BUCKEYE LEGEND LOST: Ohio State All-American Guard Ted Smith Passes Away at 71—Scarlet and Gray Mourn One of Their Finest

The Ohio State Buckeyes community is in mourning after the passing of Ted Smith, an All-American offensive guard whose name is etched in the rich history of one of college football’s most storied programs. At 71 years old, Smith’s death marks the end of a remarkable life that was shaped by gridiron glory, quiet leadership, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. For Buckeye Nation, this loss is personal—not merely the departure of a former star, but the farewell of a man who embodied everything the program represents.

Ted Smith’s journey to All-American status at Ohio State was the culmination of years of dedication, toughness, and heart. Hailing from a small town in Ohio, Smith grew up immersed in Buckeye culture, dreaming from a young age of donning the scarlet and gray. That dream became a reality when he committed to Ohio State in the early 1970s, recruited by none other than the legendary Woody Hayes. It was under Hayes that Smith’s talents would be sharpened and showcased, and where his name would become synonymous with dominance on the offensive line.

Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing over 250 pounds—a mammoth size for the era—Smith was a bruising, technically sound lineman whose footwork and intelligence made him a nightmare for opposing defensive fronts. He wasn’t flashy. He didn’t seek headlines. But teammates and coaches knew exactly what he meant to the team: consistency, strength, and grit in its purest form. He was a tone-setter in the trenches, anchoring an offensive line that paved the way for prolific rushing attacks during a period when Ohio State was a perennial national title contender.

His All-American honors in 1974 weren’t just symbolic; they were earned through brutal battles in the Big Ten and through postseason performances that helped define Ohio State’s championship aspirations. Smith’s presence was felt in every big game, his blocks opening holes for running backs who would go on to NFL stardom, and his protection allowing quarterbacks precious time to operate under pressure. In the locker room, he was as respected as any captain, a quiet but commanding figure whose discipline and work ethic set the standard.

Though he never sought individual accolades, they came anyway. In addition to his All-American nod, Smith was a key figure in Ohio State’s Big Ten dominance throughout the early to mid-1970s. He helped the Buckeyes to multiple conference titles and was part of squads that made appearances in prestigious bowl games like the Rose Bowl, where the nation watched the Big Ten’s finest display their brand of smashmouth football. Smith wasn’t just a participant in those moments—he was an enforcer, a force, and often, the reason the offense could operate at all.

Off the field, Smith carried himself with the same dignity and humility that made him a locker room leader. After his college career, he had opportunities in professional football but opted instead for a life grounded in family, education, and community service. He returned to Ohio after his playing days and quietly built a life that emphasized giving back—serving as a coach, mentor, and local advocate for youth athletics. Former players he mentored as a high school coach remember him as the “gentle giant,” a man whose passion for football was matched only by his care for developing young men.

In interviews years later, Smith rarely spoke about his own achievements. Instead, he preferred to reflect on the camaraderie, the team success, and the bond between Buckeyes that never wavered. He frequently attended Ohio State alumni events and remained close with many of his former teammates, maintaining a tight brotherhood that stretched across decades. He would be seen at The Horseshoe on Saturdays in the fall, often shaking hands and sharing stories with fans who remembered his playing days. But even then, he avoided the spotlight, happy to cheer on the next generation of Buckeye warriors from the stands rather than the sidelines.

The news of his death sent ripples throughout Buckeye Nation. Former teammates took to social media to honor Smith’s legacy, calling him one of the toughest and most dependable linemen they’d ever played with. Coaches and players past and present acknowledged the path he paved. The current Ohio State coaching staff released a statement expressing their condolences, noting that Smith’s legacy would live on in the culture he helped build—one where toughness, teamwork, and accountability are paramount.

Tributes have also poured in from the greater college football community, with sportswriters and historians revisiting clips and articles from Smith’s playing days to remind fans of the lineman’s quiet brilliance. He may not have been a household name like some quarterbacks and running backs of his era, but within the coaching community and among offensive line aficionados, Smith’s name carried deep reverence. He was what every coach wanted in a lineman: disciplined, nasty in the trenches, smart with assignments, and completely unselfish.

In recent years, as Ohio State has evolved into a modern college football powerhouse under successive coaching regimes, it’s easy for casual fans to forget the foundational figures who built the identity that endures today. But for those who understand the lineage of Buckeye greatness, Ted Smith’s place is secure. He was part of the spine of the team during a period when Ohio State football set a standard for excellence that continues to this day. The culture of relentless preparation, toughness at the point of attack, and unity in pursuit of victory owes much to players like Smith.

Family members have shared that in his final years, Smith continued to follow Buckeye football closely. Even as health issues began to take their toll, he remained a loyal fan, watching every game and keeping up with player news. He took pride in seeing linemen excel, often pointing out good footwork or smart play-calling before most others could. Football was never just a game to him—it was a craft, a calling, and a platform through which discipline and character were forged.

In many ways, Ted Smith’s life exemplifies what college athletics is supposed to be about. He used football not just as a means of personal success, but as a vehicle for growth, leadership, and lifelong service. His legacy isn’t just about All-American honors or bowl appearances. It’s about the teammates who looked up to him, the young players he coached and mentored, the community he enriched, and the quiet integrity with which he carried himself every day.

As Ohio State prepares for another football season, the memory of Ted Smith will no doubt inspire those who now wear the scarlet and gray. His name may not appear on the back of jerseys or on highlight reels shown to recruits, but in the weight rooms, meeting rooms, and trenches where games are truly won, the example he set still echoes. Current linemen will be told stories about him—not for what he demanded, but for what he gave. He represented the kind of excellence that doesn’t shout but shows up every single day.

Smith’s family has announced that a public memorial service will be held in Columbus next week, with full honors to commemorate his impact on Ohio State and the broader football community. Former teammates are expected to attend and speak, while the Buckeyes will honor his memory during their upcoming home opener. Plans are also underway for a scholarship fund in his name, aimed at supporting young offensive linemen with leadership potential.

In a sport so often driven by stats, headlines, and spectacle, Ted Smith stood out for different reasons—his reliability, humility, and profound impact on those around him. His legacy is not only secure within the Ohio State program but also within the hearts of those he touched. The Buckeyes may have lost a legend, but his spirit remains deeply embedded in the DNA of the program. And for all who knew him, or simply watched him play with relentless heart and quiet strength, Ted Smith will forever be remembered as one of the finest men to ever wear the scarlet and gray.