Ohio State Football Icon Ted Smith, Who Anchored the Offensive Line During Archie Griffin’s Heisman Years, Passes Away at 71, Fans and Teammates Pay Tribute
The Ohio State Buckeyes community is grappling with the loss of a true legend. Ted Smith, one of the greatest offensive linemen in the storied history of Ohio State football, has passed away at the age of 71. The former All-American, best known for anchoring the Buckeyes’ offensive line during the iconic Archie Griffin era, died on Saturday, sending waves of grief and remembrance across the college football landscape.
Smith’s legacy at Ohio State cannot be overstated. As a stalwart on the offensive front during the mid-1970s, he played an instrumental role in shaping one of the most successful periods in Buckeye football history. He was a key protector and run-blocker for Archie Griffin, the only player in college football history to win the Heisman Trophy twice. Smith’s contribution to those unforgettable seasons helped cement the Buckeyes’ dominance in the Big Ten and etched his name into the annals of college football greatness.
Tributes have been pouring in from all corners of the sports world. On social media, former teammates, Ohio State alumni, fans, and college football analysts have paid homage to the man whose gritty performances and quiet leadership left an indelible mark. “Ted Smith wasn’t just a great player — he was a great person,” one former teammate wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “He was dependable, selfless, and exactly the kind of guy you wanted next to you in the trenches. I’m honored to have called him a friend.”
Born in the early 1950s, Smith grew up during a time when high school football under Friday night lights held communities together. His imposing size, natural athleticism, and deep understanding of the game quickly made him a standout at the high school level. By the time he reached the recruiting circuit, it was clear that Smith was destined for something special. He ultimately chose to attend Ohio State, then under the legendary leadership of head coach Woody Hayes — a decision that would define the trajectory of his football career.
Smith arrived in Columbus during a transformative time for the program. The Buckeyes were already a powerhouse, but it was clear that the team was building toward something historic. From the beginning, Smith showed a maturity and discipline beyond his years. While many offensive linemen prefer to work in anonymity, doing the thankless job of protecting quarterbacks and opening running lanes, Smith’s excellence on the field made him impossible to overlook. He was the anchor of an offensive line that would come to be regarded as one of the most dominant in college football during that era.
In 1974 and 1975, Ohio State fans were treated to back-to-back seasons of offensive brilliance, led by Archie Griffin, who remains a symbol of greatness in college football. While Griffin received the accolades, including two Heisman Trophies, he was always quick to credit the men up front who made it all possible. Among them, Ted Smith stood out as a leader and workhorse, often taking on the toughest matchups and neutralizing some of the most feared defenders in the country.
Griffin, speaking on Saturday evening after hearing the news of Smith’s death, remembered his former teammate with visible emotion. “There’s no Archie Griffin without guys like Ted Smith. He was the real deal — tough, smart, disciplined. He never wanted the spotlight, but he deserved it every bit as much as anyone on that field. I’ve lost a brother today.”
Indeed, the 1974 and 1975 Buckeye squads were teams full of stars, but Ted Smith’s presence on the offensive line provided the foundation on which all their success was built. He wasn’t flashy — he didn’t need to be. His game was about strength, positioning, and consistency. Week in and week out, he delivered pancake blocks and protected his quarterback with surgical precision. Coaches praised his film study habits and commitment to fundamentals, noting that Smith never took a play off.
After his college career, Smith briefly entertained the idea of going professional, but injuries and a strong sense of duty elsewhere in life led him to pursue a different path. While his playing days may have ended sooner than fans had hoped, Smith never strayed far from the game. He remained a presence in the Ohio State community, often appearing at alumni events and mentoring younger players. His love for the Buckeyes ran deep, and he never missed an opportunity to wear the scarlet and gray with pride.
Away from football, Smith led a quiet and impactful life. He was a family man, a husband, a father, and a grandfather. Friends describe him as someone who lived by old-school values: humility, hard work, and loyalty. “Ted was as solid a man off the field as he was on it,” one longtime friend said. “He didn’t need to talk a lot. You just knew he cared — about his family, his teammates, and doing things the right way.”
Smith also served his community in numerous ways, volunteering at youth football camps, supporting charitable foundations in Ohio, and giving back to his hometown through mentorship programs. For years, he worked as a high school football coach, passing along his knowledge to the next generation of players. Many of his former players have shared messages of gratitude in recent days, describing how Smith’s guidance changed the course of their lives.
In 2003, Ted Smith was inducted into the Ohio State Athletics Hall of Fame — a fitting tribute for a man whose contributions shaped an era. During the ceremony, he spoke briefly, as was his style, and thanked his family, coaches, and teammates. “Football gave me so much,” he said. “But it was the people who made it special — my brothers on the line, the fans in the Shoe, and everyone who helped me along the way. I’m just grateful I got to be part of it.”
The news of Smith’s passing has hit particularly hard for Ohio State fans who lived through the glory days of the 1970s. For them, Smith wasn’t just a player — he was a symbol of grit, unity, and Buckeye excellence. Fan tributes have flooded social media platforms, with many sharing old photos, newspaper clippings, and personal stories. “I remember watching him push defenders 10 yards downfield like it was nothing,” one fan recalled. “He was the kind of lineman who made you fall in love with the game.”
Ohio State head coach Ryan Day released a statement on Sunday morning, expressing condolences on behalf of the program. “We are deeply saddened by the loss of Ted Smith, a true Buckeye legend. His contributions to this university and our football program will never be forgotten. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.”
In honor of Smith, the university is planning a tribute during the upcoming season. A moment of silence is expected to be observed before the first home game, and there is talk of adding a patch to the team’s uniforms bearing his initials. For a man who never sought the spotlight, it’s a gesture that feels right — a quiet nod to a legacy that helped define what it means to be a Buckeye.
As the college football world pauses to reflect on Ted Smith’s life, what becomes clear is that his legacy extends far beyond statistics or highlight reels. He embodied the core of what college football is supposed to be — passion, sacrifice, teamwork, and pride in representing something bigger than oneself. Whether opening holes for a Heisman winner or offering advice to a young lineman decades later, Smith gave everything he had to the game and the people around him.
In the end, Ted Smith’s story is not just about football. It’s about how a kid from Ohio rose to prominence through hard work and character, how he became part of something legendary, and how he lived a life of meaning long after the final whistle blew. For Buckeye Nation, his loss is profound — but so too is the gratitude for what he gave.
He leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire generations of Ohio State players and fans alike. As the Buckeyes take the field this fall, many will look to the trenches and remember the man who helped define them — Ted Smith, forever a Buckeye.
