Jim Tressel Arrives as New Ohio Lieutenant Governor

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine named ex-Ohio State University football coach Jim Tressel as the next of Office of Ohio's Lieutenant Governor on February 10, 2025. This address to an empty office created by Jon Husted, who took a seat in the U.S. Senate after promotion of J.D. Vance to the Vice Presidency of the United States.

WATCH LIVE: Gov. DeWine announces Jim Tressel for next lieutenant governor of Ohio

From Gridiron to Governance

Nicknamed "The Senator" during his time at Ohio State, Jim Tressel has had perhaps one of the more interesting careers both on and off the field. Before he became appointed to that post, he was serving as the president of Youngstown State University; he retired from there in 2023 after nearly a decade. His educational and community involvement were mentioned by Governor DeWine as key reasons for his selection.

The highlight of Tressel's coaching career was the national championship of the Ohio State Buckeyes in 2002, together with seven Big Ten championships. His style of football, sometimes referred to as "Tresselball," had the emphasis on defense and playing smart, which appealed to many within Ohio as a disciplined approach and one in which the final score often showed it. Now, as an administrator in higher education at Youngstown State, he has shown his leadership in fostering partnerships for economic development and workforce training.

A New Chapter

The appointment of Tressel into this political position has created a buzz of conversation throughout the state. As stated by Governor DeWine upon the announcement, "Jim Tressel knows Ohio, shares my values, and has the ability to pull people together. His experience in leadership and education will be invaluable in this position."

But the appointment isn't without its critics. Some question whether Tressel's background in athletics and education adequately prepared him for the complex subtleties of state government. Critics point to controversies from his past, including the NCAA infractions by his players that forced him to resign from Ohio State in 2011, implying his track record isn't spotless on matters related to oversight and compliance.

Community and Political Reactions

Social media is mixed: Ohio State fans and alumni like the fact with excitement that one of their own is getting a state leadership role, while others question his preparedness for such an important political position. Messages posted to X include Tressel's strong roots to Ohio, his crisis leadership in times of extreme difficulty at YSU, and the potential he brings for a fresh understanding of state governance.

With a strong Republican majority seen in the Ohio House and Senate, confirmation is most expected for Tressel. His nomination will surely face heavy scrutiny from both the left and the right as it zeroes in on his vision regarding Ohio's educational and economic policies.

Outlook

Tressel, 72, said he'll hit the books to learn the ways of state government. "I don't know this world," Tressel said during the announcement, "but I believe in our governor and what he believes in. My first job is to go to school on that."

With Tressel's appointment, Ohio may be getting a mixture of old-school conservative values and a focus on education and workforce development-the areas in which he has been so heavily involved. How well he will do in this position largely depends on how well he can translate his leadership style from the football field and university campus to the political arena in Columbus.

Whether Tressel can repeat those successes in football and academia at this level, nobody knows, but his hiring promises an interesting chapter in Ohio's political tale now that everyone has eyes trained on this ex-coach-cum-statesman.

Ohio State OL Coach Justin Frye to Take Job with Arizona Cardinals, Leaving Buckeyes with Coaching Void

 Major news that reaches both college and the NFL alike as Ohio State offensive line coach Justin Frye is expected to take the same position with the Arizona Cardinals. Frye, in his third year with the Buckeyes, jumps to the NFL after helping the Buckeyes with a national championship this season. His exit indeed represents a significant transition for Ohio State as a replacement is tasked with taking such an important job in its staff, while this is a vital addition for a Cardinals club intent on strengthening depth on the field, especially around the offensive line.

Frye's Time at Ohio State and to the NFL

Justin Frye's time in Columbus has been one filled with ups and downs. Since his arrival in 2022, he brought instant excitement as an offensive line coach and associate head coach for offense. Frye took over duties from Greg Studrawa in the Buckeyes' coaching circle. He experienced his best this season, steering through a serious of major injuries to the line, including losses of starting left tackle Josh Simmons and Rimington Trophy-winning center Seth McLaughlin. With these setbacks Frye still could field a cohesive unit that was sacked only four times during a playoff run where it out-gained opponents 392 yards combined on the ground. It was that resilience that allowed Ohio State to win the national championship and complete a year of ups and downs.

