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 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.”

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. 

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.”

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.

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.

Current season ticket holders have received direct correspondence from the Ohio State ticketing department regarding their season ticket renewal invoices. Renewing season ticket holders interested in taking advantage of extended payment plans offered may log into their accounts now to enroll in one of several flexible payment options. Those interested in becoming a new season ticket holder can find more information at https://go.osu.edu/fbtix.  

A new per-seat contribution (PSC) model for 2022 replaces the current annual giving model that supports $29 million in student-athlete grant-in-aid costs. In February when this new model was announced, the lowest-priced season ticket was $710. That price has since been significantly reduced, and fans will now be able to purchase season tickets for as low as $559, a price reduction of more than $150 per season ticket. Single game ticket prices in Zones 5 and 6 will also be reduced.

“We are looking for more opportunities for our fans to experience Ohio State games, and lowering ticket prices is a way to accomplish that,” Senior Vice President and Wolfe Foundation Director of Athletics Gene Smith said. “We’re grateful for our fans who came back to Ohio Stadium this year to support the Buckeyes. We have an outstanding home schedule next year and we want to help as many fans as possible experience Ohio Stadium and the energy and traditions associated with Ohio State football.”

Under the new contribution and pricing model, Ohio Stadium is divided into six pricing zones, each with a different ticket price and PSC (based on location). The PSC will range from $0 to $1,500. Student season tickets will not require an annual contribution and will remain priced, for the 10th consecutive year, at $34 per game. Among the benefits of the new model:

• A majority of seats – just over 52% – will have an annual per-seat contribution of $250 or less.
• Nearly one-third of current season ticket holders will pay less for their same seats.
• More than 14,000 season ticket locations will be available without an annual PSC beyond the cost of the tickets themselves.

Premium seating areas (club seats, loges and suites) will not be subject to a PSC. Additionally, there are season ticket holders who historically have not been required to pay an annual Buckeye Club contribution to qualify for tickets. These exceptions will no longer exist. Faculty and staff selecting seats in zones for which a per-seat contribution is required will continue to receive a 20% discount on the season ticket price as well as on the per-seat contribution.

For more information on 2022 Ohio State football season tickets, visit https://go.osu.edu/fbtix.  

“Last year was really difficult for Block O and Ohio State University in general in terms of normality,” said Lucas Bruckmann, a third-year finance and economics major and football director for Block O’s executive board.

Bruckmann said many first- and second-year students have either never attended an Ohio State game or never experienced it as a student.

“I think it poses a really amazing opportunity for Block O, for Ohio State football culture and athletics in general, because everybody has this pent-up energy and excitement,” he said.

Few organizations are better equipped to channel that energy than Block O. The university’s largest student organization has been leading the cheering in the student section for more than 80 years.

With elaborate card stunts and students covered in scarlet and gray body paint, the Block O football supporters can be found bringing excitement to the north and south stands at Ohio Stadium. The organization supports student sections for 10 sports at Ohio State.

For Block O membership committee member Jaci Taylor, a fifth-year computer science and engineering major, the game day traditions are critical to the overall student experience at Ohio State.

“I think they’re really important, especially when you’re first coming into [Ohio State]. College can be very stressful and very intimidating,” she said. “Building those traditions, meeting people and getting to do those things that are constant every year, even if other things are changing … it’s just so important to have those things that you can hold on to and that stay the same.”

Bruckmann said the interest and involvement for Block O remains high. A Welcome Week sign-up event in a driving rainstorm still ended with dozens of students joining, and Block O football tickets sell out quickly.

Beyond the desire to share game day traditions with their peers, both Taylor and Bruckmann said the student sections are critical for sports beyond football and basketball. Block O students are often the loudest supporters at wrestling, hockey or volleyball events. Taylor said the student support can change the dynamics of a game.

“We’re super excited for this upcoming year. I know last year was really tough, but we look forward to seeing everybody in the ’Shoe and with our other sports sections throughout the year, because as much as we have missed it, our athletes have missed it as well,” Bruckmann said. “This is THE Ohio State University, this is big-time athletics. We want to make sure that the kids that come here to play in the scarlet and gray are given the support they deserve.”

For Adelaide Aquilla, one of 26 Ohio State Buckeyes to qualify for the 2020 Summer Olympics, being a part of one of those moments wasn’t something she dreamed about – until very recently.

“I would watch [Olympic] basketball games when they would come on, but I never really watched the track growing up,” she said. “I never really was super into it until my sophomore year of high school. That’s when I really started getting into the sport and growing to love it.”

Aquilla, a fourth-year communications and hospitality management major, won 2021 NCAA indoor and outdoor track and field championships in in the shot put, but did not expect to be competing for a medal in Tokyo this year.

“At the beginning of the year, I wrote down that I wanted to be in the top five at the Olympic trials because I already knew I had the standard,” she said. “But then throughout the course of this year, I started picking up the pieces technically, so I adjusted my goal and said, ‘I want to make team.’”

A year of continuous improvement led to a third-place finish at the U.S. track and field Olympic trials.

Aquilla is one of five members of the Ohio State men’s and women’s track and field program, including three current members of the team, who will take part in the Tokyo Olympics. The summer games officially begin tomorrow, July 23, with the opening ceremony taking place at 8 p.m. local time in Japan, which is 7 a.m. in Columbus.

Anavia Battle, a fourth-year human development and family sciences major, said she is excited to join her Buckeye teammates in the Olympic stadium next week. Qualifying for the games wasn’t the biggest surprise during trials: That was reserved for finishing the 200 meters in 21.95 seconds, a personal best.

“I think that actually shocked me more than making the team, which is crazy, but finally breaking a 22 is good,” she said.

Battle, like Aquilla, is a late bloomer to her sport. She said she really started taking running seriously as a freshman in high school.

“I was just doing it to be a part of something, but once I realized the gift that I had and how good I am at this sport, I started to take it seriously. Because I like winning,” Battle said.

Battle’s Buckeye teammate, Eric Harrison, has dual citizenship and will trade his scarlet and gray in for the red, black and white of Trinidad and Tobago. A fourth-year communications major, Harrison said he wants to make sure that his first trip to Tokyo is not a lost experience as he prepares for the 4x100 relay.

“I definitely want to enjoy myself, to enjoy the experience, and I don’t want to overlook things,” he said. “I think that’s something that athletes can do a lot. They can get caught up into their head space to the point where they completely missed the experience. One thing that I’m definitely focused on is to make sure I enjoy myself. I train every day so that there’s no doubt in my mind that I’ll be able to perform.”

Harrison, Battle and Aquilla are joined by Maggie Barrie, a 2018 graduate who runs in the 400 meters for Sierra Leone, and Christina Clemons, a 2021 graduate who will compete in the 100 hurdles for the USA. The Buckeye connection brings a sense of pride and camaraderie that unites these athletes regardless of flag.

“I love my teammates,” Battle said. “It’s amazing to see all of the Buckeyes on this Olympic team.”

Ohio State’s track and field contingent is part of a record-high representation of Ohio State student-athletes at the Olympics: 26 current, former or incoming student-athletes are set to compete for their respective countries. Supporters can learn more and follow their progress at Buckeyes in Tokyo.

Fields is the 12th football player to win Ohio State’s Male Athlete of the Year and the third in the last three years (Dwayne Haskins won the award in 2018-19 and Chase Young in 2019-20). Aquilla is the seventh women’s track and field athlete to be named Ohio State’s Female Athlete of the Year. Her teammate, Sade Olatoye, was the last one in 2018-19.

Aquilla has been the dominant shot put thrower in the Big Ten Conference and nationally in 2021. The junior communications and hospitality management major won her second consecutive Big Ten Conference indoor shot put championship in March. She then won the national championship at the NCAA indoor championships. The Rocky River, Ohio, native sent the shot a school-record 18.12m / 59-5 1/2 to win the 2021 NCAA Indoor Track and Field Championships.

