Ted Smith, the former star guard for the Ohio State Buckeyes in the 1970s, has sadly passed away at the age of 71. His passing in Gibsonburg, Ohio, was reported by Herman Funeral Homes & Crematory, though the cause of death has not been disclosed.
Smith’s journey to the Ohio State Buckeyes began after a standout high school career at Gibsonburg High School. In 1972, he joined the Buckeyes, a program then under the legendary coach Woody Hayes. That year, the Buckeyes posted a strong 9-2 record driven by the formidable running talents of Archie Griffin and Champ Henson, each amassing 772 rushing yards, with Henson scoring 20 touchdowns.
The Buckeyes’ successful run in 1972 culminated in a Rose Bowl appearance, although they fell to USC in a 42-17 defeat. Redemption came a year later when the Buckeyes went on an undefeated 10-0-1 season, decisively beating the Trojans 42-21 in their return to the Rose Bowl. Ohio State made it back to the Rose Bowl in both 1974 and 1975 but came up short against USC and UCLA, respectively.
Smith’s contributions on the offensive line were instrumental in Archie Griffin’s back-to-back Heisman Trophy wins in 1974 and 1975, during which Griffin rushed for 1,620 and 1,357 yards, respectively. The Buckeye’s robust offensive line also helped Griffin secure the Big Ten Most Valuable Player Award in 1973 and 1974. In 1975, Smith’s exceptional play earned him First-team All-Big Ten and Consensus All-American honors.
After his college days, Ted Smith transitioned into a career in construction, working as a paving superintendent for the Shelly Company. Despite leaving the field, his passion for Buckeye football remained strong, as he continued to support the team enthusiastically.
Ted Smith leaves behind a proud legacy, both on and off the field. He is survived by his wife, Deborah, along with four children, nine grandchildren, and four siblings. A celebration of his life will be held at a later date.
Our thoughts are with Ted Smith’s family and friends as they navigate this difficult period, cherishing the memories and impact he made.
