BLOCKBUSTER BREAKING: Buckeye Brotherhood Shattered — Ohio State Mourns the Loss of Legendary All-American Ted Smith at 71

The Ohio State football community is reeling after the heartbreaking news that former All-American guard Ted Smith has passed away at the age of 71. A beloved figure in the Buckeye family, Smith’s death has sent shockwaves through generations of fans, teammates, and coaches who remember his fierce dedication on the field and his unwavering loyalty off it.

Smith, who wore the scarlet and gray in the early 1970s, carved out a place in Ohio State history as one of the most dominant and respected offensive linemen of his era. Known for his punishing blocks and unrelenting work ethic, Smith earned All-American honors in 1973 and helped anchor an offensive line that bulldozed opponents with raw power and precision. But to the Buckeye faithful, he was more than a football star—he was the embodiment of toughness, character, and humility.

News of his death was confirmed Tuesday morning by the university’s athletic department, which issued a somber statement mourning the loss of a “true Buckeye legend” and praising Smith as “one of the finest student-athletes to ever represent Ohio State on and off the field.”

Former teammates described Smith as the heart of the locker room—a quiet leader who never sought the spotlight but whose presence commanded respect. “Ted wasn’t just a great lineman. He was our backbone,” said former Ohio State quarterback Cornelius Greene, who played alongside Smith during the team’s dominant run in the early ’70s. “He made sure we stayed grounded, stayed together. His strength wasn’t just physical—it was moral.”

Smith played under the legendary head coach Woody Hayes and was a central figure during one of the most competitive stretches in Buckeye football history. Alongside stars like Archie Griffin and John Hicks, Smith helped lead Ohio State to multiple Big Ten championships and a pair of Rose Bowl appearances. He was a fixture of a team that defined toughness and discipline in the golden era of Big Ten football.

Following his college career, Smith was drafted into the NFL but opted for a brief professional tenure before returning to his roots in Columbus, where he became a mentor for young players and a staple at alumni events. His post-football life was defined by service—both to the university and to the local community. Smith worked for years in youth sports outreach programs and volunteered at numerous schools, using his experience to inspire and guide the next generation.

Perhaps what made Smith so beloved among Buckeye Nation was the bond he maintained with the program and its people. Long after his playing days ended, he remained a visible figure at practices, games, and reunions. Young players often found him on the sideline, offering quiet advice or a firm handshake. He was not there for attention. He was there because he cared.

The tributes have poured in across social media from former players, coaches, and fans. Current head coach Ryan Day expressed his condolences in a statement, calling Smith “a pillar of the Buckeye brotherhood” and “a man whose example we try to uphold every day in our program.” Former coach Urban Meyer tweeted: “Ted Smith was everything that makes Buckeye football great. This is a tough loss.”

As the university prepares to honor Smith’s life, plans are already underway for a memorial at Ohio Stadium. A moment of silence is expected at the season opener, and discussions have begun about establishing a scholarship fund in Smith’s name—one that would support offensive linemen who exemplify his tenacity and leadership.

For Ohio State fans, this loss cuts deep. In a sport that often celebrates speed and flash, Smith represented the unsung grit that holds a team together. He was the guy in the trenches doing the dirty work—the one you didn’t always see, but whose presence made everything else possible.

His death is more than just the passing of a football player. It’s the end of an era for those who watched him dominate in the 1970s and for those who came to know him in the decades since. In the heart of the Horseshoe and the soul of Buckeye Nation, Ted Smith will always be remembered—not just for the plays he made, but for the lives he touched.