Ohio State Buckeyes football facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ohio State Buckeyes football |
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| First season | 1890; 135 years ago | ||
| Athletic director | Ross Bjork | ||
| Head coach | Ryan Day 7th season, 70–10 (.875) |
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| Stadium | Ohio Stadium (capacity: 102,780) |
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| Year built | 1922 | ||
| Field surface | Shaw Sports Momentum Pro | ||
| Location | Columbus, Ohio | ||
| NCAA division | Division I FBS | ||
| Conference | Big Ten Conference | ||
| Past conferences | Independent Ohio Athletic Conference |
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| All-time record | 977–335–53 (.735) | ||
| Bowl record | 30–29 (.508) | ||
| Playoff appearances | 6 (2014, 2016, 2019, 2020, 2022, 2024) | ||
| Playoff record | 7–4 (.636) | ||
| Claimed national titles | 9 (1942, 1954, 1957, 1961, 1968, 1970, 2002, 2014, 2024) | ||
| Unclaimed national titles | 7 (1933, 1944, 1969, 1973, 1974, 1975) | ||
| National finalist | 5 ( 2002, 2006, 2007, 2020, 2024) | ||
| Conference titles | 41 (2 OAC, 39 Big Ten) | ||
| Division titles | 10 (2 Leaders, 8 East) | ||
| Rivalries | See § Rivalries: Michigan (rivalry) Illinois (rivalry) Penn State (rivalry) |
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| Heisman winners | Les Horvath – 1944 Vic Janowicz – 1950 Howard Cassady – 1955 Archie Griffin – 1974 Archie Griffin – 1975 Eddie George – 1995 Troy Smith – 2006 |
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| Consensus All-Americans | 93 | ||
| Current uniform | |||
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| Colors | Scarlet and Gray |
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| Fight song | Across the Field and Buckeye Battle Cry | ||
| Mascot | Brutus Buckeye | ||
| Marching band | Ohio State University Marching Band | ||
| Outfitter | Nike | ||
The Ohio State Buckeyes football team competes as part of the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision, representing Ohio State University in the Big Ten Conference. Ohio State has played its home games at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio, since 1922.
The Buckeyes currently claim nine national championships, including seven from the major wire-service selectors: AP Poll and/or Coaches' Poll. The program has also captured 41 conference championships (2 OAC and 39 Big Ten), 10 division championships, and has compiled 10 undefeated seasons, including six perfect seasons (no losses or ties). Seven players have received the Heisman Trophy (second all-time), with the program holding the distinction of having the only two-time winner (Archie Griffin) of the award.
As of 2025, the football program was valued at $2-2.5 billion, the highest valuation of any such program in the country.
Contents
- Championships
- Undefeated seasons
- Bowl games
- Home venues
- Rivalries
- Coaches
- Personnel
- All-time records
- Individual awards and achievements
- Retired numbers
- Honored numbers
- Block O Jersey
- Honored coaches
- Award winners
- Heisman Trophy winners
- Lombardi Award
- Maxwell Award
- Outland Trophy
- Walter Camp Award
- Fred Biletnikoff Award
- Bronko Nagurski Trophy
- Dick Butkus Award
- Jim Thorpe Award
- Rimington Trophy
- Chicago Tribune Silver Football
- Graham–George Offensive Player of the Year
- Nagurski–Woodson Defensive Player of the Year
- Other
- All-American and All-Conference honors
- List of All-Americans
- Team MVP
- All-Century Team
- Paul "Bear" Bryant Award
- AFCA Coach of the Year
- Academic awards and achievements
- Hall of Fame inductees
- Media
- Future conference opponents
- Future non-conference opponents
- Fan base
- Images for kids
Championships
National
Ohio State recognizes nine national championships from NCAA-designated "consensus" selectors, including seven (1942, 1954, 1957, 1968, 2002, 2014, 2024) from the major wire-service: AP Poll and/or Coaches' Poll.
The following is a list of Ohio State's claimed national championships:
| Year | Head coach | Selector(s) | Overall Record |
Big Ten Record |
Bowl Game(s) | AP Poll |
Coaches Poll |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1942 | Paul Brown | AP | 9–1 | 6–1 | – | No. 1 | − |
| 1954 | Woody Hayes | AP | 10–0 | 7–0 | Won Rose Bowl | No. 1 | No. 2 |
| 1957 | Coaches, FWAA | 9–1 | 7–0 | Won Rose Bowl | No. 2 | No. 1 | |
| 1961 | FWAA | 8–0–1 | 6–0 | – | No. 2 | No. 2 | |
| 1968 | AP, Coaches, FWAA, NFF | 10–0 | 7–0 | Won Rose Bowl | No. 1 | No. 1 | |
| 1970 | NFF (co-champion) | 9–1 | 7–0 | Lost Rose Bowl | No. 5 | No. 2 | |
| 2002 | Jim Tressel | BCS, AP, Coaches, FWAA, NFF | 14–0 | 8–0 | Won Fiesta Bowl (BCS National Championship Game) | No. 1 | No. 1 |
| 2014 | Urban Meyer | CFP, AP, Coaches, NFF | 14–1 | 8–0 | Won Sugar Bowl (CFP semifinal) Won CFP National Championship |
No. 1 | No. 1 |
| 2024 | Ryan Day | CFP, AP, Coaches, NFF | 14–2 | 7–2 | Won Rose Bowl (CFP quarterfinal) Won Cotton Bowl (CFP semifinal) Won CFP National Championship |
No. 1 | No. 1 |
Ohio State has also been selected an additional seven times by various NCAA-designated "major selectors", in 1933, 1944, 1969, 1973, 1974, 1975, and 2006. However, the Buckeyes do not recognize any of those championships.