Those efforts earned Aquilla the Big Ten Conference’s indoor field athlete of the championships and its field athlete of the year honors.

She repeated outdoors. First, Aquilla won the Big Ten outdoor shot put championship, breaking the Big Ten championships record twice with her final winning throw of 19.12 / 62-8 3/4 topping her own school mark and personal best by nearly 3 feet. Two weeks ago she won the NCAA national championship, launching her final throw of the competition 18.98m / 62-3 1/4 to secure her second national championship.

And once again, Aquilla earned the Big Ten’s top honors, being named its outdoor field athlete of the championships and its field athlete of the year honors.

Aquilla is currently in Eugene, Oregon, prepping and training for the U.S. Olympic Trials.

Fields, who led Ohio State to a 20-2 record and back-to-back College Football Playoff appearances, capped off his Buckeye career by being named the Big Ten Conference Graham-George Offensive Player of the Year and Griese-Brees Quarterback of the Year in 2020.

After guiding the Buckeyes to their fourth consecutive Big Ten championship, he saved his most memorable performance for the Allstate Sugar Bowl and College Football Playoff semifinal vs. Clemson. He completed 22 of 28 passes for 385 yards and a Sugar Bowl-record six touchdown passes – all while playing through an injury suffered in the second quarter – as Ohio State topped the second-ranked Tigers 49-28 to earn a spot in the CFP National Championship Game.

Over his 22-game career, Fields threw for 5,373 yards with 63 touchdowns compared to only nine interceptions. His 70.2 completion percentage in 2020 was a school record, and he has the school record in passing efficiency (179.1) as well as the top two single season efficiency marks: 181.4 in 2019 and 175.6 in 2020.

Fields became Ohio State’s 22nd winner of the Chicago Tribune Silver Football in 2020, which is voted on by the league’s 14 head coaches and is awarded to the conference’s best player. He also finished seventh in the Heisman Trophy voting. In May, Fields was selected 11th overall in the first round of the NFL Draft by the Chicago Bears.

The Ohio State women’s team won its eighth overall team championship in program history, all under Dennis, this past weekend at the University of Illinois. The team has dominated the Big Ten with eight conference indoor or outdoor titles in the last 11 years.

The women were led by two individual victories from sprinter Anavia Battle, a 4x100 relay crown, and two Big Ten championship record-setting performances from hammer thrower Sade Olatoye and shot putter Adelaide Aquilla to win the title with 117 points. Indiana (109) and Minnesota (106) placed second and third.

The title, Ohio State’s second consecutive outdoor crown, was particularly special for Dennis.

“This championship was fraught with challenges you couldn’t see coming,” Dennis said. “All of us were certainly dealing with the pandemic, but then on top of that there were injuries and substitutions, you name it. This group of women stepped up and stepped in when needed. Their performances were amazing and I am so very proud of this special group of warriors.”

Dennis, who has won more Big Ten track and field coach of the year honors than any female coach in conference history, has now joined an elite group of coaches with at least 10 coach of the year honors, either indoor or outdoor. Dennis holds the distinction among this group of being the only such coach with coach of the year honors for both men’s and women’s teams.

Most Big Ten Coach of the Year Honors

Men’s and Women’s Track & Field

1. 22 Ed Nuttycombe, Wisconsin
2. 13 James Henry, Michigan
3. 11 Gary Winkler, Illinois
4. 10 Karen Dennis, Ohio State
5.  8 Beth Alford-Sullivan, Penn State

“It certainly is an honor to be among this group of outstanding coaches,” Dennis said. “I have always admired the work these individuals have accomplished at their respective universities.”

The NCAA East Regionals in Jacksonville, Florida, on May 26-29 are up next for Dennis and the Buckeyes.

The capacity was determined with the guidance of Columbus Public Health and with respect to the new health orders announced by Gov. Mike DeWine this week. The capacity was set based on seat mapping and the still-current guideline of six-feet of distance between seating pods.

“On behalf of the university and the Department of Athletics, I want to sincerely thank Gov. DeWine, Dr. Mysheika Roberts and Columbus Public Health, and Mayor Ginther and the City of Columbus for their collective leadership throughout this pandemic,” Gene Smith, Senior Vice President & Wolfe Foundation Endowed Athletics Director, said. “We are not through this health crisis yet, but the collaboration among all of these entities has enabled us to safely return fans to our venues and, in particular, Ohio Stadium next week for the spring game.”

Appreciation Seats

Approximately 10,000 seats will be given to the Wexner Medical Center and select entities on campus whose staff has cared for and administered to others for over a year by working and serving on the front lines of this pandemic.

The department anticipates approximately 4,500 tickets, at $5 per ticket, will be available to the general public. An additional 2,500 tickets in the south stands will be reserved for Ohio State students at no charge. The remaining seats will be held for football players’ and coaching staff families with any tickets remaining from those groups going into the general public pool.

Tickets on sale Monday

Tickets for the spring game will go on sale to the general public at 11 a.m. Monday online at ticketmaster.com. Season ticket holders will receive information via email on Friday regarding presale access.

Ohio State students can reserve two seats from the 2,500-seat allotment Monday beginning at 2 p.m., and will receive instructions via email on Friday for how to claim tickets.

Noon kick on Big Ten Network

The spring game will be televised live on the Big Ten Network. It will also be carried on the statewide Ohio State Sports Radio Network and flagship WBNS 97.1 FM The Fan with Paul Keels, Jim Lachey and Matt Andrews on the call.

The Band and Spirit Squad, Too

Ohio State will use this spring game as a test run opportunity for the 2021 fall season in terms of safety policies and procedures. The band and the spirit squad – Brutus Buckeye, the cheerleaders and dance team – will all be in attendance and performing.

In addition, a limited number of media will be credentialed for the game.

No Tailgating

Parking in the lots around the stadium is free, although the west stadium lot will be designated as a pass-only parking lot. Tailgating will not be allowed in parking lots or anywhere on Ohio State’s campus.

Safe Attendance Policies/Additional Info

The Department of Athletics is aligned with the university, the state of Ohio and Columbus Public Health in making the health, safety and well-being of our student-athletes, administrative staff and visitors to campus our priority. Athletics will continue to follow all federal, state, local, and conference guidance and protocols for hosting and playing sports. Safety measures for the spring game include:

• Masks will be mandatory for all guests and event staff at all times while attending the spring game as well as additional events at Ohio State’s athletic venues and facilities.
• All guests and staff will be asked to remain six feet apart.
• In areas where the department anticipates lines forming, there will be ground markings placed six feet apart on the floor/pavement.
• “Control Staff” and restroom attendants will remind guests to remain diligent with hand washing and safe distancing.
• Fans will be reminded to stay seated while actively eating or drinking.
• Ohio State has a No Bag Policy. Bags or purses of any size are NOT permitted in Ohio Stadium. Wallets and wristlets no larger than 5”x8”x1” are permitted.
• All items and persons entering Ohio Stadium are subject to security screening and inspection. Guests entering with medical, dietary, or childcare may enter through the Band Entrance (near Gate 10) or Press Entrance (near Gate 23) to have their items inspected.

Most Ohio State sports competing this spring won’t see a significant increase in attendance and most won’t have opportunities for general fan attendance under the policies athletics has developed and formalized with Columbus Public Health.

Based on mapping and social distancing, only men’s and women’s lacrosse at Ohio Stadium and those sports competing at Jesse Owens Memorial Stadium – men’s and women’s soccer and men’s and women’s track and field – will have an attendance increase that will allow for the admission of the general public.

