Ohio Stadium, the iconic heart of Buckeye Nation, carries over a century of history, tradition, and memories. Yet, recent proposals to rename it after Ohio State legend Woody Hayes or two-time Heisman Trophy winner Archie Griffin have resurfaced, reigniting a debate steeped in legacy, loyalty, and institutional identity.
A movement with roots dating back to the 1970s and revived intermittently over the years has brought fresh attention to this question: Who deserves this ultimate honor? To answer, it’s worth examining the history, passions, and implications behind both candidates—and why this discussion continues to matter today.
🏅 Pioneering Proposal: Archie Griffin in 1976
The first serious attempt to rename the stadium came in March 1976, when State Representative Michael Stinziano introduced House Bill 1353, proposing “Archie Griffin Stadium.” This bold initiative—though lacking university endorsement—reflected the esteem held for Griffin, then a junior and already a Heisman-era star. As chronicled in The Lantern:
“House Bill 1353 … would have changed the name of Ohio Stadium to Archie Griffin Stadium without University approval.
Ultimately, tradition held sway—The Shoe remained Ohio Stadium, preserving its identity tied to the state and shared community ownership.
🏈 One Man in the Foundation: Woody Hayes
Later, as Hayes passed away in 1987, students and alumni revisited the renaming idea—this time proposing “The Woody Hayes Memorial Stadium.” The Undergraduate Student Government led a petition effort that year, aiming to honor Hayes’s remarkable 28-season tenure at Ohio State (1949–1978)
Hayes’s record speaks volumes:
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238–72–10 career record,
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5 national championships (1954, 1957, 1961, 1968, 1970),
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13 Big Ten titles,
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Inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1983.
While the initiative never passed, Hayes’s name remains, memorialized through the Woody Hayes Athletic Center, established in
🥇 Archie Griffin: The Only Two-Time Heisman Winner
Archie Griffin’s case remains compelling—he’s the only player in NCAA history to win two Heisman Trophies, in 1974 and 1975 ohiostatebuckeyes.com. His accomplishments include:
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A record 5,589 rushing yards,
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Four Rose Bowl starts,
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A still-nationwide revered legacy for humility and class.
In August 2024, a statue of Griffin was unveiled in Ohio Stadium’s rotunda—marking the first Buckeye football player to receive such an honor
During the ceremony, he reflected:
“I hope when people see this statue, they think about the great teams we had … and not just the guy who wore No. 45 and got too much credit.” en.wikipedia.org+10dispatch.com
His humility—seeing the teamwork over individual accolades—exemplifies the qualities many say are synonymous with the Buckeye spirit.
🛡️ Woody Hayes: The Tough, Fiery Architect
Hayes brought a philosophy to The Shoe like none before. Known for his old-school intensity, discipline, and ability to win, his legacy is etched into Ohio State’s identity:
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Five national titles,
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A relentless work ethic and “three yards, and a cloud of dust” running game,
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Mentoring future coaches and leaving an imprint on Ohio State’comfoxsports.com+2en.wikipedia.org
Despite controversy—most notably the 1978 punching incident—Hayes is remembered as much for his grit and devotion as for his missteps.
🎓 Weighing the Options: Name with Care
1. Symbol vs. System
Ohio Stadium is more than a venue—it’s a symbol of Ohio’s collective spirit. Renaming it after an individual risks shifting its identity from a public legacy to a personal tribute.
2. Personal vs. Positional Legacy
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Griffin represents personal achievement, humility, and deep-rooted ties to Columbus—he embodies what it means to
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Hayes represents structural impact—an architect of OSU football excellence and rigor, but also a figure of complexity.
3. Precedent and Risk
Institutions rarely rename signature venues. Renaming would set a bold precedent. It raises questions: Which other figures qualify? Tradition vs. the evolving alumni or donor dynamics?
🏛️ Tradition vs. Honor Culture
Institutional naming holds significance. Many historic venues retain original names, keeping civic and cultural neutrality. In contrast, honoring individuals with statues, scholarships, or building wings achieves recognition without renaming icons.
Ohio State already demonstrates balance: the Woody Hayes Athletic Center, statue of Griffin, and Archie Griffin Drive showcase prestige and devotion without shifting The Shoe’s name.
🗣️ What Buckeye Nation Says
Online discussions highlight the emotional resonance behind each option.
On Reddit’s r/Columbus, a tribute to Griffin dotting the “i” in Script Ohio was met with overwhelming affection:
“A man born and raised in Columbus, a Buckeye for life … grateful to be recognized by the university to which he offered a life’s worth of service.”ohiostatebuckeyes.com
Similarly, long-time fans on r/CFB likened Griffin to the perfect embodiment of Ohio State greatness:
“If you had to design a player to perfectly encapsulate a program […] it’d probably be Archie Griffin.”
These voices underscore the emotional power behind either renaming decision.
🧭 What’s Next for the Debate
Ohio Stadium’s name remains unchanged—for now. But with legacy discussions ongoing, several paths forward emerge:
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Enhanced Honors Without Renaming
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Additional statues, scholarships, or annual events could anchor legacy without renaming risk.
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Contextual Naming (e.g., “Archie Griffin Corner”)
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Honoring iconic areas within the stadium acknowledges individuals without altering the core name.
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Broader Recognition, Inclusive Honors
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Pairing tributes—honoring both Griffin and Hayes—recognizes complementary significance: individual greatness and coaching impact.
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🏁 Final Word
The question of renaming Ohio Stadium to Archie Griffin Stadium or Woody Hayes Memorial Stadium isn’t merely bureaucratic—it’s about identity, legacy, and the values embodied in Buckeye culture. Griffin’s humility, hometown roots, and unmatched personal achievements resonate deeply. Hayes’s transformational leadership and institutional impact shape Ohio State’s competitive DNA.
Ultimately, the best path may not be a renaming, but rather enriching honors that celebrate both men in ways that respect tradition while paying tribute. The statues, named drives, and center dedications already in place offer powerful recognition—honoring what they stood for without erasing a symbol that belongs to all Ohioans.
In the end, The Shoe belongs to everyone, just as its history belongs to all who’ve walked its steps. And within its shadow, the legacies of Griffin and Hayes will continue to inspire—for generations to come.