Conference
Ohio State joined the Big Ten in 1912; before that they were a member of the Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC) and won two OAC titles. Ohio State has won a championship in the Big Ten 39 times, second-most in the conference.
| Year | Conference | Coach | Record | Conference Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1906 | OAC | Albert E. Herrnstein | 8–1 | 4–0 |
| 1912 | OAC | John Richards | 6–3 | 4–0 |
| 1916 | Big Ten | John Wilce | 7–0 | 4–0 |
| 1917 | Big Ten | John Wilce | 8–0–1 | 4–0 |
| 1920 | Big Ten | John Wilce | 7–1 | 5–0 |
| 1935† | Big Ten | Francis Schmidt | 7–1 | 5–0 |
| 1939 | Big Ten | Francis Schmidt | 6–2 | 5–1 |
| 1942 | Big Ten | Paul Brown | 9–1 | 5–1 |
| 1944 | Big Ten | Carroll Widdoes | 9–0 | 6–0 |
| 1949† | Big Ten | Wes Fesler | 7–1–2 | 4–1–1 |
| 1954 | Big Ten | Woody Hayes | 10–0 | 7–0 |
| 1955 | Big Ten | Woody Hayes | 7–2 | 6–0 |
| 1957 | Big Ten | Woody Hayes | 9–1 | 7–0 |
| 1961 | Big Ten | Woody Hayes | 8–0–1 | 6–0 |
| 1968 | Big Ten | Woody Hayes | 10–0 | 7–0 |
| 1969† | Big Ten | Woody Hayes | 8–1 | 6–1 |
| 1970 | Big Ten | Woody Hayes | 9–1 | 7–0 |
| 1972† | Big Ten | Woody Hayes | 9–2 | 7–1 |
| 1973† | Big Ten | Woody Hayes | 10–0–1 | 7–0–1 |
| 1974† | Big Ten | Woody Hayes | 10–2 | 7–1 |
| 1975 | Big Ten | Woody Hayes | 11–1 | 8–0 |
| 1976† | Big Ten | Woody Hayes | 9–2–1 | 7–1 |
| 1977† | Big Ten | Woody Hayes | 9–3 | 6–2 |
| 1979 | Big Ten | Earle Bruce | 11–1 | 8–0 |
| 1981† | Big Ten | Earle Bruce | 9–3 | 6–2 |
| 1984 | Big Ten | Earle Bruce | 9–3 | 7–2 |
| 1986† | Big Ten | Earle Bruce | 10–3 | 7–1 |
| 1993† | Big Ten | John Cooper | 10–1–1 | 6–1–1 |
| 1996† | Big Ten | John Cooper | 11–1 | 7–1 |
| 1998† | Big Ten | John Cooper | 11–1 | 7–1 |
| 2002† | Big Ten | Jim Tressel | 14–0 | 8–0 |
| 2005† | Big Ten | Jim Tressel | 10–2 | 7–1 |
| 2006 | Big Ten | Jim Tressel | 12–1 | 8–0 |
| 2007 | Big Ten | Jim Tressel | 11–2 | 7–1 |
| 2008† | Big Ten | Jim Tressel | 10–3 | 7–1 |
| 2009 | Big Ten | Jim Tressel | 11–2 | 7–1 |
| 2014 | Big Ten | Urban Meyer | 14–1 | 8–0 |
| 2017 | Big Ten | Urban Meyer | 12–2 | 8–1 |
| 2018 | Big Ten | Urban Meyer | 13–1 | 8–1 |
| 2019 | Big Ten | Ryan Day | 13–1 | 9–0 |
| 2020 | Big Ten | Ryan Day | 7–1 | 6–0 |
† Co-champions
Division
From 2011 to 2023, Big Ten had divisions to decide who would play for the conference championship. The divisions were known as Legends and Leaders from 2011 to 2013. In 2014, the divisions were realigned geographically into East and West. The divisional format ended for the 2024 season.
| Year | Division | Coach | Opponent | CG Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | Big Ten Leaders | Urban Meyer | N/A – Ineligible (postseason ban) | |
| 2013 | Big Ten Leaders | Urban Meyer | Michigan State | L 24–34 |
| 2014 | Big Ten East | Urban Meyer | Wisconsin | W 59–0 |
| 2015† | Big Ten East | Urban Meyer | N/A lost tiebreaker to Michigan State | |
| 2016† | Big Ten East | Urban Meyer | N/A lost tiebreaker to Penn State | |
| 2017 | Big Ten East | Urban Meyer | Wisconsin | W 27–21 |
| 2018† | Big Ten East | Urban Meyer | Northwestern | W 45–24 |
| 2019 | Big Ten East | Ryan Day | Wisconsin | W 34–21 |
| 2020 | Big Ten East | Ryan Day | Northwestern | W 22–10 |
| 2021† | Big Ten East | Ryan Day | N/A lost tiebreaker to Michigan | |
† Co-champions
Undefeated seasons
| Year | Overall Record | Big Ten Record | Head Coach |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1899 | 9–0–1 | – | John B. Eckstorm |
| 1916 | 7–0 | 4–0 | John Wilce |
| 1917 | 8–0–1 | 4–0 | John Wilce |
| 1944 | 9–0 | 6–0 | Carroll Widdoes |
| 1954 | 10–0 | 7–0 | Woody Hayes |
| 1961 | 8–0–1 | 6–0 | Woody Hayes |
| 1968 | 10–0 | 7–0 | Woody Hayes |
| 1973 | 10–0–1 | 7–0–1 | Woody Hayes |
| 2002 | 14–0 | 8–0 | Jim Tressel |
| 2012 | 12–0 | 8–0 | Urban Meyer |
Bowl games
Ohio State has played in 59 bowl games in which they are 30–29–0. The Buckeyes have been to the Rose Bowl 17 times. As of December 2024, Ohio State has indicated that it will not count CFP First Round games as bowl appearances. Below are the bowl appearances under current head coach Ryan Day.
