The very mention of Ohio State football conjures images of unbridled glory: packed stadiums roaring “O-H-I-O,” Heisman Trophy winners gracing the backfield, and Big Ten championships accumulating with relentless regularity. Buckeye Nation prides itself on a tradition of excellence, a history woven with triumphs that have shaped the very identity of the university and the state of Ohio. Yet, in 2025, an HBO documentary titled “Surviving Ohio State” has emerged, casting a long, sobering shadow over this storied legacy, forcing a reckoning with a dark chapter that has, for many, remained hidden beneath the veneer of gridiron success.
“Surviving Ohio State” is not a celebration of football prowess or a deep dive into the Xs and Os that make the Buckeyes a perennial national contender. Instead, it is a harrowing and unflinching exploration of the decades-long sexual abuse scandal involving Dr. Richard Strauss, a former team physician and sports medicine doctor at Ohio State University. The documentary, executive produced by George Clooney and directed by Academy Award-winner Eva Orner, is based on Jon Wertheim’s 2020 Sports Illustrated article, “Why Aren’t More People Talking About the Ohio State Sex Abuse Scandal?”, and chronicles Strauss’s years of abuse of male student-athletes, including wrestlers and football players, many of whom are speaking about their trauma publicly for the first time.
For Buckeye Nation, a fanbase accustomed to basking in the glow of athletic achievement, this documentary forces a painful realization: the very institution they so passionately support harbored a systemic failure that allowed horrific abuse to persist for decades. The narrative presented by “Surviving Ohio State” is a stark contrast to the celebratory chants and victory bells. It’s a story of silenced voices, ignored warnings, and an institutional culture that, according to the survivors, prioritized reputation and athletic success over the safety and well-being of its students.
The film meticulously details how Dr. Strauss, who worked at Ohio State from 1978 to 1998, allegedly abused hundreds of male student-athletes during examinations and treatments. What makes the documentary particularly impactful is its focus on the systemic failures that allowed this abuse to continue unchecked for so long. It examines allegations that numerous individuals within the university, including coaches and administrators, were aware of complaints or suspicious behavior but failed to act. This includes the controversial examination of whether Congressman Jim Jordan, an assistant wrestling coach at OSU from 1986 to 1994, knew about and ignored Strauss’s crimes – a point of contention that has been vigorously debated and denied by Jordan.
The emotional weight of the documentary comes from the raw, courageous testimonies of the survivors themselves. These are not just former athletes; they are individuals whose lives were irrevocably altered by the trauma they endured. Their stories are a testament to their resilience, but also a damning indictment of the institutional neglect that allowed their pain to fester for years. The documentary highlights their ongoing fight to hold the university accountable, a struggle that has included numerous lawsuits and the eventual payment of over $60 million to victims by the university following a 2019 investigative report.
The release of “Surviving Ohio State” on HBO in 2025 has had a profound impact on how Buckeye Nation views its beloved institution:
- Shattered Illusions: For many fans, the documentary has shattered long-held illusions of an unblemished, heroic athletic department. It forces a confrontation with the uncomfortable truth that behind the cheers and championships, a deep and disturbing darkness existed. This can be a particularly painful realization for those who have invested so much of their identity and pride in the Ohio State brand.
- A Call for Accountability: The documentary amplifies the survivors’ ongoing demand for full transparency and accountability from the university. While financial settlements have been made, many survivors seek a more profound acknowledgment of wrongdoing and systemic change to prevent future abuses. The film places renewed public pressure on the university to address these calls.
- Redefining “Pride”: Buckeye Nation’s pride has always been rooted in athletic achievement. “Surviving Ohio State” challenges fans to expand their definition of pride to include demanding justice, advocating for victims, and holding their institution to a higher moral standard. True pride, the documentary implicitly argues, must encompass confronting difficult truths and striving for genuine institutional integrity.
- Internal Division and Dialogue: The documentary has likely sparked intense internal dialogue and potentially division within the Ohio State community. Some might feel defensive, eager to protect the university’s reputation, while others will be galvanized to support the survivors and demand change. This internal reckoning, while painful, is a necessary step towards healing and progress.
- Long-Term Impact on Reputation: While Ohio State football’s on-field success continues, “Surviving Ohio State” will undoubtedly be a permanent part of the university’s historical narrative. HBO’s reputation for impactful, in-depth documentaries means that this film will be seen by a wide audience, shaping public perception of Ohio State for years to come. It serves as a constant reminder that the pursuit of glory cannot come at the expense of human dignity and safety.
The contrast between the “Football Glory” that defines Ohio State’s athletic image and the “Tragic Realization” brought forth by “Surviving Ohio State” is stark and deeply unsettling. It’s a testament to the power of documentary filmmaking to unearth uncomfortable truths and force a re-evaluation of institutions held in high esteem. For Buckeye Nation, the documentary is not just a film; it’s an invitation to acknowledge a painful past, support the courageous survivors, and ultimately contribute to a future where the university’s pride is built not just on victories, but on an unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of every single student-athlete. The cheers of the Horseshoe now mingle with the quiet, haunting echoes of those who, in their pursuit of athletic dreams, were forced to “survive Ohio State” in ways no one should ever have to know.
