Ohio State's Garrett Stover Earns Iron Buckeye Honor, Embraces Leadership Role

The linebacker is taking on a more vocal presence as he looks to elevate the Buckeyes' defense.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 7:08pm

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Garrett Stover, a three-year linebacker for Ohio State, has been recognized with the program's prestigious Iron Buckeye award, signifying his dedication in the weight room and consistency on the field. Stover is now embracing a more vocal leadership role within the linebacker room, aiming to push the unit to new heights after a disappointing end to last season.

Why it matters

Stover's growth both physically and as a vocal leader is crucial for an Ohio State defense looking to bounce back. As an experienced player, his ability to set the tone and standard for the linebacker group will be vital in elevating the entire unit's performance.

The details

Stover has added 10 pounds of muscle this offseason, now weighing in at 234 pounds. Beyond the physical development, he's also focused on improving his communication, hand usage, and coverage skills to become a more well-rounded linebacker. Stover is determined to be 'that guy everybody looks to when things get hard,' setting an example through his work ethic and intensity.

  • Stover earned the Iron Buckeye honor this offseason.
  • He's entering his third year in the Ohio State program.

The players

Garrett Stover

A linebacker for the Ohio State Buckeyes who has been recognized with the program's prestigious Iron Buckeye award for his dedication in the weight room and consistency on the field.

Cade Stover

Garrett's linebacker-turned-tight end cousin, who previously played for Ohio State and is now with the Houston Texans. Cade's physical, do-anything approach helped define the program's toughness in recent years.

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What they’re saying

“It means everything. It's been a big goal of mine ever since I've gotten here.”

— Garrett Stover, Ohio State Linebacker

“Being the same guy day in and day out…you know what you're going to get. That's what people look for.”

— Garrett Stover, Ohio State Linebacker

“Why not me? I wanted to be that guy everybody looks to when things get hard.”

— Garrett Stover, Ohio State Linebacker

What’s next

Stover and the Ohio State defense will look to carry their offseason momentum into the upcoming season, with the goal of bouncing back from last year's disappointing finish.

The takeaway

Garrett Stover's growth both physically and as a vocal leader within the Ohio State linebacker room is a promising sign for a defense seeking to elevate its performance. His willingness to embrace a more prominent role and set the standard for the unit could be a key factor in the Buckeyes' defensive resurgence.