Jim Tressel, llieutenant governor of Ohio, and his wife Ellen were surprised by Ohio State football staff on Tuesday with an announcement that the former Ohio State football coach will be placed in the Ohio Stadium Ring of Honor on Sept. 5. (Ohio State University)

COLUMBUS — Former Ohio State football coach and current Ohio Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel will be inducted into the Ohio Stadium Ring of Honor when the Buckeyes open the 2026 season against Ball State on Sept. 5.

Tressel becomes just the third coach honored on the C-Deck Ring of Honor, joining legendary coaches Paul Brown and Woody Hayes. He is the first addition to the Ring of Honor since former quarterback and 2006 Heisman Trophy winner Troy Smith was recognized in 2014.

Tressel guided Ohio State from 2001-10, compiling one of the most successful eras in program history. His teams won at least 10 games six times, appeared in three BCS National Championship Games and captured the 2002 national title with a 14-0 season that culminated in a 31-24 double-overtime victory over Miami in the Fiesta Bowl.

The Buckeyes also reached national championship games following the 2006 and 2007 seasons and played in eight BCS bowl games during Tressel’s tenure. Ohio State earned a bowl berth in each of his 10 seasons.

Tressel’s teams went 9-1 against rival Michigan on the field, helping restore Ohio State’s dominance in one of college football’s most storied rivalries.

Under Tressel, the Buckeyes produced 67 NFL Draft selections, including 14 first-round picks. Ohio State also had 57 first-team All-Big Ten selections, 24 first-team All-Americans and eight Academic All-Americans. Quarterback Troy Smith won the Heisman Trophy in 2006.

“Growing up in Ohio, Ohio Stadium was about as special a place as there could be for a Buckeye fan,” Tressel said. “I grew up admiring Paul Brown and Woody Hayes, and they both meant so much to our family. To be recognized alongside these men is truly humbling.”

Ohio State athletic director Ross Bjork called Tressel one of the most influential figures in school history.

“Jim Tressel’s impact on Ohio State is long-lasting and still ever-present on our campus,” Bjork said. “His legacy extends far beyond wins and championships.”

Current Ohio State coach Ryan Day credited Tressel’s leadership and influence on generations of players.

“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,” Day said.

Following his coaching career, Tressel served as president of Youngstown State University before being elected Ohio’s lieutenant governor. He also remains active through the Team Tressel Fitness Challenge and other community initiatives.

The Ring of Honor ceremony will take place during Ohio State’s season opener against Ball State at Ohio Stadium. The game is scheduled for a 12:30 p.m. kickoff and will be televised by BTN.