Ohio State is set to induct a new class into its Athletics Hall of Fame this fall, honoring athletes from 10 different sports, highlighted by a rich blend of Olympic medalists, national champions, All-Americans, and trailblazing figures who made significant contributions to the Buckeye legacy. The announcement has stirred deep pride across the university’s athletic department and fanbase, as the Buckeyes prepare to recognize some of the most influential individuals to ever wear scarlet and gray.
Among the most prominent names being inducted is Logan Stieber, a wrestling legend and one of the most decorated athletes in Ohio State history. Stieber’s résumé includes four individual NCAA championships—a feat only a few have achieved nationally. His dominance on the mat not only lifted Ohio State wrestling to national prominence during his collegiate career, but also helped usher in a new standard of excellence that still resonates throughout the program. Stieber wasn’t just a standout in the Big Ten; he was a force on the world stage. After college, he went on to win a world championship in freestyle wrestling, further cementing his place as an all-time great. His induction comes as little surprise, but it remains a momentous occasion for Buckeye Nation.
Joining him is Kelsey Mitchell, the prolific scorer and former standout for the women’s basketball team. Mitchell ended her collegiate career as the second-leading scorer in NCAA Division I women’s basketball history, a record that speaks volumes about her talent, consistency, and determination. She was known for her quick release, deep shooting range, and the ability to take over games when her team needed her most. Mitchell’s legacy at Ohio State extends beyond stats—she helped elevate the profile of the women’s program nationally and brought a fiery competitiveness to every game. Since moving on to the WNBA, she has continued to thrive, further validating her standing as one of the best to ever come through Columbus.
Another remarkable inductee is Jessica Davenport, a dominant post presence for Ohio State women’s basketball in the early 2000s. Davenport was a three-time Big Ten Player of the Year and a consensus All-American who played a central role in Ohio State’s return to national relevance during her tenure. Her combination of size, footwork, and basketball IQ made her nearly unguardable at the collegiate level. Like Mitchell, Davenport went on to play professionally and represented the U.S. on international stages. Her induction provides a moment to reflect on how her presence altered the trajectory of the program and inspired future generations of athletes.
From the gridiron, standout linebacker James Laurinaitis is finally receiving his due. Known for his leadership, toughness, and football intelligence, Laurinaitis was a three-time All-American and won the Butkus Award as the nation’s top linebacker. He was the centerpiece of a defense that carried Ohio State to multiple BCS National Championship appearances, and his career was marked by consistency and dominance. Laurinaitis went on to have a productive NFL career, primarily with the St. Louis Rams, and has since returned to Ohio State as a coach, further strengthening his ties to the university. His induction brings his story full circle—from star player to teacher and mentor.
Adding an international flavor to the class is diver Katie Bell, who competed for Ohio State in the early 2010s before qualifying for the 2012 London Olympics. Bell’s perseverance and mental strength were hallmarks of her career; she overcame significant injuries to reach the pinnacle of her sport. Her story is one of resilience, and her induction is not only a recognition of her achievements but a celebration of the spirit that defines a true Buckeye.
The class also features athletes from less-publicized sports who left indelible marks. In men’s volleyball, Steven Kehoe helped lead the Buckeyes to their first national title in 2011, anchoring the team as a setter and emotional leader. His playmaking and court awareness were crucial in the program’s historic run, and his influence continues to be felt in the culture he helped establish.
From the world of synchronized swimming, Becky Kim’s induction highlights the excellence of an Ohio State program that has long been a national powerhouse. Kim was part of multiple national championship teams and also represented Team USA in international competition. Her artistry and precision elevated the team during her time in Columbus, and her contributions are part of a broader tradition of excellence within the sport at Ohio State.
Baseball standout Dan DeLucia also joins the class, remembered as a steady left-handed pitcher who brought leadership and competitive fire to the mound. DeLucia helped Ohio State to multiple postseason appearances and was known not only for his athletic ability but also for his commitment to academics and team values. His induction is a nod to student-athletes who embody the full scope of what it means to be a Buckeye.
In fencing, Mona Shaito represents another global success story. A dual citizen, Shaito competed internationally for Lebanon while excelling at Ohio State in foil fencing. She helped lift the Buckeye fencing program to national prominence with her skill, poise, and drive. Her achievements serve as a reminder that Ohio State’s influence in the sporting world isn’t confined to domestic success but resonates across borders.
A particularly special honor goes to the late Paul Warfield, who will be inducted posthumously. Warfield was already a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame and College Football Hall of Fame, but this honor from his alma mater is a long-overdue celebration of his formative years at Ohio State. A two-sport athlete in football and track, Warfield was an elite receiver and one of the fastest men in the country during his time on campus. His professional career, particularly with the Cleveland Browns and Miami Dolphins, is legendary, but his Buckeye roots laid the foundation. Warfield’s induction brings a sense of completeness to a storied legacy that began in Columbus.
Collectively, this Hall of Fame class underscores the depth and diversity of Ohio State’s athletic tradition. While football and basketball often draw the headlines, this group serves as a reminder that Buckeye excellence spans a wide range of sports. Each inductee brings a different story, different sport, and a different pathway to success, yet all are united by their contributions to Ohio State’s storied athletic history.
The Hall of Fame weekend, scheduled for early fall, is expected to be an emotional and celebratory gathering. Family members, former coaches, teammates, and fans will converge on campus to honor this exceptional class. The induction ceremony itself will be held on Friday evening, followed by an on-field recognition during the Buckeyes’ home football game the next day. These moments offer a rare chance for the Ohio State community to pause and reflect on the individuals whose efforts helped shape the institution’s proud identity in collegiate sports.
For younger athletes currently enrolled at Ohio State, this new Hall of Fame class offers both inspiration and a challenge. The stories of Stieber’s persistence, Mitchell’s scoring brilliance, Laurinaitis’ leadership, and Bell’s perseverance stand as tangible proof of what is possible within the university’s framework. The recognition of athletes from fencing, synchronized swimming, and diving serves as a testament that excellence is not limited by visibility or media coverage. Whether in the packed confines of Ohio Stadium or the quieter brilliance of a natatorium or fencing strip, greatness at Ohio State is measured by commitment, achievement, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.
It’s also a celebration of how deeply embedded athletics is in the Ohio State identity. These inductions are not simply about celebrating past wins or statistics—they’re about honoring the character, resolve, and passion that each athlete demonstrated. For many of the inductees, Ohio State was more than just a school; it was a proving ground, a family, and a lifelong connection. This emotional bond between athlete and university is what continues to drive Ohio State athletics to national relevance across so many sports.
As this class joins the ranks of Buckeye immortals, their stories will be etched in the halls of the Schottenstein Center, not just in plaques and photos, but in the memories and hearts of fans who watched them perform, teammates who shared their journeys, and future athletes who will walk the same halls. Their induction does not mark an end, but rather a continuation of the legacy. Each of them becomes a beacon for the next generation—proof that with hard work, passion, and dedication, greatness is not only achievable but expected.
Ohio State’s Hall of Fame Class of this year is one that speaks to the spirit of the university—diverse, determined, and undeniably elite. It’s a celebration not just of past accomplishments, but of the enduring standard that Ohio State athletes set every time they step into competition. In welcoming this new class, Ohio State affirms its commitment to recognizing those who embody the highest ideals of the university and who have helped define what it means to be a Buckeye.
