Ohio State moves football Senior Day to Week 1

Ohio State has announced it will move its football Senior Day ceremonies to Week 1 of the upcoming season. Instead of honoring graduating players during the final home game of the regular season, the program will hold the ceremonies on September 5 during the season opener against Ball State.

The decision shifts the tradition away from the season-ending rivalry game against Michigan, scheduled for November 28. The rescheduled Senior Day will coincide with the enshrinement of former coach Jim Tressel into the team’s ring of honor.

This move is part of an effort by head coach Ryan Day to “normalize” the high-stakes rivalry game following several difficult years. Previous adjustments include changing the marching band’s practice schedule and opting to fly to Ann Arbor rather than traveling by bus.