Former Ohio State football coach Urban Meyer adds a prestigious title to his résumé

Former Ohio State Football Coach Urban Meyer Adds a Prestigious Title to His Résumé

Urban Meyer, the legendary former head coach of the Ohio State Buckeyes, has long been recognized as one of the most successful and influential figures in college football. Known for his innovative coaching style, his ability to recruit top-tier talent, and his knack for turning programs into national contenders, Meyer has earned a reputation as a winner at every stop in his career. Now, after an illustrious tenure with Ohio State and a storied career in the sport, Meyer has added another prestigious title to his résumé that further solidifies his legacy in the world of college football.

In 2025, Urban Meyer was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame, cementing his place among the most revered coaches in the history of the sport. This honor, which recognizes the accomplishments of coaches who have had a profound impact on the game, is one that Meyer more than deserves after a career filled with championship victories, remarkable turnarounds, and a string of successes at multiple programs. His induction is not just a testament to his coaching ability but also to his lasting influence on the sport, particularly in Ohio State’s football program.

A Storied Career

Urban Meyer’s journey to the College Football Hall of Fame is one that spans several decades and multiple programs, but his time at Ohio State stands out as the pinnacle of his coaching career. Meyer began his head coaching career at Bowling Green in 2001, where he quickly turned the program around and made a name for himself as a coach with an innovative offensive mind and a keen eye for talent. His success at Bowling Green, including a remarkable 8-3 record in his second season, led him to the University of Utah, where he continued to rise through the coaching ranks.

At Utah, Meyer’s impact was immediate. In just two seasons, he transformed a once struggling program into a powerhouse in the Mountain West Conference. In 2004, he led the Utes to an undefeated season, culminating in a 35-7 victory over Pittsburgh in the Fiesta Bowl. The success at Utah, which included coaching future NFL stars like quarterback Alex Smith, drew the attention of bigger programs, and it wasn’t long before Meyer found himself at the helm of the Florida Gators.

Meyer’s time at Florida was nothing short of legendary. From 2005 to 2010, he established Florida as one of the premier programs in the country. Under Meyer’s leadership, the Gators won two national championships (2006 and 2008) and produced several Heisman Trophy winners, including quarterback Tim Tebow. Meyer’s ability to recruit elite talent, combined with his high-powered spread offense, made Florida a perennial contender for the national title. Meyer’s success in Gainesville, which included four SEC titles and an overall record of 65-15, made him one of the most respected and successful coaches of his era.

However, Meyer’s legacy in college football was just beginning. After stepping down from Florida due to health concerns, Meyer found his way to Ohio State in 2012, where he would go on to achieve even greater success and further solidify his reputation as one of the greatest college football coaches of all time.

Meyer’s Impact at Ohio State

When Urban Meyer took over the Ohio State football program in 2012, the Buckeyes were coming off a tumultuous period under former coach Luke Fickell, who served as interim head coach following Jim Tressel’s resignation. Meyer’s arrival was seen as a game-changer for Ohio State, as he brought a wealth of experience, a championship pedigree, and a proven track record of success.

In his first season, Meyer led the Buckeyes to an undefeated 12-0 record, despite the team being ineligible for postseason play due to NCAA sanctions. This achievement, which included victories over rivals Michigan and Wisconsin, was a statement that Meyer was the right man to restore Ohio State to its rightful place among the elite programs in college football. The following season, Meyer and the Buckeyes proved they were back, winning the Big Ten Championship and earning a spot in the first-ever College Football Playoff.

Meyer’s true masterpiece, however, came in the 2014 season, when he led Ohio State to the national championship. After losing quarterback Braxton Miller to injury in the preseason, Meyer had to rely on a backup quarterback in J.T. Barrett, who was then injured as well, forcing third-string quarterback Cardale Jones to take the reins. Despite the adversity, Meyer’s coaching acumen shone through, as he orchestrated a remarkable playoff run, defeating Alabama in the Sugar Bowl and Oregon in the national championship game. The Buckeyes’ 42-20 victory over Oregon in the championship game not only gave Ohio State its eighth national title but also established Meyer as one of the greatest postseason coaches in college football history.

Meyer’s success at Ohio State didn’t end with that championship. Over the next several seasons, he continued to lead the Buckeyes to conference titles, playoff appearances, and a string of high-profile victories. Under his leadership, Ohio State produced some of the most talented teams in the country, with star players such as Ezekiel Elliott, Joey Bosa, and Marshon Lattimore becoming household names. Meyer’s ability to recruit, his mastery of the spread offense, and his relentless pursuit of excellence made Ohio State one of the premier programs in college football.

By the time Meyer retired from coaching in 2018, he had built a legacy that few could match. His overall record at Ohio State was an incredible 83-9, and his teams won three Big Ten championships and appeared in four College Football Playoffs. Meyer’s influence on the program extended beyond the football field, as he became a mentor to countless players, helping them develop both on and off the field.

The Road to the Hall of Fame

Urban Meyer’s induction into the College Football Hall of Fame is the culmination of a career that has left an indelible mark on college football. His journey to the Hall was not just about his success on the field but also about his ability to shape the lives of his players and influence the direction of college football itself.

Meyer’s impact on the game is reflected in the many accolades he received throughout his career. He was named National Coach of the Year multiple times, and his teams won numerous conference titles and bowl games. Meyer’s ability to adapt to the changing landscape of college football, particularly with his innovative use of the spread offense and emphasis on recruiting, set him apart from many of his peers. He was a coach who not only won championships but also helped redefine what it meant to be a successful college football coach in the modern era.

Beyond his on-field success, Meyer’s legacy is also marked by his ability to develop young men into leaders and champions. His coaching philosophy emphasized discipline, hard work, and perseverance, values that have resonated with his players long after they left the football field. Meyer’s influence extended beyond Ohio State, as many of his former players have gone on to successful careers in the NFL, as well as in other fields.

Meyer’s induction into the College Football Hall of Fame is a fitting recognition of his contributions to the sport. As one of the most successful and respected coaches of his generation, he has earned his place among the greats in college football history. His name will forever be etched in the annals of the game, and his impact on the sport will continue to be felt for years to come.