff. After three seasons as an assistant coach at Vanderbilt, he returned to Ohio State as an assistant coach under Chris Holtmann prior to the 2019-20 season. He was then promoted to associate head coach before the 2021-22 season.  

“It’s a blessing and a privilege to serve this program and I’m excited for this opportunity,” Diebler said. “I’d like to thank Ross Bjork and President Carter for believing in me and the vision that I have moving forward. Ohio State basketball is special and means so much to me and my family. I look forward to serving the entire Ohio State basketball family as best as I possibly can.” 

Diebler’s stellar high school career included three seasons at Fostoria High School and one at Upper Sandusky High School, and he is still the OHSAA career leader in assists and steals. He then played four seasons at Valparaiso from 2006-09 for head coach Homer Drew. Known as one of the hardest workers in the program, Diebler set a Valparaiso Division I record by starting every one of the Crusaders’ 98 games over his final three seasons. He also had a string of 278 consecutive minutes played over seven games in the final half of his senior season. 

After graduating with his marketing degree in 2009, he spent three more seasons at Valparaiso, one as a graduate assistant and two as an assistant coach under Bryce Drew. He then joined Drew at Vanderbilt from 2016-19 as assistant coach.  

While at Ohio State in the role of video coordinator, he helped mentor Aaron Craft, the 2014 National Defensive Player of the Year, and D’Angelo Russell, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draft and 2015 first-team All-American. 

Coaching runs deep in the Diebler family. His father Keith coached high school basketball in Ohio for almost 40 years, while his older brother Jeremiah coached high school basketball as well. His younger brother, Jon, is currently the director of recruiting at Butler University. 

Jake and his wife, the former Jordyn Ellwood, from Columbus and an Ohio State graduate, have two young daughters, Jaymes and Jessa, and a young son, Jackson. The couple are expecting a fourth child this July.

A former student-athlete, Bjork’s career in athletics administration has consistently focused on competitive success, advances in the student-athlete experience and academic excellence.

“Few athletics directors have established such an impressive and strong record of success in athletics, in the classroom and throughout the community,” Carter said. “The bar is incredibly high at Ohio State, and we have found in Ross a highly intelligent and effective leader – not to mention a fierce competitor.”

Bjork currently serves as director of athletics at Texas A&M University, overseeing more than 600 student-athletes competing at the Division I level in 20 varsity sports.

During his tenure, the school has set new records in overall grade point average, NCAA Graduate Success Rate and NCAA Academic Progress Rate. At the same time, Bjork played a leading role in launching the largest fundraising campaign in Texas A&M athletics’ history outside of the redevelopment of Kyle Field. It features the construction of an academic and wellness center, football indoor performance center and indoor track stadium, as well as a redevelopment of the Bright Football Complex.

At Texas A&M and throughout his career, Bjork is also recognized for hiring successful coaches. All three of his 2021 head coach hires had outstanding first seasons, with baseball advancing to the final four of the Men’s College World Series, women’s golf advancing to the semi-final match at the NCAA Championships and men’s golf qualifying for the national meet for the first time since 2019.

In the spring of 2021, Bjork provided input and guidance to leaders in the Texas legislature in the development of a name, image and likeness law. He then oversaw the creation of AMPLIFY and AMPLIFY Local Exchange, which equips student-athletes with education and resources related to finance, personal branding, networking and media training.

“The college athletics landscape is changing each day, and Ohio State was firmly committed to finding an athletics director who would lead us with confidence and innovative thinking into the future,” said Hiroyuki Fujita, chair of the university’s Board of Trustees. “Ross Bjork possesses all the qualities we had envisioned – and more – and I am thrilled to welcome him to our Buckeye family.”

Before arriving at Texas A&M, Bjork served as director of athletics and vice chancellor for intercollegiate athletics at the University of Mississippi. When hired, he was the youngest athletics director among the Power 5 conferences. He reorganized the external relations structure, including a new partnership with IMG Properties; created the unit for Health and Sports Performance, combining sports medicine, strength and conditioning, nutrition and counseling services; and appointed executive-level administrators for academic support, finance and facilities/game operations. Also, during Bjork’s tenure, Mississippi achieved its highest Learfield Directors Cup finish in the history of the institution.

Prior to that, Bjork was the director of intercollegiate athletics at Western Kentucky University, where the institution’s athletics teams and student-athletes saw immediate success in football, men’s basketball, women’s volleyball, cross country and more. Also, under Bjork’s watch at Western Kentucky, the overall cumulative average GPA was over 3.0 for all 391 student-athletes for the first time in program history.

Additionally, he has worked on the senior athletics staffs at the University of California, Los Angeles (2005-2010), University of Miami (2003-2005) and University of Missouri (1997-2003). He began his administrative career at Western Kentucky as an assistant development coordinator in 1996.

“I have been extraordinarily blessed to be a product of college athletics as a student athlete and fortunate to work with so many outstanding student-athletes, coaches, staff and university leaders throughout my career, and Ohio State represents the culmination of these efforts,” Bjork said. “To be a part of Buckeye Nation, along with its storied traditions and long history of achievement, is a tremendous honor and a welcome challenge for me and our family. I can’t wait to get started.”

Bjork will succeed longtime Senior Vice President and Wolfe Foundation Endowed Athletics Director Gene Smith, who announced in the summer that he would retire in July 2024. A national search for Ohio State’s next athletics leader began soon after, including a university search advisory committee of faculty, staff, students and Buckeyes in the greater community.

“Ross is uniquely equipped to step into our Buckeye community and make an immediate impact,” Smith said. “As I have said, Ohio State has afforded me the professional opportunity of a lifetime, and I am forever grateful. My final, important project over the next several months will be to work with Ross to ensure a smooth and effective transition with our student-athletes, coaches, department staff and university leaders.”

As senior vice president and Wolfe Foundation-Eugene Smith Endowed Athletics Director, Bjork will be a member of the university’s President’s Cabinet. Additionally, he currently serves as the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) 1st vice president and is on the NCAA Division I Student-Athlete Experience Committee. He has served as part of numerous national organizations, including the NCAA Division I Working Group on Transfers and NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Oversight Committee, and as chair of the Southeastern Conference Awards Committee.

Bjork and his wife, Sonya, have two sons. He received his bachelor’s degree in recreation administration from Emporia State University in Kansas, where he played fullback on the football team, and earned a master’s degree in athletic administration from Western Illinois University. His mother is a native of Williamstown, Ohio, where she grew up on the family’s farm. She remains an ardent supporter of TBDBITL.

This year’s fifth-year seniors, who joined the program in 2019, have been part of two Big Ten championship teams, appeared in the College Football Playoff three times and enter Saturday’s game with a record of 52-6 over the past five seasons. They also have a win in the Sugar Bowl and in the Rose Bowl on their career resumes and played in College Football Playoff National Championship Game.

Additionally, Ohio State’s roster includes three six-year players: Xavier Johnson (wide receiver), Josh Proctor (safety) and Matthew Jones (offensive line). Johnson has played in 53 career games – the most of any active player on the roster – while Proctor and Jones have seen action in 48 and 43 games, respectively.

The other senior players honored include:

Parker Lewis (kicker)

Tristan Gebbia (quarterback)

Jack Forsman (offensive line)

Grant Toutant (offensive line)

Chad Ray (quarterback)

Andrew Moore (defensive back)

Quinton Burke (offensive line)

Cameron Kittle (defensive back)

Trey Leroux (offensive line)

Patrick Gurd (tight end)

Jaden McKenzie (defensive line)

Miyan Williams (running back)

Cody Simon (linebacker)

Steele Chambers (linebacker)

Julian Fleming (wide receiver)

Lathan Ransom (safety)

Cade Stover (tight end)

Tommy Eichenberg (linebacker)

The student managers who were recognized are Nolan Clouse, Matt Hart and Hayden Sutton.

Spirit program seniors who were recognized include:

Dance

Nina Andrianos

Marley Blanchard

Brenna Bocik

Josie Cahall

Jesslene O’Loughlin

Alina Serafin

Cheer

Will Bertsch

Brendan Gass

Garett Fogel

Kyle Rodriguez

Noah Subasic

Mason Yuzwa

Maria Law

Rachel Sorge

Mikayla Smith

Brutus Support Team

Will Moddeman

Ryan Vespi

Nathan Chaykowski

This will be the first season of Big Ten Conference competition in the new, expanded 18-team league with Oregon, UCLA, USC and Washington joining as full-time members next year. Schedules are arranged so that each of the 18 Big Ten Conference teams will continue to play nine intraconference games per season, and teams will play every other conference opponent at least twice, and not more than three times, in five years.

On Oct. 5 the Big Ten released five years’ worth of home and away opponents for all the teams, but not dates. Announcements for actual dates for future year team schedules are still to be determined.

Ohio State’s 2024 season will feature eight home games at Ohio Stadium, including the 120th all-time matchup against Michigan, and four more Big Ten games: vs. Iowa, Nebraska, Purdue and Indiana. Additional home games will be against Southern Mississippi, Western Michigan and Marshall.

Big Ten away games for Ohio State in 2024 will be the Big Ten opener at Michigan State Sept. 28, and games against Oregon, Penn State and Northwestern.

The 2024 season will conclude with the annual Big Ten Football Championship Game, which will feature the top two teams in the overall conference standings at the end of the regular season, with the winner earning the Big Ten Championship. Tiebreaking procedures will be announced later.  

