Former Ohio State football coach and Youngstown State University president Jim Tressel has been tapped as the state’s next lieutenant governor. Governor Mike DeWine made the announcement Monday, nominating Tressel to fill the role left vacant after Jon Husted’s recent move to the U.S. Senate.
Tressel’s appointment is a bit of a plot twist. Many expected DeWine to choose Lydia Mihalik, the state’s director of development, but instead, he went with a name that most Ohioans recognize from their Saturdays in the early 2000s.
“He knows Ohio,” DeWine said during the announcement. “I trust his judgment, and he has the ability to pull people together.”
From the Sidelines to the Statehouse
Tressel, 72, is best known for leading Ohio State to a national championship in 2002, but his resume extends far beyond the football field. He most recently served as president of Youngstown State University from 2014 to 2023. Before that, he built his coaching legacy at both Youngstown State and Ohio State, racking up accolades like AFCA Coach of the Year and the Paul “Bear” Bryant Award.
But Tressel’s time at OSU ended in controversy. He resigned in 2011 after a scandal involving players trading team memorabilia for tattoos and other perks. Still, his reputation as a leader remains strong, and his supporters believe he’ll bring that same discipline and vision to state politics.
What Happens Next?
Tressel’s nomination isn’t a done deal just yet—he still needs confirmation from the Ohio House and Senate. Given his popularity and leadership background, though, he’s expected to clear that hurdle without much trouble. If confirmed, he’ll serve as lieutenant governor through January 2027.
As for whether he’ll stick around in politics beyond that? Tressel didn’t rule out a run for governor in 2026. “This probably is not a greater moment in our state than we’ve had in hundreds of years with opportunities,” said Tressel. “We really need to do a good job of getting that workforce to execute those opportunities, to find out what it is we need to do to take advantage of them.”
For now, Ohioans will just have to wait and see if the former Buckeye coach can bring his winning ways to the Statehouse.
Featured image via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
