Ohio State student-athletes earned 185 Big Ten Distinguished accolades for 2024-25

In a testament to both athletic excellence and academic dedication, Ohio State University has once again proven its prowess in developing well-rounded student-athletes. As part of the Big Ten Conference, Ohio State boasts a proud tradition of not only producing elite athletes but also fostering an environment where academic success is prioritized alongside athletic achievement. The announcement that 185 Ohio State student-athletes earned Big Ten Distinguished Scholar honors for the 2024-25 academic year is yet another milestone for the university, one that highlights the commitment of both the athletes and the athletic department to excellence in all aspects of student life.

Ohio State University has long been a powerhouse in collegiate athletics, with a rich history of success across numerous sports, including football, basketball, track and field, and wrestling. Yet, the achievement of its student-athletes extends far beyond the playing field. The Big Ten Distinguished Scholar Award, which recognizes student-athletes for their outstanding academic performance, has been a key marker of Ohio State’s commitment to producing well-rounded individuals who excel both in the classroom and in competition.

This latest batch of 185 awards marks yet another year in which Ohio State leads the way in terms of athletic and academic performance. The Big Ten Distinguished Scholar Award is not an easy honor to earn. It requires student-athletes to achieve a grade point average (GPA) of 3.7 or higher during the academic year while participating in their respective sports. This makes it clear that these student-athletes are not only excelling in their chosen sports but are also dedicating themselves to the rigor of their academic studies.

For Ohio State, this award is a source of pride, underscoring the university’s holistic approach to student-athlete development. It’s a commitment that both coaches and administrators are deeply invested in, ensuring that athletes receive the support they need to succeed academically while also competing at the highest level of collegiate sports.

What makes this achievement even more remarkable is the diversity of sports represented by the 185 student-athletes receiving the Big Ten Distinguished Scholar recognition. From football to soccer, volleyball, gymnastics, wrestling, and everything in between, Ohio State’s athletes across multiple disciplines have been able to balance the demands of their sport with the rigorous academic expectations set forth by the university.

In the 2024-25 academic year, athletes from 22 varsity sports at Ohio State earned these accolades. Whether it’s the women’s basketball team, with its star players excelling both on the court and in the classroom, or the football team, which often finds itself in the national spotlight, Ohio State’s athletes consistently demonstrate their ability to perform at the highest levels academically and athletically.

• Football: The Ohio State football team, one of the most storied programs in the nation, is always under intense scrutiny both on the field and off. The program has produced some of the best players in NCAA history, and it continues to churn out talent. But the fact that the team also accounts for numerous Big Ten Distinguished Scholar honors speaks to the commitment of the coaches and staff in helping players maintain a strong academic foundation while achieving football greatness.
• Men’s and Women’s Basketball: Basketball players like those on Ohio State’s men’s and women’s teams often juggle intense travel schedules and high-profile games. Yet, many of these athletes still managed to find the time to earn Big Ten Distinguished Scholar accolades, a testament to their time management skills and determination to excel off the court as well as on it.
• Track and Field: For athletes in track and field, who require both physical endurance and mental strength, the challenge is often about maintaining a consistent focus on both practice and studies. This balance is especially important when competing at the national level while also taking on a rigorous academic load. Many athletes in this program received recognition for excelling in both areas.
• Soccer and Volleyball: Both men’s and women’s soccer teams, as well as the volleyball teams, have shown that athletic excellence and academic achievement are not mutually exclusive. In fact, their ability to balance these two demanding aspects of their lives is what makes their Big Ten Distinguished Scholar honors so impressive.

Athletic programs at major universities like Ohio State have long been under the microscope, as more attention is placed on how well student-athletes balance academics with the physical demands of their sports. Being an athlete at a school like Ohio State means that the student-athletes must perform under high pressure, often sacrificing time and energy for their teams and sports.

However, academic achievement remains a top priority for both the institution and the athletes themselves. The Big Ten Distinguished Scholar Award not only recognizes athletic accomplishments but also reinforces the importance of a well-rounded college experience. It sends a powerful message to young athletes about the significance of education, preparing them for life beyond sports. These honors provide athletes with the tools and opportunities to succeed academically, helping to build the foundation for successful careers once their playing days are over.

Many of the student-athletes receiving this recognition go on to pursue successful careers in fields ranging from business and engineering to medicine and law. Ohio State’s support system for its student-athletes ensures that they have access to resources and guidance throughout their time at the university, providing them with the skills needed to excel both in the classroom and in their post-graduation lives.

The success of Ohio State’s student-athletes can also be attributed to the academic support system in place at the university. The Ohio State Athletic Department provides extensive support to ensure that all athletes can succeed academically. This includes personalized academic advising, tutoring services, career development, and workshops designed to help athletes manage the demands of their dual roles as students and athletes.

Ohio State also places a strong emphasis on mentorship, pairing student-athletes with academic advisors and alumni who can guide them through their academic journey. This holistic approach not only helps them succeed in their courses but also prepares them for life after sports, with a focus on professional development and networking opportunities.

The commitment to academic success is seen in the outcomes for Ohio State athletes, who often graduate at higher rates than the national average for college athletes. This investment in the student-athlete experience highlights the institution’s long-term vision for its athletes’ success.

While 185 Big Ten Distinguished Scholar honors is a remarkable achievement, Ohio State is not resting on its laurels. The university continues to foster an environment where academic excellence is prioritized for all student-athletes, and there is a continued focus on supporting athletes in their academic pursuits.

With new resources, tools, and support structures in place, Ohio State’s athletic department is continuously striving to improve the student-athlete experience. The ultimate goal is to ensure that student-athletes leave the university not only as champions on the playing field but as well-rounded individuals ready to tackle the challenges of the professional world.

Ohio State’s success in earning Big Ten Distinguished Scholar Awards has not only raised the bar for other universities in the conference but has also shown that it is possible to excel in both academics and athletics. The university’s success provides an example for other programs in the Big Ten and across the nation, showing that student-athletes can be successful both in their sports and in their academic studies.

The Big Ten conference, known for its competitive athletic programs, now faces a growing emphasis on the academic accomplishments of its student-athletes. Ohio State’s dominance in this area pushes other schools to follow suit, helping to raise the overall academic standards for collegiate athletics.

With 185 Big Ten Distinguished Scholar honors for the 2024-25 academic year, Ohio State University has once again proven that its student-athletes are among the best in the nation—both academically and athletically. The university’s commitment to excellence across all areas of student life continues to provide opportunities for its athletes to succeed at the highest levels, preparing them not just for their athletic careers, but also for success in life after sports.

As Ohio State continues to build on its legacy of producing top-tier athletes who excel in the classroom, it remains clear that the future is incredibly bright for both the athletes and the institution as a whole. The focus on academic achievement, combined with a competitive athletic environment, ensures that Ohio State will remain a leader in collegiate athletics for years to come.