There will not be any general public ticket availability for the sports of baseball, softball, field hockey and men’s and women’s tennis. There are too few tickets available for those sports after tickets are allocated to family members of the student-athletes and coaching staffs of the competing teams. Any remaining tickets will be offered to groups such as students, donors and/or season ticket holders.

Capacities were determined by seating pods distanced 6 feet apart and with thresholds of 30% capacity for outdoor venues and 25% for indoor venues. In all cases, the physical distancing of the pods does not allow for those thresholds to be reached.

Lacrosse and Men’s Soccer Tickets

Fans wishing to attend lacrosse matches at Ohio Stadium and the final home men’s soccer match at Jesse Owens this weekend – Sunday, April 4, at 1 p.m. vs. Michigan State – can walk up to each facility on game day and receive a digital ticket with an assigned seat until capacity is reached.

There will not be an admission charge for any of these regular season events. All fans will be asked to share contact information in case contact tracing is needed after the event.

Safe Attendance Policies/Additional Info

• All guests and staff will be asked to remain 6 feet apart.
• In areas where the department anticipates lines forming, there will be stickers placed 6 feet apart on the floor/pavement.
• “Control Staff” and restroom attendants will remind guests to remain diligent with hand washing and safe distancing.
• Seating areas will be numbered by row and seat. Guests will receive a reserved ticket and will sit in assigned seating pods spaced 6 feet apart.
• All guests and event staff will wear face coverings at all times while attending events at Ohio State’s athletic venues and facilities.

Spring Football Game Tickets

Attendance for the football spring game, planned for April 17 at noon, is still to be determined with Columbus Public Health. Also to be determined is the attendance at post-season conference or NCAA championship events that Ohio State may host in the Covelli Center.

The Department of Athletics is aligned with the university in making the health, safety and well-being of student-athletes, administrative staff and visitors to campus the top priority. Athletics will continue to follow all federal, state, local, and conference guidance and protocols for hosting and playing sports.

“It is humbling to be recognized by your peers for a job well done,” said Dorenkott, who has been named coach of the year consecutively in 2020 and 2021. “I have been in the Big Ten for 26 years and could not be more proud to be a part of this league. Our coaches and student-athletes set the standard for academic and athletic success with honor.”

Not only was the Big Ten Conference outstanding at this year’s NCAA championships – four schools had individual NCAA champions and six schools finished among the Top 25 teams in the nation – but Ohio State had a history-making championship, finishing seventh overall with 215.5 points for the highest finish and most points scored in school history.

After winning a second consecutive Big Ten championship in late February, Ohio State sent 15 swimmers and divers to NCAAs with 10 different competitors earning a school-record 28 All-American honors.

“The credit truly goes to our student-athletes and our staff including athletic training, strength and conditioning, academic support, compliance, sports nutrition and sports psychology,” Dorenkott said. “I am grateful to be surrounded by people who are committed to being elite.”

And that commitment goes straight to the top of the department.

“It starts at the top with Gene Smith and my boss, TJ Shelton, with whom I have worked for the past 13 years,” Dorenkott said. “Show me a dynamic organization and I will show you a culture built on alignment with core values.”

Dorenkott has been named coach of the year three times in the Big Ten, including 2005 while coaching the Penn State women. He has coached five Big Ten Conference championship teams, a total that moves Dorenkott into a tie for second among women’s coaches for the most Big Ten titles.

Ohio State’s men’s team, also under the direction of Dorenkott and staff, compete at the men’s NCAA championships Wednesday through Saturday in Greensboro, N.C.

For senior guard C.J. Walker and senior forward Kyle Young, the term “survive and advance” might have a different meaning this time of year. It may be the last time in a Buckeye uniform for Walker and Young when the season comes to an end for the team.

Walker and Young were honored by the team, Holtmann and their families at Senior Day on Saturday. Both players have graduated from Ohio State. Walker is pursuing a second degree and Young is working on his master’s degree.

“If this is the end for me at Ohio State, I’m forever grateful for everybody here,” Walker said. “I’m just really grateful for each and every opportunity that I’ve had.”

Young was reflective as well. The Canton native was one of Coach Chris Holtmann’s first recruits to Ohio State and will be remembered by fans for his toughness.

“Just looking back on it, I’m happy with everything I have been through as a Buckeye. So it’s been a good experience,” he said.

When he walks off the floor for the final time in scarlet and gray, Walker hopes he will be remembered for hard work and attention to detail.

“I just want them to remember me playing hard. Putting my team first, diving on the floor, you know, all the little things,” he said. “I just want to be remembered as the ultimate leader. A great overall point guard. One that wins and gets a job done each and every night.”

As an Ohio native, playing for the Buckeyes has been special for Young.

“Just growing up, being an Ohio kid, you know what Ohio State means to everyone in the state of Ohio. My family, growing up, were Ohio State fans,” he said. “Playing college basketball at this high level in the Big Ten … has been incredible. It’s been a dream of mine. I’ve been living that dream for the past four years.”

The changes are relatively minimal regarding Ohio State’s schedule.

Comparing it with the prior version of the 2021 schedule, Ohio State’s revised 2021 schedule features the same nine Big Ten teams, the same dates for home and away games and the same locations per date (home or away). The changes are reflected in a shuffled lineup of game dates.

Ohio State still opens on the road at Minnesota on Thursday, Sept. 2, has its same off week of Oct. 16 and closes the season against Michigan in Ann Arbor on Nov. 27.

The changes involving the other seven games are reflected in the sequencing of those games in the schedule below:

2021 Schedule (former schedule)

Sept. 2 – at Minnesota

Sept. 11 – Oregon

Sept. 18 – Tulsa

Sept. 25 – Akron

Oct. 2 – at Rutgers (at Nebraska)

Oct. 9 – Maryland (Purdue)

Oct. 16 – Off (Off)

Oct. 23 – at Indiana (at Rutgers)

Oct. 30 – Penn State (Michigan State)

Nov. 6 – at Nebraska (at Indiana)

Nov. 13 – Purdue (Maryland)

Nov. 20 – Michigan State (Penn State)

Nov. 27 – at Michigan

Dec. 4 – Big Ten Championship Game

Oldenburg joined coaches and players from Buckeye teams that are finally starting up their pandemic-paused seasons on a video conference call on Wednesday. She joked she would often turn to the Magic 8-Ball and give it a good shake when one of her players would have a question that she couldn’t answer.

“The biggest message for our team is to be flexible and adaptable,” she said.

Oldenburg’s experience at Ohio State in a pandemic is unusual but not unique. The former four-year standout for the Buckeyes returned to Columbus as the head coach on Jan. 17, 2020. In March, the Big Ten canceled the team’s spring season and in August the start of the fall season was postponed. More than 370 days from the date of her hiring, Oldenburg and her team finally took to the court at the Covelli Center for a competitive match – a win over Maryland.

The unpredictability of the season is shared by students and coaches alike in sports as diverse as volleyball, cross country and wrestling. Sophomore volleyball player Jenaisya Moore shared a common sentiment about not looking too far ahead in the season.

“I think when you focus too much on the future you can get caught in a circle,” she said. “We have to live in the moment. Focus on the now.”

For men’s and women’s cross country head coach Khadevis Robinson, the new season begins like the last season ended: at the Big Ten Championship in Indiana. Ohio State hosted the 2019 men’s and women’s Big Ten cross country championships 14 months ago – the last time any of the Big Ten cross country programs competed against each other.

Robinson’s teams will have no meets to build up to a title challenge, they will be running in winter weather as opposed to a normal autumn schedule and they must deal with the ongoing COVID testing and tracing that all Big Ten teams face as they work to compete safely. Despite it all, Robinson said there’s no where he’d rather be.

“If you stay close to the fire, you will stay warm,” he said.

The opportunity to compete for championships, to join their teammates on the court or track and to play in the sports they love is important to the physical well-being of these student-athletes. But it’s also important to their mental health.

