Former Ohio State coach Jim Tressel reacts to Maurice Clarett’s Victory Bell assignment for Ring of Honor game

Ohio State is set to open its season on Saturday against Ball State. It will be a busy day for the Buckeyes. Ohio State will celebrate Senior Day when facing Ball State, while it will also be inducting former head coach Jim Tressel into the Ring of Honor.

Now, another former member of a Jim Tressel team, Maurice Clarett, will be playing a role in the celebration, ringing the pre-game Victory Bell. Tressel is excited about Clarett being involved, per Stefan Krajisnik of Cleveland.com.

“Maurice played a defining role in one of the most memorable seasons we had, but I’m even more proud of the man he has become and the lives he continues to impact,” Tressel said in a news release. “His journey is a powerful example of resilience, growth, and the importance of using our experiences to serve others. It will be a special memory to watch him ring the Victory Bell as we celebrate the legacy of the 2002 national championship team and the lasting bonds we built together.”

Tressel was the head coach at Ohio State from 2001 through 2010, leading Ohio State to a national title in 2002. He compiled a 106-23 record, while also seeing his teams play for two other BCS National Championships. Clarett was a major part of the 2002 team that won the title. He ran for 1,237 yards with 16 touchdowns that year, helping lead the Buckeyes as a freshman. He was also part of the staff for Ryan Day, working as a mentor during the 2024-25 campaign.

“Maurice Clarett is an important part of Ohio State football history, and it means a great deal to have him with us inside Ohio Stadium as our first Victory Bell Ringer of the season,” Day said in a news release. “What he accomplished for the 2002 national championship team will always be remembered, but the impact he has made around our program in recent years has been just as meaningful. Maurice has been great with our players, sharing his perspective, his experiences and the lessons he has learned. He has a powerful story, and our guys have benefited from the honesty, leadership and care he brings each time he is around the program.”

Ohio State comes into the season as the top team in the nation. After hosting Ball State in Week 1, they will travel to Texas in the second week of the season.

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