Ohio State Buckeyes Football President Secures $16.5M Netflix Deal For Ohio State University Film: What’s Coming Isn’t Just a Documentary — It’s a Full-Throttle Tribute to the Legendary Empire That Defined a Generation

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In a blockbuster move that could change the way college football programs are remembered and revered, Ohio State University has secured a $16.5 million deal with Netflix for an exclusive, multi-part film series chronicling the rise, dominance, and cultural legacy of the Ohio State Buckeyes football program. This isn’t just a documentary — it’s an unapologetic, full-throttle tribute to one of the most iconic and dynastic programs in sports history.

Set to premiere in early 2026, the project has been in secret development for nearly a year under the leadership of Ohio State President Ted Carter and Athletic Director Gene Smith. With the streaming giant’s full backing and a production team that includes Emmy-winning sports documentarians and Hollywood veterans, the film promises to peel back the curtain on everything — from Woody Hayes’ infamous reign to the scarlet-streaked days of Urban Meyer, the fire of the Michigan rivalry, and the present-day vision under Ryan Day.

The Deal That Shook the College Football World

The $16.5 million price tag is one of the most significant media investments for a college sports program in history. Netflix reportedly beat out Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV+, and ESPN+ for the rights to tell the Ohio State story.

President Carter called the deal “not only a celebration of our football heritage, but a visionary partnership that amplifies our culture, connects generations, and educates the world about what makes Buckeye Nation so extraordinary.”

Gene Smith, who has overseen the program through multiple national championship runs and a transformation into a financial and competitive powerhouse, added, “This project goes beyond highlight reels. It captures the soul of our university, our people, and the fire that fuels everything we do.”

Legendary Rivalries, Raw Emotion, and Never-Before-Seen Footage

While the exact episode breakdown remains under wraps, early details promise to take viewers through a visceral journey covering the program’s birth in the late 1800s, its meteoric rise in the 20th century, and the battles that carved Ohio State’s name into football folklore.

The Game — Ohio State’s eternal rivalry with the Michigan Wolverines — will reportedly get a two-part deep dive, featuring exclusive interviews with legends on both sides of the divide: Archie Griffin, Desmond Howard, Bo Schembechler, Urban Meyer, Jim Harbaugh, and current players and coaches. Netflix sources claim they’ve obtained previously unreleased sideline and locker room footage from several classic matchups, including the legendary 2006 “Game of the Century.”

Viewers will also see:

• Behind-the-scenes footage from the 2002 and 2014 national championship runs.
• A candid exploration of Jim Tressel’s rise and fall, including the tattoo scandal that reshaped NCAA enforcement.
• A profile of the Urban Meyer era, from building a recruiting juggernaut to confronting personal demons and national controversy.
• A look at the Ryan Day transition, the impact of NIL, and Ohio State’s adaptation to the modern age.
• Insight into iconic players, from Troy Smith and Terrelle Pryor to Ezekiel Elliott, Chase Young, C.J. Stroud, and Marvin Harrison Jr.
• Personal stories from walk-ons, trainers, and support staff, offering a 360-degree view of Buckeye football.

A Program Bigger Than Football

What sets this project apart from typical sports documentaries is its scope. Ohio State’s influence isn’t limited to wins and trophies. The film will explore the cultural, racial, and social impact of Buckeye football, including:

• The integration of the Big Ten and Ohio State’s role in civil rights progress within sports.
• The rise of Ohio Stadium (“The Horseshoe”) as a landmark that rivals any cathedral of sport in the world.
• The impact of Ohio State football on state identity and economic development, particularly in Columbus.
• The rise of Buckeye culture, from Skull Session traditions to Script Ohio and the famed dotting of the “i.”

This isn’t just about nostalgia — it’s about legacy.

As one producer on the project said, “We’re not making a highlight package. We’re capturing how this program shaped lives, generations, and an entire state’s psyche. This is American history told through scarlet and gray.”

Buckeye Nation Goes Hollywood

The announcement has sent shockwaves through Buckeye Nation, with fans already treating the release like the Super Bowl. Merchandise tied to the series has already gone into pre-production, including retro jerseys, limited-edition posters, and a companion coffee table book with unseen photography from the OSU archives.

To generate buzz, Netflix plans to host premiere events in Columbus, New York, and Los Angeles, with rumored guest appearances from LeBron James (a known Buckeyes fan), Bruce Springsteen (who famously performed at Ohio Stadium), and a slate of former OSU legends.

There’s even chatter of a soundtrack album featuring artists from Ohio — including Kid Cudi, John Legend, and Trippie Redd — to fuse the cultural resonance of the state’s musical and athletic talent.

Reaction From Former Players and Coaches

News of the deal has sparked an outpouring of pride and reflection from past and present Buckeyes.

Heisman winner Troy Smith called the project “a long-overdue love letter to the fans, coaches, and players who’ve given everything for that Block O.”

Former head coach Urban Meyer, who has reportedly sat for hours of interviews, noted, “This program is a standard-bearer. Now the rest of the country is going to see why, not just in stats, but in heart.”

Even Jim Harbaugh, the longtime Michigan rival who now coaches the Los Angeles Chargers, reportedly participated in the documentary, saying, “I may bleed maize and blue, but I respect the fire and tradition of Ohio State. It’s what makes college football magical.”

The Broader Impact on College Football

This deal could signal a new frontier for elite college programs. With streaming services hungry for content and college sports generating unprecedented interest thanks to NIL, transfer portal drama, and expanded playoffs, expect more programs to follow Ohio State’s lead.

Already, rumors are swirling that Alabama, Notre Dame, and USC are exploring similar projects.

But make no mistake: Ohio State got there first, and they’re setting the bar high.

“This isn’t a puff piece,” said an ESPN analyst who previewed early cuts. “It’s a cinematic epic. Think The Last Dance, but with more cowbells, more emotion, and way more helmets.”

A Legacy in Motion

The timing of this film couldn’t be more fitting. With college football in a state of upheaval — superconferences forming, athletes gaining agency, and traditions being redefined — the Ohio State Netflix project serves as both a time capsule and a battle cry.

It reminds us that some programs don’t just adapt to change — they shape it.

It shows that tradition, when built the right way, isn’t a relic — it’s a rocket fuel.

And above all, it shows why the words “Go Bucks” resonate far beyond Columbus.

What to Expect From the Series

Netflix and Ohio State have been tight-lipped about the episode count and titles, but leaked storyboards suggest the series may include:

1. “Born from the Buckeye State” – Origins and early years
2. “Woody” – The Hayes era and the foundation of a powerhouse
3. “Ten Years’ War” – The fierce Bo vs. Woody rivalry
4. “Fall and Redemption” – The Cooper years, setbacks, and the Tressel revival
5. “The Chase” – Meyer, the 2014 championship, and chasing Bama
6. “Next Man Up” – The Day era, NIL, and the future

$16.5 million. One university. Countless stories.

In many ways, the Netflix deal is more than a media transaction — it’s a validation. A stamp that says Ohio State isn’t just one of college football’s greatest institutions — it’s a cultural force worthy of immortalization.

When the series premieres, it won’t just bring tears to Buckeye fans or fuel barbershop debates. It’ll put one of America’s most storied football empires under the brightest lights yet.

As the narrator in the trailer says: “This isn’t a game. This is Ohio State.”

And soon, the world will see why.