2024 Football Schedule

Aug. 31 – Southern Mississippi

Sept. 7 – Western Michigan

Sept. 14 – Off

Sept. 21 – Marshall

Sept. 28 – at Michigan State

Oct. 5 – Iowa

Oct. 12 – at Oregon

Oct. 19 – Off

Oct. 26 – Nebraska

Nov. 2 – at Penn State

Nov. 9 – Purdue

Nov. 16 – at Northwestern

Nov. 23 – Indiana

Nov. 30 – Michigan

Home games in bold

2024 Tickets Available This Month

Ohio State season ticket holders for the 2023 season will be able to start renewing season tickets for the 2024 season later in November. Those interested in becoming season ticket holders or learning more about other ticket packages for the 2024 season should visit https://go.osu.edu/fbtix.

Dear Colleagues:

We are excited to announce the members of the search advisory committee for Ohio State’s next senior vice president and The Wolfe Foundation-Eugene Smith Endowed Athletics Director. The role of the committee will be to help nominate candidates and provide input and feedback to the search firm, Collegiate Sports Associates (CSA). The committee will also work with CSA to coordinate and facilitate community listening sessions.

The search advisory committee will be chaired by Michael C. Eicher, senior vice president for advancement and president of The Ohio State University Foundation. Members include:

• Pierre Bigby, Ohio State Board of Trustees; former Ohio State student-athlete
• Clark Kellogg, former Board of Trustees member and Ohio State student-athlete
• Archie Griffin, former senior vice president, Ohio State Alumni Association, and Ohio State student-athlete
• Michael Papadakis, senior vice president for business and finance, Chief Financial Officer
• Stacy Rastauskas, vice president for government affairs
• Lincoln L. Davies, dean and Frank R. Strong Chair in Law, Moritz College of Law
• Nadine Muzerall, head coach, Ohio State women’s ice hockey
• Janine Oman, senior deputy athletics director
• Xen Riggs, vice president and chief operating officer, Department of Athletics and Business Advancement
• John E. Davidson, professor, Department of Germanic Languages and Literature; faculty athletics representative
• Tom Gessells, director of information technology, Wexner Medical Center; staff representative, Athletics Council
• Nina LeFlore, co-president, Student Athlete Advisory Council
• Alex Dediu, co-president, Student Athlete Advisory Council

The committee will be staffed by Anne Garcia, senior vice president and general counsel, and Katie Hall, interim senior vice president for talent, culture and human resources.

As you will recall, Gene Smith announced this summer his plan to retire from his role as athletics director in July 2024. The national search for his successor will begin immediately. Thank you for any support that you are able to provide as the committee seeks engagement opportunities with the broader university community. We will keep you updated on the search, and we will have many opportunities to celebrate Gene for his dedicated and innovative service to Ohio State.

Peter Mohler, PhD

Acting President and Executive Vice President for Research, Innovation and Knowledge

“I couldn’t live without it,” he said. “I called my mom and was like, ‘I don’t have the structure [of a team]. I have to come home. I can’t do this.’”

Gerenstein’s mom helped him regain his focus. He stayed in shape and would practice throwing on the Lincoln Tower Field, all the while hoping to find a way back to his favorite sport. It was there that he met the kicker for the university’s club football team.

“He threw me an invite to the club,” Gerenstein said. “That was a Thursday. Monday, I went to my first practice.”

While Gerenstein waited for a varsity tryout date, football became his focus. Eventually his grades began to slip. Over the next two years, he would come to understand that while engineering was one of the things that brought him to Ohio State, it was sports that would keep him there. The club helped him build a routine and find his balance.

“I’ve come to realize that I can’t live without some sort of structure,” he said. “In high school, I was in school and then I went to practice, so most of your day is structured. Then you get to college and it’s not even close to that. The club practices were shorter than high school but for me, it was some semblance of normalcy. It saved me.”

He graduated in May of this year with a bachelor’s degree in sport industry and is now an assistant director of recruiting for Boston College’s football team. Gerenstein says his time with the club football team allowed him to play without feeling the pressure that varsity athletes often face.

“I have a friend who just graduated – he was a five-year player and had some injuries. He doesn’t want to play anymore,” he said. “Those guys get burnt out playing at that level. … I’ve never had a day where I woke up and thought, ‘Here we go with this again.’ It was just excitement: ‘We got football tonight!’”

The club football team was founded in 2009 and is a member of the National Club Football Association. It has won two national championships, in 2019 and 2021. Gerenstein was the team’s quarterback for both.

In addition to playing on the club team, Gerenstein also served as a recruiting intern for the varsity program. He worked with Mark Pantoni, whom he calls “the godfather of college football personnel.” Earlier this year, Gerenstein participated in the National Football League’s Pro Day at Ohio State, an opportunity that he says would not have happened without the connections he made through both programs.

“[The internship] ended up working out well,” he said. “I am where I am now. Club football was the springboard to why I’m here in Boston.”

In addition to allowing him to enjoy the game, club football also gave Gerenstein a leg up professionally since the club recruits its players.

“You have to make yourself desirable [to recruits],” he said. “You have to find the right audience.”

Gerenstein thinks more schools would benefit from their own club teams. There are students out there who want to continue to play football but can’t do so at the varsity level, he said. A club team lets them continue to have the structure and rigor many student-athletes crave. 

“I do everything I can to spread the word about club football,” he said. And while he is a Boston College Eagle now, Ohio State’s club team set a high bar.

“It shocks me how dedicated the team and the staff are, versus the rest of the league,” he said. “How we prepare for every game, we’re just so fine-tuned as a program. As far as X’s and O’s, personnel, depth, schematics, travel, we just don’t miss on any of it.”

But that wasn’t the only historic moment she witnessed. Jamaica’s last game in the group stage was against Brazil. The teams tied 0-0, which sent Brazil home. World-renowned Brazilian player Marta Vieira da Silva had announced this was her last World Cup prior to the tournament’s beginning. Being a part of her story was surreal, McNamara said.

“I grew up watching Marta,” she said. “I was like, ‘OK, I’m not in front of a screen now. I’m in person.’ And getting to see [how they play]. It was bittersweet because we won’t get to see Marta play again but also, we were the team to send her home.”

Brazil wasn’t the only competitive team the Jamaicans played. Their first match was against France, ending in another 0-0 tie.

“France is always a top-five team,” she said. “That was a surreal game because that was the start of our World Cup. That set the tone for the rest of the tournament. That game was great.”

While McNamara, a fourth-year international business major, was born in the United States, her mother is Jamaican. FIFA allows players to play for a country other than their home nation if they can demonstrate a clear connection to it, such as a parent or grandparent. McNamara was proud to represent her family.

“It was awesome. I didn’t grow up there … so getting to go back and live through her heritage and see where she grew up, that was meaningful,” she said. “I got to represent my grandparents as well. They weren’t here to see it, but I felt like they were looking down and were proud that I’m representing their country.”

McNamara’s team pride did not overshadow her Buckeye spirit, however. She wore a red or gray headband in each match as a nod to her home team. And that wasn’t all she had planned.

“I wish I had scored because I was ready to do my OH-IO celebration.”

Now that the tournament is over, McNamara is happy to be back in Ohio. With the Paris Olympics next summer, she may have the chance to play for Jamaica again – she was invited to join the team for qualifying matches this fall but declined. She was ready to wear scarlet and gray again.

“I owe it to my team to play when we’re in season,” she said. “I think it’s best to stay and help my teammates. I love being here so much.”

The help McNamara has brought back from the World Cup? Mentoring from older players. While she is a senior and one of the more seasoned players on Ohio State’s team, that was not the case with the Jamaican national team. At 21, she was one of the younger players.

“Their mentality is to put your head down and work hard. And enjoy every moment,” she said. “That’s what I’m trying to bring back to this team.”

There were so many moments to enjoy, she said. But the thing that sticks out the most is the number of fans supporting women’s sports.

“I was surprised by how many people were there to support us. It’s a growing sport and it’s a women’s sport, so how many people are going to show up? But stadiums were sold-out all over Australia and New Zealand,” she said. “It didn’t even matter if your country was playing in the game or not. People still found someone to root for.”

The experience is one most people won’t have, she said, so she took in as much as she could.

“You see a stadium filled with 27,000 people, screaming your country’s name and cheering for everything your team does,” she said. “That’s an insane feeling. It was overwhelming, the pride. Now I can say, ‘I did that.’”

“I want to thank the leadership of The Ohio State University during my tenure for providing me the opportunity to serve as Senior Vice President and Wolfe Foundation Endowed Athletic Director for the past 18 years,” Smith said. “The presidents and many members of the Board of Trustees I have served afforded me the professional opportunity of a lifetime, and I am forever grateful.

“I have always believed that a leader seeks to be the right person at the right time in the life of the institution. I believe that July 2024 is the right time to welcome new leadership to build upon what we have achieved and continue to build upon the great tradition of excellence in athletics and business advancement at Ohio State.

“Sheila and I look forward to the next chapter when we plan to spend more consistent quality time with our children, grandchildren, and extended family. 

“I want to thank the current Board of Trustees members for allowing me to make this announcement at this time, affording me the opportunity to work with colleagues on the president’s cabinet to ensure a smooth and successful transition once a new president is appointed.”

Born and raised in Cleveland, Smith is in his 19th year at Ohio State, having started in his position in April 2005. Prior to Ohio State, Smith served as athletic director at Arizona State University (2000-2005), Iowa State University (1993-2000), and Eastern Michigan University (1985-1993).

Smith’s tenure at Ohio State is third-longest among the school’s eight athletic directors. Previous directors of athletics at Ohio State include Andy Geiger (1994-2005), Jim Jones (1987-94), Richard Bay (1984-87), Hugh Hindman (1977-84), J. Edward Weaver (1970-77), Richard Larkins (1947-70), and Lynn W. St. John (1912-47).

