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. The memorial honors Smith’s remarkable football career, particularly his contribution to the national championship squad in 2002, as well as his enduring influence as a philanthropist and leader. The university
In the fall of 2026, Ohio State University will unveil a life-size bronze statue of the late Buckeyes legend Will Smith near the iconic Ohio Stadium, a memorial designed to honor a man whose impact extended far beyond the football field. The statue is not just a tribute to Smith’s athletic achievements, but also a reflection of his commitment to service, his leadership, and the indelible mark he left on his alma mater and the communities he touched throughout his life. This forthcoming installation represents more than bronze and stone—it’s a living legacy in the heart of Columbus, a permanent reminder of what it means to wear scarlet and gray with purpose.
Will Smith first arrived at Ohio State University in the late 1990s, recruited out of Utica, New York, as a promising defensive end with tremendous raw talent and discipline. Even as a freshman, Smith showed the kind of intensity, humility, and leadership that would come to define his entire career. Coaches and teammates alike recall his early days in the program as the beginnings of something special. He was never the loudest player in the room, but he was often the most focused. That quiet intensity translated into a relentless work ethic on and off the field. Smith was known for arriving early to practice, studying film late into the night, and mentoring younger players who looked to him not only for football advice but for how to carry oneself with professionalism and class.
The defining moment of Smith’s collegiate career came in 2002, when he played a pivotal role in Ohio State’s run to the national championship. That season, the Buckeyes fielded a defense that was as punishing as it was precise, and Smith stood at its heart. His dominant play on the edge, combined with a fierce tenacity and a cerebral approach to the game, helped propel Ohio State to an undefeated season and a national title. The BCS Championship Game against the Miami Hurricanes is now enshrined in college football lore, and Smith’s performance that night—relentlessly pressuring the quarterback and setting the edge against one of the most talented offenses in college football history—was a key component of the Buckeyes’ victory. For Ohio State fans, Smith became a symbol of the grit, discipline, and resilience that defined that legendary squad.
After his stellar college career, Smith was drafted 18th overall in the first round of the 2004 NFL Draft by the New Orleans Saints, beginning a new chapter that would see him grow into not only a Pro Bowl-caliber player but also a civic leader in a city known for its challenges and its deep community ties. Smith played his entire NFL career with the Saints, becoming a cornerstone of their defense and helping lead the team to a Super Bowl XLIV victory in 2010. His time in New Orleans extended beyond football; Smith and his wife, Racquel, became deeply involved in local philanthropy, establishing the “Where There’s a Will, There’s a Way” foundation, focused on providing opportunities and mentorship to at-risk youth.
Tragically, Smith’s life was cut short in 2016 when he was fatally shot in New Orleans, a loss that reverberated through the Ohio State community, the city of New Orleans, and the broader world of sports. The outpouring of grief and remembrance following his death spoke volumes about the kind of man Smith had been—respected by peers, admired by fans, and cherished by those who knew him personally. It was clear that Smith’s legacy was not defined solely by sacks and tackles, but by the lives he touched through quiet generosity, mentorship, and a steadfast commitment to making a difference.
The decision to commemorate Smith with a statue near Ohio Stadium was not made lightly. University officials, in collaboration with alumni, former teammates, and Smith’s family, spent years planning how best to honor his legacy. The statue’s location, just steps from the Horseshoe where Smith made so many memorable plays, is both symbolic and deliberate. It allows future generations of Buckeyes—players and fans alike—to walk past and reflect on the values he embodied: excellence, leadership, humility, and compassion. The statue itself, crafted by a nationally recognized sculptor, captures Smith in his game-day uniform, mid-stride, exuding the strength and purpose that made him a force on the field. However, the base of the statue features a plaque not of statistics, but of quotes from those who knew him, alongside messages of inspiration that speak to his enduring influence.
Ohio State’s athletic director remarked that Smith’s statue is not just about honoring a player from the past, but about setting a standard for the future. “Will represented what we hope every Buckeye will strive to be,” he said during the announcement. “He was a champion, a leader, a father, and a man who used his platform to uplift others. This statue is a promise to remember him, to tell his story, and to challenge ourselves to live with the same integrity and heart.” For current players, many of whom were still children when Smith played, the statue will serve as a constant reminder that greatness is not measured solely in wins, but in the character one exhibits when no one is watching.
Smith’s former teammates have also been instrumental in the planning of this tribute. Many of them recall how Smith was the glue of the locker room during their championship run, a man whose intensity on the field was matched only by his generosity off it. Several players credit him with helping them navigate personal challenges, staying grounded during the spotlight of success, and reminding them of the importance of giving back. At the dedication ceremony, scheduled for Homecoming weekend in October 2026, a number of these former players are expected to return to Columbus, forming a powerful reunion that will blend celebration with solemn remembrance. Racquel Smith, along with their children, will also be in attendance, adding a deeply personal note to what promises to be one of the most emotional events in recent Ohio State history.
The installation of Will Smith’s statue comes at a time when college sports are increasingly reckoning with the legacies of their stars—not just in terms of on-field performance, but in the context of community impact, post-career contributions, and personal character. In honoring Smith, Ohio State is helping to set a new precedent for what it means to be immortalized on campus grounds. This is not just a monument to athletic prowess; it is a call to action, urging those who pass by to consider how they, too, can use their talents and platforms for a greater good.
The university has also announced plans to incorporate Smith’s story into its first-year orientation programming for incoming student-athletes. A short documentary chronicling his life, from his early days in New York to his rise in Columbus and his philanthropic work in New Orleans, will be shown annually to remind young players of the holistic nature of legacy. Beyond wins and awards, the message is clear: the truest measure of success is how you uplift those around you. To further cement this philosophy, a scholarship fund in Smith’s name will be established for student-athletes who demonstrate not only athletic potential, but a commitment to leadership and community service. It is a fitting continuation of Smith’s work, ensuring that his spirit continues to shape Buckeye culture for decades to come.
As the bronze figure of Will Smith takes its place among the storied landmarks of Ohio State’s campus, it becomes part of a larger narrative—one that weaves together triumph, tragedy, perseverance, and hope. It stands not only as a tribute to a beloved son of Ohio State but as a beacon for future generations. For fans, alumni, and current players, it will offer a moment of reflection on game days, a pause amidst the roar of the crowd to remember a man who gave so much, asked for little, and left behind a legacy as enduring as any in Buckeye history. In the bronze eyes of the statue, there will be no scoreboard, no championship ring, just the quiet, unflinching gaze of a man who lived his life with purpose, who played for something greater than himself, and who will forever remain a part of the heartbeat of Ohio State.
