For Gahanna native Joshua Ford, leading Ohio State Marching Band as drum major fulfills lifelong dream during 2025 Buckeyes season

For Gahanna native Joshua Ford, this Buckeyes football season represents something much deeper than just another fall in Columbus. For him, every game day, every pregame performance, every booming note from the “Best Damn Band in the Land,” carries with it the weight of a dream forged in childhood and the thrill of finally stepping into the spotlight as Ohio State University’s drum major. Ford has arrived at the role that countless Ohioans have admired, but only a few ever achieve: the chance to lead the Ohio State Marching Band with unmatched energy, precision, and tradition. It’s more than just twirling a baton; it’s about embodying an Ohio State legacy that stretches back over a century and about fulfilling a dream that once felt so distant to a boy growing up in Gahanna.

From the time he was young, Ford remembers attending Ohio State football games with family, seeing the band march down the field, and watching the drum major command attention with that high-stepping entrance, backbend, and electrifying baton routines. It wasn’t just entertainment; it was inspiration. He recalls looking up from the bleachers, heart pounding with excitement, imagining himself one day in that iconic white uniform with the tall hat, leading the band out of the tunnel to roaring applause. Those visions planted a seed that grew steadily over the years, nurtured by his dedication to music, his athleticism, and his deep love for the Buckeyes.

Ford’s path to the position wasn’t an easy one, nor was it guaranteed. The process to become drum major at Ohio State is notoriously rigorous. Beyond musical skill, it requires extraordinary athletic ability, flawless baton work, leadership qualities, and the endurance to perform with intensity in front of more than 100,000 fans in Ohio Stadium. The audition process itself is grueling, testing everything from technique to showmanship, and only those with an unshakable commitment make it through. For Ford, every long practice session, every drop of sweat, and every moment of doubt was fuel for the fire. He knew he had to be sharp, perfect, and unforgettable if he wanted to claim the mantle.

When the announcement finally came that Joshua Ford had earned the role of drum major for the 2025 football season, it wasn’t just validation—it was a life-changing moment. For his family, friends, and the community of Gahanna, it was a proud day. For Ford himself, it was the culmination of years of dreaming, grinding, and believing. “This is what I’ve wanted for as long as I can remember,” Ford has said. “To stand on that field, in front of the fans, and lead the band—it’s everything I dreamed it would be.” Those words reveal not just his excitement, but the deep emotional connection he has to Ohio State and its traditions.

The drum major role at Ohio State is one of the most recognizable in college athletics. Every Saturday, when Ford bursts out of the tunnel ahead of the marching band, he is not just performing; he is electrifying the entire stadium. The high-step run, the backbend performed inches from the turf, the swirling baton moves that dance in the air—all of it is a spectacle that fans eagerly anticipate, week after week. It’s a performance that sets the tone for game day and sends a charge through the crowd. Ford embraces that responsibility fully, knowing that he is the face of one of the most iconic bands in America.

Being drum major is not only about entertainment—it’s also about tradition. Ohio State’s marching band is steeped in history, from the legendary Script Ohio to the timeless fight songs. Ford knows that his role ties him to a long line of leaders who have carried the baton before him, each adding their own flair while preserving the sacred traditions. It is a balance of creativity and respect that he takes seriously. “I want to bring my own energy and personality to it,” Ford has noted, “but I also know this is bigger than me. This is about the band, the school, and the fans.”

His journey also represents something important for his hometown. Growing up in Gahanna, Ford showed early on that he had the drive and determination to pursue excellence. He trained relentlessly, not just in baton twirling but in conditioning, agility, and performance. Friends and mentors saw his commitment long before he reached Ohio Stadium. Now, seeing one of their own take the field in such a prestigious role brings pride to the Gahanna community. It shows that dreams nurtured locally can shine brightly on one of the biggest stages in college sports.

For the 2025 Buckeyes football season, Ford’s presence adds another layer to the already electric atmosphere surrounding Ohio State games. Fans know that before kickoff, they will witness not just a band performance but a moment of pure spectacle led by a young man living his dream. Every time Ford sprints across the field with baton in hand, he carries not only his own ambitions but also the energy of every fan who loves the traditions of Ohio State. In a way, he represents the spirit of Buckeye Nation itself—passionate, determined, and deeply connected to the school’s history.

Ford also recognizes that his role extends beyond the field. As drum major, he is a symbol for future generations, inspiring young fans who may one day follow in his footsteps. Just as he once looked up at the field and imagined himself there, now there are children in the stands pointing at him and dreaming of doing the same. He understands the importance of being a role model, showing that with dedication and perseverance, childhood dreams can indeed become reality. “If one kid looks at me and says, ‘I want to do that someday,’ then I’ve done my job,” Ford says.

Behind the glamour of game day performances lies the reality of relentless practice and preparation. Ford spends countless hours perfecting his routines, fine-tuning every detail to ensure that he delivers flawlessly under the bright lights. Baton twirling at this level requires strength, stamina, and extreme precision. Any misstep is visible to tens of thousands of fans, but Ford embraces the pressure as part of the challenge. For him, the hard work is worth it when he hears the roar of the crowd, feels the adrenaline surge through his body, and knows he is part of something larger than himself.

The Buckeyes’ football season is always filled with anticipation, and in 2025 the team’s on-field performance will undoubtedly capture headlines. But for Joshua Ford, every Saturday is already a victory. Regardless of wins and losses, he has earned a place in the legacy of Ohio State, forever remembered as the drum major who turned his childhood dream into reality. That is a triumph no scoreboard can measure.

As the season progresses, fans will continue to witness Ford’s passion and flair on display, from the moment he bursts onto the field to the final strains of “Carmen Ohio.” For him, each game is not just another performance, but another chance to celebrate the journey that brought him here. It is a journey from Gahanna to the Horseshoe, from dreamer to leader, from wide-eyed fan to the central figure of a tradition beloved by millions.

In the end, Joshua Ford’s story is not just about one person achieving a goal. It is about the power of dreams, the importance of perseverance, and the magic of college traditions that unite communities. For Ohio State fans, he is a reminder of why Saturdays in the fall are so special. For his family and hometown, he is proof that dreams can come true when passion meets dedication. And for himself, he is living each day in a reality that once only existed in the imagination of a young boy watching from the stands.

The 2025 Ohio State Buckeyes football season is sure to be memorable for many reasons. But for Joshua Ford, nothing will ever top the feeling of leading the Best Damn Band in the Land onto the field, knowing he has become part of one of the most cherished traditions in college sports. Every step, every toss, every note played by the band is part of a lifelong dream realized. And in the echoes of cheers from more than 100,000 voices, Ford can hear the sound of that dream fulfilled.