Eric Boggs
Ohio State’s tradition of developing champions was on full display Sunday as 42 Buckeye student-athletes crossed the stage at autumn commencement, earning degrees that reflect years of dedication in the classroom to match their commitment in competition. From the football program to basketball, Olympic sports and beyond, this group represented the very best of what it means to be a Buckeye.
The 2025 Ohio State football team was especially well represented, with 13 players earning degrees, including 10 current members of the roster. Five defensive starters — Sonny Styles, Caden Curry, Kenyatta Jackson Jr., Davison Igbinosun and Tywone Malone Jr. — completed their undergraduate work, underscoring the balance required to perform at a championship level on Saturdays while handling the demands of Ohio State academics. Starting specialists Jayden Fielding and John Ferlmann also graduated, as did C.J. Hicks, along with walk-ons Collin Johnson and Mason Maggs, whose journeys speak to the depth and culture within the program.
Three former walk-ons who previously concluded their football careers, Bryce Prater, Zach Prater and Cayden Saunders, also earned their degrees, reinforcing the program’s long-term commitment to its players well beyond their final snaps. Their accomplishments highlight the value Ohio State places on seeing student-athletes through to graduation, regardless of where football ultimately takes them.
Men’s basketball standout Bruce Thornton, the first four-time captain in program history and a leader both on and off the court, graduated with a degree in sport industry. Thornton’s achievement served as a reminder that leadership at Ohio State extends far beyond points and assists, setting an example for the entire athletic department.
The commencement ceremony also celebrated accomplishments across women’s athletics and Olympic sports. Women’s basketball player Kennedy Cambridge earned a degree in political science, while former Buckeye Eboni Walker completed a master’s degree in human resources management. Former Ohio State baseball player and MLB veteran Ronnie Dawson finished his degree in criminology through the university’s degree completion program, exemplifying how Buckeyes remain connected to Ohio State long after their playing days end.
Across sports ranging from soccer and lacrosse to swimming, volleyball, golf and track and field, Buckeye student-athletes earned degrees in fields that reflect the diversity of their interests and ambitions. Each diploma represented countless early mornings, late nights and a relentless commitment to excellence that defines Ohio State athletics.
For Buckeye fans, moments like these matter just as much as wins and championships. Watching student-athletes leave Ohio State prepared for life after sports is a powerful reminder that the Block O stands for more than competition. It stands for opportunity, accountability and success that lasts well beyond the final whistle.