Athletic and Academic Success

Ohio State Athletics finished third in the 2022-23 Director’s Cup standings. This represents the ninth time Ohio State has finished as the No. 1 athletics program in the Big Ten Conference with eight of those top finishes occurring under Smith’s direction. Smith’s vision for academic and athletic excellence across all sport teams has resulted in consistent top-5 Director’s Cup recognition that reinforced his dedication to providing student-athletes the opportunity to compete for conference and national championships.

Smith’s philosophy of developing the “total student-athlete” has resulted in academic achievements concurrent with athletic success.  In 2022-23, 765 Ohio State Scholar-Athletes, 190 Big Ten Conference Distinguished Scholars, and six Academic All-Americans attest to Ohio State’s commitment to success in the classroom and on the fields of play. 

In addition, Ohio State Athletics posted a cross-sport multi-year Academic Progress Rate of 993, the highest in school history.  Of the 36 Buckeye sport programs, 26 have multi-year rates of 990 or greater, and the football program’s rate of 993 is an all-time high. In 2022-23, 240 student-athletes earned their degrees. 

During Smith’s tenure, Ohio State has dominated Big Ten Conference play, with 115 team and 369 individual conference championships. Smith delights in seeing student-athletes proudly display their Big Ten championship rings, forever a reminder of their Ohio State experience.

On the national stage, Ohio State teams have won 32 team and 117 individual national championships during Smith’s tenure, another mark of competitive excellence.  A former student-athlete, and coach, he keeps a keen focus on the over 1,000 student-athletes he serves.  He is driven to provide them all they need to grow academically, athletically, and personally during their time at Ohio State, and graduate with skills that transfer to success in life.  The department’s focus is from recruitment to career. 

The Eugene D. Smith Leadership Institute

To that end, the Eugene D. Smith Leadership Institute (EDSLI) was created, funded by $15 million in private support, to provide leadership, character, and career development for all Ohio State student-athletes to best prepare them for life after graduation. 

A national exemplar, EDLSI programs include Bucks Go Pro internships, job shadows/micro-internships, Wolstein Leadership Academy, Buckeye road trip, career fairs, Sundays in the Shoe, and Lead Like a Buckeye, among others.  As a measure of the Institute’s impact, in 2022-23 a record 95 pct. of the department’s graduating seniors had job offers, were accepted into graduate school, or were pursuing professional sports.

Smith also oversees the University’s Business Advancement unit, including Columbus’ Nationwide Arena and Ohio State’s Blackwell Hotel, Schottenstein Center, Fawcett Center and Trademark and Licensing, which along with Athletics have a combined annual budget of $347 million in FY 2024 (Athletics $253 million and Business Advancement $94 million).  Smith’s team has increased revenues through innovation, collaboration, and operational efficiencies.

“Business Advancement continues to perform at a high level, as even this summer we will host a record five concerts at Ohio Stadium,” Smith said. “Our trademark and licensing program continues to be #1 among all colleges and universities and the Blackwell Hotel closed out another great year.”

Smith’s business acumen has resulted in strong long-term fiscal performance and new resources have been used to enhance the student-athlete experience.  Record-setting third party agreements with NIKE ($252 million), IMG ($240 million), Levy Foods ($88 million) and Coke, among others, have allowed for innovative and trend setting programs offered to student-athletes.

$930 Million in Private Support

Fundraising is one of Smith’s gifts. Along with his development team, more than $930 million has been raised since his arrival in 2005 which represents over 77 pct. of all funds raised for Ohio State Athletics in its history.  With major renovations to Ohio Stadium and the construction of the Schottenstein Center made possible largely through public bonding prior to his arrival, Smith decided projects during his tenure would be paid for through current private support.

Projects include several major renovations to the Woody Hayes Athletic Center and Ohio Stadium, the addition of practice facilities and amenities at the Schottenstein Center, construction of Griggs Reservoir Boathouse, Jane and Walt Dennis Indoor Golf Practice Facility at The Ohio State University Golf Club, Buckeye Softball Field, several upgrades to Bill Davis Stadium, and upgrades to Jesse Owens Memorial Stadium.

The most recent projects include construction of the Schumaker Olympic Sport Complex, Covelli Arena and Jennings Wrestling Facility, Ty Tucker Tennis Center at Auer Tennis Complex, Field Hockey Stadium, and Lacrosse Stadium. 

Smith oversees a total of 523 employees in athletics and business advancement, and a football program with a $1.5 billion valuation, as estimated by the Wall Street Journal.  Each year the department hosts nearly 2 million fans at its sporting events, concerts and special events, with a dedicated team of professionals seeking to ensure remarkable fan experiences at every event. 

The department has received national awards for compliance and diversity.  But what Smith is most proud of is the exemplary culture within his units, recognized by Forbes as “one of the best ten organizations to work for in sports” and the only college program on its list.

Service, Appointments & Honors

Smith is a big believer in national service.  He was a member of the College Football Playoff (CFP) Committee (2017-20); past chair of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Committee (2010-11); member of the negotiating advisory team for the 2010 Turner/CBS contract with the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament for $10.8 billion; and member, negotiating advisory team for the 1991 CBS/NCAA contract for $6.0 billion.  Smith also served as President of the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) in 1994.

Smith was appointed to the prestigious Rice Commission, convened by the NCAA to make recommendations on collegiate basketball issues and was co-chair of the NCAA Federal & State Legislative Working Group to Study Name, Image & Likeness (NIL).  Smith has served on myriad NCAA and Big Ten committees and continues to do so.

Smith has received virtually every honor in the business, including being the first two-time recipient of the Sports Business Journal A.D. of the Year (2016 & 2010) award.  Smith has been recognized by Forbes, Sports Illustrated and Black Enterprise as one of the most influential minorities in American Sport.  Smith received the John L. Toner Award for outstanding dedication to college athletics, especially college football in 2008; he was inducted into the inaugural “Legends Class” NACDA Hall of Fame in 2008; and honored as Athletic Administrator of the Year by the Black Coaches Association in 2007, among many others. 

Currently, Smith serves on the NCAA NIL Working Group; College Football Playoff (CFP) Focus Group; and on the boards of directors of:  National Football Foundation; McLendon Foundation (Emeritus Board); Fiesta Bowl; US Olympic and Paralympic Collegiate Advisory Council; Columbus Sports Commission; Columbus Arena Management, Champions of Community and Ohio State Health, Inc.  In his capacity as Senior Vice President, Smith serves on the President’s Cabinet at Ohio State.

The consummate student-athlete, Smith earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Notre Dame in 1977. He earned three varsity football letters as a defensive end and was a member of Notre Dame’s Associated Press 1973 national championship team.

Smith also served as an assistant football coach for the Fighting Irish from 1977-81, helping to guide the squad to its 1977 undisputed national championship. He then spent two years as a marketing representative for IBM prior to joining the Eastern Michigan staff in April 1983.

Smith holds the distinction of being one of only three individuals to win a national championship in football as a student-athlete, coach and athletic administrator (Ohio State in 2014).

Gene and his wife, Sheila, have four children:  Matt (Chantal), Nicole (Joe), Lindsey (Anita), and Summer (Adrian), and eight grandchildren who Smith celebrates affectionately in photos online using their numerical order: Grandkid #1 Marshall, #2 Steele, #3 Grayson, #4 Addison, #5 Tyson, #6  Elijah, #7 Maya, and #8 Jordyn.

The events will occur in the span of a week, starting on Saturday, Aug. 5, when Billy Joel and Stevie Nicks play at the stadium, followed by a Tuesday, Aug. 8, performance by Mötley Crüe and Def Leppard.

Then, on Friday, Aug. 11, and Saturday, Aug. 12, country music star Morgan Wallen heads to the Horseshoe to play two shows. 

Roadways near Ohio Stadium will be closed, limited parking will be available and CABS delays are anticipated. From Friday, Aug. 4, through Saturday, Aug. 12, the Olentangy Trail reroute will move east to Tuttle Park Place.

Motorists should allow additional time and plan for travel delays in The Ohio State University campus area, and be aware that surface lots surrounding Ohio Stadium will be limited to event parking only.

Additionally, on Sunday, Aug. 6, summer commencement will take place at the Schottenstein Center in Columbus, and a quarter- and half-marathon will take place on some campus-area roads.

For details on the events and expected impacts, visit the university's Transportation and Traffic Management website.
 

Multiple roadways will be closed, limited parking will be available and CABS transit service will be suspended for portions of the weekend of April 15 and 16.

Additionally, work related to the Cannon Drive relocation is causing traffic and bus changes in the area. Cannon between 12th Avenue and John H. Herrick Drive; the Herrick and Cannon intersection; and the Herrick bridge are all closed.

Changes because of the major events include:

• Tuttle and Northwest parking garages will be closed after the Saturday spring game and reopen after the Sunday 4 Miler event.
• Access to parking areas within the 4 Miler event route will be limited/delayed.
• All CABS routes, including CABS On-Demand and paratransit service, will be suspended during the game and race.

Motorists are encouraged to allow for additional travel time. Be prepared for heavy vehicular and pedestrian traffic before, during and after the events. 

The noon spring game exhibition at Ohio Stadium is expected to attract at least 50,000 fans to the campus area.

Visit the Transportation and Traffic Management website for more information on the events and expected impacts.

A key factor in the team’s success? The fans. The thousands that attend each game give the Buckeyes a boost every single time.

“They’re family,” said senior guard Hevynne Bristow.

This year, the players have made a concerted effort to reach more fans. Last year’s team made it to the Sweet 16 in the NCAA tournament, despite low expectations. Those players wanted to thank the fans who had rooted for them all year, said assistant coach Jalen Powell.

“We had a core group of players returning this year, so we wanted to focus on getting people to the games to see how well our team plays,” she said. “We also want the fans to see not only how good they are as players but how great they are as people.”

