College Team Guide

Ohio State Buckeyes: History, National Titles & Facts

Through the 2025 season, Ohio State claims nine football national championships, from 1942 to 2024, and its players have won seven Heisman Trophies. Its men's basketball team won the 1960 NCAA title.

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Quick facts

Football first season1890
Football stadiumOhio Stadium, opened 1922
Football national titles9 claimed through the 2025 season (1942, 1954, 1957, 1961, 1968, 1970, 2002, 2014, 2024)
Heisman Trophies7 through the 2025 season, won by 6 players (Archie Griffin twice)
NCAA basketball title1960
Basketball arenaValue City Arena, opened 1998

National championships

Through the 2025 season, Ohio State claims nine football national championships. Seven of them (1942, 1954, 1957, 1968, 2002, 2014 and 2024) came from the AP or Coaches poll.

  • 1942, 1954, 1957, 1961, 1968 and 1970: claimed football national titles
  • 2002 football: beat Miami 31–24 in double overtime in the Fiesta Bowl
  • 2014 football: beat Oregon 42–20 in the first College Football Playoff final
  • 2024 football: beat Notre Dame 34–23 in the College Football Playoff final
  • 1960 NCAA basketball: beat California 75–55
  • NCAA basketball runner-up: 1939, 1961, 1962, 2007

Program history

  • 1890: Ohio State played its first football season.
  • 1922: Ohio Stadium opened.
  • 1944: Les Horvath won Ohio State's first Heisman Trophy.
  • 1951: Woody Hayes became head coach; he led the program through 1978.
  • 1960: Won the NCAA basketball title with Jerry Lucas and John Havlicek.
  • 1975: Archie Griffin won his second Heisman, becoming the first player to win it twice.
  • 2015: Won the first College Football Playoff title game, for the 2014 season.

Program record holders

Football rushing yardsArchie Griffin, 5,589
Football passing yardsJ. T. Barrett, 9,434
Basketball reboundsJerry Lucas, 1,411

Retired jerseys

  • 22Les Horvath (football)
  • 27Eddie George (football)
  • 31Vic Janowicz (football)
  • 40Howard Cassady (football)
  • 45Archie Griffin (football)
  • 47Chic Harley (football)
  • 99Bill Willis (football)
  • 5John Havlicek (basketball)
  • 11Jerry Lucas (basketball)
  • 21Evan Turner (basketball)
  • 22Jim Jackson (basketball)
  • 35Gary Bradds (basketball)

College Football and Basketball Hall of Famers

Woody Hayes (coach), Chic Harley, Archie Griffin, Les Horvath, Vic Janowicz, Howard Cassady, Eddie George, Bill Willis, Jim Parker, Jack Tatum, Randy Gradishar, John Hicks, Orlando Pace, Chris Spielman, Rex Kern, Jerry Lucas (Basketball Hall of Fame), Fred Taylor (Basketball Hall of Fame, coach).

Biggest rivalries

  • Michigan Wolverines: "The Game," usually the final regular-season game for both schools.
  • Penn State Nittany Lions: a Big Ten football rivalry since Penn State joined the conference.
  • Illinois Fighting Illini: the Illibuck trophy series in football.

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Ohio State Buckeyes FAQ

How many national championships has Ohio State football won?

Through the 2025 season, Ohio State claims nine: 1942, 1954, 1957, 1961, 1968, 1970, 2002, 2014 and 2024.

Who has won the Heisman Trophy at Ohio State?

Through the 2025 season: Les Horvath (1944), Vic Janowicz (1950), Howard Cassady (1955), Archie Griffin (1974 and 1975), Eddie George (1995) and Troy Smith (2006).

Who is the first two-time Heisman winner?

Archie Griffin of Ohio State, in 1974 and 1975. He also holds the school record with 5,589 career rushing yards.

When did Ohio State win the NCAA basketball title?

In 1960, beating California 75–55. The team included Jerry Lucas, John Havlicek and Bob Knight.

When did Ohio Stadium open?

In 1922. It is known as the Horseshoe.

Sources

Facts checked September 23, 2026. Live figures above come from ESPN.