| Season | Coach | Bowl | Opponent | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Ryan Day | CFP Semifinal at Fiesta Bowl | Clemson | L 23–29 |
| 2020 | Ryan Day | CFP Semifinal at Sugar Bowl | Clemson | W 49–28 |
| 2020 | Ryan Day | CFP National Championship | Alabama | L 24–52 |
| 2021 | Ryan Day | Rose Bowl | Utah | W 48–45 |
| 2022 | Ryan Day | CFP Semifinal at Peach Bowl | Georgia | L 41–42 |
| 2023 | Ryan Day | Cotton Bowl Classic | Missouri | L 3–14 |
| 2024 | Ryan Day | CFP Quarterfinal at Rose Bowl | Oregon | W 41–21 |
| 2024 | Ryan Day | CFP Semifinal at Cotton Bowl Classic | Texas | W 28–14 |
| 2024 | Ryan Day | CFP National Championship | Notre Dame | W 34–23 |
| Overall | New Year's Six | College Football Playoff |
|---|---|---|
| 30–29 | 23–15 | 7–4 |
† Vacated
Home venues
- Recreation Park (1890–1897)
- Ohio Field (1898–1921)
- Ohio Stadium (1922–present)
Marching band
Ohio State University Marching Band is the most visible and possibly best-known tradition of Ohio State football. Home games are preceded by four marching band traditions:
- Skull Session
- Ramp entrance
- The Back Bend
- Script Ohio
Rivalries
Illinois
The series versus Illinois began in 1902 and became the longest continuous series in 2002 when the schools played in their 89th consecutive year. In 2007, Ohio State was given their only defeat of the regular season by the Illini. Through the 2019 season, Ohio State leads the series 68–30–4.
Michigan
Ohio State's first game with Michigan dates to 1897. Michigan leads the series 62–51–6 through the 2024 season. This rivalry is considered to be Buckeyes' biggest rivalry. All the appearances of the letter M in Ohio Stadium are crossed out with red tape. Halftime shows during OSU games often feature something bad happening to the Michigan logo.
Penn State
When Penn State was added to the Big Ten conference football play in 1993, every member was given two designated rivals, teams to be played every year, with the other conference teams rotated out of the schedule at regular intervals. For geographic convenience, the Big Ten named Penn State as Ohio State's new designated rival in addition to Michigan. Ohio State leads the series 25–14 through the 2024 season.
Coaches
The Buckeyes have had 24 head coaches in their 121-year history.
Of the team's nine national championships to date, Woody Hayes won five, with Paul Brown, Jim Tressel, Urban Meyer, and Ryan Day each having one.
Personnel
Roster
| 2024 Ohio State Buckeyes football team roster | |||||||||||||||
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| Players | Coaches | ||||||||||||||
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Roster |
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Staff
| Coach | Title | Years at Ohio State |
|---|---|---|
| Ryan Day | Head coach | 8th |
| Ross Bjork | Senior vice president / athletic director | 1st |
| Mickey Marotti | Associate athletic director of football sports performance | 15th |
| Chip Kelly | Offensive coordinator / quarterbacks | 1st |
| Jim Knowles | Defensive coordinator | 3rd |
| Keenan Bailey | Tight ends coach | 9th |
| Justin Frye | Run game coordinator / offensive line | 3rd |
| Matt Guerrieri | Safeties coach | 1st |
| Brian Hartline | Co-offensive coordinator / wide receivers | 7th |
| Larry Johnson | Associate head coach / defensive line | 11th |
| James Laurinaitis | Linebackers coach | 2nd |
| Carlos Locklyn | Running backs coach | 1st |
| Tim Walton | Assistant head coach / secondary / cornerbacks | 3rd |
| Brent Zdebski | Quality control – defense | 1st |
| Rob Keys | Quality control – kicking | 1st |
| Sam McGrath | Quality control – defense | 1st |
| Joe Lyberger | Quality control – defense | 1st |
| Tim Drevno | Quality control – offense | 1st |
| LaAllan Clark | Graduate assistant – defense | 1st |
| Mike Sollenne | Graduate assistant – offense | 1st |
| Sean Binckes | Graduate assistant – offense | 1st |
| Michael Hunter, Jr. | Graduate assistant – defense | 1st |
| Riley Larkin | Program assistant – offense | 1st |
| Gunner Daniel | Program assistant – special teams | 2nd |
| Devin Jordan | Program assistant – offense | 1st |
| Gerren DuHart | Program assistant – defense | 2nd |
| Joshua Chorba | Program assistant – defense | 2nd |
| Tony Johnson | Senior advisor/analyst | 1st |
All-time records
All-time Big Ten records
This table reflects the results of Big Ten matchups when both OSU and its opponent were members of the conference through the 2024 season. Ohio State began Big Ten play in 1913. Examples of excluded results are Chicago after 1939, Michigan between 1907 and 1916, Michigan State before 1953, Penn State before 1993, and Nebraska before 2011 (see Big Ten History for further information). Ohio State's vacated wins from 2010 are not included (see 2010 Ohio State Buckeyes football team for further information). Matchups in the College Football Playoffs are not included.
