Former Ohio State football coach Jim Tressel says he’s thinking about running for governor.

Former Ohio State football coach Jim Tressel, now serving as Ohio’s lieutenant governor, has confirmed that he is considering a run for governor in the 2026 election. This announcement adds a new dimension to an already competitive Republican primary field.(Wikipedia)

Jim Tressel is a household name in Ohio, renowned for his tenure as head coach of the Ohio State Buckeyes football team from 2001 to 2010, during which he led the team to a national championship in 2002. After retiring from coaching, Tressel served as president of Youngstown State University from 2014 until 2023. His deep ties to Ohio and his leadership experience have made him a respected figure in the state.(ESPN.com)

In February 2025, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine nominated Tressel to serve as the state’s 67th lieutenant governor, following Jon Husted’s appointment to the U.S. Senate. Tressel was confirmed by the Ohio General Assembly and sworn into office on February 14, 2025. Governor DeWine emphasized that Tressel’s focus would be on education and workforce development during his tenure as lieutenant governor. (Wikipedia, ABC News)

On May 8, 2025, Tressel confirmed that he is considering a run for governor in the 2026 election. He acknowledged the speculation surrounding his potential candidacy and stated that he is “thinking about it.” Tressel emphasized that his current focus is on his duties as lieutenant governor, but he did not rule out the possibility of a gubernatorial campaign. (Wikipedia, Ohio Capital Journal)

His potential candidacy adds a new dynamic to the Republican primary race, which already includes Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost and biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy. Ramaswamy, who has secured the Ohio Republican Party’s endorsement, has also received backing from former President Donald Trump. Yost, initially a strong contender, suspended his campaign after losing the party’s endorsement to Ramaswamy. (ABC News, Politico, AP News)

If Tressel decides to run, he would enter a competitive field. A recent poll indicated that Ramaswamy leads the potential GOP primary with 46% support, while Tressel has 19% and Yost has 13%. This suggests that Tressel would need to consolidate support among Republican voters to be a viable candidate. (Semafor)

Tressel’s name recognition and leadership experience could be significant assets in a statewide campaign. However, his age—he is 72 years old—may be a factor to consider, as most first-time gubernatorial candidates are younger. Additionally, navigating the current political climate, which includes divisions within the Republican Party, would present challenges. (Ohio Capital Journal, News 5 Cleveland WEWS)

Tressel’s appointment as lieutenant governor has been met with approval from various quarters. State legislators have expressed confidence in his ability to fulfill the role, and his focus on education and workforce development aligns with priorities for Ohio’s future. (WOSU Public Media, ABC News)

However, some Democratic leaders have expressed skepticism about his potential gubernatorial bid. They suggest that Tressel’s alignment with certain factions within the Republican Party could influence his policy positions and approach to governance.

As Ohio approaches the 2026 gubernatorial election, Jim Tressel’s potential candidacy adds an intriguing element to the race. His decision will depend on various factors, including his assessment of the political landscape, his ability to garner support within the Republican Party, and his personal considerations regarding a statewide campaign. Ohio voters can expect a dynamic and competitive election as the field continues to take shape.(New York Post)