Breaking: Ohio State to Honor Archie Griffin with Statue at Ohio Stadium: Celebrating a Legacy of Greatness

COLUMBUS, OH – In a tribute decades in the making, the Ohio State Buckeyes have announced plans to erect a statue at Ohio Stadium honoring legendary running back Archie Griffin, the only two-time Heisman Trophy winner in college football history. The announcement, first reported by ESPN, comes as the Buckeyes prepare for a highly anticipated season that promises both firepower on the field and a renewed sense of tradition off it.

 

Griffin’s statue is set to be unveiled this fall, becoming a permanent fixture outside “The Horseshoe” to celebrate not only his individual achievements but his enduring impact on the Ohio State football program and college football at large. Widely regarded as one of the greatest to ever wear the scarlet and gray, Griffin rushed for 5,589 yards during his collegiate career from 1972 to 1975 and remains a symbol of excellence, humility, and leadership.

The statue, a larger-than-life bronze likeness of Griffin in his iconic No. 45 jersey, will be placed prominently near the stadium’s entrance, where generations of fans can reflect on his legacy before entering the hallowed grounds of Buckeye football.

“This is more than just a statue,” said Ohio State Athletic Director Gene Smith. “It’s a symbol of everything Archie Griffin has meant to Ohio State — as a player, an ambassador, and a mentor. His legacy lives on through every Buckeye who walks onto that field.”

The announcement comes at a pivotal moment for the Buckeyes, who are eyeing a return to national championship contention. With a schedule filled with marquee matchups and a roster stacked with talent, the timing of Griffin’s commemoration underscores the program’s commitment to honoring its past while chasing future greatness.

Fans and alumni across the nation have expressed excitement at the news, calling it a fitting tribute for a player who defined an era and continues to inspire new generations. As the Buckeyes gear up for a season packed with high expectations, the addition of Griffin’s statue is set to anchor the program in its storied history — a reminder that greatness is not just measured in wins, but in the legacy one leaves behind.