“They are elite athletes who want to be playing,” Oldenburg said. “It’s a really big deal. It’s one of the reasons we fought so hard to get back to playing.”

The teams are sharing similar experiences now, but they’ve been shown the way. Wresting head coach Tom Ryan praised his football coaching colleague Ryan Day for the leadership and determination Day demonstrated in leading a team through a COVID-challenged season. The players and coaches on the call said they were inspired and informed by the efforts of the Buckeye football team as they adhered to the Big Ten’s health and safety protocols and continued to play at a championship level.

Despite the challenges, most view the ability to finally compete again to be a privilege.

“We’re some of the lucky ones,” Robinson said. “We get to be around people who are chasing their goals and dreams.”

In addition to men’s and women’s volleyball, cross country and wrestling, some of the Ohio State teams back in action this season include:

• Fencing
• Men’s and Women’s Gymnastics
• Swimming and Diving
• Rifle
• Men’s and Women’s Golf
• Men’s and Women’s Tennis
• Men’s and Women’s Hockey

A full schedule is available at the Ohio State Athletics website.

The 7-1 Big Ten Champions persevered through a season that was canceled, revived and played in fits and starts. Three games were called off due to COVID-19 concerns, the team often played shorthanded and even head coach Ryan Day missed a win over Michigan State following a positive test.

President Kristina M. Johnson, who supported the decision to play a Big Ten season, congratulated the Buckeyes.

“A remarkable football season came to an end in the #NationalChampionship game. I am so proud of @OhioStateFB,” Johnson wrote on her social media account. “Buckeye Nation is resilient, and I know we all can’t wait for next fall!”

Despite the loss, the Buckeyes finished the regular season undefeated, won a fourth straight Big Ten Championship and defeated Clemson 49-28 in the Sugar Bowl.

Ohio State and Alabama meet in the 2021 College Football Playoff National Championship game at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. Kickoff is set for 8:15 p.m. on ESPN.

The Buckeyes are 7-0 overall and coming off a 49-28 CFP semifinal win over Clemson Jan. 1 in the Allstate Sugar Bowl. Alabama is 12-0 and fresh off a 31-14 victory over Notre Dame in the CFP semifinal at the Rose Bowl.

When the two storied football teams meet on the field, fans are encouraged to remember every game is a home game.

The university’s What’s your why? public health campaign supporting a safe and healthy football season continues through the national championship game. The campaign encourages Buckeyes to do their part to slow the spread of COVID-19 by engaging in gameday traditions at home and not hosting or attending large gatherings.

Last month, Gov. Mike DeWine extended the statewide curfew from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. through Jan. 23, 2021. Ohio State is reminding students, faculty and staff that the university’s health and safety requirements apply on and off campus.

“We’re excited about the opportunity,” said head coach Ryan Day. “It’s been a unique season and having the chance to be in the playoff and play against Clemson is extremely exciting. It will be a quick turnaround; a great challenge and we’re looking forward to it.”

This will be the Buckeyes’ second consecutive playoff appearance and fourth overall. It will also be a re-match of last year’s CFP semifinal at the Fiesta Bowl, which Clemson won 29-23. The Buckeyes and Tigers have met four times previously – all in postseason games – and Clemson has won all four meetings. The Tigers own two wins over the Buckeyes in the College Football Playoff, an Orange Bowl victory at the conclusion of the 2013 season a victory in the 1978 Gator Bowl.

Ohio State has a 24-26 all-time record in bowl games and has played in the Sugar Bowl four times previously. The last time the Buckeyes played in New Orleans, it was also a College Football Playoff Semifinal – on Jan. 1, 2015, they topped No. 1 Alabama, 42-35, and went on to win the first-ever CFP National Championship. Ohio State is 2-2 all-time in Sugar Bowl games.

The winner of this year’s Sugar Bowl will advance to the College Football Playoff Championship, scheduled for Monday, January 11, in South Florida.

The Buckeyes won the Big Ten title and improved to 6-0 yesterday thanks to a record-breaking performance on the ground from Trey Sermon, whose 331 yards rushing broke Eddie George’s single-game record of 314 yards set previously in 1995. Ohio State possesses the nation’s No. 6-ranked total offense (529.2 yards/game), the No. 5 rushing offense (275.6 yards/game) and No. 8 scoring offense (42.5 points/game). Ohio State is the only team in the country averaging better than 250 yards per game both rushing and passing.

“The journey that we've gone on as a program, you can't even make it up,” said Day. “But all that being said, here we are where we wanted to get to all along. Now we’ll prepare as hard as we can because that’s what it will take to play this team.”

Due to the ongoing challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, the city of New Orleans has approved 3,000 fans for the game. With the restrictions on fan attendance and the Bowl’s contractual obligations, this year’s Playoff Semifinal at the Allstate Sugar Bowl is sold out.

Ohio State’s successful and safe return to the playing field began after the cancellation of its game against Illinois last weekend as all team-related activities were paused for two days following an increase in positive tests within the program. Risk mitigation efforts, such as virtual team meetings and small group workouts, were reinforced as the team returned to activities at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center.

Ohio State’s team medical staff, under the direction of Dr. Jim Borchers, increased and enhanced COVID-19 testing this week. The team continues to be tested daily, in adherence with Big Ten Conference protocols, and has enhanced its polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing surveillance throughout the week.

“We are very confident that we are heading to East Lansing with a team that can safely compete and whose health, safety and well-being has been our utmost concern,” Borchers said. “We’ve tested, monitored and evaluated our results daily and have advised the student-athletes, coaches and performance staff accordingly.

“Our population positivity rate, which exceeded the threshold for participation at this time last week, has now returned on the seven-day rolling average to a level that allows us to compete safely this weekend.”

The Department of Athletics kept the Big Ten Conference and Michigan State University informed during the week.

“We currently have student-athletes and staff in either isolation or quarantine protocols right now,” Borchers said, “and everyone is recovering and doing well.”

Head coach Ryan Day remains in isolation and will not travel to the game. He can resume on-field coaching on Monday. Assistant head coach/defensive line coach Larry Johnson will serve as interim head coach of the Buckeyes on Saturday.

The football game between No. 3 Ohio State University and the University of Illinois, scheduled for Saturday at 12 noon (EST) in Champaign, Illinois, has been canceled by Ohio State after further positive tests for the coronavirus were discovered from a round of PCR testing this afternoon.

The Department of Athletics has paused all team-related football activities. The decision to cancel and pause was made jointly by Director of Athletics Gene Smith, University President Kristina M. Johnson, head team physician Dr. Jim Borchers and in consultation with the Big Ten Conference.

“We have continued to experience an increase in positive tests over the course of this week,” Smith said. “The health, safety and well-being of our student-athletes is our main concern, and our decisions on their welfare will continue to be guided by our medical staff.”

The program will resume its team activities when its medical staff determines it is safe to do so based on protocols established by the Big Ten Conference.

Update as of 3:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 27

The Ohio State University football team continues to prepare for its game Saturday against the University of Illinois, set for 12 p.m. in Champaign, Illinois.

The program completed another round of point of contact (POC) daily testing Friday morning. All team members along with Tier I coaches and support staff will undergo polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing this afternoon out of an abundance of caution to ensure that everyone on the trip is confirmed negative for the coronavirus.

At this time the Department of Athletics can confirm an increased number of positive tests this week for the coronavirus. This is in contrast to testing throughout the season, when Ohio State had consistently recorded nearly 0% positivity since Aug. 11. The increased number does not reach the threshold for Ohio State to have to cancel the game this week, according to Big Ten Conference protocols.