Most remarkably, he used more than 20 different combinations of offensive linemen throughout the season-a coaching feat, to say the least. Still, Frye's year wasn't without its criticism. Frye did catch some heat for his recruiting, which had been below the typical standard set by Ohio State. Since his arrival, he signed only two top-100 offensive linemen: in-state products Luke Montgomery and 2025 signee Carter Lowe. Depth was also a concern, particularly at tackle, but the on-field product quieted many of his critics.

Now, Frye is in line for his first NFL coaching job with the Arizona Cardinals, filling a position vacated by Klayton Adams when he was hired as offensive coordinator of the Dallas Cowboys. It reunites Frye with former Ohio State standout Paris Johnson Jr., the Cardinals' starting left tackle and a 2023 first-round draft pick whom Frye coached during his final season with the Buckeyes. With Frye's experience coaching the offensive line at a high level at stops such as UCLA, Boston College, and Temple, and a brief stint as UCLA's offensive coordinator under Chip Kelly, he was too good to pass up for the Cardinals. He reportedly interviewed for a similar role with the Chicago Bears earlier this week, meaning the NFL had a high interest in his expertise.

Impact on the Arizona Cardinals

The Cardinals are adding a coach who has shown the ability to develop talent and handle adversity. Frye's work in retooling Ohio State's offensive line, particularly midway through the season with the losses of two All-Americans, has been widely praised by analysts and players alike. His new role in Arizona also opens the door to working with former Buckeye's star wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., coming off his rookie season with the Cardinals. Having an Arizona team striving to improve performance in the trenches, Frye's hiring becomes a strategic attempt to bring stability and expertise to the unit.

Ohio State's Next Challenge: Filling the Huge Shoes of Frye

And for Ohio State, his move leaves a hole that is at least as wide as the gigantic shoes he occupies-the second coaching vacancy in this offseason alone after defensive coordinator Jim Knowles left for Penn State. It is an especially difficult time, with Ohio State set to defend its national title in the 2025 season. Head coach Ryan Day will have to move fast to find a replacement who can keep the offensive line performing while trying to fix the recruiting and depth issues that plagued Frye's tenure.

A few potential candidates have emerged as possible replacements. One of those options could come in the form of Kevin Wilson, a former Ohio State offensive coordinator and tight ends coach whose coaching resume in regard to leading the offensive line dates back all the way to Oklahoma in the early 2000s. Recently let go after a two-year stint at the helm for Tulsa, he has deep connections with the program and would represent a very comfortable face for Day to welcome aboard. Another in-house option is Tim Drevno, currently an offensive quality control coach for the Buckeyes. However, Ohio State is also expected to explore external candidates to ensure the best fit for the program’s long-term goals.

Day has emphasized the importance of finding the right person to continue the program’s success, not just in terms of on-field results but also in player development. As he said following the national championship, his coaching philosophy is about helping young men reach their goals and dreams, which will more than likely guide the hiring process. The next offensive line coach will have to hit the ground running, particularly on the recruiting trail, if Ohio State is going to stay ahead in college football.

Looking Ahead

Frye's rise to the NFL is a new chapter in his career, epitomizing how to beat the odds while delivering results in the highest college football echelon. Ohio State, meanwhile, will look toward continuing its trajectory of championships amidst the coaching gaps left by both Frye and Knowles. How the Buckeyes adapt will be one of the biggest storylines going into the 2025 season.

Considering Frye, being reunited with Paris Johnson Jr. and the opportunity to work with an offensive line needing improvement at the Cardinals may set the stage for a very successful NFL coaching debut. For Ohio State, his loss is a gain, as it simply shows the type of coaches that have come through the program.