This led to a community outreach push. Local middle and high school teams were invited to games, clinics are offered with players, area teams are given the chance to play on the Schottenstein Center court during halftime and players sign autographs so they can meet fans one-on-one.

“It’s awesome, getting to know our fans,” Bristow said. “We meet new people, but we see a lot of the same faces now, too. It’s really special. I met twins at a clinic, and I still talk to them. We can talk about anything.”

“At a recent game, a little girl with Down syndrome came up to me during warm-up,” said senior guard Jacy Sheldon. “My sister has Down syndrome, too, so that was awesome. She talked to my sister a little bit, too, and we got to know her and her mom. That’s one of my favorite memories this year.”

“I remember one team, from my hometown,” said freshman forward and Centerville native Cotie McMahon. “I came out to sign autographs and I just hear them screaming my name. They made me feel so loved.”

In addition to meeting fans, players are excited to serve as role models for athletes, especially young women.

“If you see someone doing it, you know you can do it,” Powell said. “If you see someone achieving a goal, it becomes more of a reality for a young player. Why should they have self-doubt when they see someone else do it and be successful?”

“Having women athletes to look up to is huge,” Sheldon said. “It was huge for us, too. Having the opportunity to do that for other kids is cool and special. That’s something we think about a lot and take pride in.”

Returning the support given to them is just as important for the team. In addition to the clinics, the team performs service projects in Columbus in the off-season.

“I’m not from Columbus,” said Bristow. “Growing up in New York, the Knicks and the Liberty [basketball] programs did a lot of community stuff. That made me want to be like them more, so us reaching out to our community in Columbus might inspire others to do the same.”

Fan support can help buoy spirits, too – during wins and losses.

“I want them to know that we’re going to keep going out there, every night, playing as hard as we can and trying to get a win,” Sheldon said. “That’s for each other but it’s also for them. They’re part of our journey.”

“We have 14 players on the team. It’s like having 15,” Powell said. “They’re our 15th player.”

“Whenever we get the chance, we tell them ‘thank you,’” she added. “Every time they sign an autograph, they say ‘thank you for coming.’ If they take a picture or talk to a child, they say ‘thank you for coming,’ because it means that much. It makes a difference. It shows in the way we play. It shows in the way we carry ourselves. It shows when we show up every day. We’re not just playing to win, we’re playing for our fans.”

The revenue for the fiscal year 2022, which ran from July 1, 2021, to June 30, 2022, far exceeds the $106,896,918 in FY 2021. It also eclipses the record $233,871,740 in FY 2020, according to an annual financial report filed each year with the NCAA.

“Buckeye Nation continues to show their tremendous support for our incredible student-athletes, our coaches and our support staff. We are grateful for the enthusiasm they bring to our stadiums, fields and pools,” said Gene Smith, senior vice president and Wolfe Foundation endowed athletic director.

Ticket sales, among the hardest hit sources of revenue during the pandemic, reached a reported $59,649,921 across all sports in FY 2022. That number includes more than $47 million from football alone. The university reported only $7,386 in the previous reporting period when fans were not allowed in the stadium.

The department also reported $62.9 million in support from individuals, foundations and companies. That was an improvement from $19.7 million in FY 2021 and $48.1 million in FY 2020 in similar contributions. Much of the increase is attributed to the Buckeye Club’s transition to a per-seat contribution (PSC) model to benefit fans and season ticket holders.

Media rights – revenue from radio, television and digital – accounted for $48,908,898 in FY 2022. That’s up from $40.5 million in FY 2021 and $46.8 million in FY 2020.

Some of the additional highlights from the report include:

• Money from sponsorships and licensing agreements totaled $30,088,073 – that’s up from $18,862,849 in FY 2021.
• Athletic student aid was $24,564,657, up from $20,624,606 in FY 2021.
• Total operating expenses for the athletic department were $225,733,418 compared to $170,551,920 the previous year and $215,209,566 in FY 2020.

Ohio State is home to one of the largest athletic departments in the nation, supporting 16 men’s teams, 17 women’s teams, three mixed teams and approximately 1,000 student-athletes. The department is self-funded and receives no tuition or tax dollars.

The Paris Johnson Jr. Foundation has been selected as the 11th recipient of the Armed Forces Merit Award presented by the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA).

Coordinated by the staff at the Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl, the Armed Forces Merit Award presented by the FWAA was created in June 2012 “to honor an individual and/or a group within the realm of the sport of football.” 

The “official” announcement of Paris Johnson Jr. Foundation was made during the noon ET edition of SportsCenter on Friday followed by a teleconference at 1 p.m. with the foundation’s leaders,  Ohio State offensive tackle Paris Johnson Jr., and his mother Monica Daniels. 

At the teleconference, Brant Ringler, executive director of the Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl, and David Ubben, 2022 FWAA President, congratulated the Paris Johnson Jr. Foundation as the 2022 recipient of the Armed Forces Merit Award.

The Paris Johnson Jr. Foundation was selected from a list of 50 nominations (43 individuals and seven programs) as the 2022 recipient by a nine-person committee made up of FWAA members and Bowl officials.

“The foundation established by Paris and his mother is very unique where a student-athlete and his family are actively involved with helping military veterans,” said Ringler.  “While playing a key role on one of the nation’s top collegiate football teams, what Paris is accomplishing through his foundation is remarkable.  We hope at least one player on every college football program in the United States can follow the exemplary example that Paris has set.”

“The Paris Johnson Jr. Foundation provides much-needed assistance for the veterans.  What makes Paris special is that he has taken the time to help so many in his community while playing college football and studying at The Ohio State University,” Ubben said. “We applaud him and his mother for the work that they are doing with the foundation.”

The Paris Johnson Jr. Foundation, established by the ESPN midseason All-America during his high school days in Cincinnati, has raised more than $10,000 to assist veterans, student-athletes and the homeless. 

The foundation is dedicated to empowering and serving disabled veterans and disadvantaged student-athletes with helpful resources that benefit them. 

“I’ve always been passionate about veterans,” Johnson said. “I have so much respect for veterans. It’s easy to say it, but words are just words. Our team tries to find a way to give back to those people who have arguably made the second greatest sacrifice on earth. Those people shouldn’t have to worry about the basic necessities when they come back home. They should be taken care of by the people that they protected.”

“Paris is a wonderful individual, one who cares about and takes care of those who are less fortunate,” Ohio State head coach Ryan Day said. “He does this through his foundation.  These efforts are indicative of the leader that he is … on the field and off.  He is a conscientious young man, an incredibly sincere and thoughtful individual, and someone I can’t wait to see succeed in life as an upstanding citizen.”

TBDBITL performed “All Star,” “Bad Reputation,” “Livin’ La Vida Loca,” “I’m On My Way,” “Holding Out for a Hero” and “I’m a Believer,” before ending with the famous Script Ohio. The band’s formations included Shrek’s face, Puss in Boots, Donkey and the dragon.  

There were two i-dotters this week: Computer science and engineering major Dylan Penka during the pregame performance, and music education and philosophy major Noah Jockett at halftime.

The Alumni Band participated in a separate ramp entrance immediately after the current band, and the two groups united for an Ohio Stadium-themed halftime performance that featured a collection of 10 great moments in Horseshoe history.

The bands performed classics such as “Hang on Sloopy” and “Beautiful Ohio,” as well as some popular hits like “Eye of the Tiger” and “California Dreamin.’”

Band formations included a birthday cake and the rotunda of Ohio Stadium.

Leading the quadruple Script Ohio at halftime were the three most recent head drum majors plus the current assistant drum major. Current drum majors Austin Bowman and Dalton Cararo led the 2022 band and alumni in the end zones, while 2020 head drum major Brayden Deemer led the east alumni group and 2018-19 head drum major Konner Barr handled the west script.

Four current or former band members dotted the “i.” Current member Kamren Zirger (2019-22) and alum Paul Weeda (1988-91) handled the south and north end zones, respectively. The east stadium was served by James Pardi (1985-88) and the west by Lawrence Cohen (1986-90).

“My legs hurt.”

“Walk if you need to.”

“Keep going.”

Hundreds of Ohio State University students, faculty, staff and local first responders swarmed up and down the steps of the stadium for the annual stair climb to honor and commemorate the sacrifices made during and after 9/11.

Lt. Col. Mike Kelvington, professor of military science for the Army ROTC program at Ohio State, welcomed students from the university’s tri-service ROTC departments (Army, Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force); the Student Veterans Association; athletes from men’s lacrosse, synchronized swimming and wrestling programs; military veterans; and first responders, including cadets from the Ohio State Highway Patrol.

“This 21st anniversary of 9/11 gives us the opportunity to remember those who were killed, to honor our heroes who responded and sacrificed, and to fully commit to defending our nation against those who wish us harm,” he said. “This morning, we ascend these stairs, like many first responders, policemen and citizens did, for 110 flights, the equivalent of the height of one of the World Trade Center towers, or as far as their lungs could carry them.”

Kelvington spoke to the assembled group at 5:30 Wednesday morning near the 50-yard line and encouraged them before what would be a grueling workout.

Nikki Dzurko, a senior environment, economy, development and sustainability major and member of the synchronized swimming team, said the workout was difficult but well worth it.

“I am probably the worst runner on our team,” she said, laughing. “We’re a water sport, we don’t get a ton of running in, so it’s definitely a challenge. A few of us were struggling, but we just keep moving and think about what the people who are wearing 50 pounds of gear were doing, running upstairs without taking a pause.”

Dzurko said the team participated in the stair climb last year, and said it’s a special time to remind themselves of the sacrifice of others.

“[Coach] Holly [Vargo-Brown] made us think about what it was like to put other people ahead of yourself in a situation like 9/11,” she said. “And as we were walking the stairs, thinking about that really made me feel so grateful for having all the first responders on campus and everywhere.”

