Ohio State football has moved up its senior day, opting to hold the event before the season opener against Ball State on Sept. 5.
Traditionally, the Buckeyes have honored their seniors ahead of the final regular-season home game, which this year is against Michigan on Nov. 28.
Other programs in recent years have moved their senior day from their final home game if it conflicts with a rivalry matchup. Georgia, for instance, held its 2024 senior day a week early before the Georgia Tech game, and last year, South Carolina did the same to avoid its Clemson game.
Ohio State is entering the season with 23 players who are listed as seniors or redshirt seniors, but the full list of players set to be honored on senior day has yet to be released.
In addition to senior day, former Ohio State coach and Ohio Lieutenant Governor Jim Tressel will be inducted into the Ohio Stadium Ring of Honor ahead of the Buckeyes’ home opener.
Ohio State also announced its full list of home game themes and events, including homecoming, which is scheduled for Oct. 10 when OSU faces Maryland.
Against Kent State on Sept. 19, Ohio State is holding its “Scarlet & Gray” game, where all its student-athletes across 36 sports will be recognized.
The Buckeyes will honor their 2026 Ohio State Athletics Hall of Fame class the day of the Illinois game on Sept. 26. Former Ohio State quarterback J.T. Barrett is among the nine athletes being inducted.
Ohio State football’s 2026 home-game themes and events
This story was updated to add additional information.
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This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Ohio State football to hold senior day ahead of season-opener vs Ball State
Reporting by Brianna Mac Kay, Columbus Dispatch / The Columbus Dispatch
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By Brianna Mac Kay, Columbus Dispatch | USA TODAY Network