Head coach Ryan Day is one of the individuals who has tested positive. He is in isolation and will not travel to Illinois or coach the team this week. Assistant head coach/defensive line coach Larry Johnson will serve as interim head coach of the Buckeyes on Saturday.

Because of the additional PCR testing taking place today, the team will not fly to Champaign this evening, but will instead fly to the game Saturday morning. The department has kept the University of Illinois and the Big Ten Conference aware of the developments.

“I have spoken with Coach Day, and he is doing well physically,” Director of Athletics Gene Smith said. “I feel terrible for Coach and for the members of the program who have been diagnosed with a positive test. Coach Day and this team have been true leaders in handling things so well throughout this pandemic. Our team wants to play this game, and we’re going to do everything we can to help make this happen. All of the decisions on the welfare of our student-athletes and staff members will continue to be guided by our medical staff.”

The season officially opens in Value City Arena on Wednesday, Nov. 25, when Ohio State hosts Akron. The action continues on Sunday, Nov. 29 against Duquesne at the Covelli Center. Ohio State will welcome Northern Kentucky on Dec. 6 and St. Mary’s (CA) on Dec. 15 to close out its non-conference slate.

The Buckeyes will play 10 conference home games and 10 road games beginning in Value City Arena against Iowa on Saturday, Dec. 19. Big Ten action will run through March 6, featuring home-and-home series with Iowa, Maryland, Penn State, Rutgers, Michigan, Northwestern and Indiana. Ohio State will also host Michigan State on Dec. 31, Minnesota on Feb. 7 and Purdue on Feb. 18.

On Nov. 18, The Ohio State University Department of Athletics determined that family members of the players and coaching staffs of teams competing this fall will no longer be permitted into any university sporting event.

The decision by the department to not allow any fans aligns with the Columbus Department of Health’s stay at home advisory, which was issued on Nov. 18. The advisory will remain in place until Dec. 18.

Broadcasting television networks, as well as game times, are still being determined. Games not televised will be available for viewing on BTN+ streaming platforms.

2020-21 Ohio State Women’s Basketball Schedule

Nov. 25 – Akron

Nov. 29 – Duquesne

Dec. 6 – Northern Kentucky

Dec. 15 – St. Mary’s (CA)

Dec. 19 – Iowa

Dec. 23 – at Maryland

Dec. 31 – Michigan State

Jan. 4 – Penn State

Jan. 7 – at Illinois

Jan. 10 – Rutgers

Jan. 13 – at Iowa

Jan. 16 – at Nebraska

Jan. 21 – Michigan

Jan. 25 – Maryland

Feb. 1 – at Northwestern

Feb. 4 – at Indiana

Feb. 7 – Minnesota

Feb. 10 – at Wisconsin

Feb. 14 – Northwestern

Feb. 18 – Purdue

Feb. 21 – at Michigan

Feb. 24 – at Penn State

Feb. 27 – Indiana

March 5 or 6 – at Rutgers

“Centennial of the 19th Amendment” was filmed on Oct. 30 in Ohio Stadium and premieres online at 11:30 a.m. Nov. 21. The program includes interviews with four current and former female marching band members about the significance of this show, voting as a right and the process of developing the drills.

The interviews are followed by a full band performance. The show features songs from Demi Lovato, Aretha Franklin, No Doubt, Eurythmics and Rachel Platten.

During the performance, all band members wore special musician masks with slits for their mouthpieces, and all brass players had bell covers on their instruments to help prevent the spread of aerosols. The formations on the field are designed so band members always stand at least 6 feet apart.

Only members of the band, band staff, an audio engineer and the announcer were allowed in the stadium during filming.

Throughout the season, fans can visit the marching band’s website for the latest updates and follow TBDBITL on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube for its latest videos.

The league schedule was announced this evening and, coupled with the Buckeyes’ five non-conference games, gives Ohio State 25 games on its 2020-21 slate.

The season officially gets underway next Wednesday, Nov. 25, when Ohio State hosts Illinois State at 2 p.m. The game will be carried by either ESPN2 or ESPNU. Four days later, on Sunday, Nov. 29, Ohio State faces UMass-Lowell at the Covelli Center at 4 p.m. in a game that will be carried on BTN.

The Buckeyes host Morehead State on Dec. 2 (5 p.m., BTN) and Alabama A&M on Dec. 5 (time TBD on BTN or BTN+) before closing out non-conference play on Tuesday, Dec. 8, at Notre Dame as part of the previously announced Big Ten/ACC Challenge.

Big Ten play will run from Dec. 16 through March 6 and include home-and-home games vs. Purdue, Rutgers, Penn State, Michigan State, Iowa and Illinois. The home portion of the Buckeyes’ conference schedule begins on Wednesday, Dec. 23, vs. Rutgers. Ohio State plays two additional games before the end of the calendar year – at Northwestern (Dec. 26) and home vs. Nebraska (Dec. 30).

On Wednesday, The Ohio State University Department of Athletics determined that family members of the players and coaching staffs of teams competing this fall will no longer be permitted into any university sporting event through the remainder of 2020.

The decision by the department to not allow any fans aligns with the Columbus Department of Health’s stay-at-home advisory, which was issued Wednesday. The advisory starts at 6 p.m. Friday and will remain in place for the next 28 days.

2020-21 Ohio State Men’s Basketball Schedule

Nov. 25 – Illinois State (2 p.m., ESPN2 or ESPNU)

Nov. 29 – UMass-Lowell (4 p.m., BTN)

Dec. 2 – Morehead State (5 p.m., BTN)

Dec. 5 – Alabama A&M (TBD, BTN or BTN+)

Dec. 8 – at Notre Dame

Dec. 16 – at Purdue

Dec. 19 – vs. North Carolina (Cleveland, Ohio)

Dec. 23 – Rutgers

Dec. 26 – at Northwestern

Dec. 30 – Nebraska

Jan. 3 – at Minnesota

Jan. 6 – Penn State

Jan. 9 – at Rutgers

Jan. 13 – Northwestern

Jan. 16 – at Illinois

Jan. 23 – at Wisconsin

Jan. 27 – Purdue

Jan. 31 – Michigan State

Feb. 4 – at Iowa

Feb. 8 or Feb. 9 – at Maryland

Feb. 13 – Indiana

Feb. 18 – at Penn State

Feb. 21 – Michigan

Feb. 25 – at Michigan State

Feb. 28 – Iowa

March 6 – Illinois

The decision by the department to not allow any fans aligns with the Columbus Department of Health’s stay at home advisory, which was issued Wednesday (Nov. 18). The advisory starts at 6 p.m. Friday and will remain in place for the next 28 days.

The Department of Athletics will continue to work with state and local health officials on protocols and adjustments for hosting events during the pandemic. The decision not to allow families at football games will be reevaluated prior to Ohio State’s final home football game of the season, Dec. 12 against the University of Michigan.

The decision not to allow families will, however, stay in place for all of the Ohio State men’s and women’s basketball and hockey home games that are either scheduled, or in the process of being scheduled, through the remainder of 2020.

“The health and safety of student-athletes, coaches, spectators and event staff is our top priority,” Gene Smith, Director of Athletics, said. “We had hoped to continue to allow family members of our student-athletes and coaching staffs to be able to attend games, but circumstances around this pandemic are prompting us to adjust, just as it has throughout the past eight months. We appreciate everyone’s understanding and we will continue to do what is in the best interests of everyone involved.”

A limited number of media will be allowed to document the game from the press box. FOX will televise the game to a national audience.

“Like all students at Ohio State, Buckeye student-athletes continue to outperform the national average in the FGR, the measure of whether a freshman entering in the fall semester graduates from that same institution within six years,” said John E. Davidson, Ohio State faculty athletics representative and professor in Germanic languages and literatures and film studies.

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.

