BREAKING: Ohio State University will forever immortalize one of its most revered sons, the late Will Smith, with a life-size bronze statue to be unveiled in the fall of 2026 near the iconic Ohio Stadium. The announcement, made early Monday morning by University President Walter Carter and Athletic Director Gene Smith, was met with emotional applause from alumni, former teammates, and Buckeye Nation as a whole. The tribute not only honors Smith’s legendary career as a defensive end and 2002 national champion but also recognizes his lasting legacy as a leader, mentor, and philanthropist long after his playing days were over.
Will Smith’s name has always held weight in Columbus. He wasn’t just a star on the football field—he embodied the values that define the Buckeye tradition: toughness, humility, excellence, and service. His tragic death in 2016 following a senseless act of violence rocked the college football world and left a void in the Ohio State community that has never fully healed. With this statue, OSU will ensure that his spirit, his story, and his example live on for generations to come.
The statue, which is already in the early stages of design by acclaimed sculptor Brian Hanlon, will be installed at the southwest entrance of Ohio Stadium—the same tunnel where Smith and his teammates once sprinted onto the field, often to deafening cheers. The sculpture will capture Smith in full uniform, his face exuding the fierce intensity and quiet leadership that defined him during his time in scarlet and gray. The pose is expected to be modeled after a famous game-day photograph taken during the 2002 season, one that fans have long associated with the heart and soul of that national championship defense.
“This isn’t just about honoring a great football player,” said President Carter. “It’s about recognizing a man who exemplified what it means to be a Buckeye on and off the field. Will Smith was a warrior, a leader, a champion, and a giver. His legacy goes far beyond sacks and stats.”
Will Smith’s rise to Buckeye glory began in Utica, New York, where he was a standout high school player and academic achiever. Recruited by then-head coach John Cooper and later coached by Jim Tressel, Smith arrived at Ohio State in 2000 and quickly made an impact. By his junior year in 2002, Smith had become one of the most dominant defensive linemen in the country. That season—one of the most storied in school history—he helped lead the Buckeyes to a perfect 14-0 record and a national championship, culminating in a double-overtime thriller against the Miami Hurricanes in the Fiesta Bowl.
Smith’s blend of speed, power, and intelligence made him a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks and a trusted anchor for Ohio State’s suffocating defense. His 2003 season was even more impressive on an individual level—earning him All-American honors and the title of Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year. He finished his college career with 21 sacks and 46.5 tackles for loss, leaving Columbus as one of the most feared and respected defensive linemen in program history.
In 2004, Smith was selected in the first round of the NFL Draft by the New Orleans Saints. There, he would go on to play nine seasons, registering 67.5 career sacks and earning a Pro Bowl selection in 2006. He was also an integral part of the Saints’ 2009 Super Bowl-winning team, providing veteran leadership and game-changing plays throughout the postseason. In New Orleans, Smith became more than just a football player—he became a civic leader, a fixture in community outreach efforts, and a passionate advocate for education and youth development.
In 2007, he launched the “Where There’s A Will, There’s A Way Foundation,” aimed at helping underprivileged children gain access to quality educational resources and mentorship. His philanthropy quietly touched thousands, many of whom didn’t realize the man behind the generous work was a former NFL star.
Following his untimely death in April 2016 at the age of 34, tributes poured in from all over the football world. Teammates, coaches, fans, and even opponents remembered Smith not just for his fierce competitiveness, but for his warmth, compassion, and integrity. Ohio State held a moment of silence at the next spring game. The Saints wore helmet decals in his honor. His hometown, Utica, created a scholarship fund in his name. And now, nearly a decade later, his alma mater will enshrine him permanently in bronze.
“This statue will stand as a reminder to every Buckeye who walks through those gates of what greatness looks like,” said Gene Smith. “But more importantly, it will stand as a reminder of the kind of man Will was. He gave us everything—his talent, his leadership, his love for this university. We owe him this, and so much more.”
In addition to the statue, Ohio State also announced the creation of the Will Smith Memorial Scholarship, which will provide annual financial support to student-athletes from underserved communities who demonstrate leadership, resilience, and a commitment to service. The scholarship will be administered through the Office of Student-Athlete Support Services and will be awarded starting with the 2026 academic year.
Will’s widow, Racquel Smith, was on hand for the announcement and spoke emotionally about what the honor meant to her family.
“This statue means the world to us,” she said, holding back tears. “It means that Will’s legacy is not forgotten. It means that our children can walk by it one day and know their father is remembered as a hero—not just for what he did on the field, but for who he was as a man. Ohio State was always home for him. This is a homecoming in the truest sense.”
The unveiling ceremony is scheduled to take place during a marquee home game in the fall of 2026, with exact details to be announced closer to the date. The university plans a weekend-long celebration of Smith’s life and legacy, including a commemorative video tribute, alumni reception, and a panel featuring former teammates and coaches.
In many ways, Will Smith’s story encapsulates the best of Ohio State. He came to Columbus as a quiet, hardworking teenager and left as a champion, a professional, and a pillar of his community. He represented excellence in every arena—academics, athletics, and advocacy.
His former coach Jim Tressel put it best in a recorded message played during the announcement.
“Will was the kind of man every coach dreams of having on their team. He was humble in victory, gracious in leadership, and relentless in his commitment to his teammates. This statue will not just honor his legacy—it will inspire future generations of Buckeyes to walk the path he helped build.”
As Buckeye fans look ahead to future seasons filled with promise, the memory of Will Smith will now be etched into the very fabric of Ohio State football—cast in bronze, positioned proudly near the heart of the Shoe, and held eternally in the hearts of the people he touched.
Long live No. 93.
Forever a Buckeye. Forever a champion.
