The last time members of Ohio State’s 2024 football team were together inside Ohio Stadium was for the Buckeyes’ spring game, where the Scarlet and Gray players and coaches received their rings celebrating the team’s national championship last season. On Sunday, many of those players returned to the Horseshoe, this time to receive their degrees.
Fourteen Ohio State football players graduated from the university on Sunday afternoon, joining 212 student-athletes and 12,357 students who participated in the school’s spring commencement ceremony. Former Buckeye men’s basketball player William Bufford, who attended Ohio State from 2008 through 2012, also received his degree after 12 years of playing professionally.
Among the 14 football players graduating from Ohio State was cornerback Lorenzo Styles Jr. He had the honor of attending commencement with his father, Lorenzo Styles Sr. Styles Jr. returns for a fifth year with the Buckeyes in 2025, while Styles Sr. played for the Scarlet and Gray from 1992 to 1994 and earned his degree in physical education from Ohio State’s degree completion program.
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2025 Ohio State football graduates:
- TE Bennett Christian – Communication
- DB Jordan Hancock – Human Development and Family Sciences
- TE Zach Herbstreit – Sport Industry
- OC Carson Hinzman – Sport Industry
- DB Cameron Kittle – Construction Systems Management
- WR Joop Mitchell – Finance
- LB Jalen Pace – Sport Industry
- K Austin Snyder – Sport Industry
- WR Reis Stocksdale – Sport Industry
- CB Lorenzo Styles – Family Resource Management
- DE JT Tuimoloau – Communication
- SAF Kourt Williams – Journalism
- RB Miyan Williams – Human Development and Family Sciences
2025 Ohio State basketball graduates:
- G William Bufford – African American Studies
Of the football players who graduated on Sunday, Bennett Christian, Jordan Hancock, Carson Hinzman, Styles and J.T. Tuimoloau played important roles in the Buckeyes’ 2024 success. Christian caught two passes while rotating at tight end last season. Hancock was the Scarlet and Gray’s starting nickel, recording 48 total tackles, eight passes defended, two forced fumbles and an interception. Hinzman began the year as a backup but stepped in when injuries hit, finishing the season as Ohio State’s starting center. Styles backed up Hancock at nickel, playing in all 16 games on defense. Tuimoloau led the Buckeyes in tackles for loss (22) and sacks (12.5).
Both Hancock and Tuimoloau were recently selected in the 2025 NFL Draft. Christian, Hinzman and Styles will all return next season as the Scarlet and Gray aim to repeat as national champions.
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Williams played for Ohio State from 2020 to 2023, accumulating 1,555 yards and 10 touchdowns on 258 carries. Although he was not selected in the 2024 NFL Draft, Williams signed with the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League in January.
Bufford was a three-time All-Big Ten honoree during his time with the Buckeyes and left the Scarlet and Gray as the No. 3 all-time leading scorer in program history, tying Jerry Lucas with 1,990 career points. He was part of three Big Ten championship teams and helped lead Ohio State’s 2011-12 team to the Final Four.