In all, Justin Frye's move to the Arizona Cardinals is a moment of importance both for himself and the programs concerned. Ohio State has to deal with how it will replace a coach who was integral to its recent championship success, while Frye is off into a new challenge in the NFL. The next few weeks are important for both parties as they look toward their respective futures.

Summary of the 2025 College Football National Championship Game

Overview of the Game:

The 2025 College Football Playoff National Championship was a pretty interesting match between Ohio State Buckeyes and Notre Dame Fighting Irish held in Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia. Ohio State defeated the Notre Dame team with a score of 34-23 which ended on January 20, 2025. It added the ninth national championship to Ohio State and the first in the College Football Playoff era since its victory in 2015.

First Half:

Notre Dame scored in a strong opening drive with 18 plays, adding quarterback Riley Leonard on a 1-yard touchdown. Ohio State replied just as quick; quarterback Will Howard reached wide receiver Jeremiah Smith to take it in for the score. Then Ohio State's Quinshon Judkins scored with the Buckeyes to give them the lead on a 9-yard run.

Notre Dame wasn't any sharper on their second drive either, but the completions by Leonards to Kris Mitchell and Eli Raridon set up substantial yardage. Ohio State finished the first half well again with a third score by Judkins and left at halftime Ohio State 21, Notre Dame 7.

Second Half:

Ohio State would come out to start the third hot when Will Howard's touchdown pass stretched it to 28-7. The Buckeyes would eventually move in range and settle a few minutes later at 31-71 for them. Notre Dame would not just wilt and go away either as it answered with an Irish touchdown two point-conversion making it now 31-15.

Notre Dame was on one continuum in the fourth quarter with another touchdown and another two-point conversion that put them at a deficit of 31-23. But the Buckeyes had an answer for everything on Monday as Will Howard of Ohio State found Jeremiah Smith for 56 yards. That resulted in a field goal and Ohio State closing it out, 34-23.

The Buckeyes' defense was solid in the final minutes to seal their win for the national title. It was Ohio State's first national championship since 2014.

Awards Ceremony:

The post-game awards ceremony gave the following awards to both teams:

Offensive MVP: Ohio State quarterback Will Howard took home the Offensive MVP in this game because he was calm and precise throughout, managing the tempo of the game when called upon to deliver.

Defensive MVP: The defensive MVP of the game was Cody Simon, who had an outstanding performance to lead Ohio State in tackles with eight, including one for loss1, enabling the Buckeyes to defeat Notre Dame.

The ceremony also honored the resilience and spirit of both teams, noting Notre Dame's remarkable run to the championship despite its early-season loss. Ohio State was presented with the CFP National Championship Trophy, sponsored by Dr Pepper, a historic moment for the team and its fanbase.

Post-Game Reflections:

The post-game analysis that followed praised Ohio State's game plan on defense while giving considerable notice to the coaches' preparation and in-game adjustments. Notre Dame was applauded for their tenacity and the development under head coach Marcus Freeman-who, against the loss, showed a great deal of progress with the team.

The 2025 National Championship ended Ohio State's drought of championships, but more importantly, perhaps, it laid the bedrock for a new series of future match-ups between them, as each team notched another entry in the annals of their rivalry. It was further evidence of what this expanded 12-team playoff format brings for college football: excitement and unpredictability.

It was the perfect finish to an amazing season with high-voltage displays of college football talent, skillful tactics, and enthusiasm.

CFP National Championship: Ohio State Buckeyes vs. Notre Dame Fighting Irish | Full Game Highlights

Ohio State Boosts Defense with Commitment of 2025 Transfer Ty Howard

In one of the biggest moves to strengthen their linebacker corps, Ohio State University has secured a commitment from Duquesne University transfer Ty Howard for the 2025 season. Howard, an All-Northeast Conference performer, announced that he will join the Buckeyes on January 5, 2025, in a deal seen to further boost a rather strong roster.

