Former Ohio State Buckeyes football standout and 2006 Heisman Trophy winner Troy Smith has accepted a newly formed position within the Ohio State Buckeyes football program, a move that has been hailed by both fans and pundits.

Troy Smith, the 2006 Heisman Trophy winner and one of the most revered quarterbacks in Ohio State Buckeyes history, is officially back in Columbus. In a move that has sent ripples of excitement through Buckeye Nation, Smith has accepted a newly created position within the Ohio State football program, signaling a powerful homecoming for one of the program’s most iconic figures.

Fans, former teammates, coaches, and national pundits alike have widely applauded the decision, not only for the emotional resonance of Smith’s return but also for the impact he could have on the next generation of Buckeye players. As the program continues to compete at the highest level of college football, adding a figure with the leadership, poise, and championship experience of Smith could be a game-changer.

This appointment is not just about nostalgia—it’s about legacy, mentorship, and the future of Ohio State football.

The newly formed position that Smith will occupy is officially titled “Program Ambassador and Offensive Development Analyst.” It’s a hybrid role designed specifically to leverage Smith’s unique combination of on-field experience, personal charisma, and deep knowledge of the Buckeyes’ tradition.

Sources within the athletic department suggest that Smith will work closely with the quarterback room, serve as a liaison between current players and alumni, and assist in film study and game preparation from an advisory standpoint. While Smith will not be coaching in an on-field capacity per NCAA regulations for non-coaching staff, he will be deeply involved in the day-to-day culture of the team.

Ohio State head coach Ryan Day said in a press release, “We are thrilled to welcome Troy back to the program in an official capacity. Troy is more than a legend here—he represents everything we want our players to become: smart, resilient, accountable, and committed to excellence on and off the field.”

Troy Smith’s football journey is etched into the fabric of Ohio State’s storied legacy. After redshirting in 2002, Smith steadily climbed the depth chart, eventually becoming the starting quarterback and leading the Buckeyes to a 25-3 record in games he started from 2004 to 2006.

His crowning achievement came in 2006 when he won the Heisman Trophy by one of the largest margins in the award’s history. Smith threw for 2,507 yards and 30 touchdowns against just six interceptions that season, guiding the Buckeyes to a 12-0 regular-season record and the No. 1 ranking heading into the BCS National Championship Game.

Although that title game against Florida ended in disappointment, Smith’s brilliance throughout the 2006 season has never been in question. His calm demeanor, leadership qualities, and improvisational skills made him a nightmare for defenses and a beacon of hope for Buckeye fans.

Smith’s journey hasn’t been without challenges. Following his college career, he was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the fifth round of the 2007 NFL Draft. Though he had moments of promise in the NFL and later in the CFL, Smith never quite found the same success at the professional level that he had in college.

Off the field, Smith faced personal and legal issues that became public in the years after his playing career. But rather than shy away from those struggles, Smith has confronted them head-on, using his experiences to grow as a man and a mentor.

In interviews over the past few years, Smith has been open about his past mistakes and the process of self-reinvention. His honesty and willingness to share those lessons with young athletes have turned him into a powerful motivational figure. For many, this return to Ohio State is symbolic of redemption—proof that the road to impact and leadership isn’t always a straight line.

“Life knocked me down a few times,” Smith said during his introductory press conference. “But I never stopped believing in the power of this place, in the strength of this brotherhood. To come full circle and be back at Ohio State, helping young men grow—it means everything to me.”

This appointment comes at a critical juncture for the Ohio State football program. After a few seasons of near misses in the College Football Playoff and high expectations unmet, there’s a renewed emphasis on culture, leadership, and development under Ryan Day.

Day’s coaching acumen has never been in doubt, especially when it comes to quarterbacks. But bringing in someone like Smith—who knows what it takes to lead a team to an undefeated season, win rivalry games, and perform under intense scrutiny—adds a valuable layer of mentorship.

Quarterbacks like Devin Brown, Will Howard, and Julian Sayin can all benefit from Smith’s tutelage. While Smith won’t be calling plays or scripting the offense, his role in helping shape their mental and emotional approach to the game cannot be overstated.

“Having Troy around is like having a mirror to your potential,” one current Buckeye said. “He knows what it takes. And when he talks, you listen. Not because he won the Heisman—but because you can tell he cares.”

Within hours of the announcement, social media platforms were flooded with reactions from fans who grew up watching Smith dazzle in the Horseshoe. On message boards, in Twitter threads, and during call-in radio shows, the response was near-universal: this is a win for Ohio State.

“Having Troy Smith back on campus is like restoring a piece of our soul,” one fan wrote on Reddit. “He belongs here, and the players are lucky to have him.”

Alumni also chimed in, with former Buckeye greats like Beanie Wells and Malcolm Jenkins expressing support for the move. “Proud of my brother @TroySmith_2,” Jenkins tweeted. “His story is one of perseverance, and now he gets to help build the next generation of Buckeye legends.”

Even former head coach Jim Tressel, who recruited and mentored Smith during his tenure, released a statement of support: “Troy was a leader then and remains a leader now. I’m proud of him and excited to see what he’ll bring to this program in his new role.”

What makes Smith’s return particularly impactful is his focus on more than just football. According to athletic department insiders, a key part of Smith’s role will involve life skills programming, alumni networking, and personal development workshops.

“There’s so much more to the college football experience than just the games,” Smith noted. “My goal is to help these young men understand the total opportunity they have here—academically, socially, professionally. I want them to leave Ohio State not just as great players, but as great people.”

This holistic approach resonates with Ohio State’s evolving vision of its football program, one that places increasing emphasis on player well-being, mental health, and life after football.

Having a figure like Troy Smith in the building is also a boon for recruiting. High school quarterbacks—and their parents—recognize the value of having a Heisman-winning mentor just down the hall. It’s a unique selling point that few programs in the country can match.

“You walk into the Woody Hayes Athletic Center, and you know you’re in a special place,” said recruiting analyst Brandon Huffman. “But when Troy Smith is there to greet you and talk to your family? That’s next-level. That’s legacy. That’s power.”

Smith’s presence may also help bridge the gap between generations of Buckeye players. There’s a growing movement among top programs to reconnect with their alumni, and Ohio State’s decision to involve Smith in a key role speaks volumes about the value they place on tradition and unity.

It’s too early to quantify what Troy Smith’s return will mean in terms of wins and losses. But some things can’t be measured on a stat sheet.

Leadership. Legacy. Loyalty.

Those are the qualities Smith brings to the table. And those are the values that resonate in locker rooms, film sessions, and sideline huddles. They’re what turn good teams into championship-caliber programs.

“Troy’s back where he belongs,” Ryan Day said. “And we’re better for it.”

In a sport often driven by data, strategy, and analytics, sometimes the most impactful moves are rooted in heart. Ohio State just made one.

The return of Troy Smith isn’t just a feel-good story—it’s a smart, strategic move for a program with its sights set on another national championship. By embracing one of its most beloved alumni and empowering him to shape the future, Ohio State is reinforcing what makes it special: a relentless pursuit of excellence, grounded in tradition, loyalty, and heart.

Troy Smith may have won the Heisman in 2006, but his most important work with the Buckeyes might still lie ahead.