The Ohio State University (OSU), located in Columbus, Ohio, boasts an impressive roster of notable alumni from The Ohio State University who have made significant impacts across diverse fields. With over 600,000 living alumni worldwide, OSU's graduates exemplify the institution's commitment to excellence in education, research, and leadership. These famous graduates of The Ohio State University include Nobel laureates, Pulitzer Prize winners, athletes, and influential figures in politics, entertainment, and business, highlighting the university's role in fostering groundbreaking achievements.
One of OSU's most prestigious categories is its Nobel laureates (see Nobel Laureates). Five affiliates have won Nobel Prizes in Physics and Chemistry: Leon Cooper (Physics, 1972), Paul Flory (Chemistry, 1974), William A. Fowler (Physics, 1983), Kenneth G. Wilson (Physics, 1982), and Pierre Agostini (Physics, 2023). These accomplishments underscore OSU's strength in scientific innovation, with implications for advancements in superconductivity, polymer chemistry, nuclear astrophysics, and attosecond physics. Such successes attract top researchers and enhance the university's global reputation, benefiting current students through collaborative opportunities.
In sports, OSU's Buckeyes program has produced legendary athletes like Jesse Owens, the track star who won four gold medals at the 1936 Berlin Olympics while studying at OSU. Distinguished alumni in athletics continue to influence professional leagues and coaching. Entertainment figures and authors, such as R.L. Stine ( Goosebumps series creator), add cultural impact, while politics sees leaders like former University of Georgia president Michael F. Adams. Journalism shines with Pulitzer winner Walt Bogdanich, known for investigative reporting.
These notable alumni from The Ohio State University demonstrate the value of an OSU education in launching careers that shape society. For job seekers eyeing higher education roles, exploring higher ed jobs near Columbus or checking Rate My Professor reviews for OSU faculty can provide insights into the academic environment. The alumni network offers mentorship and opportunities, as detailed on OSU's official alumni lists and awards page. In Columbus, a hub for academic jobs in Columbus, Ohio, and United States, OSU's legacy inspires prospective students and professionals alike. Whether pursuing scholarships or faculty positions, the Buckeye network's reach amplifies career prospects globally.
Among the notable alumni from The Ohio State University (OSU), famous graduates shine in groundbreaking science, powerhouse sports, influential politics, and award-winning journalism. These OSU alumni exemplify the Buckeyes' impact worldwide, from revolutionizing physics to dominating Olympics and headlines. Discover entertaining stories behind top achievers in each category, proving why The Ohio State University celebrities and influential leaders draw global attention. For detailed lists, check the Nobel laureates, sports figures, and politics sections.
OSU's research legacy boasts multiple Nobel Prize winners in Physics and Chemistry, many earning degrees or teaching there, fueling breakthroughs in superconductivity, polymers, and ultrafast lasers that power modern tech.
Buckeyes athletics breed legends, with OSU alumni dominating Olympics and pro leagues, embodying grit in Columbus, Ohio's vibrant sports scene.
OSU alumni shape policy and academia, from university presidents to government roles, influencing U.S. leadership.
OSU grads excel in investigative reporting, earning top honors for exposing truths.
These tales inspire job seekers eyeing higher ed jobs or academic jobs in Columbus. Rate OSU profs at Rate My Professor to see faculty brilliance firsthand. See full Wikipedia list.
Discovering the world of The Ohio State University notable alumni is like flipping through a highlight reel of American innovation, sports triumphs, and cultural icons. Known affectionately as OSU (The Ohio State University), this powerhouse in Columbus, Ohio, has propelled countless graduates to extraordinary heights, making it a magnet for aspiring students and job seekers eyeing higher education careers. Imagine Jesse Owens, the track legend who attended OSU and shattered records at the 1936 Berlin Olympics, winning four gold medals right under Adolf Hitler's nose—a feat that not only redefined athletic excellence but also stood as a beacon against racial injustice. His story alone inspires Buckeye pride worldwide.
But the achievements don't stop at sports. OSU boasts an impressive roster of notable alumni from The Ohio State University, including multiple Nobel laureates. Paul Flory earned his Ph.D. in 1934 and clinched the 1974 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for groundbreaking work on polymers, foundational to modern plastics. Physics heavyweights like William A. Fowler (B.S. 1933, Nobel 1983), Leon Cooper (faculty, Nobel 1972), Kenneth G. Wilson (faculty, Nobel 1982), and even recent winner Pierre Agostini (emeritus faculty, Nobel 2023) highlight OSU's scientific legacy. These famous graduates of The Ohio State University prove the university's labs foster world-changing breakthroughs.