First Class Midshipman Nolan Buck, a senior aviation engineering major, said it means a lot to see students outside of ROTC join them for the stair climb.

“Having them come out to support us, and something that we care about, and demonstrating that they care about it as well is really meaningful,” he said. “It helps solidify the idea of what we’re doing has purpose and gives us the motivation to keep waking up at 5 a.m. every couple of days and doing what we’re doing to not only help out the Ohio community but also our country.”

Norman Jones, vice provost and dean for undergraduate education, joined the students on the stair climb. He said he was inspired by the camaraderie of students in the ROTC department and the student athletes who joined them.

“To me, it’s the heart of what Ohio State is all about. It’s about service. Our motto is Education for Citizenship, and that’s about service,” he said. “I think ROTC exemplifies that, our athletic teams pulling together for something greater themselves. So, it’s super inspiring.”

“A Walk in Our ’Shoe: 100 Years of Ohio Stadium” is a free exhibition that will be on view in Thompson Library Gallery until Feb. 26, 2023.   

“Ohio Stadium has long been a gathering place for so many people,” Tamar Chute, university archivist, said of the engineering marvel that opened in 1922 and can hold more than 102,000 fans for football Saturdays and countless other events.

“The exhibit is a chance to share the diverse stories that surround the field experience in the ’Shoe, from raucous football rivalries and record-breaking track meets to commencement ceremonies, star-studded musical concerts, marching band wonders, and so much more.” 

Here’s a quick look at just a few of the highlights of the libraries’ exhibition: 

Marlene Owens’ Homecoming trophy 

The daughter of world-famous Olympic athlete Jesse Owens, Marlene made history in her own right at Ohio State. In 1960, she was crowned the university’s first African American homecoming queen, and her dad handed her the trophy in front of a crowd of more than 83,000 in Ohio Stadium. Jesse Owens reportedly said when presenting the trophy, “Remember, darling, it could only happen in America,” a comment echoed in newspapers across America. 

Football coaches’ case 

Three Buckeye football coaches, each heralded for his contributions, will be spotlighted. Chute said the three are being acknowledged because of their influences on the sport, their community and the university.  

John Wilce (1913-1928) led the Buckeyes onto their new field when Ohio Stadium opened. He also earned his medical degree during his coaching tenure, later serving as director of Ohio State’s student health services for more than two decades. 

Woody Hayes (1951-1978) was one of the most decorated coaches in college football history. Under the legendary Hayes, his team won 205 games, captured five national titles, won 13 Big Ten championships and played in eight Rose Bowls. Off the field, Hayes embodied the spirit of Ralph Waldo Emerson’s essay to “pay it forward,” supporting charities such as Children’s Hospital and Easter Seals. He was as proud of his players’ high graduation rate as he was of their success on the field. 

Jim Tressel (2001-2010) saw his team win the 2002 national title. Now president of Youngstown State University, Tressel published the book “The Winners Manual” in 2009, donating its proceeds to benefit the William Oxley Thompson Memorial Library Renovation Fund. 

The unwanted ashtray

To celebrate Ohio Stadium’s dedication, an industrial engineering professor designed an aluminum ashtray mimicking the new horseshoe-shaped stadium, aiming to sell the memento to fans for $1 each. Michigan spoiled the day with a 19-0 win, and not a single sale was made. Left with a large supply of ashtrays, the professor began giving them away to any student who took his foundry course. The custom continued, more replicas were cast in the foundry over the years, and an estimated 600,000 stadium-shaped ashtrays have been distributed.  

Stadium dorm rooms  

In an early move to increase access to higher education, Ohio State opened barracks-style housing space in the stadium’s southeast tower. According to Chute, during the Depression, many students dropped out of the university because they couldn’t afford tuition and housing. In 1932, Dean of Men Joseph Park devised the idea to house male students inside the stadium in cooperative housing; in exchange, the students were expected to work in the dormitory.  

The magnet campaign 

We all know it as the horseshoe-shaped stadium, but a closer look also reveals its magnet shape. “In a brilliant 1920 marketing campaign appeal to the public to raise construction funds, the stadium was publicized as ‘the magnet that will draw the rest of the world to Columbus.’” 

The Ohio State University sent five student-athletes: Jaydan Wood (women’s track & field), Donovan Hewitt (men’s gymnastics), Brooke Shields (cheer), Nina LeFlore (women’s soccer) and Zed Key (men’s basketball).

Student-athletes heard from Sheyann Webb-Christburg, author and eyewitness to the Bloody Sunday attack in 1965, as well as Bryan Stevenson, a prominent author and social justice lawyer. They also toured the Civil Rights Memorial Center, the Alabama Department of Archives and History and the Equal Justice Initiative Legacy Museum, which Stevenson founded.

In addition, the trip included a visit to the First Baptist Church in Selma and a walk across the Edmund Pettus Bridge, the site of Bloody Sunday.

Knowing the trip’s purpose, LeFlore expected an emotional weekend. She was still surprised by just how emotional she was. Although the speakers shared painful stories, she felt inspired by their messages of hope.

“They were really joyful,” she said. “Even when they spoke about their past, and they were emotional, they were joyful, almost hopeful. You can tell that their spirit wasn’t defeated.”

For Key, the most meaningful moment of the trip was the Pettus Bridge walk.  

“Walking across the bridge, just knowing what [the protesters] went through with them being beat on the bridge by the police, dogs, tear gas,” said Key. “It was such a surreal moment.”

LeFlore agreed.

“That was probably the most impactful,” she said. “Being there, living the history, reliving the history. It’s not really an experience you can put into words. It’s more of a feeling. I wish everyone had the opportunity to experience it.”

Key was proud to represent Ohio State and proud to represent basketball players – there were few on the trip. He feels that, as student-athletes, he and his peers have a unique opportunity to amplify the messages they received during the trip.

“As athletes, we have a platform,” he said. “We’re all on the same page about using our platform to create change because people look up to us and they listen to us. We can use our platform to push in the right direction to create equality.”

A short film will chronicle the trip and the participating student-athletes’ reactions.

“Every student-athlete will be able to see it and then we’re going to talk to the entire student-athlete staff,” she said. “We’re going to go in-depth about what we learned and how we can implement changes in the Ohio State athletics program.”

Both agreed that the trip was an honor and one in which they were proud to participate.

“This really opened my eyes,” Key said. “I learned stuff that I didn’t even know about. Listening to people, it really gave me goosebumps, some of what they were saying. I’m really glad the Big Ten invited me to go.”

For LeFlore, who has attended other Big Ten events, it was a chance to experience something different with her peers.

“I saw a more intimate side to some of the people I had met at the other events during this trip,” she said.

All five of the Ohio State student-athletes are Black, LeFlore mentioned. Bonding over their experiences as Black student-athletes made the trip that much more meaningful.

“I think it was cool coming into community like that,” she said. “I think that was really special.”

The sense of community, of shared history, has stuck with LeFlore.

“Anytime anybody shares a story, it’s impactful and empowering.”

President Richard Nixon signed Title IX into law on June 23, 1972:

“No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any educational program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.”

Women’s lives around the country and in every generation since were changed. For Johnson, this meant that while she was able to play only individual sports in high school, when she arrived at Stanford University, she was allowed to join the field hockey team and eventually go on to create a women’s lacrosse team with many of the same women.

“You all know what it’s like to be on a team, to be part of something bigger than yourself,” Johnson said to the assembled audience, which included many current female student-athletes. “That’s what I love about The Ohio State University. We’re all a part of something big, really big.”

Joining Johnson on the panel were her wife, Veronica Meinhard, who was an All-American swimmer at the University of Florida, current Ohio State women’s basketball player Jacy Sheldon, synchronized swimming coach Holly Vargo-Brown and retired deputy athletic director Miechelle Willis. The moderator of the discussion was Siobhan St. John, assistant cheer coach.

Meinhard, who grew up in Venezuela, shared that Title IX meant she could pursue her sport and her education, something she could not do in her home country.

“In my country, education is No. 1,” she said. “You quit your sport at 17 or 18. … The sheer opportunity to be able to pursue education and my sport, regardless of gender, was a huge issue for me.”

Sheldon, the youngest member of the panel, reflected on the history of gender equality in sports. When asked to describe Title IX in one word, she chose “movement.” She spoke about the United States’ 1996 women’s basketball team, the “Dream Team,” and the hurdles they had to overcome, despite their talent. She noted that there is still plenty of room for improvement, citing the differences in facilities for men’s and women’s basketball teams during the 2021 March Madness tournament.

“Everybody has at least a part, a role to get us where we are today,” she said.

Willis also shared thoughts about inequitable facilities and how those differences have decreased since 1962. While changes like these in higher education are significant, Willis argued that the most meaningful impacts are found at secondary schools.

“The talent, the pool of talent that we now have at the college level is a reflection of the opportunities that are provided to girls at the high school level,” she said. “Coaching opportunities at that level – this has had a huge impact on the competitive level in college.”

Rounding out the panel, Vargo-Brown reminded the audience of the importance of mindfulness around Title IX and equity issues.

“I think, particularly as things progress, you start to become comfortable in assuming everything is equal,” she said. “You don’t always stay mindful of each situation. ‘Is this really equal?’ ‘Are we providing equal opportunities?’ ‘Are we providing equal recognition?’ ‘Are we providing equal pay?’

“Yes, we are, and can we do more?”

Read bios of the new Hall of Fame inductees on the Department of Athletics website.
 

“Other than the Bible, I mean,” he said. “I was really proud of that.”

Snow began his Buckeye journey in the fall of 1987. Almost immediately, he met John Macko in the Student-Athlete Support Services Office (SASSO). Macko has spent the last 38 years working with student-athletes like Snow, providing academic support and helping them navigate the compliance rules of the Big Ten and the NCAA.  

