Clarett to Serve as First Victory Bell Ringer of 2026 Season

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Maurice Clarett, a member of Ohio State's 2002 national championship team, returns to Ohio Stadium as the first Victory Bell Ringer of the 2026 season when the Buckeyes open against Ball State on Sept. 5. Kickoff is scheduled for 12:30 p.m.

Clarett is the ninth Victory Bell Ringer since the tradition began in 2025 and the first former player from the Jim Tressel era to ring the bell.

Ohio State also will honor Tressel with his enshrinement in the Ohio Stadium Ring of Honor that day. Tressel will become the third coach in program history to receive the distinction, joining Paul Brown and Woody Hayes, and the first addition to the Ring of Honor since 2014.

Clarett's Ohio State career remains one of the most memorable single-season performances in program history.

A true freshman in 2002, Clarett became Ohio State's first freshman running back to start a season opener since 1943. He rushed for 1,237 yards on 222 carries and scored 16 rushing touchdowns during the Buckeyes' undefeated national championship season. His 18 total touchdowns included two in Ohio State's 31-24, double-overtime victory over Miami in the Fiesta Bowl, securing the 2002 BCS national championship.

Clarett earned Big Ten Freshman of the Year honors, becoming the fifth Buckeye to receive the award and the first since 1996. He also delivered several defining performances during the season, including 230 rushing yards and two touchdowns against Washington State and 119 yards and a touchdown in Ohio State's victory over Michigan.

In the Fiesta Bowl, Clarett scored the game-winning touchdown on a 5-yard run in the second overtime. Earlier in the game, he chased down Miami safety Sean Taylor following an interception, stripped the ball and recovered it to prevent a potential touchdown. The play remains one of the most memorable in Ohio State history.

Since leaving Ohio State, Clarett has become an advocate for mental health and resilience. In 2016, he founded The Red Zone, a Youngstown-based behavioral health organization that provides school- and community-based mental health services, addiction recovery support and social-work services.

Ohio State's Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health recognized Clarett with its 2025 STAR Award — Stress, Trauma and Resilience — for his advocacy and personal impact. He also has remained connected to Ohio State football, returning to engage with and mentor current players.

What They're Saying

Ohio Lt. Governor & Former Ohio State Head Football Coach Jim Tressel:
- "Maurice played a defining role in one of the most memorable seasons we had, but I'm even more proud of the man he has become and the lives he continues to impact. His journey is a powerful example of resilience, growth, and the importance of using our experiences to serve others. It will be a special memory to watch him ring the Victory Bell as we celebrate the legacy of the 2002 national championship team and the lasting bonds we built together."

Head Football Coach Ryan Day:
- "Maurice Clarett is an important part of Ohio State football history, and it means a great deal to have him with us inside Ohio Stadium as our first Victory Bell Ringer of the season. What he accomplished for the 2002 national championship team will always be remembered, but the impact he has made around our program in recent years has been just as meaningful. Maurice has been great with our players, sharing his perspective, his experiences and the lessons he has learned. He has a powerful story, and our guys have benefited from the honesty, leadership and care he brings each time he is around the program."

Senior Vice President and Wolfe Foundation-Eugene Smith Endowed Athletics Director Ross Bjork:
- "This opportunity for Maurice Clarett inside Ohio Stadium is a meaningful moment for Ohio State and for the state of Ohio since Maurice is Buckeye born and bred. His place in the history of our 2002 national championship team is secure, and he continues to make a difference through the perspective, leadership and care he shares with others, but especially with our current football team. We are proud to recognize him on a day when his head coach at Ohio State goes into the Ring of Honor."

Victory 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 Victory 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 Victory 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 Victory 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

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

Game Themes for September 5 vs. Ball State

Honoring Coach Jim Tressel:
- It was previously announced that Ohio State will honor legendary head coach Jim Tressel with enshrinement in the Ohio Stadium Ring of Honor. Tressel will become the third coach in program history to receive the distinction, joining Paul Brown and Woody Hayes, and the first addition to the Ring of Honor since 2014.
Alumni Band & Spirit Day / Buckeyes Care:
- Ohio State's home opener will feature these long-running annual traditions. Specifically, through Buckeyes Care partners, 4,000 tickets for this game are made available to support community organizations for its partners.
Football Senior Day:
- Ohio State will recognize its senior class prior to kickoff, which will create a meaningful and celebratory moment to start the season. A complete list of honorees will be announced prior to kickoff.