40 Facts About Ohio State Football

Ohio State Football: A Storied Legacy

Ohio State football has a rich history filled with remarkable achievements, legendary players, and unforgettable moments. Here are some fascinating facts about this iconic program.

1. Ohio State's football program began in 1890, making it one of the oldest in the country.
2. The team is known as the Buckeyes, named after the state tree of Ohio.
3. Ohio Stadium, also known as "The Horseshoe," has been the home of the Buckeyes since 1922.
4. The stadium can hold over 102,000 fans, making it one of the largest in the nation.
5. Ohio State has won eight national championships, with the first in 1942 and the most recent in 2014.
6. The Buckeyes have claimed 39 Big Ten Conference titles.
7. Woody Hayes, one of the most famous coaches in college football history, led the team from 1951 to 1978.
8. Hayes won five national championships and 13 Big Ten titles during his tenure.
9. Archie Griffin, the only player to win the Heisman Trophy twice, played for Ohio State from 1972 to 1975.
10. Griffin rushed for over 5,500 yards in his college career, a record that still stands at Ohio State.

Legendary Coaches and Players

Ohio State has been home to some of the greatest coaches and players in college football history. Their contributions have left an indelible mark on the program.

11. Jim Tressel coached the Buckeyes from 2001 to 2010, leading them to a national championship in 2002.
12. Urban Meyer took over in 2012 and won a national championship in 2014.
13. Ryan Day, the current head coach, has continued the tradition of excellence since taking over in 2019.
14. Eddie George, who won the Heisman Trophy in 1995, rushed for over 1,900 yards that season.
15. Troy Smith, another Heisman winner, led the Buckeyes to the national championship game in 2006.
16. Chris Spielman, a two-time All-American linebacker, played for Ohio State from 1984 to 1987.
17. Spielman recorded 546 tackles during his college career, a school record.
18. Orlando Pace, a dominant offensive lineman, was a two-time Lombardi Award winner.
19. Pace was the first overall pick in the 1997 NFL Draft.
20. Joey Bosa, a standout defensive end, was a key player in the 2014 national championship team.

Memorable Games and Moments

Ohio State football has been part of some of the most memorable games and moments in college football history. These events have defined the program and its legacy.

21. The "Snow Bowl" in 1950, played against Michigan in a blizzard, is one of the most famous games in Ohio State history.
22. The 2002 national championship game, where Ohio State defeated Miami in double overtime, is considered one of the greatest games ever.
23. In 2014, Ohio State won the first-ever College Football Playoff National Championship.
24. The rivalry game against Michigan, known as "The Game," is one of the most intense in sports.
25. Ohio State has a winning record in "The Game," with over 50 victories.
26. The 1968 national championship team, led by Rex Kern, is considered one of the best in college football history.
27. In 1974, Ohio State defeated Michigan 12-10 in a game that featured a last-second field goal.
28. The 1997 Rose Bowl victory over Arizona State was Ohio State's first Rose Bowl win in over 20 years.
29. In 2016, Ohio State defeated Michigan in double overtime, a game that is still talked about today.
30. The 2018 victory over Michigan, where Ohio State scored 62 points, is the most points ever scored by the Buckeyes in "The Game."

Traditions and Culture

Ohio State football is not just about the games; it's also about the traditions and culture that make the program unique. These elements create a sense of community and pride among fans.

31. The "Script Ohio" performed by the Ohio State University Marching Band is one of the most famous traditions in college football.
32. Dotting the "i" in "Script Ohio" is considered a great honor and is usually reserved for senior sousaphone players.
33. The Buckeye Grove, where a tree is planted for each Ohio State All-American, is a cherished tradition.
34. The "Buckeye Battle Cry" is the fight song of Ohio State and is played at every game.
35. Brutus Buckeye, the team's mascot, has been a symbol of Ohio State spirit since 1965.
36. The "O-H-I-O" chant, where fans spell out Ohio with their arms, is a common sight at games.
37. The Victory Bell, rung after every home win, has been a tradition since 1954.
38. The "Black Stripe" tradition, where freshmen must earn the removal of a black stripe from their helmets, symbolizes their full acceptance into the team.
39. The "Gold Pants" tradition, where players receive a gold charm shaped like football pants after beating Michigan, started in 1934.
40. The "Quick Cals" pregame ritual, led by the strength and conditioning coach, gets the crowd pumped up before kickoff.

Ohio State Football: A Legacy of Excellence

Ohio State football boasts a rich history filled with legendary players, iconic coaches, and memorable moments. From the early days of the program to its current status as a powerhouse, the Buckeyes have consistently been at the forefront of college football. The tradition of excellence is evident in their numerous Big Ten titles, national championships, and a dedicated fan base that spans the globe. Whether it's the thrill of game day at Ohio Stadium, the rivalry with Michigan, or the pride of wearing scarlet and gray, Ohio State football is more than just a sport – it's a way of life. As the Buckeyes continue to build on their storied past, one thing remains certain: Ohio State football will always be synonymous with passion, pride, and excellence.