Eric Boggs
Urban Meyer is once again returning to the place that helped to define his coaching legacy—Ohio Stadium. Ohio State announced that the former Buckeye head coach will serve as the pregame Victory Bell ringer before Saturday’s clash with Penn State, continuing one of the program’s newest and most celebrated gameday traditions. Meyer becomes the fifth Buckeye legend to take part in the ritual, joining Archie Griffin, John Cooper, Clark Kellogg, and Michael Redd.
For Meyer, this weekend marks more than just another media appearance for FOX’s Big Noon Kickoff, which will broadcast from Columbus for the second time this season. It’s another reminder that his allegiance lies squarely with the scarlet and gray, not with any other program — despite renewed speculation tying his name to the open head coaching position at Penn State.
In recent weeks, Meyer has been loosely connected to the Nittany Lions’ vacancy following James Franklin’s dismissal. The rumor mill ignited after he was seen meeting with Pennsylvania Senator Dave McCormick, prompting pundits like New York radio host Craig Carton to wonder if Meyer might be entertaining interest in the job. But anyone familiar with Meyer’s past, values, and priorities should recognize why such a move would be both unlikely and unwise.
First and foremost, Meyer has consistently and publicly stated that he has no plans to return to coaching. Since stepping down from Ohio State in 2018 due to health concerns, Meyer has emphasized family, balance, and purpose — priorities that don’t align with the relentless demands of another major college football rebuild. His brief and tumultuous NFL stint with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2021 only reinforced that lesson, illustrating that his strengths belong in leadership and mentorship roles off the sideline rather than the daily grind of program management.
Furthermore, Meyer’s connection to Ohio State runs far deeper than wins and losses. His 83-9 record, a national championship, and dominance over Michigan cemented his place among the greats in Buckeye history. More importantly, his enduring role as an ambassador for the program, both through FOX and his continued appearances at university events, demonstrates his loyalty. Returning to coaching — particularly at a rival Big Ten school like Penn State — would undercut that legacy and alienate the fan base that still reveres him.
The notion of Meyer leading the Nittany Lions, a program he beat six out of seven times as Ohio State’s head coach, simply doesn’t fit the man who built his career preaching loyalty, accountability, and legacy. His commitment to the university, as shown through his post-coaching roles and ongoing support, reflects a deeper identity: Urban Meyer isn’t just part of Ohio State — he is Ohio State.
So, as Meyer rings the Victory Bell before Saturday’s noon kickoff, it won’t just be a ceremonial moment before another top-ten matchup. It will be a symbolic reaffirmation of his allegiance to the Buckeyes, a reminder to fans and pundits alike that while rumors come and go, Meyer’s heart — and legacy — remain in Columbus.
