Former Ohio State linebacker to ring Victory Bell for Illinois game

The Ohio State football team will open up Big Ten play this Saturday when Illinois comes to town. The Fighting Illini are 2-1 on the season, having dropped their only game against a Power 4 school, a loss to Duke, 31-27. But Bret Bielema always has something up his sleeve, and you can be sure his te

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The Ohio State football team will open up Big Ten play this Saturday when Illinois comes to town. The Fighting Illini are 2-1 on the season, having dropped their only game against a Power 4 school, a loss to Duke, 31-27. But Bret Bielema always has something up his sleeve, and you can be sure his team will throw everything they have at the Buckeyes.

Before the game kicks off, however, one of the newest traditions at Ohio State will take place with the ringing of the Victory Bell. And this week, the guest bell ringer will be none other than Buckeye legend and current linebackers coach James Laurinaitis. It will be the first time that a current coach on the football staff will head up to the tower to ring the bell prior to kickoff.

Laurinaitis spent

four years in Columbus wreaking havoc on opponents in the mid 2000s. He was a three-time captain as well as a three-time All-American in Scarlet and Gray. He would go on to be drafted by the St. Louis Rams and play eight years in the NFL with the Rams and New Orleans Saints. He is also a member of the 2026 College Football Hall of Fame class.

The Bell Ringer for our first B1G Matchup of the season: James Laurinaitis 🔔@OhioStateFB | #GoBucks pic.twitter.com/3SJeJ6rUfe
— Ohio State Buckeyes 🌰 (@OhioStAthletics) September 22, 2026