The Ohio State football community and college football at large are mourning the loss of former All-American offensive lineman Ted Smith, who passed away at the age of 71. Smith, whose name became synonymous with toughness, reliability, and unshakable leadership on the gridiron, left an indelible mark on the Buckeye program during his playing days and remained a cherished member of the Ohio State family long after his final snap. His death marks the end of an era for those who remember the grit and glory of Ohio State football in the 1970s.
Born in the heart of football country, Ted Smith grew up in Ohio with dreams of playing for the Buckeyes. From an early age, it was clear that Smith was no ordinary athlete. Standing tall and broad with quick feet and powerful hands, he was a natural on the offensive line. But it wasn’t just his physicality that made him special — it was his unwavering work ethic, attention to detail, and humble attitude that truly set him apart. He became a local high school star before committing to Ohio State, fulfilling a childhood dream and beginning what would become a legendary career in scarlet and gray.
Smith enrolled at Ohio State in the early 1970s, a period when the program was a perennial powerhouse under the legendary head coach Woody Hayes. From the moment Smith stepped onto campus, coaches and teammates alike knew they had something special in the young lineman. He wasn’t loud or flashy, but he brought a quiet intensity to the locker room that quickly earned the respect of everyone around him. As a redshirt freshman, he impressed in practice, and by his sophomore season, he earned a starting role on the offensive line — a position he never relinquished.
During his collegiate career, Ted Smith became the cornerstone of one of the most dominant offensive lines in college football. Known for his exceptional run blocking and pass protection skills, Smith helped pave the way for legendary Ohio State running backs and protect the team’s quarterbacks with a blend of technique and toughness that defined his era. He was a major contributor to multiple Big Ten title runs and bowl appearances, and his dominance did not go unnoticed. By his senior year, Smith had been named a unanimous All-American, a recognition reserved for the very best players in the country.
Teammates often described Smith as a “coach on the field” — someone who knew not only his assignment, but everyone else’s as well. His football IQ was off the charts, and he served as a mentor to younger players, helping them adjust to the demands of Big Ten football both physically and mentally. Despite all the accolades and the mounting praise from the media, Smith remained modest, often deflecting credit to his teammates and coaches. He viewed football as the ultimate team sport, and he carried that attitude into every practice and every game.
One of the defining moments of Smith’s career came in a brutal late-season clash with archrival Michigan — a game that often defined Ohio State’s season. Smith played through injury, refusing to come out of the game despite significant pain in his ankle. With Ohio State’s offense struggling to find momentum, Smith helped anchor a crucial second-half drive that led to a go-ahead touchdown. The Buckeyes held on for the win, and Smith’s tenacity that day became part of Ohio State lore. Stories of that game were retold for years, often as examples of what it meant to wear the Ohio State jersey.
Following his decorated college career, Smith briefly pursued a professional career in football, but his true passion always lay with the collegiate game and the values it instilled in young men. After hanging up his cleats, he remained closely connected to Ohio State, often appearing at alumni events, mentoring young players, and even volunteering his time during spring practices to lend his wisdom to the next generation of Buckeye linemen. His presence on campus was always met with respect and admiration.
Outside of football, Ted Smith built a successful career in business and was known for his charitable efforts throughout the state of Ohio. He frequently supported youth football programs, believing strongly in the power of sport to teach discipline, teamwork, and perseverance. He was also active in community development projects, often focusing on underserved neighborhoods. His humility off the field was every bit as striking as his dominance on it. For Smith, success was not measured in trophies or accolades, but in the impact he had on people’s lives.
Over the years, Smith received numerous honors, including induction into the Ohio State Athletics Hall of Fame and various lifetime achievement awards from football organizations across the country. Still, he remained the same down-to-earth man who once walked onto the Ohio State practice field with wide eyes and big dreams. He never lost touch with his roots, and he never forgot the lessons that football — and Ohio State — had taught him. He remained a fan of the program to his last days, watching every game, attending reunions, and offering his insights to anyone who asked.
Smith’s passing has drawn heartfelt tributes from across the college football landscape. Former teammates, coaches, and players have spoken out, recalling his fierce competitiveness, his gentle heart, and his unwavering loyalty. Ohio State head coach Ryan Day issued a statement saying, “Ted Smith was the embodiment of what it means to be a Buckeye. His legacy on the field speaks for itself, but it’s the man he was off the field that we’ll miss most.”
Former players have taken to social media and interviews to reflect on the ways Smith inspired them. Many remembered how he stayed late after practice to help underclassmen, how he never missed a team meeting, and how he carried himself with dignity and class even in the most intense circumstances. They spoke of a man who lived his life with purpose, who treated others with kindness, and who never let success go to his head.
In a particularly moving tribute, one of Smith’s former offensive line coaches said, “If I had to build the perfect lineman from scratch, I’d just start with Ted Smith. He was smart, tough, coachable, and dependable. But even more than that, he was a man of character — and that’s what I’ll always remember.”
Ted Smith’s legacy will continue to live on at Ohio State. The university is planning a tribute during the upcoming football season, with a moment of silence and a video honoring his contributions to the program. Discussions have already begun about creating a permanent memorial or naming an award in his honor — perhaps recognizing leadership, toughness, or service, all things that defined Smith’s life.
For many Ohio State fans and alumni, Ted Smith represents a golden era of Buckeye football — a time when the game was as much about heart as it was about talent. His death is a reminder that even the strongest among us are not immortal, but also a reminder that the impact one person can have on a team, a university, and a community can last forever.
As the Ohio State community says goodbye to one of its giants, the lessons Ted Smith taught — about hard work, humility, perseverance, and leadership — will continue to guide players and coaches for generations. His number may never be officially retired, but in the hearts and minds of Buckeye fans everywhere, Ted Smith is already a legend.
He is survived by his wife of nearly 50 years, his three children, and several grandchildren, all of whom he spoke about often and with immense pride. To them, he was more than a football player — he was a husband, father, and grandfather whose love was steady and unconditional. And to the Ohio State family, he will always be remembered not just as an All-American, but as a Buckeye through and through.
