2025-2026 BRUTUS TRYOUT INFORMATION
INTRODUCTION
The following is an excerpt from a commencement speech delivered by Woody Hayes on March 14th, 1986 to OSU graduates:
“I would like to start with something I have used in almost every speech, and this is, ‘paying forward.’ That is the thing that you folks can do with your great education for the rest of your life. Try to take that attitude toward life – that you’re going to pay forward. So seldom can we pay back because those who helped most–your parents and other people–will be gone, but you’ll find that you do want to pay. Emerson had something to say about that: “You can pay back only seldom.” But he said, “You can always pay forward, and you must pay line for line, deed for deed, and cent for cent.” He said, “Beware of too much good accumulating in your palm or it will fast corrupt.”
Each student that has had the honor of representing Brutus Buckeye has adopted coach Hayes attitude to “pay it forward” to the Buckeye community that has given each of us so much. It takes tremendous effort, dedication, sacrifice, discipline, and devotion for you to continue the great tradition that is Brutus Buckeye. Being a part of this program is truly a once in a lifetime experience. This opportunity will transform your relationship with your alma mater for the rest of your life.
Are you ready to be a part of the Brutus Buckeye family?
BRUTUS PREREQUISITE TRYOUT INFORMATION
List of Prerequisite Tryout Information
All candidates in the Spirit Program must embody the definition of a “student-athlete”. Becoming the character is secondary only to your family, and your academic pursuits at The Ohio State University. To be considered for Brutus, candidates must meet the tryout pre-requisite requirements listed below:
- Currently enrolled student at The Ohio State University, Main Campus by the tryout completion date
- At least freshman status during the semester of your tryout
- A valid driver’s license with a good driving record (no more than
2 moving violations in a given year) - In good academic standing dictated by the NCAA / Big Ten Standard
- Can commit to at least 20 hours a week for team & appearance related commitments
- Have a flexible schedule year round
- Have a cumulative GPA of a 2.0 or higher. (Once on the team, a student-athlete must maintain a 2.0 cumulative grade point average or higher in order to remain on the team. In addition, all student athletes must abide by the standards & requirements dictated by the Brutus Buckeye Code of Conduct)
Athletic & Non-Athletic Appearance Commitments
This commitment will require you to assist in various athletic and non-athletic appearances. These include but are not limited to:
- Football games (Home & Away)
- Men’s & Women’s Basketball games (Home)
- Men’s & Women’s Hockey games (Home)
- Men’s & Women’s Volleyball games (Home)
- Men’s & Women’s Soccer games (Home)
- Swimming & Diving events (Home)
- Community enhancement events (on & off campus)
- Weddings & Celebrations
- Commercial Shoots
- Non- Profit Events
- Student Life events
There will be opportunities to travel for pre-season camp, post season athletic opportunities, and national commercial and promotional opportunities. This is a very dynamic program that requires a year – round time commitment, along with a certain level of availability and flexibility in your schedule.
Mandatory Commitments Schedule
Team Commitments
Summer 2025 | April - August
Brutus Practices
- 2 Days/Week
- 1.5 Hrs. a day
- Monday - Friday - Days to be determined based on teams schedule
Brutus Nationals Competition TB
- Virtual
- 1 Day/Week
- 1.5 Hrs. a day
- Monday - Friday - Days to be determined based on teams schedule
April
Brutus Welcome Retreat - Exact Dates TBD
May
Brutus Practices & In Game Skit, Bit, & Prop Building
- Football
- 2 Days/Week
- 1.5 Hrs. a day
June
UCA College Camp Prep - 6/6 - 6/8
Brutus Practices & In Game Skit, Bit, & Prop Building
- Football
- 2 Days/Week
- 1.5 Hrs. a day
July
Brutus Practices & In Game Skit, Bit, & Prop Building
- Football
- 2 Days/Week
- 1.5 Hrs. a day
August
UCA College Camp - 7/31 - 8/4
- Wisconsin Dells
Autumn 2025 | Strength & Conditioning - AU 25
- 3 Days / Week
- 1 hr. between 6:00 AM & 8:00 AM
- Monday-Friday
- Exact days and times will be set closer to the next semester
Fundamentals & Improvisation - AU 25
- 1 Day / Week
- 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
- Wednesday
Skits & Bits - Props & Skit Creation sessions and rehearsals - AU 25
- 1 Day / Week
- 9:00 AM - 11:30 AM
- Fridays
Appearances
In addition to the athletic and team commitments we have, part of being on this team is also being able to commit to appearances as Brutus. As such you will be expected to complete a minimum of six appearances per month on top of your team and academic commitments.
