BREAKING: Ohio State University to Honor Late Buckeyes Legend Will Smith with Life-Size Bronze Statue Near Ohio Stadium
Ohio State University has announced plans to unveil a life-size bronze statue of the late Buckeyes legend Will Smith in Fall 2026, marking a profound tribute to one of the program’s most revered athletes. The statue will be placed near the iconic Ohio Stadium, a location chosen to reflect Smith’s indelible connection to the heart of Buckeye Nation. This monument will serve not only as a commemoration of Smith’s outstanding football achievements but also as a testament to his leadership, character, and the enduring legacy he left behind as both a player and a humanitarian.
Will Smith’s story is one that continues to resonate deeply within the Ohio State community and the broader landscape of college football. A dominant force on the field and an inspiration off it, Smith was a cornerstone of the Buckeyes’ 2002 national championship team. His performance that season, and throughout his career at Ohio State, helped solidify the university’s standing as a powerhouse in college football. More importantly, his impact extended far beyond statistics and accolades. Smith embodied the values of integrity, perseverance, and leadership, characteristics that defined his journey from a standout defensive end to a beloved figure remembered for his contributions to both sport and society.
Born and raised in Utica, New York, Smith arrived at Ohio State in 2000 and quickly made a name for himself with his relentless motor, football intelligence, and unshakable work ethic. By the time he was a junior in 2002, he had emerged as the linchpin of a defensive unit that powered the Buckeyes to an undefeated season and a national championship victory over the Miami Hurricanes in the Fiesta Bowl. That game remains one of the most iconic in college football history, and Smith’s presence on the defensive line was pivotal in stifling a high-powered Miami offense that featured several future NFL stars.
Smith’s individual statistics were impressive—he finished his Ohio State career with 22 sacks and 46.5 tackles for loss—but his true value lay in his ability to elevate those around him. Coaches and teammates often spoke of his quiet leadership and unwavering commitment to excellence. He was not a vocal showman, but rather a steadying force whose example inspired others to follow. Head coach Jim Tressel frequently praised Smith’s discipline and humility, qualities that helped shape a championship culture in Columbus during the early 2000s.
Following his collegiate success, Smith was selected in the first round of the 2004 NFL Draft by the New Orleans Saints, where he continued to thrive as a professional. Over the course of a decade-long NFL career, he recorded 67.5 sacks and was named to the Pro Bowl in 2006. He played a crucial role in the Saints’ historic Super Bowl XLIV win in the 2009 season, helping deliver the franchise’s first championship and lifting the spirits of a city still recovering from the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. Smith’s impact in New Orleans extended off the field, where he and his wife Racquel were deeply involved in charitable efforts through their “Where There’s A Will, There’s A Way” foundation, which supported at-risk youth and aimed to break the cycle of poverty through education and mentorship.
Tragically, Smith’s life was cut short in 2016 when he was fatally shot during a traffic altercation in New Orleans. His death sent shockwaves through the sports world and left a community mourning the loss of a man who had come to symbolize perseverance, strength, and giving back. The outpouring of grief and support that followed underscored the profound impact he had made—not just as a football player, but as a husband, father, friend, and role model.
Ohio State’s decision to honor Smith with a permanent statue represents more than just a recognition of athletic prowess. It is a tribute to a life lived with purpose and to a legacy that continues to inspire. University President Walter “Ted” Carter Jr. remarked in the official announcement, “Will Smith exemplified everything that we strive to instill in our student-athletes: courage, resilience, leadership, and a deep commitment to serving others. His memory lives on in the countless lives he touched, and this statue will ensure that future generations of Buckeyes understand and appreciate the extraordinary man he was.”
The statue will be sculpted by acclaimed artist Tom Tsuchiya, known for his work on several sports monuments, including the Cincinnati Reds’ Hall of Fame statues. Tsuchiya’s design will depict Smith in his Ohio State uniform, frozen in mid-action as he bursts off the line of scrimmage—an image chosen to reflect the intensity and drive that defined his game. The statue will stand at the northwest entrance to Ohio Stadium, near the players’ tunnel, a symbolic placement that captures the essence of Smith’s journey and the inspiration he continues to provide to every Buckeye who walks through that tunnel.
In addition to the statue, Ohio State will also establish the Will Smith Leadership Award, to be presented annually to a current football player who demonstrates exceptional leadership on and off the field. The award will highlight character, academic excellence, community service, and dedication to team values—traits that defined Smith’s career and life. The first recipient will be announced at the unveiling ceremony in Fall 2026, which is expected to draw alumni, former teammates, NFL figures, and members of Smith’s family and foundation.
Racquel Smith, Will’s widow, expressed deep gratitude for the honor. “This means everything to our family,” she said. “Will loved Ohio State with all his heart. It’s where he grew into the man we all admired. He always said that his time there shaped who he became, and to see the university honor him in this way—it’s incredibly emotional and humbling. I know he’s smiling down, proud and thankful.”
Former teammates, including fellow Buckeyes from the 2002 team, have also shared their excitement and support. Cie Grant, who played alongside Smith on that championship squad, said, “Will was our leader. He didn’t have to say much because we all knew how serious he was about the game, about doing things the right way. Seeing him honored like this, it’s more than fitting—it’s necessary.”
The announcement has already sparked an outpouring of support from fans and alumni, many of whom still remember Smith’s game-changing plays and the quiet dignity with which he carried himself. Social media has lit up with tributes and photos, with many Buckeyes sharing their memories of Smith’s playing days and charitable work.
Ohio State’s tribute to Will Smith is part of a broader effort by the university to celebrate the history and culture of its football program while emphasizing the values that define its community. As college athletics continues to evolve, moments like these serve as powerful reminders of the human stories behind the helmets—the individuals whose lives and actions go far beyond the scoreboard.
For fans who watched Smith terrorize opposing quarterbacks, for teammates who drew strength from his presence, and for communities uplifted by his generosity, this statue will stand as a lasting symbol of excellence and service. More than just bronze and stone, it will be a reflection of a life well lived—a son of Ohio State whose legacy will forever echo through the Horseshoe and beyond.
As Fall 2026 approaches, anticipation will build for what promises to be one of the most emotional and meaningful moments in Ohio State football history. And when the statue is finally unveiled, in the shadow of the stadium where Will Smith once roared to life on Saturday afternoons, it will be more than a tribute. It will be a homecoming.