“I’m just a resource,” Macko said. “I drip on them. If they don’t finish, I’m a nudge and I get after them because that’s our commitment to them. We want you to get a great athletic experience but it’s about getting a diploma from Ohio State University. That’s the brass ring.”

Macko retired at the end of last month. It’s fitting that one of his last student-athletes was also one of his first.

“I’ve known Carlos since 1986,” Macko said. “…I’ve known him since he was 17. And he’s 54 now.”

Snow played for the Buckeyes from 1987-1991, missing the 1990 season due to the removal of a benign tumor on his hip. He was named the most valuable player for the 1991 team and the leading rusher for three seasons, still ranking 11^th all-time in career rushing yards.

He played for the Denver Broncos in 1992 before suffering a career-ending knee injury. The years that followed were turbulent. Snow experienced homelessness and was charged with impaired driving in 2017.

After that, Snow reconnected with former and once-again mentor Bernard Masters. Masters asked how he was, and Snow began a practiced, upbeat reply.

“I was going to give him the elevator speech ... but I couldn’t look at him,” he said. “It’s like, would’ve been a lie. I was like, ‘no, I can’t lie to that man.’ So, I told him what was going on and this man, when he snaps his fingers, things happen.”

With support from Masters and his family, Snow was able to return to Ohio State through the university’s Degree Completion Program. The program allows student-athletes who received financial aid of any kind and who left the university in good academic standing to return and provides assistance with re-enrollment into Ohio State, tuition, tutoring services and academic counseling.

Snow said the program made all the difference in the world for him.

“I wanted to know if I could really pass,” he said. “I’m not playing football and that’s the great thing about this: You take the athlete away from the student and that’s where I’m getting good grades.”

Support from Gene Smith, senior vice president and Wolfe Foundation Endowed Athletic Director, gave Snow the final push he needed.

“None of this would’ve happened without Gene Smith, without our athletic director,” he said. “He was nice enough to sign that Degree Completion Program for me. When he signed that, I said, ‘I have to make it,’ because that’s big.”

Smith and Macko could see the leadership skills that Snow had. Macko introduced him to a number of student-athletes, including members of the current football team.

“[I met] a couple of the players over there, before Chase Young left, and [JK] Dobbins,” he said, laughing. “They called me ‘Coach Old School.’ I said, ‘Coach Old School?’ I said, ‘I like that.’”

“For them to see a 50-year-old guy coming back to school, in our training area, asking for help, was just tremendous,” Macko said. “Even non-verbally, he shed a lot of insight and power into our student-athletes.”

Snow said asking for help became a regular occurrence. The classroom was a very different place 30 years later. New technology was the first hurdle.

“Computers and me, no,” he said. “That’s a strikeout for me. But I learned how to use it. So, I’m not as good as other people but I can get whatever done.”

This determination is the backbone of Snow’s success. He wanted to finish his degree badly, Macko said. Snow made drastic changes, cutting out socializing with friends and family to focus on his studies.

“I didn’t want to see nothing below a B,” he said. “Everything, it had to be an A or B. And I have to pat myself on the back for that, because it was a lot of work. It was a lot of work.”

Snow graduated with a 3.7 GPA. Receiving his diploma in Ohio Stadium, where he spent so many hours years ago, was a proud moment. Commencement fell on Mother’s Day this year and that made the day even more special. Snow’s mother, whom he calls his best friend, died in 2012.

“I was like, ‘Mama, you done this, on Mother’s Day? You done this. You got your hands in everything,’” he recalled. “I just thought my mother had something to do with it, looking down on me.”

The photo of Snow with his diploma went viral. A beaming smile was proof of a degree hard-won.

“[My diploma] is right on my table. It’s up and I’m waiting until I get an office. … I’m going to have it up,” he said. “That’ll make me work a lot harder.”

Degree in hand, Snow is now polishing his resume. He has volunteered for years with young men, helping them find their paths. The importance of education is something he has always stressed. He hopes to find a job that will allow him to continue that work.

“[Finishing my degree] … was just part one, that was just the first quarter,” he said. “Second quarter, now I got to find me a meaningful job. Then third, I have to maintain. And then, fourth quarter, we would talk about the legacy I would like to leave my children and grandchildren.”

In addition to a contract extension for Day, items on the agenda for the Talent, Compensation and Governance Committee meeting on Wednesday include an extension for men’s basketball coach Chris Holtmann and a new contract for women’s basketball coach Kevin McGuff. The three coaches would also receive compensation adjustments. In addition, men’s lacrosse coach Nick Myers will receive a new contract and men’s hockey coach Steve Rohlik will receive a contract extension. The full board will vote on all five personnel actions on Thursday.

Ryan Day

Day will receive a two-year contract extension that will position him as head coach of the Buckeyes at least through the 2028 football season. In addition, Day’s total compensation will increase from $7.6 million annually to $9.5 million annually with a base salary of $2.0 million per year.

Day, who was named the 25th head coach in school history on Dec. 4, 2018, has led the Buckeyes to a 34-4 record, including a 23-1 mark against Big Ten Conference competition. His teams have made two appearances in the College Football Playoffs and won two Big Ten championships, in 2019 and 2020 that extended a Big Ten record streak to four consecutive outright championships.

In the classroom, Day’s program has had four consecutive semesters with a team cumulative GPA of at least 3.00. The program has set consecutive all-time highs for Academic All-Big Ten Conference honorees with 45 in 2021 after having 40 earn the distinction in 2020. In 2021-22, a total of 51 players were honored with OSU Scholar-Athlete recognition. The 2022 team features 14 players who have already graduated.

Chris Holtmann                                                                       

Holtmann will receive a three-year contract extension that will keep him on the Buckeye sidelines through the 2027-28 season. Holtmann also receives a salary adjustment increase of $500,000, which raises his total annual compensation to $3.5 million with a base salary of $1.0 million per year.

Under Holtmann, the Buckeyes have won at least 20 games in all five seasons and have advanced to the NCAA Tournament in every year it was held. Ohio State is one of just three Power 5 teams to win 20 games in each of the last five years, joining Kansas and Oregon.

Holtmann has an overall Ohio State record of 107-56, including a 59-40 mark in Big Ten play over his first five seasons. He has had 25 players honored as Academic All-Big Ten, and he has coached six Buckeyes to All-Big Ten honors with E.J. Liddell earning consensus third-team All-America honors this season. The three-time Naismith Coach of the Year finalist has guided his teams to at least one win in the NCAA Tournament in six of the last seven tournaments, and Holtmann is the only coach in Ohio State history to have his team ranked among the Top 13 in the country in each of his first five seasons.

Kevin McGuff

McGuff will be receiving a new, four-year contract with a base salary of $675,000 and an annual compensation rate of $1.05 million. The contract starts July 1, 2022 and extends through the 2025-26 season.

McGuff recently completed his ninth year at the helm of the women’s basketball program, leading the Buckeyes to a 25-7 overall record and a regular-season Big Ten championship following a 14-4 conference season. His team advanced to the Sweet 16 for the second time in four years following a wire-to-wire, 79-64, win at third-seeded LSU in the second round.  

Under McGuff’s direction, the Buckeyes have won three regular season Big Ten championships (2017, 2018, 2022) and also the 2018 Big Ten Tournament. Ohio State has made five NCAA Tournament appearances, including three Sweet 16 appearances, to hold an 8-5 NCAA record during McGuff’s time. The Buckeyes have amassed a 196-92 overall record and a 105-49 Big Ten record over the past nine seasons. McGuff and staff have developed four WNBA draft picks during his tenure. Nine different Buckeyes were named an OSU Scholar-Athlete this past year.

Nick Myers

Myers, who is in his 14th year leading the men’s lacrosse program, is the program’s all-time winningest coach and his teams have earned four NCAA Tournament berths during his tenure, including a first-round NCAA matchup this season vs. Cornell. He will receive a new, five-year contract through the 2027 season.

Myers has been instrumental in raising funds for a new $21.5 million lacrosse-only stadium that is currently under construction and will be finished in time for next season. Under his tutelage, members of the program have garnered 21 USILA All-America honors, 47 all-conference selections and 12 conference player of the year accolades.

In April, a program-record 46 men’s lacrosse players were honored as OSU Scholar-Athletes, and the program has also had record-high numbers of Academic All-Big Ten honorees, Big Ten Distinguished Scholars and USILA Scholar All-Americans under Myers.

Steve Rohlik

Rohlik, who recently completed his ninth year as the head coach of the Buckeyes, is a two-time Big Ten coach of the year (2018 and 2019) and a two-time national coach of the year finalist. He will be receiving a two-year contract extension that will extend through the 2025-26 season.

Rohlik has led Ohio State to three NCAA Tournament appearances, including a 2018 Frozen Four trip (the first for the program in 20 years). Ohio State won the 2018-19 Big Ten regular season title and over the last seven years, the team has finished in the Top 4 of the Big Ten six times. He is 162-127-36 overall, with five 20-win seasons.

Under Rohlik, the Buckeyes have posted a team grade-point average of 3.0-plus throughout his tenure. He has had 118 Academic All-Big Ten honorees and 168 OSU Scholar-Athletes. In 2021-22, 25 Buckeyes were named Ohio State Scholar-Athletes and 17 (nearly 90 percent of eligible players) earned Academic All-Big Ten accolades.

About the Department of Athletics

The Ohio State University Department of Athletics is one of the most visible, respected and accomplished programs in the nation. It ranks among the largest in terms of number of student-athletes – over 1,000 – and in number of varsity sports (36). The department maintains entirely self-supporting operations. All grants-in-aid, buildings and capital expenditures, including debt service, are funded by the department’s generated funds without subsidy from the university. No student fees, tax dollars or university funds are used to support the programs of the Department of Athletics.