Transfer Impact

The addition of Ty Howard to Ohio State is well-timed as the Buckeyes seek to stay atop college football. A multi-faceted defensive back who had an excellent season at Duquesne, Howard earned honors for his work on defense. Howard recorded 52 tackles, seven for loss, four sacks, three interceptions and added several key pass breakups and fumble recoveries in nine games for the Dukes in 2024. His performance, especially his incredible four-game run of recording takeaways, showed him as a potential game-changer on defense.

Why Ohio State?

Ohio State had an interest in Howard due to his trail of success that precedes him and the demand for experienced players within the linebacker core. Howard chose to transfer in due to various factors, including playing on one of the most storied programs in college football with a knack for producing top talent into the NFL. The family tie to Ohio State, too, as Howard is the big brother of freshman running back signee Bo Jackson, probably didn't hurt. As a result, Ohio State not only builds up its defenses but also brings the siblings closer and supportive of each other in their respective collegiate careers.

What Howard Brings to the Team

Howard is a pretty attractive addition with his athletic profile at 6-foot and 200 pounds and two years of eligibility remaining. A big-play-capable defender - as evident in his interception return for a touchdown in 2024 - Howard has a high ceiling within the Jim Knowles defensive scheme. While he will probably start off as a depth addition, his skills indicate that he could vie for a more important position, especially since Cody Simon departed.

Looking Ahead to 2025

Talents will surround the linebacker room at Ohio State, including but not limited to: Sonny Styles, Arvell Reese, Payton Pierce, and Garrett Stover. Then again, Howard has experience and success at the FCS level that might allow him to carve out some sort of role. His addition means strategic depth-the ability of Ohio State to continue performing at a high level in injury or when somebody is underperforming.

With this transfer, Ohio State has continued to utilize the transfer portal as efficiently as in the case of earlier transfers like Will Howard from Kansas State, who has already been declared the starting quarterback for the 2024 season. This trend underlines the Buckeyes' commitment to adapting and enhancing their roster through both high school recruitment and the transfer portal.

Conclusion

Ty Howard's commitment to Ohio State for the 2025 season is a lot more than a transfer but an addition to strengthen up the Buckeyes' defense. Teaming up with his brother and such a talented class of linebackers, Ohio State fans and coaches will be anxious to see how the skills will truly translate into a competitive Big Ten Conference. His storyline from Duquesne to Ohio State will be one to keep an eye on, as he tries to leave his stamp on one of the most historic college football programs.

Duquesne Football Players Ty Howard, JaMario Clements and Joey Isabella Discuss Win Over Mercyhurst

Ohio State vs Oregon: Rose Bowl 2025 Showdown

It's a stage set perfectly at the iconic stadium known as the Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, California, when the Ohio State Buckeyes take on the Oregon Ducks in an exciting College Football Playoff quarterfinal matchup on January 1, 2025, at 5 p.m. ET. Below is a detailed look regarding this anticipated matchup:

Game Details:

* Date: Wednesday, January 1, 2025

* Time: 5:00 PM EST

* Venue: Rose Bowl Stadium, Pasadena, CA

* TV/Streaming: Live on ESPN, with options to stream.

Coaches:

Ohio State: Ryan Day, 67-10 at Ohio State. All the energizing offenses come from Day, the coach who has his job on the line after losing to Michigan but should rebound with a strong showing versus Tennessee in the first round of the CFP.

Oregon: Dan Lanning, in his third year, has guided the Ducks to a perfect 13-0 record, capturing the Big Ten title in their first season in the conference. His strategic mind has helped shape the winning run by Oregon.

Key Players:

Ohio State:

Quarterback: Will Howard, the transfer from Kansas State, has been very impressive this year, completing 72.9 percent of his passes. Other players who support the offense in its cause include the wide receivers Emeka Egbuka and freshman sensation Jeremiah Smith.

Running Back: TreVeyon Henderson has been a workhorse, particularly in the fourth quarter, with an average of 8.6 yards per touch.

Oregon:

Quarterback: Dillon Gabriel has been the motor of the Ducks offense, completing 73.2% of his passes while contributing in very big ways with both his arm and legs.

