What Ohio State’s AD said about Ohio Stadium upgrades, football’s success and more at awards banquet.

At the recent Ohio State awards banquet, Athletic Director Gene Smith addressed the gathered audience with a detailed overview of the state of Ohio State athletics, focusing on the continued success of the football program, the university’s commitment to excellence, and the future plans for facility upgrades, particularly at Ohio Stadium. Smith’s address not only praised the accomplishments of the Ohio State Buckeyes but also outlined the vision for sustaining and enhancing the university’s athletic legacy. Here, we dive deeper into what Gene Smith discussed, his thoughts on Ohio State’s football success, the plans for Ohio Stadium upgrades, and the larger trajectory of Ohio State Athletics.

Introduction to the State of Ohio State Athletics

Gene Smith began his speech by acknowledging the unparalleled success of Ohio State’s athletic programs. From a national perspective, Ohio State has long been one of the most storied universities in the country in terms of athletic achievement. With a rich history in football, basketball, and other sports, the Buckeyes’ athletic programs consistently rank among the best in the country. Smith, who has served as Ohio State’s athletic director for over a decade, took a moment to reflect on the accomplishments of the past year and the direction the department is headed.

In his opening remarks, Smith emphasized the academic and athletic balance that Ohio State strives for. He noted that the university continues to set new records in both areas, citing the impressive Academic Progress Rate (APR) scores achieved by Ohio State’s student-athletes. Smith mentioned that the university’s commitment to academic excellence ensures that the student-athletes are not only successful on the field but also prepared for life after their athletic careers. He emphasized that Ohio State remains a leader in both academic and athletic achievements, showcasing a holistic approach to student-athlete development.

Ohio State Football’s Continued Success

As expected, a large portion of Smith’s address was dedicated to Ohio State football, which has been a cornerstone of the university’s athletic reputation. The football program, under the leadership of head coach Ryan Day, has maintained its place among the elite programs in college football. Ohio State’s recent success on the field, particularly their victory in the 2025 College Football Playoff National Championship game, was a topic of celebration.

Smith praised the efforts of head coach Ryan Day, emphasizing Day’s leadership and ability to maintain Ohio State’s football legacy. Day, who has led the team to several Big Ten titles and a national championship, has solidified himself as one of the premier coaches in college football. Smith noted that Day’s ability to adapt to the evolving landscape of college football, with an emphasis on both offensive innovation and defensive improvements, has been key to the team’s sustained success.

Smith also highlighted the contributions of key players who helped propel the Buckeyes to victory in the national championship. Quarterback Will Howard, who played a pivotal role in the championship game against Notre Dame, was recognized for his outstanding performance throughout the season. Howard, who was named Offensive MVP of the game, threw for over 300 yards in the final and connected with star wide receiver Jeremiah Smith on several critical plays. The defense, too, was instrumental in Ohio State’s championship run, with linebacker Cody Simon earning Defensive MVP honors for his performance in the title game.

Smith took a moment to reflect on the unique challenges the football team faced in the 2025 season, including tough competition within the Big Ten and a grueling playoff path. Ohio State’s ability to rise to the occasion and claim the national title was a testament to the team’s resilience, preparation, and commitment to excellence. Smith credited the coaching staff for their work in managing injuries, developing young talent, and ensuring that the team was mentally and physically prepared for every challenge.

The Future of Ohio State Football and Facility Upgrades

While celebrating the success of the current football team, Smith also took the opportunity to discuss the future of Ohio State football and the plans for continued success. One of the major topics that Smith touched on was the need for significant upgrades to Ohio State’s athletic facilities, particularly Ohio Stadium, one of the most iconic venues in college football.