“The stars aligned for me to come here. I don’t think I realized what was right in my backyard,” she said. “The thing that stood out to me was the network post-graduation, the amount of people I can connect with after I’m done with classes. SASSO and the EDSLI set us up to have so many good connections.”

SASSO, or the Student Athlete Support Services Office, and the Eugene D. Smith Leadership Institute (EDSLI) work with student-athletes at the university to ensure they have the skills they need to be successful during their years in Columbus and beyond. In particular, SASSO provides academic support for student-athletes ranging from schedule planning to tutoring to study hours. SASSO also helps students maintain compliance and eligibility with organizations like the NCAA and the Big Ten.  

In April, 788 student-athletes were recognized at the university’s scholar athlete awards. To qualify, students must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. Of the 788, 52 had a 4.0 GPA.

“I aspire to help my student-athletes think outside the box,” said Shaun Swearingen, associate director of athletic academic services at SASSO. “Not every student is going to professionalize in their sport. There are other pathways to success. We have the luxury of helping them figure out how to meet their new goals.”

Swearingen oversees the academic support services for three sports at Ohio State: men’s ice hockey, baseball and women’s volleyball. Podraza is a setter on the women’s volleyball team. She met Swearingen her freshman year when he came to practice to introduce himself and SASSO.

“Shaun is really hands-on. He does a good job of meeting with the team,” she said. Podraza’s roommate is also a volleyball player. “She has Shaun on speed dial. If she needs help, she’ll say ‘I’m going to call Shaun.’ Even if it’s 10 o’clock at night! But he always answers. He is always at our fingertips.”

The COVID-19 pandemic impacted Podraza’s athletic eligibility. Despite graduating this spring, she has the opportunity to play for additional years. As a result, she needed guidance on her academic options, eventually deciding to pursue a master’s degree in sports administration at Ohio State. Swearingen has helped her to decide what that will look like.

“He has been great about giving me options. ‘We can do grad school with a certificate, we can do just grad school, we can make grad school last two years, we can make it last a year and a half.’ I want to be smart about this,” she said. “We’re working on which classes I need to take and when.”

Swearingen has been with SASSO since 2011. While the day-to-day work has not changed much in the last decade, he has seen more of an emphasis on post-graduation planning, he said.

“One of the cool things that our athletic department has done is put a focus on career development. You have the Eugene D. Smith Leadership Institute right here on campus,” he said. “There’s definitely a focus on trying to help students post-graduation. We want to get them to graduation, and we also want to put them in the best possible position to succeed.”

While Swearingen’s office is the starting point for students, he is quick to acknowledge that SASSO does not work alone.

“Our campus partnerships are what help us advocate for and support students. It’s not something that we could do alone,” he said. “Students have a team around them – academic trainers, sports performance managers, academic advisers, coaches, administrators – we have a lot of eyes on them. The adage ‘it takes a village’ is true.”

The board is made up of presidents and chancellors from the 10 Football Bowl Subdivision conferences and independent Notre Dame. Johnson will represent the Big Ten Conference, replacing Penn State University President Eric Barron.

“As someone who was afforded significant academic opportunities as a result of my participation in sports, I have long recognized the importance of collegiate athletics and championed access to them for every student who desires it,” Johnson said. “I am proud to have played a key role in preserving the 2020 Big Ten Conference fall season at the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic and am looking forward to continuing my advocacy and working with the other presidents and chancellors on the College Football Playoff Board of Managers.”

“We are delighted that President Johnson will serve on the Board of Managers,” said Bill Hancock, executive director of the College Football Playoff. “President Johnson’s experience as a leader in higher education and as a former student-athlete will provide great perspective for the board.”

“We are grateful to add President Johnson to the College Football Playoff Board of Managers to represent our conference and its 14 world-class member institutions,” said Big Ten Conference Commissioner Kevin Warren. “President Johnson, who replaces retiring Penn State University President Barron, will make an immediate and profound impact in this critical role as we embrace opportunities related to the College Football Playoff system.”

The board governs the College Football Playoff business, property and affairs. The board develops, reviews and approves annual budgets, policies and operating guidelines.

The CFP determines college football’s national champion on the field, while emphasizing the significance of the regular season, where every game counts. Ohio State won the inaugural CFP National Championship in 2015 and has been to the playoff four times, most recently participating in the 2021 national championship game.

Johnson joins leaders from the American Athletic, Atlantic Coast, Big 12, Conference USA, Mid-American, Mountain West, Pac-12, Southeastern and Sun Belt conferences and the University of Notre Dame.

The Ohio State University Department of Athletics hosted a celebration to honor players and coaches from 10 programs who won either conference or national championships so far this year. Senior Vice President and Wolfe Foundation Endowed Athletic Director Gene Smith presided over the ceremony at the Covelli Center Tuesday afternoon.

There was a lot to cheer for. The women’s hockey team won its second WCHA title in the last three years and its first national championship in March. Synchronized swimming, pistol and dance also celebrated team national championships this year.

Big Ten champions included the women’s basketball team, men’s gymnastics, women’s swimming and diving, and both men’s and women’s tennis. The men’s and women’s fencing teams won Central Collegiate Fencing Conference team titles this year as well.

More than 30 athletes from nine sports were honored for individual national or Big Ten championship performances.

One theme that the student-athletes returned to when they spoke about their championship experience was the importance of a positive and winning culture. Katie Trace, a Big Ten champion in the 800 free relay, is part of a team that has won three consecutive Big Ten conference championships in women’s swimming and diving.

“It’s definitely the culture that we built on the team. I think that it’s a lot easier to win when you have fun doing it,” she said. “Everybody wants to be a Buckeye because we’re excellent at what we do.”

For Liz Schepers, it was faith in teammates and coaching that helped the women’s hockey team hold off Minnesota Duluth for a 3-2 victory in the Frozen Four national championship.

“Once we took the lead, the last couple of minutes, we knew exactly what we had to do to get the job done and seal the deal,” she said. “We have so much confidence in each other and trust in our game plan.”

Ohio State’s historic rivalry with the University of Michigan was never far from the minds of the athletes. Men’s gymnastics won the Big Ten regular season championship with a win over No. 4 Nebraska this year.

“Other than winning [the championship] on senior day, the thing that stood out to me the most was beating Michigan [during the regular season], and that’s the first time in the last five years,” said gymnast Dexter Roettker.

Ohio State is in third place in the Learfield Directors’ Cup. The cup recognizes excellence across athletics programs. Points are awarded based on each institution’s finish in NCAA Championships.

“I had no idea what it would be like,” Braendli said. “I overwhelmed by literally everything. Beijing was completely different because I knew what to expect: the rules, the media, the opening ceremonies, the wards.”

This comfort allowed her to focus on why she was in Beijing in the first place: ice hockey. As the goaltender for the Swiss national team, Braendli played in seven games over two weeks, making it to the bronze-medal round. While Switzerland lost to Finland in the final match, Braendli recalls her time in China fondly already.

Her favorite memory is one from before the official start of the games. Prior to the opening ceremony’s parade of athletes, competitors waited in a holding area, together.

“We have to wait for two hours,” she said. “All the athletes are in one area together, having fun. That’s what the Olympics are all about, that shared spirit of sport, of being Olympics athletes together and getting to enjoy it. That’s what this is all about. And that still makes me smile.”

Several of Braendli’s Ohio State teammates were also in Beijing playing for their home countries. Since the teams were housed in close proximity, she was able to see a few other Buckeyes, both on and off the ice.

“It was special to see them in a different setting,” she said. “Usually, we’re playing with each other. Now seeing them at the Olympics, in China, it was mind-blowing. It was an amazing experience.”

In her limited free time, Braendli was able to watch other competitions. Her favorite was women’s big air snowboarding.

“I’ve never watched a big air competition live. That was a really cool experience,” she said.

When asked what she is bringing back to Columbus from Beijing, Braendli laughed.

“Other than a lot of souvenirs? A lot of experience. I learned about myself, about the sport I play, and about my teammates, of course,” she said. “I feel like I’ve grown a lot throughout this tournament. Those experiences will be helpful in upcoming games where we play against the best teams in college hockey.”

More relaxed than she was in Pyeongchang, Braendli was able to reflect more deeply on her experience on Team Switzerland, especially how it compares to playing for Ohio State. Switzerland, she said, is on a different level than countries like Canada (whose women’s ice hockey team won the gold medal), so every game was a fight.

“That was a huge difference for me because I play for Ohio State and we’re the number two team in the country right now.”

Still, Braendli is happy to be playing no matter where she is.

“It’s still the same sport, it’s still hockey,” she said. “You play against the best players in the world in China. Here, you play against the best college students.”

Three students spoke to The Ohio State University Board of Trustees Thursday about some of the success they’ve experienced in the new landscape of college athletics. Volleyball player Sarah Morbitzer, lacrosse player Mitchell Pehlke and football player Treveyon Henderson represent some of the different types of experiences available in the new NIL market.

Morbitzer, a preferred walk-on player, is not on scholarship and as a defensive specialist, she wasn’t sure she would benefit from these programs.

“Being a walk-on, my parents have to pay my tuition, room and board, and learning about NIL gave me the opportunity to earn some spending money on my own,” she said.

Morbitzer worked with Opendorse, a program that provides Ohio State student-athletes with education and resource opportunities to capitalize on their name, image and likeness, to develop a series of in-person volleyball training programs for which she is compensated to help local players improve their game.

Henderson, whose sponsorships include a local car dealer, said he is able to make enough money to help support his mom and siblings in Virginia and invest in his own future.

“Being a student-athlete here at The Ohio State University is a big advantage due to the huge support we get from our fan base, alumni and the Columbus community,” he said.