Journalism shines too, with Walt Bogdanich (M.A. 1976) securing three Pulitzers for investigative reporting. Entertainment draws from talents like R.L. Stine, the Goosebumps author whose spine-tingling tales have thrilled generations. For those chasing careers, OSU alumni lead in politics and business—check out higher ed jobs in Columbus or academic jobs in Columbus. Parents and faculty scouting talent might explore Rate My Professor for OSU insights before applying via faculty positions.
Even edgier tales emerge, like infamous figures reminding us of human complexity, though OSU's positives dominate. Dive deeper into Nobel laureates or explore the full spectrum on the OSU Wikipedia alumni list and OSU Engineering notable alumni. Whether you're a global student pondering scholarships or a job seeker in Ohio academic jobs, these stories fuel ambition—pair with professor ratings at OSU for the full picture. OSU's network turns dreams into legacies.
The Ohio State University (OSU) boasts notable alumni in entertainment fields such as actors, musicians, composers, gamers, and chess masters, who have shaped television, film, music, and competitive scenes worldwide. These graduates demonstrate OSU's strong programs in performing arts and communications, influencing popular culture through awards, chart-topping hits, and innovative performances.
| Name | Job Title | Discipline | Class Year | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Patricia Heaton | Actress | Drama | 1980 | Two-time Emmy winner for her starring roles as Debra Barone on Everybody Loves Raymond and Frankie Heck on The Middle. |
| Nancy Cartwright | Voice Actress | 1976 | Iconic voice of Bart Simpson on The Simpsons since 1989, contributing to one of television's longest-running animated series. | |
| John Legend | Musician, Singer, Songwriter | English | attended 1995-1997 | EGOT recipient with hits like 'All of Me,' multiple Grammy wins, and production credits on Academy Award-winning soundtracks. |
| Dwight Yoakam | Musician, Actor | attended early 1970s | Country music star with over 30 charting singles and acclaimed acting roles in films like Sling Blade and Wedding Crashers. | |
| J. August Richards | Actor | Acting | 1991 | Recognized for portraying Deathlok in Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. and roles in Sons of Anarchy and Blue Betsey. |
| Jeff Timmons | Singer | Business Administration | attended 1990s | Founder and lead vocalist of boy band 98 Degrees, with multi-platinum albums including 98 Degrees and Rising. |
| Phil Ochs | Singer-Songwriter | attended 1958-1962 | Protest folk musician whose songs like 'I Ain't Marching Anymore' became anthems of the 1960s anti-war movement. | |
| Arsenio Hall | Comedian, Actor, Television Host | Communications | 1977 | Pioneered late-night television with The Arsenio Hall Show (1989-1994) and starred in Coming to America alongside Eddie Murphy. |
This section features notable athletes from The Ohio State University across categories like football, basketball, track and field, golf, and baseball. These alumni have excelled in professional leagues, the Olympics, and college sports, elevating OSU's reputation as a powerhouse in American athletics through championships, Hall of Fame inductions, and record-breaking performances.
| Name | Job Title | Discipline | Class Year | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Randy Gradishar | NFL linebacker | 1974 | Four-time All-Pro and key member of the 'Orange Crush' Denver Broncos defense. | |
| Pepper Johnson | NFL linebacker | 1987 | Member of OSU's 1984 national championship team and two-time Super Bowl champion with the Giants. | |
| Jack Tatum | NFL safety | 1971 | Hard-hitting defensive back known as 'The Assassin' with two Super Bowl appearances. | |
| Katie Smith | WNBA player | telecommunications | 1996 | WNBA Hall of Famer, three-time Olympic gold medalist, and all-time leading scorer in women's college basketball at the time. |
| Kelsey Mitchell | WNBA guard | 2018 | Two-time All-American and current WNBA All-Star who led OSU to multiple NCAA tournament appearances. | |
| Chris Spielman | NFL linebacker | education | 1988 | Three-time All-American, Butkus Award winner, and NFL All-Pro. |
| Shawn Springs | NFL cornerback | 1997 | First-round NFL draft pick and two-time Pro Bowler. | |
| Na'il Diggs | NFL linebacker | 2000 | All-Big Ten selection and long-time NFL starter. | |
| Mike Doss | NFL safety | 2003 | Thorpe Award finalist and two-time All-American defensive back. | |
| Will Allen | NFL cornerback | 1999 | Super Bowl champion with the Pittsburgh Steelers and consistent NFL starter. | |
| Paul Warfield | NFL wide receiver | 1963 | Pro Football Hall of Famer and two-time Super Bowl champion renowned for his speed and hands. | |
| Alan Page | NFL defensive tackle | 1967 | Pro Football Hall of Famer and first Black justice on the Minnesota Supreme Court. | |
| Eddie George | NFL running back | landscape horticulture | 1996 | 1995 Heisman Trophy winner and NFL rushing leader who earned four Pro Bowl selections. |
