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sports1d ago
Ohio State legend James Laurinaitis inducted into NFF College Football Hall of Fame
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- James Laurinaitis is inducted into the 2026 NFF College Football Hall of Fame, marking him as the 29th Buckeye honored in the storied program.
- Laurinaitis ranks among Ohio State's most celebrated linebackers, recognized as one of the program's all-time greats.
- Laurinaitis earned multiple national awards (Nagurski, Butkus, Lott Trophy) and twice won the Nagurski-Woodson Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year.
- His Buckeyes tenure (2005–2008) included 51 games and 40 starts, contributing to Ohio State's sustained success and two consecutive BCS National Championship Game appearances.
- Laurinaitis posted 852 tackles in eight NFL seasons with the Rams, establishing the franchise's all-time leading tackler mark.
- Post-NFL, Laurinaitis returned to Columbus in broadcasting before moving into coaching at Notre Dame and subsequently Ohio State.
- As a recruiter and coach, Laurinaitis has become a model for Buckeye recruits, illustrating the opportunities a Buckeye player's career can offer.
- The 2026 Hall of Fame class strengthens the Buckeyes' legacy in college football's top honors, adding to a lineage of renowned linebackers.
- The Hall of Fame induction ceremony for the 2026 class is scheduled for December 8 in Las Vegas as part of the NFF Awards Dinner.
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