“Since the GSR was established, Ohio State’s GSR has improved markedly, reaching a kind of plateau of 86 percent from 2017-19,” Davidson said. “Seen in that context, this year’s improvement by two points to 88 percent is truly significant. Our student-athletes are performing extremely well academically, and the entire department is focused on continuing to improve. Everyone from coaches to athletics leadership to academic staff take this as a point of pride.

“Still, the credit goes to the inspirational young men and women who dedicate themselves to being the best they can be as students and athletes.”

This year’s data includes classes entering Ohio State between 2010 and 2013. During that four-class time period, the FGR for Ohio State student-athletes (74 percent) was above both the Division I average of 68 percent for student-athletes and 67 percent for the general student body at DI institutions overall. A total of 20 Ohio State teams were at or above the national average in FGR.

In the GSR, 12 Ohio State programs were equal to or ahead of the national GSR for their sports, while 16 teams improved their GSR scores. Three maintained a perfect 100 percent in that category – women’s golf, women’s tennis and women’s volleyball – and two more – women’s fencing and synchronized swimming – reached that mark. A total of 12 squads maintained or improved both their FRG and GSR numbers. Women’s fencing, synchronized swimming and women’s volleyball scored 100 percent in both ratings. This is the second consecutive perfect score for women’s volleyball.

Maryland announced today in a release that it has paused all team-related activities due to an elevated number of COVID-19 cases within the Terrapins’ program. The release also stated “the joint decision to pause football activities and cancel Saturday’s game was made by Director of Athletics Damon Evans and University of Maryland President Darryll Pines, following a recommendation from University health officials, and in consultation with the Big Ten Conference.”

“The health, safety and well-being of our student-athletes is our main concern,” head football coach Ryan Day said. “Obviously, we are disappointed at not being able to compete this week, but I am incredibly proud of our team and the way they have handled themselves throughout this entire pandemic.

“We wish Maryland, their student-athletes and programs well as they battle through this issue.”

ROTC members gathered at Lawrence Tower Friday evening to perform jumping jacks and push-ups to help inspire the students in isolation. The effort was part of the university’s military appreciation activities leading up to Veterans Day.

The ROTC students repeated the physical feats for students housed at the Marriott. Students in both locations raised signs in the windows sharing thanks and appreciation.

“In non-COVID times, ROTC would be marching the national flag into the stadium,” said Tracy Stuck, who facilitates community partnerships in the Office of Student Life.

The Nov. 7 Ohio State football game against Rutgers would normally have featured a tribute to members of the armed forces with support from ROTC students. However, only a limited number of family members and staff are allowed into Ohio Stadium on game day because of the pandemic.

The Office of Student Life and student organizations continue to support those in quarantine and isolation. Last month, the Ohio State marching band serenaded the students before the first home game of the season. Each week, members of the Student COVID Alliance create and deliver care packages to those same students.

Darsch was a women’s basketball pioneer. She achieved remarkable success as both a head coach and assistant coach at the high school, collegiate and professional levels and was also a two-time Olympic gold medalist with Team USA in 1984 and 1996.

"Nancy Darsch was one of the greats in the history of our university and in the sport. She was a leader and trailblazer, bringing attention, new resources and a fierce competitive spirit to the game she loved and the young women she taught and mentored throughout her extraordinary career," said President Kristina M. Johnson. "Coach Darsch was a role model on and off the court to countless student-athletes in Ohio and across the country. She will be greatly missed. On behalf of Buckeye Nation, we offer our condolences to her family, friends and loved ones."

Darsch led the Buckeyes from 1985-97 and had a career record of 234-125. During her tenure, she guided the Buckeyes to four Big Ten titles and eight NCAA Tournament appearances. Her 1992-93 team had arguably the best run in program history. Behind freshman Katie Smith, Darsch and the Buckeyes won the Big Ten title, and blew through the first two rounds of the NCAA Tournament before knocking off No. 2 seed Virginia 75-73 to reach the school’s first Final Four. In Atlanta, the Buckeyes beat Big Ten rival Iowa 73-72 in overtime to reach the national title game where they would fall in a hard-fought game against Texas Tech, 84-82.

Darsch coached 21 All-Big Ten honorees during her tenure with the Buckeyes, including four Big Ten Players of the Year and three Big Ten Freshmen of the Year. In 1993, Smith became the first Buckeye freshman to garner All-America honors. In addition to Smith, Yvette Angel, Lisa Cline, Tracey Hall, Nikita Lowry and Averrill Roberts are all OSU Athletic Hall of Fame members who were coached by Darsch. In 2014, Darsch then joined her players as a member of the Ohio State Athletics Hall of Fame.

Darsch left Ohio State in 1997 to coach the New York Liberty in the newly formed WNBA. She led the Liberty to a win in the league’s inaugural game and later, a place in that year’s WNBA championship game. Darsch also coached at Washington, Seattle and Minnesota in the WNBA before returning to the collegiate game as an assistant coach with her hometown team Boston College from 2006-08.

Darsch began her collegiate coaching career in 1978 as she served as an assistant coach for the late great Pat Summitt at Tennessee. Alongside Summitt, Darsch helped the Lady Vols make five trips to the Final Four. In 1984, she was an assistant with Summitt for Team USA as it won the gold medal at the games in Los Angeles. She was also on Tara VanDerveer’s staff during the 1996 Olympic games in Atlanta when that team reclaimed the gold medal in a dominating performance, winning all eight games by an average of nearly 30 points per game.

Thoughts & Prayers

Katie Smith, Naismith Hall of Famer who played for Darsch from 1992-97

“Her time at Ohio State was special, and I can say that she was always a Buckeye, even after she left. She had such amazing love for her family and home in Boston! The lifelong friendships she made here at Ohio State lasted all the way to the end with love and support.

“Coach Darsch was a kind and authentic person who was always there for us. She respected her role as a pioneer and created a program that we were proud of. Nancy also truly enjoyed getting to know the fans as well as all of the athletic department. She was all in!

“My freshman year in 1992-93, when we won the Big Ten title and made it to the NCAA Championship game at the Final Four, was an unbelievable year. The road trips, the team bonding, the work we put in together on the floor, Buckeye Nation being behind us all the way to Atlanta. All of that was truly special for all of us involved and something I will never forget. She had a way of balancing the work and the fun which is what it is all about.

“Her knowledge of the game and experience were top notch. The respect her peers had for Nancy spoke volumes as she coached alongside Pat Summitt and was part of those Olympic teams. I had many a “come to my office” moments and they weren’t all about basketball, but how to handle yourself as a young person. She was always teaching and supporting. Nancy loved the game and loved the people. That rubbed off on us and has helped shape the person and coach I am today.”

Kim Dally, current performance coach at Ohio State who trained the women’s basketball team under Darsch

“Nancy Darsch was a trailblazer and a huge proponent of Title IX. In 1992 Nancy went to then-athletic director Jim Jones and pointed out that there were only two teams that had access to a strength coach and that was football and men’s basketball. In pointing out this discrepancy it opened the door to Nancy interviewing and hiring me to be the strength and conditioning coach for women’s basketball and any other sport in athletics that wanted to work with a strength coach. Her advocating for me and hiring me made me one of less than five full-time female strength coaches at the collegiate level across the country.

“Nancy took a chance on a brash 24-year-old woman and accepted the challenge of not only having me on her staff but developing me into a professional. Nancy was a role model to not only her players but to all young females in the athletic department. She was no nonsense and a fierce competitor. She was loved and respected by all of Buckeye Nation. She was the consummate team player. Even after being let go from the university, she reminded her incoming recruits that they weren’t coming to Ohio State to play for her. They were coming for the honor to represent The Ohio State University and play with their teammates. I am forever grateful to Nancy Darsch, not only for the career that she allowed me to have, but for teaching me what it means to be loyal and to show grace and poise in the face of adversity.”

