Jim Tressel, the legendary coach who led the Ohio State Buckeyes to a national championship and a pile of other accolades, is set to be enshrined in the C-Deck Ring of Honor at Ohio Stadium.
This honor will be given to him during the Buckeyes’ season opener against Ball State on Saturday, September 5, at 12:30 p.m.
The game will be on BTN and, honestly, it feels like a big deal in Ohio State’s long football history.
Tressel becomes only the third coach to get this recognition, joining Paul Brown and Woody Hayes.
Let’s take a look at Tressel’s wild ride of a career, his impact on Buckeye football, and what he’s meant to players and fans—because it’s a lot.
Jim Tressel’s Storied Career at Ohio State
Jim Tressel took over as head coach in 2001, right in the middle of Ohio State’s tradition of being a national powerhouse.
Under his leadership, the Buckeyes hit some serious milestones:
- National Championship: Ohio State won the national title in 2002, going undefeated at 14-0 and capping it off with a heart-stopping double-overtime win over Miami.
- Consistent Success: Tressel’s teams hit 10 wins or more in six seasons and made it to the BCS Title Game three times.
- BCS Appearances: The Buckeyes played in eight BCS games while he was in charge.
- Rivalry Dominance: They went 9-1 against Michigan—though, yeah, the 2010 game got vacated by the NCAA.
But it wasn’t just about the numbers.
Tressel’s era was all about developing players who thrived on and off the field.
He coached 67 NFL Draft picks (14 in the first round!), plus a bunch of All-Americans and Academic All-Americans.
The Impact of Jim Tressel
Tressel’s influence went way past football.
After coaching, he threw himself into public service and higher education, even serving as President of Youngstown State University and as Ohio’s Lieutenant Governor.
Through things like the Team Tressel Fitness Challenge, he still finds ways to mentor young people, helping them get stronger in every way—mentally, physically, and emotionally.
“Growing up in Ohio, Ohio Stadium was about as special a place as there could be for a Buckeye fan,” Tressel said, sounding a bit nostalgic.
“Then, when you have the privilege of spending so many years on the field as a coach, you never really think about something like this. You just try to honor the tradition, respect the responsibility that comes with it, and do your very best each day.”
A Legacy of Leadership and Mentorship
Senior Vice President and Wolfe Foundation-Eugene Smith Endowed Athletics Director Ross Bjork spoke about Tressel’s lasting mark on Ohio State.
“Jim Tressel’s impact on Ohio State is long-lasting and still ever-present on our campus. He is not only one of the most accomplished coaches in our school’s history but in the entire history of college football.”
Bjork pointed out Tressel’s commitment to excellence and the student-athlete experience, saying his legacy goes way beyond just wins and titles.
“His commitment to excellence and the student-athlete experience helped define an era of Ohio State football and strengthened the values that continue to guide our department today.”
Building on a Strong Foundation
Current head coach Ryan Day also weighed in: “Coach Tressel’s success on the field was remarkable, but what stands out most to me is how he invested in people.”
“He understood that coaching is much more than the game as it is about developing leaders, building character, and preparing young men for the challenges they’ll face in life after football.”
Day’s words really highlight how Tressel’s leadership and mentorship still echo through the program.
“We’re building on the legacy he and all the outstanding leaders before us created for this historic program. His legacy will always be measured not just by what his teams accomplished, but by the countless lives he helped shape through his leadership and mentorship.”
The 2026 Ohio State Football Season
The 2026 season opener against Ball State isn’t just about Tressel’s enshrinement—it’s also the start of a season that’s already got Buckeye fans buzzing.
The schedule brings a bunch of matchups people are already talking about, including:
- Sept. 5: Ball State at 12:30 p.m. on BTN
- Sept. 12: at Texas at 7:30 p.m. on ABC
- Sept. 19: Kent State at Noon on FOX
- Sept. 26: Illinois
- Oct. 3: at Iowa
- Oct. 10: Maryland (Homecoming) between 3:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. (TBD Network)
- Oct. 17: at Indiana
- Oct. 24: Off
- Oct. 31: at USC
- Nov. 7: Oregon
- Nov. 14: Northwestern
- Nov. 21: at Nebraska
- Nov. 28: Michigan at Noon on FOX
If you want to keep up with the Buckeyes this season, check out OhioStateBuckeyes.com or follow along on X, Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.
Jim Tressel’s name going up in the Ohio Stadium Ring of Honor feels just right. He’s shaped Ohio State football in ways that are hard to measure.
On the field, the guy racked up achievements. Off it, he really cared about helping young men grow and giving back to the community.
Honestly, his legacy at Ohio State? It’s huge. Even as the Buckeyes gear up for another season, you can’t help but notice Tressel’s influence lingering in the air—players, coaches, fans, everyone still feels it.
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