Eric Boggs
Off the field, the Ohio State football program continues to make headlines, with its influence reaching from the statehouse to the broader college athletics landscape. In a move sure to energize fans frustrated by early kickoffs, Ohio State Representative Tex Fischer has introduced a bill aimed at reshaping when the Buckeyes take the field. The legislation would ban noon starts for any marquee game involving Ohio State and a top-10 opponent, except for the traditional season-ending clash against Michigan. Under the proposal, no such game could begin before 3:30 p.m., and any violation by the Big Ten or the broadcasting network would trigger a hefty $10 million fine.
While the bill is widely expected to stall in the legislative process, it reflects a sentiment many Ohio State fans share: big games deserve a big stage, not an early start. It’s a symbolic gesture with little legislative momentum, but one that taps into a passionate base of support more enthusiastic than it was for previous unconventional efforts involving Buckeye athletics.
Meanwhile, another notable storyline with strong Ohio State connections has emerged in the Big Ten. Maryland has named Jim Smith, a former president of the Ohio State Alumni Association, as its new athletic director. Smith, who led Ohio State’s alumni association from 2016 to 2020, brings a resume steeped in both collegiate and professional sports experience. A Northwestern graduate with a master’s degree in sports management from Ohio State, Smith also served as an associate athletic director for the Buckeyes from 1995 to 2000.
Following his time in Columbus, Smith built an extensive professional portfolio with leadership roles at the Columbus Crew, Atlanta Falcons, and Arthur M. Blank Sports & Entertainment, before serving as a senior vice president for the Atlanta Braves. Now returning to the college athletics scene, Smith will be guiding the Terrapins athletic department while leaning on the insight of his former Ohio State colleague, Gene Smith. The former Buckeye athletic director praised the hire, stating Jim Smith’s diverse background across top-tier collegiate and professional sports organizations positions him well to steer Maryland through the evolving landscape of intercollegiate athletics.
From legislative proposals to leadership transitions, the reach of Ohio State’s influence remains vast. Whether shaping game-day experiences or elevating alumni into key roles across the conference, the Buckeye impact continues to resonate well beyond the field.
