COLUMBUS, Ohio — On Monday, Ohio’s governor, Mike DeWine, announced the nomination of Jim Tressel, former head coach of the Ohio State Buckeyes football team, for the position of lieutenant governor. DeWine commended Tressel, emphasizing his extensive background in education and leadership as critical assets for the state, particularly if he were to step in as governor at any point.
At 72 years old, Tressel concluded his tenure as president of Youngstown State University in 2023, a position he had occupied since 2014. Post-retirement, he has actively participated in initiatives focused on workforce and economic development.
“Jim Tressel embodies Ohio’s values,” DeWine stated during a press conference. “He is dedicated and shares my vision for Ohio’s future. He is capable of unifying people and is an effective leader. I have full confidence that should anything happen to me, he could seamlessly transition into the role of governor.”
The governor noted that Tressel would effectively succeed Jon Husted, who recently vacated the lieutenant governor position after accepting an appointment to the U.S. Senate, following JD Vance’s election as vice president. “Jim understands Ohio,” DeWine added. “I have faith in his judgment and consider him a natural leader.”
Tressel acknowledged DeWine’s leadership but indicated he would be new to the political scene. “I aim to familiarize myself with the work Jon Husted did, and I want to learn the intricacies of the job,” he remarked. “It’s about collaborating with the team and determining the best fit for each role. I am eager to assist wherever possible.”
The governor clarified that there had been no discussions regarding Tressel potentially running for governor in 2026, a year when DeWine must step down due to term limits. The race is already attracting attention, as Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost has announced his candidacy alongside former Morgan County school board member Heather Brazell-Hill. Biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, who hails from Cincinnati, is also expected to enter the race soon. Earlier on Monday, Ramaswamy shared that his campaign would commence in late February. Meanwhile, former Ohio Health Director Dr. Amy Acton is set to run as a Democrat.
For Tressel to assume the lieutenant governor role, his nomination must receive approval from both the Ohio Senate and Ohio House, which currently have Republican supermajorities.
Following a distinguished 15-year coaching career at Youngstown State, Tressel led Ohio State University’s football team from 2001 to 2010. During his time there, he guided the Buckeyes to win the 2002 national championship and secure six Big Ten championships. However, Tressel faced immense pressure to resign in May 2011 following a scandal involving memorabilia-for-cash, which led to vacating the Buckeyes’ 2010 season due to players accepting cash and other perks in exchange for autographs and memorabilia.
After leaving Ohio State, he took on the role of executive vice president for student success at the University of Akron before returning as president to Youngstown State. The governor expressed that Tressel would continue his focus on education and workforce development in his capacity as lieutenant governor, a prospect that received positive feedback from prominent Ohio business organizations, including the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association and the Ohio Chamber of Commerce.
Steve Stivers, President & CEO of the Ohio Chamber, stated, “Given Jim’s extensive experience in education, he understands its vital role in shaping Ohio’s future workforce. We believe he will prioritize workforce development for the betterment of the business community and all residents of Ohio.”
