A familiar face watched Ohio State impose its will in a dominant Week 1 victory.
The Buckeyes opened their 2024 campaign with a 52-6 blowout over Akron. Former head coach Jim Tressel attended Saturday’s lopsided matchup at Ohio Stadium.
Time away from the sideline seems to have served Tressel well. The 71-year-old traded his signature sweater vests for a tight-fitting fleece that showed off his muscles.
“Random thought from Sunday — Jim Tressel has been working out,” Ohio State recruiting analyst Jeremy Birmingham wrote alongside a photo of Tressel at the game.
Random thought from Sunday — Jim Tressel has been working out. pic.twitter.com/ooPlB2UdOF
— Jeremy Birmingham (@Birm) September 1, 2024
Other observers were impressed by Tressel’s physique.
“This man is over 70 years old!!!!!” Matt Brown exclaimed.
“GYM Tressel,” a fan declared.
“Dang it Tress.
Note to self: No more excuses,” a Buckeyes fan wrote.
“Buckeye royalty,” a fan said. “Always, always make sure he has a seat at the table.”
After more than a decade at Youngstown State, Tressel led Ohio State to a 106-22 record as head coach from 2001 to 2010. The former Buckeyes assistant led them to an undefeated season and national championship in 2002.
Tressel resigned in 2011 after his players received impermissible gifts from the owner of a local tattoo parlor. The NCAA vacated the team’s 12 wins from 2010.
With or without those forfeited victories, Tressel accrued the program’s third-most wins behind Woody Hayes and John Cooper. He also leads the way with six victories in bowl games.
On Saturday, Tressel watched Ryan Day improve to 57-8 as Ohio State’s head coach. In his team debut, quarterback Will Howard tossed two of his three touchdown passes to freshman Jeremiah Smith.
Tressel likely also appreciated the Buckeyes limiting their opponents to just 177 total yards while forcing three turnovers. Ohio State will face Western Michigan in Week 2.
Related: The Spun’s Most Annoying People In Football Media: Elite Eight