Grambling State University will face off against the Ohio State Buckeyes in a history-making matchup in 2025, per an announcement by the Grambling State athletic department Monday afternoon. The upcoming game against the perennial championship-contending Buckeyes marks the Tigers' inaugural face-off with them and Grambling's first game against a Big 10 opponent. The newly scheduled game replaces Ohio State's previously scheduled game with UConn, which was set to occur on October 18, 2025.

“This is another example of us being able to showcase our brand to a national audience,” Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Dr. Travyean D. Scott said in a statement. “We are thrilled that our players and fans will get to experience a matchup between two of the most storied football programs in the country. When you think of college football, Grambling State and Ohio State are two of the names that many think of immediately. This contest will allow our both fan bases to experience the cultural and athletic excellence of both institutions.”

Ohio State and Grambling State University boast rich histories in college football. Grambling State's football legacy shines brightly due to the legendary coach Eddie G. Robinson's remarkable tenure from 1941 to 1997, during which he amassed an impressive 408 wins.

The university's football program has clinched an impressive 27 SWAC Championships and earned 16 Black College National Titles. Furthermore, Grambling State has proudly produced four Pro Football Hall of Famers: Willie Brown, Buck Buchanan, Willie Davis, and Charlie Joiner. Notable football talents nurtured by the Tigers include Super Bowl XXII MVP Doug Williams, James “Shack” Harris, and Paul “Tank” Younger, who holds the distinction of being the NFL's first HBCU draftee.

The Buckeyes are among the most successful college football teams ever. They have won eight national championships, had 10 undefeated seasons, secured 41 conference championships, and produced seven Heisman trophy winners, one of whom is the only two-time Heisman winner, Archie Griffin. Also of note, Tennessee State University football coach Eddie George is among the seven former Ohio State players who have won a Heisman.

Grambling State is now led by Mickey Joseph, who took over the program from former NFL coach Hue Jackson. During Jackson's tenure, the Tigers garnered a cumulative record of 8-14. Notably, there was a modest improvement from 2022 to 2023, culminating in the Tigers concluding their latest season with a 5-6 record. This marked an increase of two victories compared to the preceding year.

Joseph brings FBS experience to the Tigers, having held various roles at Nebraska in 2022 – associate head coach, wide receivers coach, and passing game coordinator. He also filled in as interim head coach post the departure of Scott Frost. Prior to his time at Nebraska, Joseph was a wide receivers coach at LSU, contributing significantly to the development of NFL receivers like Justin Jefferson, Ja'Marr Chase, and Terrace Marshall. In his second year at the helm, he aims to assemble a team at Ohio State that not only vies for the SWAC Championship but also has the potential to pull off one of the greatest upsets in history.

The game will take place on September 6, 2025.