Legendary Ohio State coach Urban Meyer will ring the Victory Bell at Ohio Stadium before Saturday’s crucial game against Penn State. The announcement, made by Ohio State on Tuesday, marks a significant moment as Meyer joins the ranks of esteemed figures associated with this new game day tradition.
Meyer, who led the Buckeyes to a National Championship, becomes the fifth individual to participate in this pregame ceremony. The first ringer of the Victory Bell was two-time Heisman Trophy winner Archie Griffin, who performed the honor before the Texas game earlier this season. Former Ohio State coach John Cooper rang the bell prior to the Grambling State game, while basketball legends Clark Kellogg and Michael Redd took up the mantle in the last two home games against Ohio and Minnesota.
This weekend’s event will coincide with Meyer’s role as an analyst for FOX‘s Big Noon Kickoff. This marks the second time this season that FOX will broadcast from Ohio State, having previously done so during the season opener against Texas.
Meyer’s presence comes amid speculation regarding his potential candidacy for the head coaching position at Penn State. Despite these rumors, Meyer has consistently stated that he has no intention of returning to coaching following his tenure with the NFL’s Jacksonville Jaguars. His participation in the Victory Bell ceremony underscores his ongoing support for the Buckeyes.
During his seven years as head coach, Meyer recorded a remarkable 6-1 record against Penn State, with his only loss occurring at Beaver Stadium in 2016. Since then, Ohio State has dominated the matchup, winning eight consecutive games against the Nittany Lions.
As anticipation builds for Saturday’s showdown, fans are eager to see how this legacy will continue to unfold at Ohio Stadium. The event not only emphasizes Meyer’s lasting impact on Ohio State football but also sets the stage for what promises to be an exhilarating game against a formidable rival.