Jim Tressel visits Ohio State spring practice, shares special message
During Saturday’s spring practice, Ohio State had a legend stop by the Woody Hayes Athletic Center. Legendary coach Jim Tressel was in the building, and he had a message for the Buckeyes afterward.
Ryan Day has spoken about the impact Tressel had on him when it comes to special teams duties. The two spoke on the phone, and Tressel said he used to split up special teams duties with position coaches. Day adopted a similar philosophy this year.
Saturday, the national championship-winning coach – donning his iconic red sweater – spoke to the Buckeyes players about what it means to be a part of the program.
“Carry the banner,” Tressel said. “Be proud, because when you get old and come back and look, you’re gonna say, ‘I can’t believe God gave me a chance to be a Buckeye.’ Because there’s nothing like it.”
If there’s anyone to get that point across, it’s Tressel. During his time as Ohio State head coach from 2001-11, he had a 106-22 overall record and took the Buckeyes to six bowl victories. That includes the 2002 Fiesta Bowl, which won the program a national championship for the first time since 1970.
Tressel’s return to campus also got a shoutout from incoming Ohio State athletics director Ross Bjork, who welcomed him back via social media.
“Great to hang out with @JimTressel5 today & talk @OhioStateFB football, college sports & leadership,” Bjork wrote on X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday. “Awesome to have you back on campus Coach.”
Jim Tressel wasn’t the only familiar face at Saturday’s practice, though. Reigning NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year C.J. Stroud was also in attendance as the stars came out in Columbus. Stroud was also in attendance for Ohio State’s Pro Day this week after putting together a standout season for the Houston Texans, throwing for 4,108 yards and 23 touchdowns to get the franchise back into the postseason.
After missing out on the College Football Playoff a season ago, Day and Ohio State got to work. The roster looks much different as the Buckeyes hit the transfer portal hard, bringing in six notable players. The headliner of the group is former Alabama safety Caleb Downs. He checks in as the No. 1 overall player in the On3 Industry Transfer Rankings.
In fact, four of Ohio State’s incoming transfers rank in the Top 20 of the On3 Industry Transfer Rankings. Three of them – Downs, quarterback Julian Sayin and running back Quinshon Judkins – also rank in the Top 10.