Ohio Stadium, commonly referred to as “The Horseshoe,” has been the home of the Ohio State Buckeyes since its opening in 1922. While the stadium is a historical landmark and a symbol of Ohio State’s football tradition, Smith acknowledged that it is time to consider enhancements to the stadium and surrounding facilities to meet the demands of modern college football. The landscape of college athletics is rapidly changing, with an increasing emphasis on high-end facilities that can attract top recruits, support the needs of current players, and provide a world-class fan experience.

Smith outlined several key aspects of the planned upgrades, including renovations to the stadium’s seating, luxury suites, and fan amenities. The goal is to enhance the overall game-day experience for Ohio State fans, ensuring that they continue to have access to the best amenities and atmosphere in college football. Additionally, Smith spoke about the need for improvements to the team’s practice facilities and training areas, which have become increasingly important in a highly competitive and physically demanding sport.

One of the biggest challenges in funding these upgrades, Smith noted, would be balancing the desire for state-of-the-art facilities with the need to maintain the historic charm of Ohio Stadium. The university is working closely with architects, engineers, and alumni to ensure that any changes made to the stadium are done in a way that respects its history while providing modern amenities that meet the needs of the current and future generations of players and fans.

Smith was quick to point out that these upgrades are not simply about keeping up with the competition; they are necessary investments to ensure that Ohio State remains at the forefront of college football. As programs across the country continue to enhance their facilities, Ohio State must ensure that its football program has the resources it needs to continue competing at the highest level. Smith emphasized that while the university is proud of its rich history, it must also look forward to ensure long-term success.

Athletic Infrastructure Beyond Football

While much of the focus was on football, Smith also touched on the broader scope of Ohio State’s athletic infrastructure. As the university continues to excel in a wide range of sports, from basketball to track and field, there is a need for continual investment in facilities that support all of Ohio State’s athletic teams. The university is exploring new ways to improve training facilities for other sports, such as soccer, volleyball, and wrestling, ensuring that every program has the resources it needs to compete at the highest level.

Smith also emphasized the importance of maintaining Ohio State’s commitment to supporting the well-being of student-athletes. This includes improving sports medicine facilities, providing mental health resources, and ensuring that athletes have access to the best possible care both on and off the field. Ohio State is making strides in this area, with an emphasis on holistic support for student-athletes to help them thrive academically, athletically, and personally.

The Role of the Fans and Alumni

Another key aspect of Smith’s speech was his recognition of the Ohio State fanbase and the important role alumni play in the success of the athletic department. He acknowledged that Ohio State’s continued success is due in large part to the unwavering support of the Buckeye community. From game-day attendance to donations that fund scholarships and facility upgrades, the contributions of Ohio State’s fans and alumni are integral to the university’s athletic achievements.

Smith also called on alumni and fans to continue supporting the university’s efforts to upgrade its facilities and maintain the excellence of its programs. Whether through financial contributions or volunteer work, he emphasized that everyone has a part to play in the future success of Ohio State athletics.

Looking Forward: Sustaining Success

As Smith concluded his speech, he turned his attention to the future, expressing confidence that Ohio State will continue to be a leader in collegiate athletics. The football program’s success is just one piece of the puzzle, he noted, and the university is committed to excellence in all areas of its athletic department. Whether through continued success on the field, expansion of facilities, or new investments in student-athlete support, Ohio State is poised for continued growth.

Smith’s vision for Ohio State athletics is clear: the university will not rest on its laurels. Instead, it will keep striving for excellence, ensuring that its programs remain competitive and its athletes receive the best resources and support possible. By balancing the pride of its past with a forward-thinking approach to the future, Ohio State is positioning itself to maintain its place as one of the premier athletic programs in the country for years to come.

In conclusion, Gene Smith’s address at the Ohio State awards banquet underscored both the successes of the past and the exciting future that lies ahead for the university’s athletic department. With a focus on enhancing facilities, supporting student-athletes, and maintaining a competitive edge, Ohio State is committed to continuing its legacy of excellence. Through strategic investments and a clear vision for the future, the Buckeyes will remain a dominant force in college athletics for years to come.