BREAKING: Ohio State Adds Grambling State to 2025 Football Schedule in Landmark Game

In a historic and headline-grabbing move, the Ohio State Buckeyes have officially added Grambling State University to their 2025 football schedule. The announcement, made by Ohio State’s athletic department earlier today, has already sparked excitement and conversation across the college football landscape. Set for September 6, 2025, the Buckeyes will host Grambling State at Ohio Stadium in what will be the first-ever meeting between the two programs.

This isn’t just any scheduling update — it’s a groundbreaking moment in college football, representing a significant step in the evolving dialogue about inclusivity, tradition, and opportunity in the sport. Grambling State, one of the most storied HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) programs, will now take center stage in one of college football’s most iconic venues.

Ohio State’s football legacy is second to none. With eight national championships, a litany of Big Ten titles, and a consistent presence in the College Football Playoff conversation, the Buckeyes are a perennial powerhouse. On the other hand, Grambling State’s football history, though often overshadowed by Power Five giants, is rich with prestige. The Tigers have won 15 Black College National Championships and have sent over 100 players to the NFL, including Hall of Famer and Super Bowl champion Doug Williams, the first Black quarterback to win a Super Bowl.

Bringing these two programs together is more than just a scheduling decision — it’s a celebration of tradition, excellence, and shared history.

For decades, the conversation around Power Five programs scheduling HBCUs has been fraught with both missed opportunities and philosophical tension. Many have advocated for more meaningful matchups that celebrate the full spectrum of college football culture. This game accomplishes just that.

Grambling State Athletic Director Dr. Trayvean Scott expressed pride in the opportunity, calling it “a landmark event for our university and for HBCUs across the nation.”

Ohio State Athletic Director Gene Smith echoed that sentiment, emphasizing that this isn’t just a goodwill gesture but a chance to honor the game’s broader community.

Grambling State’s impact on football — from Eddie Robinson’s legendary coaching career to the countless NFL players who came through their program — deserves national visibility,” Smith said.

With conference realignment and the ever-changing playoff format dominating headlines, this game is a refreshing reminder of what college football can still represent — community, culture, and connection. The Buckeyes could have easily added a lesser-known FBS opponent or an FCS team with little cultural resonance. Instead, they chose a school with one of the richest legacies in American football history.

For Grambling State, the matchup is also a golden opportunity for national exposure and recruiting momentum. Playing in front of over 100,000 fans at Ohio Stadium and likely millions more on television provides the kind of platform most HBCU programs rarely receive. It sends a powerful message to recruits that Grambling State is willing and able to compete on the biggest stage.

Reaction to the announcement was swift and overwhelmingly positive. Social media was abuzz with fans praising Ohio State’s decision to schedule the Tigers. Alumni and supporters of Grambling State voiced their pride, while Buckeye fans expressed intrigue and excitement at witnessing a rare and meaningful non-conference matchup.

Media outlets across the country echoed that sentiment. ESPN analyst Desmond Howard called it “a progressive and powerful move,” while FOX Sports’ RJ Young praised both programs for “raising the standard and expanding the conversation around who belongs on the big stage.”

The 2025 Ohio State schedule is shaping up to be one of the most diverse and engaging in recent memory. In addition to the historic game against Grambling State, the Buckeyes will also host Texas on August 30 in a high-profile non-conference clash. The Grambling game will come just one week later, followed by the regular grind of Big Ten play.

Ohio State head coach Ryan Day has not yet commented on the Grambling State matchup, but insiders suggest he is enthusiastic about the opportunity to expose his players to a wider football tradition and showcase Ohio State’s leadership in shaping the future of the sport.

By welcoming Grambling State to Columbus in 2025, Ohio State is doing more than just filling a spot on the calendar. They’re opening a door — to history, to recognition, and to a fuller picture of what makes college football extraordinary. As the game approaches, all eyes will be on this powerful moment of unity and competition.