Shock and Sorrow: Ohio State Football Legend’s Sudden Passing at 71 Sparks Outpouring of Prayers

When you think about the unsung heroes who shape a champion’s story, who comes to mind? For Ohio State Buckeyes fans, Ted Smith wasn’t just another name on the roster—he was the relentless force in the trenches who made Archie Griffin’s back-to-back Heisman wins possible. Passing away at 71, Smith leaves behind a legacy that reminds us all: sometimes the biggest impact isn’t about flashy highlights, but about the grit, the grind, and the sheer will to adapt and excel—from linebacker to All-American offensive guard. It’s bittersweet to reflect on a time when linemen like Ted redefined toughness in a smaller, scrappier game, long before today’s towering athletes stormed the field. Brace yourself for a story that’s as much about heart as it is about history, honoring a Buckeye who never left the fight or the fandom. LEARN MORE.

Prayers are pouring in on social media after a legendary Ohio State football star died on Saturday. He was 71 years old.

One of the best offensive linemen in Ohio State Buckeyes football history has died. Ted Smith, an All-American standout on the offensive line, passed away over the weekend. The former Buckeyes standout was a starter on the offensive line during both of Archie Griffin’s Heisman Trophy-winning seasons.

Smith, who remained an Ohio State Buckeyes fan until he died, was a consensus All-American in his final season in Columbus. He began his career at Ohio State as a linebacker, before switching to right guard.

“They played me at linebacker my first two years at Ohio State, and then the coaches told me they wanted me to switch over and play on the offensive line. I didn’t like the idea at all, at first. I liked defense and hitting people. But coach Hayes told me he thought I could play on the offensive line and that’s where I would help the team the most. The first couple of days of practice were pretty miserable. Woody was on my butt pretty bad because I didn’t really have much of an idea what I was doing over there. But it slowly got better, and I learned the position. Woody knew what he was doing,” he told the Toledo Blade in 2009.

Smith said he remained close with Griffin, one of the best players in college football history.

“I played offensive line at 6-foot-1 and about 257 pounds. That was a decent size back then, but that would be small by today’s standards. The athletes are so much bigger and faster today. The game has changed a lot, in a lot of ways, but it still comes down to blocking and tackling. We used to just line up, knock people down, and then hand the ball to Archie Griffin. I was fortunate to play with an outstanding player like Archie. He is the same now as he was way back then – very humble and very appreciative of the talents he was given. He never thought he was better than anyone else, even with two Heisman Trophies. And he still appreciates his offensive linemen.

“I felt really honored to be named All-American as a senior. We had four guys from that team that made first team All-American, and that is a lot. Of course there was Archie; and Tim Fox, a safety; and our punter Tom Skladany, and myself. It was a great group of guys. We went to the Rose Bowl all four years I was there at Ohio State. Back then, before all this BCS and the national championship games, going to the Rose Bowl was very, very important. As a Buckeye, you wanted your season to end in Pasadena on January 1st.”

Prayers are pouring in for the friends and family members of Smith following his passing.

“Per his wishes, there will be no services. A celebration of life will be held at a later date,” his family announced.

“Herman-Veh Funeral Home & Crematory, Gibsonburg, Ohio, has the honor of assisting Ted’s family during this difficult time. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Gibsonburg Athletic Boosters under Ted R. Smith. To express online condolences or to watch Ted’s Tribute Video, please visit: www.hermanfh.com.”

Ted Smith, an All-American former Ohio State guard who helped pave the way for Archie Griffin’s two Heisman-winning seasons, died Saturday at 71 years old. https://t.co/oP1fXcGkDS

— Eleven Warriors (@11W) June 23, 2025

Our thoughts are with the friends and family members of the Ohio State Buckeyes legend.