Ohio State Reported Mixed Campus Crime Data for 2025
The university released its 2026 Annual Security Report detailing changes in crime statistics from the previous year.
Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Sex Crimes
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Ohio State University released its 2026 Annual Security Report, revealing a rise in stalking and fondling cases on its Columbus campus during 2025. Conversely, the university saw a sharp decline in alcohol-related arrests compared to 2024.
Why it matters
Federal law mandates that universities receiving public funding disclose annual campus crime statistics to maintain transparency. These figures help the community assess safety levels and track policy outcomes, such as those related to student conduct and hazing prevention.
Official campus security data confirms 82 stalking cases and 77 fondling cases reported during 2025, alongside 25 reported rape incidents. Investigators continue to process these Clery Act-mandated filings as part of the university's annual security disclosure.
The players
Ohio State University
This public research university in Columbus maintains an extensive on-campus security infrastructure including more than 5,000 cameras.
Ohio State University Police Division
This law enforcement agency is authorized to employ 78 sworn police officers to patrol the university grounds.
The details
Reported stalking increased by approximately 15 percent, while fondling cases rose from 62 to 77. Meanwhile, alcohol violation arrests dropped 87 percent to just eight incidents, a decline the university attributes to fewer arrests during football games and campus events.
Timeline
2024 served as the comparison baseline for annual crime statistics.
2025 was the calendar year covered by the report data.
September 30, 2026 marked the release of the 2026 Annual Security Report.
Legal Context
The Clery Act mandates that universities provide transparency regarding campus safety by publicly documenting crime statistics. Recent amendments via the Stop Campus Hazing Act have expanded this legal framework to include hazing as a reportable crime category.
The increased frequency of stalking and fondling reports may lead to heightened security awareness or additional safety protocols for students and staff on campus. Residents and students should remain informed of these trends as the university updates its safety strategies.
The takeaway
The data highlights a significant fluctuation in campus safety metrics, particularly regarding sex-related offenses and alcohol violations. Students and residents are encouraged to utilize campus security resources, including the university's extensive monitoring network, to stay safe.
Further reading
For more information on safety and reporting, visit the Sex Crimes section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Lantern.
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