Breaking: In the fall of 2026, Ohio State University will install a life-size bronze statue of the late Buckeyes legend Will Smith close to Ohio Stadium. Smith’s exceptional football skills are acknowledged in the homage.
In the fall of 2026, Ohio State University will unveil a life-size bronze statue honoring one of its most beloved and impactful athletes, the late Will Smith. Set to be installed near the iconic Ohio Stadium—colloquially known as “The Horseshoe”—this tribute recognizes not only Smith’s achievements on the field but also his enduring legacy as a leader, mentor, and symbol of resilience. The statue will stand as a permanent reminder of a man whose influence extended far beyond the boundaries of the football field.
Will Smith’s legacy at Ohio State began in 2000 when he arrived on campus from Utica, New York. Even as a freshman, it was clear he possessed not only rare physical gifts but also the mental discipline and tenacity required to excel in the intense world of collegiate athletics. Over his four-year career with the Buckeyes, Smith evolved from a promising recruit into one of the most dominant defensive ends in the nation. His combination of speed, strength, and football intelligence made him a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks and a central figure in the Buckeyes’ defensive schemes.
Smith’s most storied season came in 2002, when the Buckeyes went undefeated and captured the BCS National Championship in a legendary double-overtime win against the Miami Hurricanes. That season, Smith was a defensive powerhouse. He recorded 10.5 sacks, disrupted offensive lines, and brought pressure in pivotal moments. More than just a statistical leader, he was a vocal captain and emotional anchor for the team. His performance that year earned him national acclaim and All-American honors, but more importantly, it cemented his place in Buckeye lore.
After graduating, Smith was selected in the first round of the 2004 NFL Draft by the New Orleans Saints, where he spent his entire professional career. In the NFL, he was no less imposing. Over ten seasons, Smith compiled 67.5 career sacks and was named to the Pro Bowl in 2006, the same season the Saints reached the NFC Championship. His role in the Saints’ transformation from perennial underachievers to Super Bowl champions in 2009 was widely praised. That Super Bowl run was a story of redemption and unity for a city still healing from the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, and Smith was a foundational piece of that narrative. His loyalty to New Orleans, both on and off the field, left an indelible mark on the city’s sports culture and its people.
Beyond his achievements in football, Smith was widely respected for his humanitarian work and his dedication to community service. He and his wife, Racquel, established the “Where There’s a Will, There’s a Way” Foundation, which focused on youth development and education, particularly for at-risk children in both Ohio and Louisiana. Smith regularly returned to Columbus during the offseason to mentor student-athletes, speak at community events, and contribute to local charities. His efforts reflected a deep understanding that athletic success was a platform—not a destination.
Tragically, Will Smith’s life was cut short in April 2016 when he was fatally shot in a road-rage incident in New Orleans. The news sent shockwaves through both the NFL and college football communities. Tributes poured in from across the country, remembering him not only as a fierce competitor but as a devoted family man, community leader, and advocate for positive change. His passing left a void, particularly at Ohio State, where his presence had remained felt long after his graduation.
The decision to honor Smith with a statue came after years of discussion among Ohio State administrators, former teammates, coaches, and alumni. The university sought to commemorate not only his athletic excellence but also the values he embodied: perseverance, integrity, humility, and leadership. The statue project was spearheaded by the Ohio State Athletics Department, with significant input from Smith’s family and former teammates. It is being funded through a combination of private donations, alumni contributions, and university support, a testament to how deeply his memory resonates with those who knew him or were inspired by his story.
The statue itself is being sculpted by a renowned artist who has created similar monuments across the country. It will depict Smith in a dynamic pose—mid-stride, eyes focused, as if bearing down on an unseen quarterback. The detail in the bronze will capture not only his physical prowess but the quiet intensity that defined his style of play. Etched into the base of the statue will be the words: “Will Smith—Leader, Champion, Buckeye Forever,” along with a brief inscription detailing his accomplishments and his contributions to both sport and society.
Location was an important consideration for the installation. The statue will stand in close proximity to Ohio Stadium, at a site where fans gather before games and where current players pass by en route to battle. The hope is that Smith’s image will serve as both a tribute and a source of inspiration—a reminder of the standards to which Buckeyes hold themselves and of the possibilities that arise from unwavering commitment and heart.
Current Ohio State head coach Ryan Day, when asked about the statue, spoke emotionally about what Will Smith represents. “Will was the kind of player every coach dreams of having. He had talent, yes, but also the work ethic and the character that made teams better. He led by example, and he made those around him want to be better. His legacy lives on in the players who walk into that locker room every year.” Athletic Director Gene Smith echoed those sentiments, adding that “this statue is not just for Will—it’s for every young athlete who sees it and understands what it means to be a Buckeye.”
For many former teammates, the statue is a way to keep Smith’s memory alive in the most fitting way possible. Maurice Clarett, who played alongside Smith during the 2002 championship season, has often spoken about the leadership Smith brought to the team. “He didn’t talk a lot,” Clarett once said, “but when he did, everyone listened. He carried himself like a professional from day one. And when you watched him work, you knew what greatness looked like.” Others, like A.J. Hawk and Mike Doss, have called the statue “long overdue” and “a beautiful reminder of a brother gone too soon.”
The public unveiling, set for a crisp Saturday morning in September 2026, will coincide with a home game against a traditional Big Ten rival. Plans are underway for a large gathering of former players, coaches, and community leaders. Smith’s family will be present, including his children, who will have the opportunity to see their father’s image cast in bronze for generations to come. The ceremony will include speeches, musical performances by the Ohio State Marching Band, and a moment of silence to reflect on the man behind the helmet.
The installation also highlights a broader movement within college sports to recognize athletes not just for their victories, but for their broader human impact. Statues, once reserved almost exclusively for coaches or historic game moments, are now increasingly used to celebrate the lives and legacies of players who shaped programs culturally as well as competitively. Will Smith fits that mold perfectly. His life was a blend of personal excellence, communal responsibility, and a quiet, unshakable resolve that made him a pillar of every team he was part of.
For the thousands of fans who walk past the statue every season, it will stand as a beacon of Buckeye pride. But for those who knew him, or who study his life in years to come, it will symbolize something deeper—a standard of excellence rooted not just in success but in service, sacrifice, and self-belief. In that way, the statue of Will Smith will not merely memorialize the past; it will help shape the values and aspirations of future Buckeyes.
As the Ohio sun casts its light across the bronze figure each autumn, fans will see more than a football player. They’ll see a champion of the game, a guardian of the Buckeye tradition, and a man whose life—though tragically shortened—continues to illuminate the path for those who follow.
