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Ohio State Legends James Laurinaitis, Chris Ward Nominated For College Football Hall of Fame

This is the fifth and sixth times, respectively, that former Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker James Laurinaitis and offensive tackle Chris Ward have been on the hall of fame ballot.

Casey Smith

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The National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame announced the nominees for the College Football Hall of Fame Class of 2024 Monday, and two Ohio State Buckeyes made the cut.

Former Ohio State linebacker James Laurinaitis and offensive tackle Chris Ward are on the 2024 ballot along with 76 other eligible nominees from the Football Bowl Subdivision. Voters have until June 30 to cast their ballots with the inductees being announced in early 2024 with the induction ceremony taking place Dec. 10, 2024.

Laurinaitis, who is on the ballot for the fifth time, recorded nine tackles in his freshman campaign in 2005 before anchoring the middle of former head coach Jim Tressel's defense from 2006-08. 

He led the Buckeyes in tackles his final three seasons in Columbus, finishing his career with the ninth-most in program history with 375. He also recorded 24.5 tackles for loss, 13 sacks and nine interceptions.

The Wayzata, MN. native was drafted with the No. 35 pick in the second round of the 2009 NFL Draft, recording 871 tackles across eight seasons in the league. He now serves as a graduate assistant, coaching the Buckeyes' linebackers.

Ward, who is on the ballot for the sixth time, was a member of the 1975 offensive line that helped propel all-time great Archie Griffin to his second Heisman Trophy victory.

The three-time first-team All-Big Ten selection was also a two-time consensus All-American as Ohio State’s starting left tackle from 1975-77.

Ward was drafted with the No. 4 overall pick by the New York Jets in 1978, playing in the NFL for seven years.

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Casey Smith
CASEY SMITH

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