Ohio State and Penn State are set for a 7:30 p.m. ET matchup and the game will air on ABC, the Ohio State Sports Network and the Penn State Sports Network.

“It is great to see our football team back in action. What we have always wanted is a chance for our student-athletes to compete in the sports they love. As a former collegiate athlete, I know how hard they have worked to compete at this level,” said Kristina M. Johnson, president of Ohio State. “We have one shot to finish the semester and season strong, and I know President Barron joins me in urging all of our fans to celebrate safely.

“I’m asking Buckeye Nation to make every game a home game and stay healthy by watching with their roommates and family members at home. Please make it a point to wear masks, practice physical distancing, not gather in groups of more than 10, and maintain good hand hygiene. Stay safe. Have fun. Go Buckeyes!”

Under current Big Ten guidance, public tickets will not be sold for 2020 home football games. Fans are encouraged to cheer on their teams from afar through virtual initiatives, while limiting gatherings. For the health and safety of the entire community, Penn State has put in place a number of restrictions to mitigate the risk of spread of COVID-19 on game day.

“I always look forward to the battle against the Buckeyes, even more so this year since I wasn’t sure there would be a match-up,” said Penn State President Eric J. Barron. “So many people have worked very hard to keep our student-athletes safe, and to make this possible for them, their friends and families and our entire Penn State community. The same is true for our Buckeye brothers and sisters. 

“I ask every Penn Stater — students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends — to respect our team’s commitment and sacrifice, by cheering them on in a safe and responsible manner. That means social distancing, wearing masks and limiting the size of gatherings. Together, we can show We Are the best fans in the nation. Whether at home this year, or back in the stadium next year, We Are a community that cares.”

The game, the home opener for the Nittany Lions, is the fifth-consecutive primetime Penn State-Ohio State game in Beaver Stadium. The annual matchup is one of the highlights of the college football calendar, with 16 points deciding the last four meetings.

Small squads of TBDBITL made their way across the campus area Friday night to help fire up students in the university’s housing for students quarantined or isolated due to COVID-19. The goal: spread a little cheer to students who cannot leave their dorms.

Members boarded buses to the Marriott to perform for the students living in the hotel and traveled to the dorms near Lane Avenue.

The marching band has instituted numerous safety protocols for the 2020 season. All band members wear special musician masks with slits for their mouths, and all brass players have bell covers on their instruments to help prevent the spread of aerosols when they are performing.

The band, with 225 instrument-playing members this season, has been rehearsing in groups of 50 or fewer nearly all fall semester. They will debut their first performance of the season on the marching band’s YouTube channel at 11:30 a.m. Saturday.

With the return of Big Ten football and conference-wide COVID-19 safety protocols, marching bands will not perform at football games this fall. TBDBITL, however, will continue to entertain Buckeye fans with innovative field shows over the course of the season.

“Obviously, we’re upset that we cannot perform for our team and our fans in person this season, but I pledge that we will continue to be a vital part of the Ohio State community,” said Christopher Hoch, director of marching and athletic bands. “We will continue to support our athletes in any way we can in the future.”

This weekend, the band presents “Hindsight is 2020,” a performance that looks back on some Ohio State classic shows from the last century. This performance was filmed Oct. 9, 2020 in Ohio Stadium, and edited over the next week. The show will be available on the marching band’s YouTube channel at 11:30 a.m. Saturday.

The marching band has instituted numerous safety protocols for the 2020 season. All band members wore special musician masks with slits for their mouths, and all brass players had bell covers on their instruments to help prevent the spread of aerosols.

The formations on the field were also designed so band members would always be standing at least six feet apart. Only members of the band, band staff, an audio engineer and announcer were allowed in the stadium during filming.

The band, with 225 instrument-playing members this season, has been rehearsing in groups of 50 or fewer nearly all fall semester. The band meets as a full ensemble once per week.

Throughout the season, fans can visit the marching band’s website for the latest updates, and be sure to follow the marching band on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube for its latest videos.

The stream can be accessed via:

• OhioStateBuckeyes.com
• Facebook.com/buckeyes
• The Official Ohio State Buckeyes app

The livestream will begin at 11 a.m. with the debut of “Ohio State Football: Voices Episode 3” before the team head into Ohio Stadium on game day. More on the “Voices” series: https://go.osu.edu/fb-voices-series

Matt Andrews, sideline reporter for 97.1 The Fan FM, the flagship radio station for Ohio State Athletics, will preview each matchup and fans also will have the opportunity to enjoy virtual performances from The Best Damn Band in the Land.

Additional items fans can expect:

• Live statistical feed
• Player animations
• Fun, interactive features: Coach interviews, Backyard Buckeyes, trivia, etc.
• Peek-ins to fan Zoom rooms
• Antics from Brutus Buckeye (he has a lot up his sleeve for Nebraska)
• Most importantly… YOU!

Although fans are not in The Shoe cheering on the Buckeyes, Scarlet Saturday is centered on the Best Fans in the Land.

Ohio State will share pictures of fans wearing scarlet from home on the video board inside The Shoe and on the livestream for supporters, friends and family to see live.

We are accepting images and videos now at go.osu.edu/scarletsaturday and share on game day using #GoBuckeyes.

Scarlet Saturday is designed to accompany the many game day elements offered on Ohio State digital outlets:

Game Day Live

• Listen to the live Ohio State Radio Network audio broadcast with Paul Keels, former Buckeye All-American Jim Lachey and Andrews
• View a live sortable statistical broadcast
• Live photo gallery updated throughout the game

The Official Ohio State App

• A portal to the Scarlet Saturday livestream
• Listen to the audio broadcast
• Live statistical view

Digital Game Day Magazine and Yearbook

• Prep for Saturday’s game with all the information you need for the matchup between the Buckeyes and Cornhuskers

Ohio State social media channels

• Facebook: Facebook.com/buckeyes
• Instagram: @OhioStAthletics | @OhioStateFB
• Twitter: @OhioStAthletics | @OhioStateFB | @Brutus_Buckeye
• Tik Tok: @OSUBrutusBuckeye

There are a few critical things Buckeye Nation needs to do to support the team heading into Saturday’s season-opener against Nebraska, a contest that will kick off the 99th season of games in Ohio Stadium:

1. Make every game a home game by “homegating” safely and responsibly; and
2. Continue to wear masks, practice physical distancing and maintain good hand hygiene.

To get to December and beyond, the team and the university are asking all fans to stay vigilant with safety protocols that have been in place since the start of the pandemic – Together As Buckeyes, we’re tackling COVID-19. To reinforce this, Ohio State’s public health campaign will be expanded this week to include safety messaging on digital kiosks along High Street from the Gateway to the Short North, advertisements, digital banners, and numerous social media efforts including videos by Gene Smith, Ohio State players and Dr. Jim Borchers, and support from university leaders including Ohio State University President Kristina M. Johnson.

“We need our students and all fans to watch the games at home and to not have or attend large watch parties,” Ohio State Director of Athletics Gene Smith said. “COVID-19 cases are rising, including in Ohio, and we can’t have our games become virus-spreading events. So we’re sincerely asking our fans to avoid large watch parties, don’t come onto campus because there’s no tailgating anyway, and enjoy watching the Buckeyes with family or limited numbers of friends because, this year, every game is a home game.”

2020 Game Day Operations

There will be many game day changes in and around Ohio Stadium this year as the athletic department’s main priority is the health, safety and wellness of the students, faculty, staff and visitors to the campus.

“Our goal is to create a safe environment for all with well-thought-out guidelines in place,” Smith said. “We are also working to find ways for our fans to enjoy our great traditions and game day experiences – even if it means doing so in new ways. Our fans are engaged in our ‘cardboard cutouts’ opportunity to have their photos in the stands, and we’ll be bringing the excitement of game day in Ohio Stadium to their phones with our second-screen stream which will feature some live moments inside the stadium.”