| Team | Big Ten wins | Big Ten losses | Big Ten ties | Winning percentage | Streak | First Big Ten meeting | Last meeting |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago Maroons | 10 | 2 | 2 | .786 | Won 8 | 1920 | 1939 |
| Illinois Fighting Illini | 69 | 30 | 3 | .691 | Won 8 | 1914 | 2017 |
| Indiana Hoosiers | 81 | 12 | 5 | .852 | Won 29 | 1913 | 2024 |
| Iowa Hawkeyes | 50 | 15 | 3 | .757 | Won 2 | 1922 | 2024 |
| Maryland Terrapins | 9 | 0 | 0 | 1.000 | Won 9 | 2014 | 2023 |
| Michigan Wolverines | 52 | 61 | 4 | .462 | Lost 4 | 1918 | 2024 |
| Michigan State Spartans | 39 | 15 | 0 | .722 | Won 9 | 1953 | 2024 |
| Minnesota Golden Gophers | 48 | 7 | 0 | .873 | Won 12 | 1921 | 2023 |
| Nebraska Cornhuskers | 10 | 1 | 0 | .909 | Won 10 | 2011 | 2024 |
| Northwestern Wildcats | 67 | 14 | 1 | .821 | Won 11 | 1913 | 2024 |
| Oregon Ducks | 0 | 1 | 0 | .000 | Lost 1 | 2024 | 2024 |
| Penn State Nittany Lions | 23 | 8 | 0 | .742 | Won 8 | 1993 | 2024 |
| Purdue Boilermakers | 43 | 15 | 2 | .733 | Won 3 | 1919 | 2024 |
| Rutgers Scarlet Knights | 10 | 0 | 0 | 1.000 | Won 10 | 2014 | 2023 |
| UCLA Bruins | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2025 | |||
| USC Trojans | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2026 | |||
| Washington Huskies | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2025 | |||
| Wisconsin Badgers | 64 | 18 | 5 | .764 | Won 10 | 1913 | 2023 |
Individual awards and achievements
Through the 2006 season, Ohio State players have by a significant margin won more trophies than any other NCAA Division 1A program. Ohio State players have won 34 of the listed major awards, with the next closest being 26 (Oklahoma). Ohio State is the only university to have received each of the awards at least once. Of the five awards created prior to 1980 (Heisman, Lombardi, Maxwell, Outland, and Walter Camp), Ohio State has received the most with 25 (Notre Dame follows with 23).
Retired numbers
| Ohio State Buckeyes retired numbers | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No. | Player | Pos. | Tenure | No. ret. | Ref. |
| 22 | Les Horvath | HB/QB | 1940–1942, 1944 | 2000 | |
| 27 | Eddie George | RB | 1992–1995 | 2001 | |
| 31 | Vic Janowicz | HB | 1949–1951 | 2000 | |
| 40 | Howard Cassady | HB | 1952–1955 | 2000 | |
| 45 | Archie Griffin | RB | 1972–1975 | 1999 | |
| 47 | Chic Harley | HB | 1916–1917, 1919 | 2004 | |
| 99 | Bill Willis | T | 1942–1944 | 2007 | |
Honored numbers
Although these numbers are cited as "retired" on Ohio State website, they are considered enshrined rather than retired, and are available to be worn. All previously retired jersey numbers remain retired.
| Ohio State Buckeyes honored numbers | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No. | Player | Pos. | Tenure | No. ret. | Ref. |
| 10 | Troy Smith | QB | 2003–2006 | 2014 | |
Block O Jersey
In 2020, the NCAA approved the use of the No. 0. In order to further pay tribute to Bill Willis, Coach Day decided to start a new tradition and choose the player who will wear the number each season.
| Season | Name | Pos. | Class | Previous No. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Jonathon Cooper | DE | Senior (RS) | 18 |
| 2021 | Thayer Munford | OT | Senior (RS) | 75 |
| 2022 | Kamryn Babb | WR | Senior (RS) | 1 |
| 2023 | Xavier Johnson | WR | Senior (RS) | 10 |
| 2024 | Cody Simon | LB | Senior (RS) | 30 |
Honored coaches
Two head coaches have also been honored by the Buckeyes, with banners at Ohio Stadium:
- Paul Brown (1941–43) - led OSU to their first National Championship in 1942
- Woody Hayes (1951–78) - led OSU to school records of 205 wins, five National Championships (1954, 1957, 1961, 1968, 1970), and 13 Big Ten Championships
Award winners
Heisman Trophy winners
Ohio State players have won the Heisman Trophy seven times, which ties Notre Dame and Oklahoma for the second most awards for any school, behind only USC with eight. Archie Griffin is the only two-time recipient in the history of the award.
| Season | Name | Pos. | Class | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1944 | Les Horvath | RB | Senior | 412 |
| 1950 | Vic Janowicz | RB | Junior | 633 |
| 1955 | Howard "Hopalong" Cassady | RB | Senior | 2219 |
| 1974 | Archie Griffin | RB | Junior | 1920 |
| 1975 | Archie Griffin (2) | RB | Senior | 1800 |
| 1995 | Eddie George | RB | Senior | 1460 |
| 2006 | Troy Smith | QB | Senior | 2540 |
Lombardi Award
Ohio State players have won the Lombardi Award six times:
- 1970: Jim Stillwagon
- 1973: John Hicks
- 1987: Chris Spielman
- 1995: Orlando Pace
- 1996: Orlando Pace
- 2005: A. J. Hawk
Maxwell Award
Four Ohio State players have won the Maxwell Award:
- 1955: Howard Cassady
- 1961: Bob Ferguson
- 1975: Archie Griffin
- 1995: Eddie George
Outland Trophy
Four Ohio State players have won the Outland Trophy:
- 1956: Jim Parker
- 1970: Jim Stillwagon
- 1973: John Hicks
- 1996: Orlando Pace
Walter Camp Award
Ohio State players have won the Walter Camp Award four times:
- 1974: Archie Griffin
- 1975: Archie Griffin
- 1995: Eddie George
- 2006: Troy Smith
Fred Biletnikoff Award
Ohio State Players have won the Fred Biletnikoff Award twice:
- 1995: Terry Glenn
- 2023: Marvin Harrison Jr.
