Ohio State University (OSU), located in Columbus, Ohio, is a prominent institution renowned for its academic excellence, athletic prowess, and significant contributions to research and community development. As of February 2025, OSU continues to make headlines across various domains.
Athletics
Football
In a significant development, head football coach Ryan Day has extended his contract with Ohio State through 2031. The new agreement, pending approval from the university’s Board of Trustees, includes an annual salary of $12.5 million, positioning Day as the second-highest-paid college football coach, just behind Georgia’s Kirby Smart. This extension follows a successful season where the Buckeyes clinched the College Football Playoff (CFP) national championship, with Day achieving a 70-10 record and an 87.5% winning percentage. Expressing gratitude to the OSU community and his coaching staff, Day has committed $1 million to The Ohio State University Medical Center to support mental health initiatives.
Coaching Changes
In the realm of coaching, OSU has promoted wide receivers coach Brian Hartline to offensive coordinator, succeeding Chip Kelly, who departed for the Las Vegas Raiders. Hartline, who joined OSU in 2017 and became the wide receivers coach in 2018, was the offensive coordinator in 2023 with Day calling plays. Additionally, analyst Billy Fessler is expected to be promoted to quarterbacks coach, and Virginia Tech’s offensive coordinator Tyler Bowen is set to become the new offensive line coach and run game coordinator, replacing Justin Frye, who moved on to the Arizona Cardinals.
Soccer
In soccer, junior player Nathan Demian is recovering after being shot by a stray bullet following the team’s NCAA tournament quarterfinals victory. The incident occurred around 2 a.m. on Sunday, December 8, while Demian was walking off-campus. During an exchange of gunfire between two vehicles, Demian was struck. He was found by police and taken to OSU Wexner Medical Center, where he is in serious but stable condition. Police have not yet identified any suspects or made arrests. The OSU soccer team expressed their support for Demian, emphasizing his role as an innocent bystander.
Basketball
In women’s basketball, the No. 8-ranked Buckeyes faced a setback with a 65-52 loss to No. 1 UCLA. Despite the defeat, the team remains a strong contender in the NCAA tournament, showcasing resilience and determination throughout the season.
Campus and Community
Police Department
Ohio State’s police department has promoted Lieutenant Alan Horujko to deputy chief. Horujko played a pivotal role in the 2016 attack at Ohio State when a suspect drove a car onto the sidewalk and began attacking people with a knife. His swift and decisive actions during the incident were instrumental in preventing further harm.
Protests
In April 2024, OSU experienced pro-Palestinian campus protests, leading to discussions about free speech and university policies. University President Ted Carter addressed the situation, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a safe and supportive environment for all students, faculty, and staff. The administration’s response included enforcing campus space rules to ensure that teaching, learning, research, service, and patient care could occur without interruption.
Research and Development
Ohio State continues to be a leader in research and development, with initiatives impacting all 88 counties in Ohio. The university’s work endures across six campuses, a constellation of healthcare facilities, extension offices, and agricultural research stations, supported by staff and students from every county. This extensive network underscores OSU’s commitment to addressing the diverse needs of the state and contributing to its economic and social well-being.
Student Life
The student body at Ohio State remains vibrant and engaged, with numerous organizations and activities enriching campus life. Recent events include a performance by ‘Dancing with the Stars’ at Mershon Auditorium and the hosting of the first-ever South Asian a cappella competition. These events highlight the university’s dedication to cultural diversity and student engagement.
Conclusion
Ohio State University continues to be a dynamic institution, making significant strides in academics, athletics, community engagement, and research. The recent developments across various sectors reflect OSU’s commitment to excellence and its role as a cornerstone of higher education in the United States.
