James Laurinaitis Will Ring Victory Bell at Ohio State Game
The Ohio State linebackers coach will participate in the pre-game tradition on September 26, 2026.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Football
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Ohio State linebackers coach James Laurinaitis will ring the Victory Bell at Ohio Stadium before the September 26, 2026, game against Illinois. This honor recognizes his upcoming induction into the College Football Hall of Fame.
Why it matters
The ceremony serves as an on-campus salute to Laurinaitis, who is the 29th player from Ohio State to receive the prestigious Hall of Fame distinction. He is the first active coach or player to perform the tradition.
Laurinaitis recorded 375 total tackles and 13 sacks during his Ohio State career, later leading the NFL in solo tackles with 142 in 2012. He was selected 35th overall in the 2009 NFL Draft.
The players
James Laurinaitis
He is a decorated former linebacker and the current linebackers coach for the Ohio State University football team.
Ohio State University
This public research university in Columbus maintains one of the most successful college football programs in the nation.
College Football Hall of Fame
This institution preserves the history of the sport by honoring the greatest players and coaches from college football.
The details
The College Football Hall of Fame will hold a plaque presentation for Laurinaitis after the first quarter of the game. Laurinaitis, who won the 2006 Bronko Nagurski Trophy and the 2007 Butkus Award, served as a graduate assistant at Notre Dame in 2022 before returning to his alma mater.
Timeline
2005-2008: Laurinaitis played linebacker for Ohio State.
2009-2016: Laurinaitis played as a professional in the NFL.
September 26, 2026: Ohio State plays Illinois at Ohio Stadium.
December 8, 2026: Laurinaitis enters College Football Hall of Fame.
Season Trajectory
This recognition highlights the lasting legacy of star players within the collegiate system. It reinforces the program's prestige as it continues its schedule against conference rivals like Illinois.
Fans in Columbus will see the historic tradition occur during the September 26 game. This event provides an opportunity to honor a key member of the current coaching staff ahead of his national induction.
The takeaway
Recognizing coaches for their collegiate playing careers bridges the gap between past legends and the current program. This practice allows supporters to celebrate historical success while focusing on the present season.
What happens next
James Laurinaitis will be officially inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame on December 8, 2026.
Further reading
For more on the current team, visit the Football section.
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