The ceremony, held at the Jerome Schottenstein Center, honored students from across the university’s colleges and programs. Among the graduates were 15 members of the Buckeye football team, including All-Americans Caden Curry and Sonny Styles, both of whom balanced academic achievement with standout athletic careers.
University President Walter “Ted” Carter Jr. congratulated the graduates, commending their perseverance and adaptability. “Today, we celebrate not only your academic accomplishments but your resilience,” he said. “You’ve met challenges head-on — and you’ve done so as Buckeyes.”
The timing of the ceremony added a unique backdrop for the football honorees, who are preparing for Ohio State’s upcoming Cotton Bowl matchup against Miami. The team departs for Texas later this week, with players and coaches noting that the dual focus on commencement and bowl preparation has highlighted the program’s commitment to both scholarship and sport.
Curry, who completed his degree in sport industry, called the occasion “a full-circle moment.” Styles, graduating in human development and family science, described walking across the stage as “just as meaningful as anything on the field.”
This year’s fall commencement recognized more than 3,800 graduates, including bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree recipients. For the university community, it was a day to celebrate both academic excellence and the spirit of teamwork that defines Ohio State.