A couple of familiar faces will be at Ohio Stadium this Saturday when Ohio State kicks off the 2026 season.
According to Adam Rittenberg, former Buckeyes running back Maurice Clarett will ring the Victory Bell
before the Ohio State season opener against Ball State. Clarett, a star running back who helped Ohio State achieve an undefeated national championship in 2002, will have a familiar face in the stadium with him.The Buckeyes are also planning on honoring former head coach Jim Tressel by enshrining him in the Ring of Honor in Ohio Stadium's C-Deck before kickoff.
Clarett arrived in Columbus as one of the biggest prizes of his recruiting cycle and immediately played an integral role for coach Tressel. In his freshman season, he rushed for 1,237
yards and 16 touchdowns, and the Buckeyes finished 14-0 and captured the BCS National Championship. He scored two touchdowns in the title game victory over Miami, making it one of the most memorable freshman moments in program history.
Former Ohio State RB @ReeseClarett13 will ring the Victory Bell ahead of the team's season opener against Ball State. Clarett's former coach Jim Tressel will be enshrined in the Ring of Honor at Ohio Stadium that day.
— Adam Rittenberg (@ESPNRittenberg) September 1, 2026
Ohio State and Ball State are slated to kick off at 12:30 p.m. Saturday, with the game airing on the Big Ten Network.
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This article originally appeared on Buckeyes Wire: Ohio State announces former running back as Victory Bell ringer