Running Back: Jordan James had an outstanding year on the ground, topping 1,200 yards and 15 touchdowns, and was the toughest back to face down.

Defense: Jordan Burch is back from injury and has added considerable strength with his 8.5 sacks this season.

Odds:

The early betting line had Oregon as a slight favorite, but at the latest reports, Ohio State comes in at 2.5-point favorites, with an over/under of around 54.5 points.

How to Win:

Ohio State:

That creative offense will need to keep this Oregon defense guessing on each and every play. Ohio State needs to make Oregon one-dimensional by stopping the run and Jordan James. The OSU defensive line has to pressure Gabriel consistently in order to disrupt the passing game.

Oregon:

What Oregon will want to do is keep its offensive effectiveness alive with the mobility of Gabriel and his acumen as a passer. They will want to make a strength-on-strength takeaway in the air to Ohio State by using its strong secondary, and to affect Howard's rhythm, pressuring him is required, which depends upon the availability of Burch. 

Last Meeting:

Oregon upset Ohio State, 32-31, in an absolute nail-biter back in October at Autzen Stadium. Oregon's quarterback completed 341 passing yards against Ohio State's defense for three total touchdowns. The close victory showcased how Oregon can win the tight ones. The game also outlined where the roots of this great victory were rooted.

What to Watch For:

Both teams boast high-powered offenses, along with defenses that have flashed brilliance-all the ingredients for another classic. Under the microscope will be the players' performances: the strategy matchup between Day and Lanning. With the stakes escalated to a playoff quarterfinal, there figures to be some strategic adjustments on both sides, possibly making for a game decided in the final moments, much like their last encounter.

For most enthusiast fans, hard-core analysts, and fervent bettors alike, the question lingers whether Ohio State can finally have its revenge or Oregon will move into the semifinals undefeated. It promises football at a very high level, with a very important stake in the development of this budding rivalry.

College Football Playoff Quarterfinals: No. 8 Ohio State vs. No. 1 Oregon | Game Preview

CJ Donaldson to Ohio State: New Chapter 2025

In one of the more significant blows to West Virginia Mountaineers' backfield next season, power-running, bruising back CJ Donaldson Jr. has given a commitment to the Ohio State Buckeyes for 2025. In Donaldson, Ohio State gets perhaps one of the more dynamic power running backs in the country - the one that terrorizes defenses by not going down after contact easily.

It's been an eventful college football career so far for CJ Donaldson, who initially committed to West Virginia as a three-star recruit. A former tight end who made his way to running back, he wasted no time leaving his fingerprints on the gridiron. This versatile, strong back rushed 2,058 yards for 30 touchdowns in his three seasons with the Mountaineers. That commitment to Ohio State came on the heels of a visit made on December 23, 2024, which all but had signaled the end of his time at West Virginia and marked a new beginning.

Ohio State?

Ohio State's interest in Donaldson speaks to the school's intent on solidifying the backfield with veteran and physically imposing talent. His transfer comes at a time when the Buckeyes are trying to stay atop the Big Ten mountain, and one area that has received plenty of attention in recent times is in the running game. 

Ohio State Running Backs 2025 Outlook:

CJ Donaldson Jr.: The instant depth and a track record of success is what Donaldson brings into the transfer. Listed at 6-foot-2, 240 pounds, his size is very complementary to Ohio State's line - possibly allowing for some powerful rushing attacks.

Quinshon Judkins: If Judkins does not declare for the 2025 NFL Draft, he would still be a staple in the Buckeyes' backfield. His agility and vision were crucial in past seasons, and a potential return would make for an intriguing duo with Donaldson.

Younger Backs: Throw in a couple of young Buckeye talents in James Peoples and Sam Williams-Dixon. People's speed and the potential of William-Dixon could see them getting more opportunities, especially when different running styles are needed in the game.

Other transfers: The Buckeyes have been connected to a few other running backs through the transfer portal, which includes former USC running back Quinten Joyner. If true, these additions would only enhance the roster further with added depth and competition.

