Should Jim Tressel Be Ohio State's Next President?

Buckeye Talk podcast discusses the impact of the university's presidential search

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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In the latest episode of the Buckeye Talk podcast, hosts Stephen Means and Stefan Krajisnik discuss the resignation of Ohio State University's president, Ted Carter, due to an inappropriate relationship. They then make the case for why former Buckeyes football coach Jim Tressel should be considered as a serious candidate to become the university's next president.

Why it matters

Ohio State is a prominent university with a strong athletics program, so the selection of its next president will have significant implications for the school's leadership, priorities, and direction. Tressel's potential candidacy is noteworthy given his successful tenure as the Buckeyes' football coach and his deep ties to the university.

The details

Ted Carter resigned as Ohio State's president after an inappropriate relationship came to light. In the Buckeye Talk podcast, the hosts argue that Tressel, who led the Buckeyes football team to a national championship in 2002, would be an ideal candidate to take over as the university's next president. They cite Tressel's strong leadership skills, his understanding of the university's culture and priorities, and his ability to connect with the school's passionate fan base.

  • On March 10, 2026, Ohio State announced the resignation of President Ted Carter.
  • In the latest episode of the Buckeye Talk podcast, released on March 10, 2026, the hosts discussed the university's search for a new president.

The players

Ted Carter

The former president of Ohio State University who resigned due to an inappropriate relationship.

Jim Tressel

The former head coach of the Ohio State Buckeyes football team, who led the team to a national championship in 2002 and is being considered as a potential candidate for the university's next president.

Stephen Means

One of the hosts of the Buckeye Talk podcast, who discussed the university's presidential search.

Stefan Krajisnik

The other host of the Buckeye Talk podcast, who discussed the university's presidential search.

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What they’re saying

“Ohio State is again looking for a new president after Ted Carter's resignation due to an inappropriate relationship.”

— Stephen Means, Buckeye Talk podcast host (cleveland.com)

“Then, they present a case for why former head coach Jim Tressel should be a serious candidate to be the university's next president.”

— Stefan Krajisnik, Buckeye Talk podcast host (cleveland.com)

What’s next

The university's search committee will review potential candidates and make a recommendation to the Board of Trustees, who will ultimately select the next president of Ohio State University.

The takeaway

The selection of Ohio State's next president will be a closely watched decision, given the university's prominence and the potential for Jim Tressel, a beloved former coach, to take on the role. The new president will need to navigate the university's priorities, including its strong athletics program, and maintain its status as a leading public research institution.