Bronko Nagurski Trophy
Ohio State Players have won the Bronko Nagurski Trophy award twice:
- 2006: James Laurinaitis
- 2019: Chase Young
Dick Butkus Award
Ohio State players have won the Dick Butkus Award twice:
- 1997: Andy Katzenmoyer
- 2007: James Laurinaitis
Jim Thorpe Award
Ohio State players have won the Jim Thorpe Award twice:
- 1998: Antoine Winfield
- 2008: Malcolm Jenkins
Rimington Trophy
Ohio State players have won the Dave Rimington Trophy four times:
- 2001: LeCharles Bentley
- 2016: Pat Elflein
- 2017: Billy Price
- 2024: Seth McLaughlin
Chicago Tribune Silver Football
Ohio State players have won the Chicago Tribune Silver Football award 23 times:
- 1930: Wes Fesler
- 1941: Jack Graf
- 1944: Les Horvath
- 1945: Ollie Cline
- 1950: Vic Janowicz
- 1955: Howard "Hopalong" Cassady
- 1973: Archie Griffin
- 1974: Archie Griffin
- 1975: Cornelius Greene
- 1981: Art Schlichter
- 1984: Keith Byars
- 1995: Eddie George
- 1996: Orlando Pace
- 1998: Joe Germaine
- 2006: Troy Smith
- 2012: Braxton Miller
- 2013: Braxton Miller
- 2015: Ezekiel Elliott
- 2016: J. T. Barrett
- 2018: Dwayne Haskins
- 2019: Chase Young
- 2020: Justin Fields
- 2023: Marvin Harrison Jr.
Graham–George Offensive Player of the Year
Ohio State players have won the Graham–George Offensive Player of the Year 13 times:
- 1995: Eddie George
- 1996: Orlando Pace
- 1998: Joe Germaine
- 2006: Troy Smith
- 2012: Braxton Miller
- 2013: Braxton Miller (2)
- 2015: Ezekiel Elliott
- 2018: Dwayne Haskins
- 2019: Justin Fields
- 2020: Justin Fields (2)
- 2021: C. J. Stroud
- 2022: C. J. Stroud (2)
- 2023: Marvin Harrison Jr.
Nagurski–Woodson Defensive Player of the Year
Ohio State players have won the Nagurski–Woodson Defensive Player of the Year 11 times:
- 1992: Steve Tovar
- 1993: Dan Wilkinson
- 1996: Shawn Springs
- 2002: Mike Doss
- 2003: Will Smith
- 2005: A. J. Hawk
- 2007: James Laurinaitis
- 2008: James Laurinaitis (2)
- 2012: John Simon
- 2014: Joey Bosa
- 2019: Chase Young
Other
- Eddie George received the Doak Walker Award in 1995
- B. J. Sander received the Ray Guy Award in 2003
- Mike Nugent received the Lou Groza Award in 2004
- Troy Smith received the Davey O'Brien Award in 2006
- James Laurinaitis received the Lott Trophy in 2008
- Ezekiel Elliott received the James E. Sullivan Award in 2014
- Chase Young received the Chuck Bednarik Award and Ted Hendricks Award in 2019.
All-American and All-Conference honors
Through 2017, 199 Buckeyes have been named first team All-Americans since 1914. Of those 85 have been consensus picks. 388 have been named to the All-Big Ten team, and 16 have won the Chicago Tribune Silver Football, the Big Ten's Most Valuable Player award, including Troy Smith for 2006. The Athletic Directors of the Big Ten Conference voted Eddie George Big Ten-Jesse Owens Athlete of the Year for 1996.
On November 22, 2006, ten Buckeyes were named to either the Coaches or Conference media All-Big Ten First Team selections for the 2006 season, and seven were named to both. Troy Smith was named Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year. Four other Buckeyes received Second Team honors.
List of All-Americans
All records per OSU Athletics.
- 1910s
- 1914: Boyd Cherry (E)
- 1916: Chic Harley (B), Robert Karch (T)
- 1917: Charles Bolen (E), Harold Courtney (E), Chic Harley (B), Kelley VanDyne (C)
- 1918: Clarence MacDonald (E)
- 1919: Chic Harley (B), Gaylord Stinchcomb (B)
- 1920s
- 1920: Iolas Huffman (G), Gaylord Stinchcomb (B)
- 1921: Iolas Huffman (G), Cyril Myers (E)
- 1923: Harry Workman (QB)
- 1924: Harold Cunningham (E)
- 1925: Edwin Hess (G)
- 1926: Edwin Hess (G), Marty Karow (HB), Leo Raskowski (T)
- 1927: Leo Raskowski (T)
- 1928: Wes Fesler (E)
- 1929: Wes Fesler (E)
- 1930s
- 1930: Wes Fesler (E), Lew Hinchman (HB)
- 1931: Carl Cramer (QB), Lew Hinchman (HB)
- 1932: Joseph Gailus (G), Sid Gillman (E), Lew Hinchman (HB), Ted Rosequist (T)
- 1933: Joseph Gailus (G)
- 1934: Regis Monahan (G), Merle Wendt (E)
- 1935: Gomer Jones (C), Merle Wendt (E)
- 1936: Charles Hamrick (T), Inwood Smith (G), Merle Wendt (E)
- 1937: Carl Kaplanoff (T), Jim McDonald (QB), Ralph Wolf (C), Gust Zarnas (G)
- 1939: Vic Marino (G), Esco Sarkkinen (E), Don Scott (HB)
- 1940s
- 1940:Don Scott (C)
- 1942: Robert Shaw (E), Charles Csuri (T), Lin Houston (G), Paul Sarringhaus (HB), Gene Fekete (E)
- 1943: Bill Willis (T)
- 1944: Jack Dugger (E), Bill Willis (T), William Hackett (G), Les Horvath (QB/HB)
