Two Ohio State Football Players Earn Prestigious Big Ten Distinguished Scholar Athlete Honors, Highlighting Academic Strength Within Elite Program Culture
In the world of college football, the spotlight often shines brightest on touchdowns, tackles, and trophies. But behind the scenes, some of the sport’s most committed student-athletes are grinding just as hard in the classroom as they are on the field. This year, two members of the Ohio State football program were recognized for doing just that, earning a place on the Big Ten Conference’s prestigious list of Distinguished Scholar Athletes—a testament not only to their personal dedication, but also to the academic culture fostered within one of college football’s most storied programs.
The Big Ten Distinguished Scholar Athlete award is given annually to student-athletes who achieve a minimum GPA of 3.70 or higher during the academic year, while also being letterwinners in their sport. It is a highly selective honor that highlights those who have truly excelled in balancing the rigorous demands of athletics and academics. For Ohio State to have two players named to the list this year speaks volumes—not only about the individuals themselves but about the commitment to academic excellence that exists within the Buckeye football program.
The two players honored this year were defensive lineman Mitchell Melton and wide receiver Kyion Grayes. Both players have shown immense dedication to their craft on the field, but what makes their recognition all the more impressive is their ability to maintain elite academic performance amidst the chaos of training, travel, and weekly competition.
Mitchell Melton, a graduate student, has battled through adversity during his Ohio State career, including injuries that limited his availability in early seasons. Still, he has remained a positive presence in the locker room and a model of perseverance. A former four-star recruit, Melton has steadily worked his way into the defensive rotation and earned praise from coaches for his maturity, leadership, and consistency. Off the field, he has equally impressed the academic support staff, earning high marks while completing his graduate-level coursework.
Melton’s recognition as a Distinguished Scholar Athlete underscores how character and work ethic can define a player’s journey just as much as stats or draft projections. For him, the classroom became an outlet of growth during times of injury—a place to continue progressing, building confidence, and preparing for life beyond football. His inclusion on the list is a reminder that true success in college athletics includes both personal and academic development.
Kyion Grayes, meanwhile, represents the emerging generation of Buckeye talent. A redshirt sophomore wide receiver, Grayes has been part of one of the most talented receiver rooms in the country. While battling for playing time among NFL-level talent, Grayes has also quietly excelled in the classroom, showing a level of maturity that’s rare for such a young player. His GPA performance speaks volumes about his discipline and drive—not only to succeed athletically, but to develop holistically as a student-athlete.
For a player like Grayes, who has aspirations of making it to the NFL, understanding the importance of education and preparing for a future beyond football is crucial. Many players at major programs get caught up in the pressure of professional dreams, but Grayes’ recognition indicates a more balanced approach to the college experience—one that aligns perfectly with Ohio State’s mission to develop leaders in all aspects of life.
Ohio State’s football program has long prided itself on academic excellence. Year after year, Buckeye student-athletes are recognized on the Academic All-Big Ten list and receive national accolades for GPA achievement. The university’s infrastructure—anchored by the Eugene D. Smith Leadership Institute and robust academic support services—has helped athletes thrive in rigorous academic environments while performing at the highest level of competition. For head coach Ryan Day and his staff, the academic success of players like Melton and Grayes is a point of pride and a pillar of program culture.
The recognition from the Big Ten also carries symbolic weight. The Distinguished Scholar Athlete list isn’t just about GPA—it’s about commitment, sacrifice, and personal accountability. It honors student-athletes who attend every early-morning class after grueling practices, who write research papers on hotel room desks during away games, and who meet with tutors in between film sessions and weight training. These are the intangibles that rarely get mentioned on game day, but they define the student-athlete experience at its core.
The honor also serves as a powerful recruiting message. In an era where NIL and NFL dreams dominate headlines, showcasing student-athletes who excel off the field gives Ohio State an edge with families who value education. It reinforces that the Buckeye brand isn’t just about football dominance, but also about preparing young men to lead and succeed long after their playing days end.
Moreover, for Ohio State to continue producing Distinguished Scholar Athletes year after year sends a message to the Big Ten and beyond: excellence is not compartmentalized. In Columbus, you’re expected to be great in every domain. That expectation, while demanding, has helped the Buckeyes create a culture where academic honors are celebrated alongside athletic accolades.
Melton and Grayes now join a growing list of Ohio State football players who have been honored with this distinction in recent years, a list that includes NFL players, graduate students, and even Rhodes Scholar finalists. That’s the type of company that speaks volumes about the developmental environment at Ohio State.
Their accomplishment also highlights the broader successes of the Ohio State athletic department this academic year. In total, over 130 Ohio State student-athletes were named Distinguished Scholars by the Big Ten across multiple sports. That number ranks among the highest in the conference and speaks to the university’s investment in holistic development. Whether it’s football, track and field, lacrosse, or rowing, Ohio State athletes are performing at the highest levels both in their sports and in the classroom.
As the 2025 football season approaches, the spotlight will return to the field, with talk of national title contention, quarterback battles, and rivalry redemption. But before kickoff, it’s important to pause and recognize the accomplishments that happen in quieter settings—classrooms, study halls, and libraries.
For Mitchell Melton and Kyion Grayes, this year’s Distinguished Scholar Athlete honor is more than just a plaque or a line on a résumé. It’s proof of resilience, balance, and excellence. It shows that they have not only met but exceeded the high expectations set by their program, their university, and themselves. And in doing so, they continue to represent everything that makes Ohio State football one of the most respected and complete programs in the country.
As college sports continue to evolve, and as the line between athlete and professional blurs, student-athletes like Melton and Grayes remind us of the true purpose of collegiate athletics: to mold well-rounded individuals capable of succeeding in any arena. Their achievement is not just a personal victory—it’s a program victory, a university victory, and a proud moment for Buckeye Nation.
In a world where academic achievement often gets overshadowed by athletic triumphs, it’s worth celebrating these quieter wins. Because for Ohio State, success isn’t just defined by what happens on Saturdays in the fall. It’s also defined by what happens Monday through Friday—in the classroom, in the community, and in the choices these young men make to better themselves and represent the Scarlet and Gray with honor.
