BREAKING: Ohio State to Honor Late Legend Will Smith With Life-Size Statue and Scholarship Near Ohio Stadium in 2026

In a momentous announcement that reverberates through the hearts of Buckeye Nation, Ohio State University revealed on Wednesday that it will honor the late Will Smith—a cornerstone of its storied football tradition—with a life-size bronze statue set to be unveiled in Fall 2026. The statue will stand proudly near Ohio Stadium, forever immortalizing one of the greatest leaders to wear the scarlet and gray. Additionally, the university will establish the Will Smith Legacy Scholarship, further ensuring that his impact will echo across generations to come.

Smith, a captain of the 2003 Buckeyes and a vital force on the 2002 national championship team, left an indelible mark on Ohio State, the NFL, and the broader community. The tribute seeks not only to celebrate his on-field greatness but to honor the legacy he built off the gridiron—as a mentor, philanthropist, and role model.

The announcement comes nearly a decade after Smith’s tragic passing in 2016, when he was shot and killed at the age of 34 in a senseless act of violence in New Orleans. His death shook the football world and sent ripples through the Ohio State family. In the years since, former teammates, coaches, and fans have clamored for a permanent tribute to a man whose story was one of excellence, perseverance, and impact.

University President Walter “Ted” Carter Jr. shared the news in a packed press conference outside the Horseshoe, flanked by Athletic Director Gene Smith, head football coach Ryan Day, and several members of the 2002 championship team.

“Will Smith represented everything great about being a Buckeye,” said Carter. “He was a champion not just on the field but in life. His leadership, strength of character, and dedication to uplifting others left a legacy that will never fade. This statue, and the scholarship in his name, are fitting tributes to a man who gave so much to this university and to the world.”

The statue will be placed near the players’ entrance outside Ohio Stadium, where thousands of fans pass each game day, and where players make the symbolic walk into battle. Sculpted by nationally acclaimed artist Brian Hanlon—whose previous works include statues of Jackie Robinson, Charles Barkley, and Shaquille O’Neal—the piece is said to depict Smith mid-celebration, arms raised triumphantly, a reflection of his passion and power on the field.

Hanlon, who began preliminary sketches last fall, said he drew inspiration from Smith’s signature play against Miami in the 2003 Fiesta Bowl—a sack that helped turn the tide in the Buckeyes’ double-overtime thriller and national title victory.

“Will Smith’s energy and emotion radiated through every snap he played,” Hanlon said. “Capturing that spirit in bronze is both an honor and a responsibility. My goal is to create a piece that speaks to who he was—relentless, proud, and full of life.”

Born in Queens, New York, and raised in Utica, Smith arrived at Ohio State as a promising defensive end and quickly rose through the ranks. By his senior season, he was not only the team captain but also a consensus All-American and Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year. He finished his Buckeye career with 22.0 sacks and 46.5 tackles for loss, ranking among the best in program history.

Beyond the stats, it was his leadership that truly defined his time in Columbus. Teammates describe him as a tone-setter in the locker room and a tireless worker on the practice field. Former head coach Jim Tressel once referred to him as “the heart of the defense” and a player who “led by example in everything he did.”

“Will had that rare mix of talent, discipline, and humility,” said former teammate and close friend Chris Gamble. “He pushed you to be better just by being around him. You didn’t want to let him down. That’s the kind of man he was.”

After college, Smith was selected 18th overall by the New Orleans Saints in the 2004 NFL Draft. Over nine seasons in the NFL—all with the Saints—he became a Pro Bowler, Super Bowl champion, and one of the most feared pass rushers in the league. But it was his off-field work in the New Orleans community that further endeared him to fans. Through his “Where There’s a Will, There’s a Way” foundation, Smith and his wife, Racquel, supported educational initiatives and provided resources for underprivileged youth in both Louisiana and his native New York.

“Will never forgot where he came from,” said Racquel Smith. “He believed in giving back, lifting others, and using his platform for good. This honor means the world to our family, and I know he’d be incredibly proud and humbled.”

The Will Smith Legacy Scholarship, also announced Wednesday, will be awarded annually to a student-athlete at Ohio State who exemplifies Smith’s values: leadership, academic dedication, community involvement, and resilience. The scholarship will be open to all sports, not just football, and aims to foster a new generation of campus and civic leaders.

Gene Smith, Ohio State’s outgoing athletic director, helped champion the initiative before his planned retirement.

“I’ve been fortunate to witness a lot of greatness at this university,” said Smith. “But Will Smith stood apart. The way he carried himself, the way he represented this institution, and the way he uplifted everyone around him. We want our current and future student-athletes to know who Will Smith was—and to strive to live out his example.”

The university will hold a dedication ceremony in September 2026 ahead of a marquee home game, expected to attract national attention. The event will include a reunion of the 2002 national championship team, a tribute video, and remarks from family, former teammates, and university officials.

The celebration will mark 24 years since the 2002 Buckeyes stunned the college football world by defeating the top-ranked Miami Hurricanes in the Fiesta Bowl, snapping the nation’s longest winning streak and capping a perfect season. Will Smith’s performance in that game—three tackles, one sack, and a relentless motor—helped secure Ohio State’s first national title since 1968 and solidified his place in program lore.

For fans, the statue offers a chance to reconnect with the golden era of Buckeye football and to reflect on a life cut short but never forgotten. Already, social media has lit up with emotional tributes, videos, and photos from Smith’s career. Former teammates from both college and the NFL shared stories of his character and charisma. Even Saints legend Drew Brees chimed in, calling Smith “the ultimate teammate, leader, and friend.”

“His memory lives on in all of us,” Brees posted. “A statue is perfect—but so is that scholarship. Will was always about giving back. This is the legacy he deserved.”

Ohio State’s decision to honor Smith at this scale is rare. Only a select few Buckeye legends—like Woody Hayes, Archie Griffin, and Jesse Owens—have been commemorated with life-size statues on or near campus. Will Smith now joins that elite company.

For those who knew him best, the recognition is bittersweet but deeply meaningful.

“He was our anchor,” said Mike Doss, another hero from the 2002 squad. “You could count on Will to bring the juice every day. And more than that, he cared. He wanted everyone to win, on and off the field. That statue is going to inspire so many young athletes who walk past it and wonder what it takes to be great. Now they’ll have a name. Will Smith.”

As the Buckeyes continue to build toward future championships, they will do so with a towering reminder of the standard set by one of their finest. Will Smith’s spirit, perseverance, and commitment to service will now stand watch beside the stadium he once called home—etched in bronze, etched in memory, and forever etched in the soul of Ohio State.