- 1945: Warren Amling (G), Ollie Cline (FB), Russell Thomas (T)
- 1946: Warren Amling (G), Cecil Souders (E)
- 1950s
- 1950: Robert Momsen (T), Robert McMullogh (C), Vic Janowicz (HB)
- 1952: Mike Takacs (G)
- 1954: Dean Dugger (E), Howard Cassady (HB), Jim Reichenbach (G)
- 1955: Jim Parker (G), Howard Cassady (HB)
- 1956: Jim Parker (G)
- 1957: Aurealius Thomas (G)
- 1958: Jim Houston (E), Jim Marshall (T), Bob White (E)
- 1959: Jim Houston (E)
- 1960s
- 1960: Bob Ferguson (FB)
- 1961: Bob Ferguson (FB)
- 1964: Jim Davidson (T), Ike Kelley (LB), Arnie Chonko (DB)
- 1965: Doug Van Horn (G), Ike Kelley (LB)
- 1966: Ray Pryor (C)
- 1968: Dave Foley (OT), Rufus Mayes (OT)
- 1969: Jim Stillwagon (G), Rex Kern (QB), Jim Otis (FB), Ted Provost (CB), Jack Tatum (CB)
- 1970s
- 1970: Jan White (TE), Jim Stillwagon (MG), John Brockington (FB), Jack Tatum (CB), Mike Sensibaugh (S), Tim Anderson (CB)
- 1971: Tom DeLeone (C)
- 1972: John Hicks (OT), Randy Gradishar (LB)
- 1973: John Hicks (OT), Randy Gradishar (LB), Van DeCree (DE), Archie Griffin (TB)
- 1974: Van Ness DeCree (DE), Kurt Schumacher (OT), Steve Myers (C), Pete Cusick (DT), Archie Griffin (TB), Neal Colzie (CB), Tom Skladany (P)
- 1975: Ted Smith (OG), Archie Griffin (TB), Tim Fox (S), Tom Skladany (P)
- 1976: Bob Brudzinski (DE), Chris Ward (OT), Tom Skladany (P)
- 1977: Chris Ward (OT), Aaron Brown (NG), Tom Cousineau (LB), Ray Griffin (S)
- 1978: Tom Cousineau (LB)
- 1979: Ken Fritz (OG), Art Schlichter (QB)
- 1980s
- 1982: Marcus Marek (LB)
- 1984: Jim Lachey (OG), Keith Byars (TB)
- 1985: Pepper Johnson (LB)
- 1986: Cris Carter (SE), Chris Spielman (LB)
- 1987: Chris Spielman (LB), Tom Tupa (P)
- 1988: Jeff Uhlenhake (C)
- 1990s
- 1991: Steve Tovar (LB)
- 1992: Steve Tovar (LB)
- 1993: Korey Stringer (OT), Dan Wilkinson (DT)
- 1994: Korey Stringer (OT)
- 1995: Eddie George (TB), Terry Glenn (FL), Orlando Pace (OT), Mike Vrabel (DE)
- 1996: Orlando Pace (OT), Shawn Springs (CB), Mike Vrabel (DE)
- 1997: Andy Katzenmoyer (LB), Rob Murphy (OG), Antoine Winfield (CB)
- 1998: David Boston (SE), Damon Moore (SS), Rob Murphy (OG), Antoine Winfield (CB)
- 1999: Na'il Diggs (LB)
- 2000s
- 2000: Mike Doss (SS)
- 2001: LeCharles Bentley (C), Mike Doss (SS)
- 2002: Mike Doss (SS), Andy Groom (P), Mike Nugent (PK), Matt Wilhelm (LB)
- 2003: Will Allen (DB), Will Smith (DE)
- 2004: Mike Nugent (PK), A. J. Hawk (LB)
- 2005: A. J. Hawk (LB), Donte Whitner (SS), Nick Mangold (C)
- 2006: Troy Smith (QB), James Laurinaitis (LB), Quinn Pitcock (DL), Ted Ginn Jr. (PR)
- 2007: James Laurinaitis (LB), Kirk Barton (OT), Vernon Gholston (DE), Malcolm Jenkins (DB)
- 2008: James Laurinaitis (LB), Malcolm Jenkins (CB)
- 2009: Kurt Coleman (DB)
- 2010s
- 2010: Mike Brewster (C), Chimdi Chekwa (DB)
- 2012: Johnathan Hankins (DT), Bradley Roby (CB)
- 2013: Ryan Shazier (LB), Jack Mewhort (T)
- 2014: Joey Bosa (DE). Michael Bennett (DL)
- 2015: Vonn Bell (SAF), Joey Bosa (DE), Taylor Decker (OT), Adolphus Washington (DT)
- 2016: Pat Elflein (C), Malik Hooker (SAF), Billy Price (G), Curtis Samuel (HB)
- 2017: Billy Price (C), Denzel Ward (CB) Nick Bosa (DE)
- 2019: Chase Young (DE), Jeff Okudah (CB), J. K. Dobbins (AP), Wyatt Davis (G)
- 2020s
- 2020: Wyatt Davis (G), Shaun Wade (CB)
- 2021: Thayer Munford (OT), Chris Olave (WR), Nicholas Petit-Frere (OT), Garrett Wilson (WR)
- 2022: Marvin Harrison Jr. (WR), Paris Johnson Jr. (OT)
- 2023: Marvin Harrison Jr. (WR)
- 2024: Caleb Downs (S), Seth McLaughlin (C)
Team MVP
1930: Wes Fesler – (E) – Big Ten MVP
1931: Robert Haubrich – (OT)
1932: Lew Hinchman – (HB)
1933: Mickey Vuchinich – (FB)
1934: Gomer Jones – (C)
1935: Gomer Jones – (C)
1936: Ralph Wolf – (C)
1937: Ralph Wolf – (C)
1938: Jim Langhurst – (FB)
1939: Steve Andrako – (C)
1940: Don Scott – (QB)
1941: Jack Graf – (FB) – Big Ten MVP
1942: Chuck Csuri – (OT)
1943: Gordon Appleby – (C)
1944: Les Horvath – (QB) – Big Ten MVP
1945: Ollie Cline – (FB) – Big Ten MVP
1946: Cecil Souders – (E)
1947: Dave Templeton – (G)
1948: Joe Whisler – (FB)
1949: Jack Lininger – (C)
1950: Vic Janowicz – (HB) – Big Ten MVP
1951: Vic Janowicz – (HB)
1952: Fred Bruney – (HB)
1953: George Jacoby – (T)
1954: Howard Cassady – (HB)
1955: Howard Cassady – (HB) – Big Ten MVP
1956: Jim Parker – (G)
1957: Bill Jobko – (G)
1958: Jim Houston – (E)
1959: Jim Houston – (E)
1960: Tom Matte – (QB)
1961: Bob Ferguson – (FB)
1962: Billy Armstrong – (C)
1963: Matt Snell – (FB)
1964: Ed Orazen – (DL)
1965: Doug Van Horn – (OG)