Coaching Perspective:

This coaching staff, led by Ryan Day and running backs coach Carlos Locklyn, is salivating with the new options this lineup presents. Donaldson's ability to break tackles and his experience within the Big 12 will more than likely make for an easy adjustment to the physicality of the Big Ten. Locklyn's philosophy is always to seek a balanced attack that no doubt will find opportunities to use Donaldson in matchups that could present mismatches.

Look Ahead:

The 2025 season at Ohio State looks bright for the fans of the running game. With CJ Donaldson coming into the fold, the Buckeyes add not just a workhorse back but also a player with leadership qualities from his time at West Virginia. This mix of experience, new talent, and strategic coaching could very well lead Ohio State to dominate ground games in the upcoming season.

As the team integrates these players, the focus will be on how they fit into the offensive scheme, manage depth, and handle the ball distribution. With a mix of power, speed, and experience, Ohio State's running back room is set to be one of the highlights of their squad in 2025.

CJ Donaldson Jr. 2024 Regular Season Highlights | 2024 Big 12 Football

Purdue's Will Heldt: A Sought-After Edge Rusher Explores New Horizons

The transfer portal, in a constantly changing landscape of college football, serves as the primary method through which players pursue fresh opportunities and by which programs round out their respective rosters. Adding to that mix will be Will Heldt, an All-American defensive end from Purdue University who, by way of an entered transfer portal, has captured the interest of several of the nation's top programs in college football. A mix of size, agility, and performance, the visit schedule of Heldt has been one of the prime focuses for both fans and coaches. 

The Heldt Factor:

Will Heldt, standing tall at 6-foot-6 and weighing 265 pounds, has been a force in the middle of Purdue's defense. His sophomore season saw 56 tackles, with a total of 10 going for loss, while amassing 5 sacks; he also had a memorable recovery of a fumble that ended up in the opponent's end zone. His numbers alone depict a player who shall be unleashed in his entirety, making him an interesting look for teams in dire need of a strong edge presence.

Visit Schedule:

 Heldt has been taking a long ride through the transfer portal with at least a few high-profile visits on tap:

Ohio State: Heldt visits Ohio State at a pivotal moment for the Buckeyes' depth along their defensive line. Ohio State is used to elite talent in football, but it's looking to Heldt as a real potential differentiator, considering his size and speed.

Clemson: A visit to Clemson is especially interesting because it marks a departure from the program's longstanding avoidance of using transfer portal players, let alone defensively. That Dabo Swinney would show serious interest in Heldt signifies a possible new approach in seeking to use Heldt as a linchpin to take their already stalwart defense over the top.

LSU: The Tigers in Baton Rouge have shown keen interest in Heldt, and his visit would show that LSU intends to tackle the defensive line after losing many of their key players to eligibility and the transfer portal. LSU has a great history of developing NFL talent, which could be enticing for Heldt.

Texas A&M: Similar to LSU, Texas A&M does see Heldt as a piece to help strengthen their defense. Based on recent history with transfers from Purdue, the Aggies appear well-positioned to keep that run going with Heldt.

Decision Coming:

Agents of Heldt have been instrumental in managing his transfer process, and with every visit, he makes sure that he assesses where best he can continue with his football career as well as his academic pursuits. A decision he will make will affect not just his future but also the competitive balance driving college football conferences.

With two years of eligibility remaining, the choice of school will be closely monitored that Heldt makes. His visits aren't just about finding a new team but also about finding a program that aligns with his aspirations both on and off the field. Each school offers something different: coaching philosophies, development programs, and the road to the NFL.

Conclusion:

Will Heldt's transfer journey is a perfect representation of how changing landscapes in college football can shift the dynamic of teams with just one or two players. With his visits coming to a close, the college football world waits for a decision with the knowledge that wherever Heldt decides to go, he will make an impact. It's a story of opportunity and potential and the eternal quest for excellence in one of America's most favorite sports.

The SHOCKING DECISION made by Dabo Swinney | Purdue transfer Will Heldt visiting Clemson