The hallowed halls of The Ohio State University echoed with celebration and pride today as 39 current and former student-athletes crossed the finish line of their academic journey at the 2025 Summer Commencement ceremony. Among the sea of caps and gowns in Ohio Stadium stood a group of young men and women who have not only given their all on the field, court, track, pool, and mat, but also in the classroom—exemplifying the true spirit of the Buckeye tradition. In a moment that blended athletic legacy with academic triumph, these graduates sent a powerful message to the world: being a Buckeye is about more than winning games—it’s about striving for excellence in every area of life.
This cohort of 39 Buckeye student-athletes represented a wide variety of sports programs, including football, women’s volleyball, men’s and women’s basketball, fencing, lacrosse, track and field, rowing, tennis, and more. For each of them, the moment marked not just the completion of academic coursework, but the realization of years of effort, sacrifice, resilience, and time management that many outside the student-athlete sphere will never fully comprehend. Juggling the relentless demands of Division I athletics with rigorous academic expectations is no small feat, yet these individuals proved that success on the scoreboard can coexist with academic integrity and ambition.
The Summer Commencement ceremony, held under the bright August sun in Ohio Stadium—the ‘Shoe’—was filled with proud families, friends, coaches, and mentors who cheered on their graduates. Many wore stoles decorated in team colors, varsity letters, and the unmistakable Block “O,” symbolizing the convergence of athletic pride and academic purpose. University President Dr. Kristina M. Johnson offered words of encouragement to the entire graduating class but made special mention of the student-athletes, commending their perseverance and commitment to holistic success.
“Today is a proud day for Buckeye Nation,” President Johnson remarked. “Our student-athletes have consistently displayed what it means to be leaders, both in competition and in the classroom. Their ability to balance dual responsibilities with such poise speaks volumes about their character and the values we instill here at Ohio State.”
One of the more emotional moments came when a former football player, who had left school early to pursue a professional opportunity, returned to earn his degree. His presence symbolized a growing trend among Ohio State alumni-athletes who make the commitment to finish their academic journeys after careers in professional sports or other endeavors. He, along with others, reminded the Buckeye community that graduation isn’t a race—it’s a promise, and it’s never too late to fulfill it.
Beyond the applause and celebration, the impact of these student-athletes’ graduation extends far deeper. These 39 individuals serve as role models not only for their peers but for younger student-athletes across the nation. At a time when college athletics faces increasing scrutiny—around NIL deals, transfer portals, and professional preparation—Ohio State’s unwavering dedication to education stands tall. The Buckeye athletic department, led by Athletic Director Gene Smith, has consistently prioritized academic development, supported by a robust Student-Athlete Support Services Office (SASSO) that provides tutoring, career services, and personal development initiatives.
The graduation of these athletes is not an isolated event—it’s the fruit of a support system that begins the moment a recruit sets foot on campus. From academic advisers to life coaches and team faculty liaisons, every Buckeye athlete is encouraged to dream beyond the stadium lights. And this ceremony proved, once again, that the system works. These 39 individuals now join a long list of Buckeye alums who carry their degrees into careers as doctors, educators, engineers, coaches, entrepreneurs, and more.
Among today’s graduates were team captains, All-Americans, Big Ten Champions, national contenders, and even walk-ons who battled their way to scholarships. Their stories are as varied as their sports, but a common thread runs through them all—commitment. Whether it was a gymnast studying for biochemistry exams during road trips, or a sprinter who spent late nights in the library after double practice sessions, each one embodied the type of dedication that deserves recognition far beyond what the scoreboard reveals.
Some of the student-athletes completed undergraduate degrees, while others earned master’s or professional degrees in disciplines ranging from business and social work to kinesiology and public policy. The wide array of academic paths speaks to the multidimensional identity cultivated at Ohio State—a place where being a student-athlete is not a limiting label, but a launching pad.
For the families in attendance, the moment was particularly emotional. Many parents, siblings, and friends spoke of the sleepless nights, the distance, and the sacrifices made to help support their student-athletes. Tears flowed freely as loved ones watched their graduate walk across the stage, shake hands with university officials, and receive that cherished diploma—a testament not only to academic success but to the shared journey it represents. The pride in the stadium was palpable, but the sense of community even more so.
The graduates themselves expressed a deep sense of gratitude. In conversations throughout the day, many credited their teammates, coaches, professors, and advisers for shaping their growth. One women’s soccer player shared that the mentorship she received off the field helped her discover a passion for nonprofit work, which she now plans to pursue in graduate school. A former men’s basketball player mentioned how returning to finish his degree was one of the most fulfilling choices of his life, and that his diploma was for his family, who had dreamed of that day since he was a child.
The connection between Ohio State and its athletic alumni remains strong, and this ceremony reaffirmed that bond. Many former Buckeye legends, some of whom had also returned to complete degrees in years past, sent in video congratulations and words of encouragement, celebrating not just the athletic accomplishments but the academic fulfillment of today’s honorees. This type of ongoing community support is part of what makes the Ohio State experience so unique.
Today’s ceremony also cast a light on the evolving role of college athletes in society. They are no longer just representatives of a school’s athletic prowess; they are ambassadors of culture, diversity, and education. In an age where athletes are also influencers, activists, and change-makers, earning a degree carries even more symbolic weight. It represents a foundation—an anchor—that will allow these young men and women to thrive, lead, and contribute meaningfully long after their playing days are over.
For the university, this is a validation of mission. The balance between athletics and academics is a tightrope many institutions walk, but Ohio State continues to prove it can be done, and done well. The commitment to educational excellence, supported by resources, mentorship, and a culture of high expectations, ensures that the Buckeye legacy continues not just through touchdowns or trophies but through diplomas and degrees.
As the stadium slowly cleared out, families took photos on the field, graduates embraced their teammates one last time as classmates, and tassels were turned with smiles and sighs of relief. But behind the joy was a shared sense of readiness. These 39 graduates were not just ending something—they were beginning something bigger. Armed with education, forged in competition, and grounded in the values of The Ohio State University, they now step forward into the world—not just as athletes or alumni, but as leaders.
Congratulations to the Class of 2025. Once a Buckeye, always a Buckeye.