1966: Ray Pryor – (C)
1967: Dirk Worden – (LB)
1968: Mark Stier – (LB)
1969: Jim Otis – (FB)
1970: Jim Stillwagon – (DL)
1971: Tom DeLeone – (C)
1972: George Hasenohrl – (DL)
1973: Archie Griffin – (RB) – Big Ten MVP
1974: Archie Griffin – (RB) – Big Ten MVP
1975: Cornelius Greene – (QB) – Big Ten MVP
1976: Bob Brudzinski – (DE)
1977: Dave Adkins – (LB)
1978: Tom Cousineau – (LB)
1979: Jim Laughlin – (LB)
1980: Calvin Murray – (TB)
1981: Art Schlichter – (QB) – Big Ten MVP
1982: Tim Spencer – (RB)
1983: John Frank – (TE)
1984: Keith Byars – (RB) – Big Ten MVP
1985: Jim Karsatos – (QB)
1986: Cris Carter – (WR)
1987: Chris Spielman – (LB)
1988: Jeff Uhlenhake – (C)
1989: Derek Isaman – (LB)
1990: Jeff Graham – (WR)
1991: Carlos Snow – (TB)
1992: Kirk Herbstreit – (QB)
1993: Raymont Harris – (TB)
1994: Korey Stringer – (OT)
1995: Eddie George – (TB) – Big Ten MVP
1996: Orlando Pace – (OT) – Big Ten MVP
1997: Antoine Winfield – (DB)
1998: Joe Germaine – (QB) – Big Ten MVP
1999: Ahmed Plummer – (DB)
2000: Derek Combs – (TB)
2001: Jonathan Wells – (TB)
2002: Craig Krenzel – (QB) / Chris Gamble – (WR/DB)
2003: Michael Jenkins – (WR)
2004: Mike Nugent – (PK)
2005: A. J. Hawk – (LB)
2006: Troy Smith – (QB) – Big Ten MVP
2007: Chris Wells – (TB)
2008: Chris Wells – (TB)
2009: Kurt Coleman – (SS)
2010: Dane Sanzenbacher – (WR)
2011: Daniel Herron – (TB)
2012: Braxton Miller – (QB) – Big Ten MVP
2013: Braxton Miller – (QB) – Big Ten MVP
2014: Evan Spencer – (WR)
2015: Ezekiel Elliott – (RB) – Big Ten MVP
2016: Malik Hooker – (SAF) / Pat Elflein – (C)
2017: Sam Hubbard – (DE)
2018: Dwayne Haskins – (QB)
2019: Justin Fields – (QB) / Chase Young – (DE) – Big Ten MVP
2020: Justin Fields – (QB) – Big Ten MVP
2021: C. J. Stroud – (QB)
2022: C. J. Stroud – (QB)
2023: Marvin Harrison Jr - (WR) – Big Ten MVP
All-Century Team
Paul "Bear" Bryant Award
- 2002: Jim Tressel
AFCA Coach of the Year
- 1944: Carroll Widdoes
- 1957: Woody Hayes
- 1979: Earle Bruce
- 2002: Jim Tressel
Academic awards and achievements
College Sports Information Directors of America Academic All-America
Academic All-American Hall of Fame
- 1992: Randy Gradishar
Academic All-American Player of the Year
- 2003: Craig Krenzel (QB)
Academic All-Americans
|
1952: John Borton (QB) |
1987: Joe Staysniak (OT) |
National Football Foundation and College Football Hall of Fame
William V. Campbell Trophy
- 1995 Bobby Hoying
- 2003 Craig Krenzel
National Scholar-Athlete Awards
- 1965 Willard Sander
- 1968 David Foley
- 1970 Rex Kern
- 1973 Randy Gradishar
- 1975 Brian Baschnagel
- 1979 Jim Laughlin
- 1982 Joe Smith
- 1983 John Frank
- 1984 Dave Crecelius
- 1985 Mike Lanese
- 1989 Joe Staysniak
- 1990 Greg Frey
- 1992 Greg Smith
- 1994 Joey Galloway
- 1995 Bobby Hoying
- 1996 Greg Bellisari
- 1999 Ahmed Plummer
- 2003 Craig Krenzel
- 2008 Brian Robiskie
- 2015 Jacoby Boren
- 2019 Jordan Fuller
Hall of Fame inductees
College Football Hall of Fame
| Name | Position | Year Inducted |
|---|---|---|
| Howard Jones | Head Coach | 1951 |
| Chic Harley | HB/QB | 1951 |
| Wes Fesler | End | 1954 |
| John Wilce | Head Coach | 1954 |
| Les Horvath | HB/QB | 1969 |
| Bill Willis | DT | 1971 |
| Francis Schmidt | Head Coach | 1971 |
| Ernie Godfrey | Asst. Coach | 1972 |
| Gaylord Stinchcomb | HB/QB | 1973 |
| Jim Parker | OT | 1974 |
| Gust Zarnas | OG | 1975 |
| Vic Janowicz | HB | 1976 |
| Jim Daniell | OT | 1977 |
| Gomer Jones | C | 1978 |
| Howard Cassady | HB | 1979 |
| Woody Hayes | Head Coach | 1983 |
| Warren Amling | OG | 1984 |
| Archie Griffin | RB | 1986 |
| Doyt Perry | Asst. Coach | 1988 |
| Sid Gillman | Asst. Coach | 1989 |
| Aurealius Thomas | OG | 1989 |
| Jim Stillwagon | DT | 1991 |
| Bo Schembechler | Asst. Coach | 1993 |
| Bob Fergueson | FB | 1996 |
| Randy Gradishar | LB | 1998 |
| John Hicks | OT | 2001 |
| Earle Bruce | Head Coach | 2002 |
| Jack Tatum | S | 2004 |
| Jim Houston | DE | 2005 |
| Rex Kern | QB | 2007 |
| John Cooper | Head Coach | 2008 |
| Chris Spielman | LB | 2009 |
| Eddie George | RB | 2011 |
| Orlando Pace | OT | 2013 |
| Jim Tressel | Head Coach | 2015 |
| Tom Cousineau | LB | 2016 |
| Keith Byars | HB | 2020 |
| Rudy Hubbard | Asst. Coach | 2021 |
| Mike Doss | S | 2022 |
| Chris Ward | OT | 2024 |
| Urban Meyer | Head Coach | 2025 |
Pro Football Hall of Fame
| Name | Position | Year Inducted |
|---|---|---|
| Paul Brown | Coach | 1967 |
| Jim Parker | OT | 1973 |
| Lou Groza | K | 1974 |
| Dante Lavelli | End | 1975 |
| Bill Willis | DT | 1977 |