You will also be expected to have availability for the following commitments:
- 4th of July Celebration* July 2025
- Big Ten 10K * July 2025
- Buckeye Kickoff* August 2025
- FB Gameday Team Walkthroughs- Fridays before Home Football Games
*Dates are tentative & subject to change
Once these events have been scheduled (typically a month ahead of the date) you will then be able to make arrangements for vacations, etc.
Special Events/Appearances
- When we are preparing for a National Competition, there will be additional practices that may overlap University breaks.
PRE-TRYOUT DOCUMENTATION REQUIREMENTS
View and Download Required Documents
Required (click to open, print, and fill out):
Informational:
Send Required Documentation
Send your paper work directly to Coach Ray (Sharp.255@osu.edu)
PRE-TRYOUT INFORMATION
Information Sessions (Attendance Strongly Encouraged)
Interested candidates will receive a high-level overview of being apart of the Brutus Buckeye program. The information shared will include:
- Commitment requirements
- Program Benefits and Opportunities
- Tryout process
- Q & A session
Candidates will also interface with the mascot coaching staff along with individuals who have recently been a member of the Brutus Buckeye program.
| Information Session | Date | Time | Location |
| 1 | 2/16 | 11:00 a.m. –12:00 p.m. | Teams – Email Sharp.255@osu.edu for the link |
| 2 | 2/22 | 11:00 a.m. –12:00 p.m. | Teams – Email Sharp.255@osu.edu for the link |
| 3 | 2/23 | 11:00 a.m. –12:00 p.m. | Teams – Email Sharp.255@osu.edu for the link |
Brutus Buckeye Costume Times (Attendance Strongly Encouraged)
This is an opportunity to get some time & experience in the costume while getting instruction on how to correctly portray the character of Brutus Buckeye. These are your best opportunities to get comfortable in the costume prior to the tryout process. Remember you must have all the pre tryout documentation turned in before participating in the costume times. You are also going to need to pre-register for the costume session by sending an email requesting attendance to coach Ray Sharp at sharp.255@osu.edu
| Costume Time Session | Date | Time | Location |
| Session 1 | 3/17 | 8:00 PM – 9:30 PM | Coach Ray to provide details |
| Session 2 | 3/18 | 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM | Coach Ray to provide details |
| Session 3 | 3/24 | 8:00 PM – 9:30 PM | Coach Ray to provide details |
| Session 4 | 3/25 | 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM | Coach Ray to provide details |
| Session 5 | 3/31 | 8:00 PM – 9:30 PM | WHAC – Main Atrium Entrance |
| Session 6 | 4/1 | 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM | Coach Ray to provide details |
2025-2026 BRUTUS TRYOUTS DATES & TIMES
Tryout Registration – Mandatory - 3/23/2025
In order to register for tryouts you need to ensure you have:
- Completed the Pre-Tryout documentation (see “Pre-Tryout Documentation Requirements” drop-down above)
- Completed the registration form via the form linked HERE
Interviews
Your interview time will be provided to you via Coach Ray prior to Tryouts. Each candidate will meet with coaches. In this portion of the tryout, we are looking to understand you as a person, and evaluate the following qualities that are critical to members of the Brutus Buckeye Team
· Self Awareness
· Integrity
· Collaboration / Teamwork
· Level of Commtment
Please arrive at least 5 minutes early dressed in business professional attire.
In Costume
In this portion of the tryout, we are looking to evaluate your ability to bring the Brutus Buckeye brand to life. Here we will evaluate the following:
- Character Development- How well you portray Brutus Buckeye
- Athleticism
- Improvisation and Prop Use - in game skit and bit execution
- X-Factor - any special talents or skills you would like to showcase.
Team Selection
Upon conclusion of tryouts, and after a deliberation period, the team will be announced.
If you have any further questions, concerns or points of clarification, please don’t hesitate to reach out to coach Ray Sharp through email. Good luck to you all, and GO BUCKS!
To print a copy of this page, CLICK HERE.