Monitoring the pandemic and taking direction from state and local health authorities and government experts as well as university leadership is ongoing. There is also an acknowledgement that modifications to protocols and plans may have to still be made. As of now, the below information can provide insight as to what four football Saturdays on Ohio State’s campus will be like in 2020.

• Every game is a home game. Visit https://go.osu.edu/everygame-homegame for video messages and links to the Safe and Healthy Buckeyes web portal, the Ohio Department of Health and the Scarlet Saturday second-screen stream.

• No tailgating. Tailgating will not be allowed in parking lots or anywhere on Ohio State’s campus. Ohio State University police will be patrolling lots and will ask potential tailgaters to leave the premises.

• No fans. The Big Ten Conference determined that games this year would not have fans in attendance, with the exception of players’ and coaches’ families. Numbers vary by school, but Ohio State will have 656 player and coaching family guests at the games and visiting teams will have up to 400.

• Physically distanced seating. The limited number of guests at Ohio State home games will be physically distanced across 10 A Deck seating sections: six sections for home team guests and four for visitors.

• Noise. The Big Ten Conference has provided each school with crowd noise “murmur” audio tracks for use during the games. The loudness/volume will stay at 70 decibels – no higher – during the run of game play, and it can be increased to a maximum of 90 decibels during celebration moments … for the home team, of course.

• Temperature and symptoms check. All media, game day employees, network TV production crews, and facility and operations staff will be required to take a symptoms check, including a temperature assessment, before being cleared to enter Ohio Stadium.

• Masks and facial coverings. Masks and/or face coverings will be required to be worn at all times in all areas of Ohio Stadium.

• Clean field. No one will be admitted onto field level at Ohio Stadium unless they are in Tier I or Tier II for Covid-19 testing, or are the TV network camera/production crews who are also tested, at minimum, on the Friday and Saturday before the game. Tier I testing is six days a week. Tier II is twice a week, on Friday and Saturday morning.  

• Media. The working media area of the press box will have a maximum capacity of 40 individuals, down from 230 during a typical season.

• Photographers/videographers. All photography/videography will be shot from AA Deck with a high angle location at the top of A Deck. Credentialed photographers – 22 total – will have designated positions from which to shoot game action and stadium atmosphere.

• Elevators. Elevators in the Huntington Club lobby will be designated accordingly to limit density: team coaching staffs (#2), press box (#3) and photographers/videographers/NFL scouts (#4 and #5) with facility and operations staffs using #3, #4, #5 and a fourth – #7 – near Gate 7.

• Ohio Stadium capacity. Ohio Stadium has a capacity of 102,780. The capacity of Ohio Stadium during the 2020 season will be right at 1,600, a total that includes everyone in the facility (public safety, staff, concessions, Red Coats, fans, teams, officials, game management, etc.).

• Concessions. Concessions will feature a limited menu of fan favorites with an entirely mobile and cashless option to offer the fastest service possible. This can be done by the use of a credit or debit card, ordering through the official Ohio State app or express line pick-up through the use of QR codes. With every concession stand enabled for mobile ordering and pick-up, it will increase speed of service and reduce unnecessary lines.

• TBDBITL. The Ohio State Marching Band will not perform at games this year, nor will it conduct its traditional “skull session” at St. John Arena before games.

• Cheerleaders, spirit squad and Brutus Buckeye. Cheer and spirit squad performances, as well as the antics of Brutus Buckeye, will not take place at Ohio Stadium.

• Signature games and on-field honors. On-field honors and pageantry will be eliminated from the games. There will not be Homecoming, alumni band and alumni cheerleader festivities at games this year, nor will past Big Ten championship teams and individual honorees be celebrated.

• No Blackwell. No team walk. The football team will not be staying in the Blackwell Hotel on Friday nights before home games because the facility is taking on additional uses this fall. The team’s traditional pregame walk from the Blackwell to St. John Arena to Ohio Stadium will not take place. The Buckeyes will bus to Ohio Stadium from their Friday night lodging.

• Fan cardboard cutouts. Giant photos of several thousand fans will populate sections of A Deck, as fans can purchase cutouts of themselves that will remain in the stadium all season. Purchase cutouts here: https://ohiostatebuckeyes.com/fan-cutouts/

• Scarlet Saturday. Each home game Saturday, Buckeye fans will be encouraged to experience and enjoy a slice of game day through a Scarlet Saturday production, a livestreamed second-screen experience from inside Ohio Stadium. Learn more at www.go.osu.edu/scarletsaturday

• Victory Bell. The tradition of the Victory Bell being rung after every victory in Ohio Stadium will continue this season.

When Ohio State senior director for sport performance Heather Mason arrived on campus in 2017, she realized additional strength and conditioning areas were needed for Buckeye student-athletes even after the opening of the state-of-the-art Schumaker Complex in December 2018.

“At the time, I was assessing all of the facilities, and the weight room in French Field House had 676 student-athletes training out of a 3,816-square foot weight room,” Mason said. “We knew Schumaker wouldn’t cure all of our space problems so I created a proposed layout for St. John Arena to facilitate training our larger teams with a marketable increase of trainable space and square feet per student-athlete to help accommodate all of our sports.”

Then the pandemic hit in March and Mason was tasked by athletics director Gene Smith and athletics administration to find a way to train more than 1,000 student-athletes while adhering to the department’s stringent COVID guidelines.

That led to the extraction of equipment from four different Ohio State satellite strength and conditioning facilities to one separate location in St. John Arena. The operation, which Mason says followed a motto of “alignment, assignment and execution,” took 18 hours of moving time and involved all strength and conditioning coaches, one licensed tech to make sure all equipment was installed properly, and the guidance of Shelaine Warren and Kevin Gilson, building coordinators at the Arena.

“Shelaine and Kevin are the real MVPs,” Mason said. “It really was a great project and we all learned a lot about each other. All equipment is aligned by the inches to make sure we comply with the COVID guidelines. We’re very fortunate our administration is open to creative ideas and listened to the positives of this. To see that vision, you had to have a very open mind. They chose to take this concept to completion. When you have more than 1,000 athletes deserving of equal training space, you have to think differently and change your operational business plan.”

The newly titled SJA Powerhouse opened the week of Sept. 7 with 349 student-athletes scheduled to train in the facility this fall. It features 27 racks, six complete sets of dumbbells, eight power blocks, four combination cable pulldown-row machines and four glute-hamstring benches. Under the current guidelines, each student-athlete has their own rack and the only shared equipment are the dumbbells and limited machines.

The racks are 10 feet apart with dumbbell racks 15 to 17 feet apart. All strength coaches wear masks and gloves and use the electrostatic sprayer of disinfectant to clean each piece of equipment between groups. Every student-athlete has their own bottle of water and undergoes a temperature check and symptom check before entering the facility.

With the new SJA Powerhouse, in addition to the department’s other strength and conditioning facilities, Mason feels Ohio State has been able to not only maximize its equipment but maximize its personnel in this unprecedented situation. Unlike many institutions in our current environment without merged strength and conditioning departments, Ohio State allows its student-athletes to train with their designated strength and conditioning coaches in a safe manner while optimizing their productivity.

“The integration of many departments made this project a success for the student-athletes,” Mason said. “Everyone had to adapt how they do business, from facilities to sport medicine, sport nutrition and equipment. Also, we have staff from event management, camps and fan experience at the system assessment checkpoint running COVID protocols. If your name isn’t on the list and you don’t have a ‘ticket’ (a green screen on the app), you don’t receive admittance to the game (strength training). We are stronger together than apart.

“With the new facility and our protocols in place, we feel we’re at the forefront of collegiate strength training in our current environment.”