| Sid Gillman | Coach | 1983 |
| Paul Warfield | WR | 1983 |
| Dick LeBeau | CB | 2010 |
| Cris Carter | WR | 2013 |
| Orlando Pace | OT | 2016 |
| Randy Gradishar | LB | 2024 |
Media
The Buckeyes are covered on the radio by Ohio State Sports Network, operated by Learfield IMG College. WBNS/Columbus (1460 AM) and sister station WBNS-FM/Columbus (97.1 FM) serve as flagship stations, with more than 60 affiliates in Ohio, and two additional affiliates in West Virginia. Paul Keels is the play-by-play announcer, while former Buckeye left guard Jim Lachey serves as color analyst. They are joined by sideline reporter Matt Andrews and Skip Mosic, host of the network pregame and halftime shows.
WBNS-TV (channel 10) in Columbus is the long-standing "official TV home" of the Buckeyes, airing the official coach's show Game Time with Ryan Day (simulcast statewide on Bally Sports Ohio).
In addition, Ohio State football games are broadcast by their student radio organization, Scarlet and Gray Sports Radio on OhioStateSports.net
Future conference opponents
Schedule announced October 5, 2023
| 2025 | 2026 | 2027 | 2028 |
|---|---|---|---|
| at Illinois | at Indiana | at Michigan* | at Illinois |
| at Michigan* | at Iowa | at Minnesota | at Maryland |
| at Purdue | at Nebraska | at Northwestern | at Penn State |
| at Washington | at USC | at Oregon | at UCLA |
| at Wisconsin | Illinois | at Rutgers | Michigan* |
| Minnesota | Maryland | Michigan State | Minnesota |
| Penn State | Michigan* | Nebraska | Rutgers |
| Rutgers | Northwestern | Purdue | Washington |
| UCLA | Oregon | USC | Wisconsin |
(*) denotes protected matchup
Future non-conference opponents
Announced schedules as of September 28, 2023.
| 2025 | 2026 | 2027 | 2028 | 2029 | 2030 | 2031 | 2032 | 2033 | 2034 | 2035 | 2036 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| vs Texas (8/30) | vs Ball State (9/5) | vs Bowling Green (9/4) | vs Buffalo (9/2) | vs Nevada (9/1) | at Georgia (9/14) | vs Georgia (8/30) | vs Boston College (9/15) | at Boston College (9/13) | |||
| vs Grambling State (9/6) | at Texas (9/12) | vs New Hampshire | at Alabama (9/9) | vs Charlotte (9/8) | |||||||
| vs Ohio (9/13) | vs Kent State (9/19) | vs Alabama (9/18) | vs Northern Illinois (9/16) |
- Ohio State has no opponents scheduled for 2034 yet.
Fan base
In 2011, a study conducted by Nate Silver of the New York Times, which he described as "not quite scientific," determined that Ohio State had the most fans of any college football team.
Images for kids
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The first Ohio State football team of 1890
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Paul Brown (shown here as head coach of the Cleveland Browns) led the Buckeyes to their first national championship in 1942.
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Former Buckeyes QB/HB, 1942 National Champion, and 1944 Heisman Trophy winner Les Horvath
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Woody Hayes, who won 205 games, five National Championships, and 13 Big Ten Championships - all team records - in 28 seasons (1951-1978) as head coach of the Buckeyes.
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Former Buckeyes running back/receiver, 1954 National Champion, and 1955 Heisman Trophy winner Howard "Hopalong" Cassady
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Former Buckeyes RB Archie Griffin, the only two-time Heisman Trophy winner in college football history (1974–75)
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Former Buckeyes RB Eddie George, who won the 1995 Heisman Trophy.
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Former head coach Jim Tressel, who led the Buckeyes to the 2002 National Championship, and six Big Ten titles.
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Former Buckeyes QB Troy Smith (shown as a member of the NFL's Baltimore Ravens), the 2006 Heisman Trophy winner
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Former head coach Urban Meyer, who led the Buckeyes to seven division titles, three Big Ten Championships, the 2014 national championship, and the team's all-time record winning streak (24).
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The logo for the 2014 National Champion Buckeyes, which celebrated the football program's 125th anniversary
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Script Ohio
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