The Ohio State Buckeyes held their Senior Day celebration prior to their 2024 season opener against the Ball State Cardinals on Saturday, an unconventional shift from the program's typical timing for honoring graduating players.
Traditionally, Senior Day is observed during a team's final home game of the season. Ohio State moved this year's ceremony from the scheduled Nov. 28 home finale against Michigan to the opening game against Ball State. This decision stems from the events of the 2023 Senior Day, which was overshadowed by a post-game altercation between Ohio State and Michigan players that required law enforcement intervention.
Ohio State head coach Ryan Day discussed the move in August, noting that traditions at Ohio State are significant. He explained that the team aimed to reduce distractions during the highly anticipated week of the Michigan game, and moving Senior Day was a way to mitigate one of those potential disruptions.
On Saturday, Ohio State recognized 31 seniors as part of the altered pre-game festivities.
In addition to the Senior Day observance, Ohio State also inducted former head coach Jim Tressel into the program's Ring of Honor. Tressel coached the Buckeyes from 2001 to 2010, leading the team to a BCS championship in 2002. During his tenure, Ohio State compiled a record of 106-22 and achieved eight seasons with double-digit wins. He ranks third in program history for coaching wins with 106 and fourth with an .828 winning percentage. Tressel becomes the third coach and tenth individual overall to be inducted into the Buckeyes' Ring of Honor, joining Woody Hayes and Paul Brown.