Celebrating the Legacy of Ted Smith, Ohio State’s All-American Giant Who Embodied the Spirit of College Football Greatness
Ted Smith, a name etched deeply in the legacy of Ohio State football, has passed away at the age of 71. The news of his death has resonated throughout the college football world, drawing an outpouring of tributes from former teammates, coaches, fans, and members of the Ohio State University community. As the Buckeyes remember one of their finest linemen, it’s a moment to reflect not just on Smith’s excellence on the gridiron but on the character, leadership, and enduring influence he brought to the game and to life beyond football.
Born in the heart of Ohio, Ted Smith grew up surrounded by the culture and passion of Buckeye football. It was almost inevitable that he would one day wear the scarlet and gray. From an early age, Smith displayed not only exceptional athletic prowess but also an incredible work ethic. His coaches in high school often commented on his discipline and humility, traits that would define him long after his football days were over.
When Smith arrived at Ohio State, he did so with high expectations—and he exceeded every one of them. Playing under legendary head coach Woody Hayes, Smith became a cornerstone of the Buckeyes’ formidable offensive line during the early 1970s. His size, strength, and intelligence on the field were matched by an unwavering commitment to his teammates and coaches. He quickly earned a reputation as a leader, both vocally and by example, helping guide younger players while relentlessly honing his own craft.
Smith’s most notable year came during his junior season, when he was named an All-American—an accolade that placed him among the elite players in the country. This honor wasn’t just a recognition of individual talent; it was a testament to his consistency, his grit, and the impact he had on every game he played. He was a dominant force in the trenches, a protector of quarterbacks, and a nightmare for defenders attempting to penetrate Ohio State’s offensive front. Ted Smith wasn’t just playing football—he was mastering it.
Former teammates recall Smith not just for his dominance on the field, but for his presence in the locker room and in the community. He was a man who treated everyone with respect, no matter their role or status. As one former teammate put it, “Ted was the kind of guy who’d bury you in practice with a block, then help you up, crack a joke, and teach you how to do it better. He made everyone around him better, not just as players but as men.”
While many college stars chase NFL dreams, Ted Smith made a different choice. Though he had opportunities to play professionally, he instead focused on what he saw as his true calling—educating and mentoring young people. After earning his degree from Ohio State, Smith returned to his hometown and embarked on a long and impactful career in education and coaching. As a high school teacher and football coach, he molded countless young lives, emphasizing the same values he had lived by: discipline, perseverance, teamwork, and integrity.
Smith’s impact as an educator was perhaps even more profound than his achievements as an athlete. Students remember him as a demanding but deeply compassionate teacher. He held them to high standards, always insisting that effort and accountability mattered. But he also went out of his way to support students who struggled—offering extra tutoring, helping with college applications, and even making home visits when necessary. “Coach Smith believed in us before we believed in ourselves,” said one former student. “He changed my life.”
Even in retirement, Smith remained closely connected to Ohio State. He attended alumni events, mentored young Buckeye players, and was a fixture at home games. Though decades had passed since he last put on a helmet, he still commanded deep respect within the Ohio State community. For many, he was a living link to a golden era of Buckeye football, a time when toughness, loyalty, and humility were the hallmarks of the program.
When news of his death broke, Ohio State released a statement praising Smith as “a true Buckeye legend, whose contributions to our university extended far beyond the football field.” Tributes poured in from all corners of the football world, including former Ohio State stars, Big Ten rivals, and college football commentators. “Ted Smith was everything right about college football,” said one analyst. “He played with heart, led with grace, and gave back selflessly.”
Perhaps the most touching tributes, though, came from those who knew him best. His family remembered him as a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. His former players and students recalled him as a mentor and role model. And the countless lives he touched over decades in education spoke of his patience, his encouragement, and the belief he instilled in others.
Ted Smith’s life story is one of excellence, not just in sport but in purpose. He chose to use his talents and his platform to lift others up, to serve his community, and to leave behind a legacy of leadership and love. He represented everything that is admirable about collegiate athletics—not just the pursuit of victory, but the cultivation of character.
In an era where many athletes are remembered only for highlight reels and stats, Smith’s memory will endure for deeper reasons. He was a throwback to a time when college football was not just a spectacle, but a proving ground for future leaders. He played with fierce determination, but never lost sight of what truly mattered. His humility, generosity, and relentless commitment to others set him apart.
Ohio State will no doubt honor Smith in the months to come, perhaps with a tribute at Ohio Stadium or an induction into yet another hall of fame. But his most enduring legacy won’t be found in awards or plaques. It will live on in the lives he changed—the students he taught, the players he coached, the teammates he inspired, and the family he loved.
As the Buckeye community mourns, it also celebrates. It celebrates a man who embodied the highest ideals of its football program. It celebrates a life well lived, full of service and sacrifice. It celebrates the power of sport to shape character, to build community, and to inspire generations.
Ted Smith may be gone, but his story continues. It lives in every Ohio State player who plays with pride. It echoes in the voices of the students he once encouraged. It endures in the hearts of all who knew him and were touched by his remarkable journey.
Rest in peace, Ted Smith. You were more than a football player. You were a giant in every sense of the word—a guardian of tradition, a builder of men, and a shining example of what it means to live with purpose and heart. Your legacy will never be forgotten.