For Pehlke, NIL revenue meant renewed support for his passion as a content creator. Pehlke has been creating content on his YouTube channel since 2016. His lacrosse-inspired videos have more than 4.5 million total views and he has 130,000 subscribers across social media platforms.

“The moment I stepped foot on campus my freshman year, I had to demonetize my whole YouTube channel,” he said. “That was very tough for me, but the commitment to play lacrosse and to the university was obviously No. 1.”

Now, with the new rules and his Ohio State connections, Pehlke said he has almost $200,000 in marketing deals and monthly income from YouTube views.

“There’s a great diversity and opportunities that our athletes have availed themselves of,” said Gene Smith, senior vice president and Wolfe Foundation endowed athletic director. “While there's concern and challenges around NIL, this is representative of why it’s good.”

Smith said so far more than 620 deals have combined for nearly $3 million in transactions. Most deals are between $25 to $500, and the average deal is $4,777. The average is skewed because of a few six-figure NIL deals.

The university’s approach to support student-athletes continues to evolve. The Department of Athletics recently launched the NIL Edge Team, an internal advisory group whose members can assist student-athletes with access and resources to successfully pursue NIL opportunities. The Edge Team may work with companies and brands to assist in the NIL process, and it will also have the flexibility to monitor and adapt to changing guidelines and legislation.

In addition, new university guidelines will designate operations directors for most of Ohio State’s 36 varsity sports to serve as NIL points-of-contact for their sports. The operations directors will be able to assist with facilitating a connection for an NIL activity while also educating outside entities on NIL best practices at Ohio State.

Ohio State football ranks second all-time in wins and will play its 133rd season in 2022 in 100-year-old Ohio Stadium, which is nestled nicely along the banks of the Olentangy River as well as on the National Register of Historic Places.

So, you don’t mess too much with change on something of such historical significance. You tweak.

And that’s what the Ohio State Department of Athletics has done with the look of the new field that will be installed in June and July in Ohio Stadium. The same field and design will also replace the outdated indoor surface at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center with work set for April, May and June.

Fan-Inspired Concepts

The department engaged Buckeye Nation in October 2021 to send in fan-inspired design concepts for the field. More than 1,300 designs were submitted, and elements most favored by fans included the Block O at midfield (59%), incorporating Buckeye leaves (48%) and scarlet end zones (46%, compared to 21% suggesting gray end zones).

All three of those elements, plus others favored by fans, are included in the new design that was ultimately determined by an internal panel. Details of the design include:  

• The Block O at midfield has been emphasized with the outer strokes color adjusted to gray.
• Buckeye leaf decals replace the two X’s at the respective 35-yard line kickoff locations.
• Official OHIO STATE and BUCKEYES athletics word marks, consistent with those on other venue playing surfaces and on team uniforms and apparel, are in the two scarlet end zones.
• The outer boundaries of play have been color adjusted to gray to complement the scarlet end zones.
• Yard line numbering matches the block type font on the players’ uniforms. 
• The iconic black/white/scarlet striping pattern, found most prominently on Buckeye helmets, will have a home in each end zone along the end lines, matching the width of the goal posts.

Fans will see the new turf first on Sept. 3, when Ohio State hosts the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.

2022 Ticket Information

For those interested in becoming a new season ticket holder, or for more information on 2022 season football tickets, please visit https://go.osu.edu/fbtix.  

2022 Ohio State Schedule

Sept. 3 – Notre Dame

Sept. 10 – Arkansas State

Sept. 17 – Toledo

Sept. 24 – Wisconsin

Oct. 1 – Rutgers

Oct. 8 – at Michigan State

Oct. 15 – Off

Oct. 22 – Iowa

Oct. 29 – at Penn State

Nov. 5 – at Northwestern

Nov. 12 – Indiana

Nov. 19 – at Maryland

Nov. 26 – Michigan

Dec. 3 – Big Ten Championship Game

When the first women’s ice hockey games begin at the Winter Olympics on Feb. 3, five countries will have Buckeyes on their teams. The team rosters for Canada, Switzerland, Finland, Sweden and the United States will be bolstered by the participation of Emma Maltais and Natalie Spooner, Andrea Braendli, Minttu Tuominen, Sofie Lundin, and Jincy Dunne, respectively.

This is the first time that two Buckeyes will play for Team Canada. Spooner is a 2012 graduate and the only player to score 100 goals while at Ohio State. She remains the program’s leading scorer. Beijing will mark Spooner’s third winter games. She has a gold medal from 2014 and a silver from 2018.

Joining her on Team Canada is Maltais, a 2021 graduate. This will be her first Olympics.

“It still does not feel real that I will be headed to the Olympic Games,” Maltais said. “I am so honored to be selected to this team and I am really excited I get to share this moment with an amazing group of people. I would not be anywhere close to this point if it wasn’t for The Ohio State University and my Buckeye family. I am so grateful to be a Buckeye and so excited that my dream of being an Olympian has come true.”

Maltais also brings an impressive scoring record. She holds the Ohio State title for single-season points (59) and assists (40), both of which were reached during the 2019-2020 season.

Maltais’ teammate Andrea Braendli is returning for her second Olympic games, this time as Switzerland’s starting goaltender.

“Andrea is an incredibly talented player and has made her mark in collegiate hockey, being arguably one of the best in the NCAA,” Ohio State head coach Nadine Muzerall said. “Her elite status is driven by her experience both internationally and in playing for Ohio State and in the WCHA. When she came back from the 2021 World Championships, she was on fire, so we are excited to see what she accomplishes at the Olympics.”

The program’s winningest goaltender, Braendli has 56 wins under her belt. Her hot streak has continued into this season: She has a .924 save percentage, among the best in the nation.

Minttu Tuominen is another returning Buckeye Olympian. Beijing will be the Finnish player’s fourth winter games; she has bronze medals from 2010 and 2018. She is second in Olympic appearances by a Buckeye.

“Minttu’s selection to her fourth Olympic team shows just how hard she works,” Muzerall said. “She is an incredible player and we are so proud to have her representing Ohio State at the Olympics. Minttu has been a role model for many of our players, being an example for what they can achieve if they’re willing to work for it.”

A Buckeye from 2009-2013, Tuominen played in 124 games and recorded 16 goals and 33 assists.

Sofie Lundin signed a letter of intent with Ohio State last fall. Before she becomes a Buckeye, the Helsingborg native will represent Sweden on the country’s national team.

“We are so proud of Sofie for making Sweden’s Olympic team,” Muzerall said. “I have been watching her grow for the last five years into such a mature player with so much natural talent. She has played with some of the best players not only in Sweden, but in the world, and will represent her country well as this has been a lifelong dream of hers.”

Rounding out the Buckeyes at this year’s Olympics is Jincy Dunne, who is one of eight first-timers on the United States’ team. Dunne graduated from Ohio State in 2019 but not before she accumulated a number of honors, making her one of the more decorated players in the women’s ice hockey program’s history.

Dunne was Ohio State’s Female Athlete of the Year in 2020 and a Big Ten Medal of Honor recipient. She was also team captain for four of her five seasons as a Buckeye and tied for third in the university’s records with 99 points as a defensive player.

“I am so happy for Jincy on making the Olympic roster,” said senior defenseman Sofie Jaques. “I know this is something she’s been dreaming about her whole life and with all the work she’s put in over the years on and off the ice, she deserves it more that anyone I know.”

All six players know that representing their home countries on the world stage is a tremendous honor. But, as Braendli noted last month, representing Buckeye Nation is an accomplishment of its own.

“It means the world to me. I want to show who I am as a Buckeye and as a Swiss national team member. I want to show what this program gave to me in the past four years,” she said. “I grew a lot and I feel like coming here, to play for Ohio State, was the best decision I could ever make. I want to show to everyone that I’m really proud to be a Buckeye.”

Also representing Ohio State in Beijing is Matt Tomkins, who played on the men’s ice hockey team from 2014-2017. The Buckeye alum joins Team Canada as a goalie.

The Big Ten’s Administrators Council, which includes the directors of athletics and senior women administrators from all 14 member institutions, approved the revisions.

Ohio State will play the same nine teams and at the same home or away locations, but the order and dates of the games have been modified for six of the nine games. Only the games at Northwestern (Nov. 5), Maryland (Nov. 19) and vs. Michigan (Nov. 26) remain unchanged.

The Buckeyes will kick off the 2022 campaign with five consecutive home games at Ohio Stadium, starting with the Sept. 3 season opener against Notre Dame. Home games in weeks four and five against Wisconsin – the Big Ten opener – and Rutgers now replace road contests at Michigan State and Penn State.

Ohio State football will now be off during autumn break (Oct. 13-16). Instead of a home game against Iowa on Oct. 15, the team will be off on that date and instead will play Iowa Oct. 22 during what previously was the off week. The Hawkeyes will also have Oct. 15 off before their trip to Columbus.

Games at Penn State and at Northwestern will close October and open November, respectively. A game at home against Indiana and one at Maryland will then precede the Nov. 26 contest against Michigan in Ohio Stadium.

2022 Ohio State Schedule (previously scheduled games)

• Sept. 3 – Notre Dame
• Sept. 10 – Arkansas State
• Sept. 17 – Toledo
• Sept. 24 – Wisconsin (at Michigan State)
• Oct. 1 – Rutgers (at Penn State)
• Oct. 8 – at Michigan State (Rutgers)
• Oct. 15 – Off (Iowa)
• Oct. 22 – Iowa (Off)
• Oct. 29 – at Penn State (Indiana)
• Nov. 5 – at Northwestern
• Nov. 12 – Indiana (Wisconsin)
• Nov. 19 – at Maryland
• Nov. 26 – Michigan
• Dec. 3 – Big Ten Championship Game