Cardale Jones to Serve as Bell Ringer Against Oregon

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Cardale Jones, a 2014 National Champion, is set to serve as the fifth Bell Ringer of the 2026 season when the Buckeyes host Oregon on Nov. 7. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m.

Jones is the 13th Bell Ringer since the tradition began in 2025.

Jones, the quarterback who guided Ohio State to the inaugural College Football Playoff National Championship, authored one of the most memorable postseason runs in program history. A Cleveland native and member of the Buckeyes from 2012-15, he led Ohio State to a Big Ten championship, a Sugar Bowl victory and a national title in his first three collegiate starts. He finished his Ohio State career with an 11-0 record as a starting quarterback before being selected in the fourth round of the 2016 NFL Draft.

Jones began the 2014 season as Ohio State's third-string quarterback before injuries to Braxton Miller and J.T. Barrett thrust him into the starting role for the postseason. Making his first career start in the Big Ten Championship Game, he completed 12-of-17 passes for 257 yards and three touchdowns in a 59-0 victory over Wisconsin, earning the game's Most Valuable Player honors. He followed that performance by leading the Buckeyes past No. 1 Alabama in the Sugar Bowl and College Football Playoff Semifinal, setting up a National Championship matchup with Oregon.

Jones capped the championship run by completing 16-of-23 passes for 242 yards and a touchdown against Oregon, helping Ohio State claim the first national title of the College Football Playoff era. Across those three postseason victories, he threw for 742 yards and five touchdowns while adding 90 rushing yards and another score. He became the first Ohio State quarterback to win three postseason games.

Returning to Ohio State for the 2015 season, Jones added eight victories as a starting quarterback to complete his unbeaten collegiate starting record. He finished his Buckeye career with 2,323 passing yards and 15 touchdowns. Selected by the Buffalo Bills with the 139th overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, Jones later spent time with the Los Angeles Chargers and Seattle Seahawks.

Beyond football, Jones has remained connected to Ohio State through education and efforts to support student-athletes. He returned to complete his degree in African-American and African Studies in August 2017. He is still involved with the game as a college football analyst for CBS Sports.

Bell Ringer Information & Honorees
Alpha Phi Omega members have long rung the Victory Bell across campus following Ohio State victories. That postgame tradition continues, and in 2025, Ohio State introduced a pregame Bell Ringer tradition at Ohio Stadium.

Before kickoff, a featured guest rings the Victory Bell to energize the crowd as the Buckeyes prepare to take the field. Two-time Heisman Trophy winner Archie Griffin became the first Bell Ringer before Ohio State's Aug. 30, 2025, season opener against Texas.

The words "For Vigor" are inscribed in the concrete above the bell inside Ohio Stadium. The phrase reflects the effort, energy and enthusiasm the Bell represents each time it rings — and the spirit Ohio State asks Buckeye Nation to bring on game day.

2026 Bell Ringers

April 18, 2026 (Spring Game) - Jackson Smith-Njigba

Sept. 5, 2026 vs. Ball State – Maurice Clarett

Sept. 19, 2026 vs. Kent State – Katie Smith

Sept. 26, 2026 vs. Illinois – James Laurinaitis

Oct. 10, 2026 vs. Maryland – Malcolm Jenkins

Nov. 7, 2026 vs. Oregon – Cardale Jones

2025 Bell Ringers

Aug. 30, 2025 vs. Texas – Archie Griffin

Sept. 6, 2025 vs. Grambling State – John Cooper

Sept. 13, 2025 vs. Ohio – Clark Kellogg

Oct. 4, 2025 vs. Minnesota – Michael Redd

Nov. 1, 2025 vs. Penn State – Urban Meyer

Nov. 15, 2025 vs. UCLA – Jerry Lucas

Nov. 22, 2025 vs. Rutgers – Jim Tressel

Experience the Bell Ringer Up Close
You can be a part of the Bill Ringer tradition through Buckeye Experiences.

You and a guest will get to go inside the bell tower to watch the day's honorary bell ringer ring the Victory Bell as the 'Shoe comes to life before kickoff! This experience meets 45 minutes prior to kickoff at the check-in booth located inside Gate 30.

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