| Orlando Pace | NFL offensive tackle | criminal justice | 2014 | Pro Football Hall of Famer, three-time All-American, and cornerstone of OSU's 1995 national championship team. |
| Jack Nicklaus | Professional golfer | pharmacy | attended 1957-1961 | 18-time major champion and golf's greatest winner, inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame. |
| Jerry Lucas | NBA player | education | 1964 | NBA champion and Hall of Famer known for his rebounding prowess, also a three-time All-American at OSU. |
| John Havlicek | NBA player | business administration | 1962 | NBA Hall of Famer who won eight championships with the Boston Celtics and was named one of the NBA's 50 Greatest Players. |
| Jesse Owens | Olympic track and field athlete | attended 1933-1936 | Won four gold medals at the 1936 Berlin Olympics in the 100m, 200m, 4x100m relay, and long jump, setting three world records. | |
| Archie Griffin | NFL running back | industrial management | 1978 | The only two-time Heisman Trophy winner in history (1974 and 1975), College Football Hall of Famer, and former Ohio State athletic director. |
| Lou Groza | NFL kicker | 1946 | Pro Football Hall of Famer nicknamed 'The Toe' for his placekicking accuracy and nine Pro Bowls. |
The Ohio State University has nurtured numerous leaders in U.S. politics, with alumni serving as senators, governors, and representatives who have influenced national and state policies; categories include U.S., International, and Royalty and Nobility, though the latter two have limited representation.
| Name | Job Title | Discipline | Class Year | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paul E. Gillmor | Former U.S. Representative | Business Administration | 1967 | Republican Congressman serving Ohio's 5th and 18th districts from 1989 until his death in 2007. |
| James F. Humphreys | Former Ohio State Representative | unknown | Distinguished attorney and public servant recognized by OSU's Department of Political Science for contributions to law, politics, and education. | |
| James Traficant | Former U.S. Representative | Economics | 1969 | Controversial Congressman for Ohio's 17th district from 1985 to 2002, known for his unique speaking style. |
| Bob Gibbs | Former U.S. Representative | Animal Science | 1976 | Served Ohio's 7th and 18th districts from 2011 to 2023, with a background in farming. |
| Patrick J. Tiberi | Former U.S. Representative | Political Science | 1979 | Represented Ohio's 12th district from 2001 to 2018, focusing on tax and economic policy. |
| Steve Austria | Former U.S. Representative | Political Science | 1982 | Served Ohio's 7th congressional district as a Republican from 2009 to 2013. |
| Dennis Eckart | Former U.S. Representative | Law | 1975 | Represented Ohio's 11th congressional district from 1983 to 1993 after earning his J.D. from OSU. |
| Ted Strickland | Former Governor of Ohio | Psychology | 1980 | Democratic Governor of Ohio from 2007 to 2011, following service as U.S. Representative and earning his PhD at OSU. |
| John Kasich | Former Governor of Ohio | Speech Communications | 1974 | Served two terms as Ohio Governor from 2011 to 2019 and as U.S. Representative for 18 terms before running for president in 2016. |
| J.D. Vance | U.S. Senator | Political Science | 2001 | Republican U.S. Senator from Ohio since 2023, bestselling author of Hillbilly Elegy, and former venture capitalist. |
The Ohio State University has nurtured alumni who have attained millionaire and billionaire status through entrepreneurial ventures and leadership in major industries. These successful graduates demonstrate the strong foundation in business and innovation provided by OSU, contributing significantly to economic development, philanthropy, and job creation across the United States.
| Name | Job Title | Discipline | Class Year | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Les Wexner | Founder and Chair Emeritus of L Brands | Business | unknown | Billionaire retail executive who founded The Limited (now L Brands), growing it into a global powerhouse with brands like Victoria's Secret and Bath & Body Works. |
| George Steinbrenner | Principal Owner of the New York Yankees | Physical Education | M.A. | Billionaire sports magnate who owned the New York Yankees for over three decades, leading them to seven World Series titles and transforming baseball franchise ownership. |
The Ohio State University boasts affiliations with several Nobel Laureates, primarily in the fields of physics and peace through contributions to climate science, highlighting the institution's excellence in groundbreaking research. These distinguished individuals, including alumni and faculty, have made transformative impacts on scientific understanding, technological innovation, and global environmental policy.
| Name | Job Title | Discipline | Class Year | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| William A. Fowler | Institute Professor of Physics | Physics | 1933 | Earned the 1983 Nobel Prize in Physics for theoretical research on nuclear reactions responsible for the creation of chemical elements in stars. |
| Kenneth G. Wilson | Professor of Physics | Physics | unknown | Received the 1982 Nobel Prize in Physics for developing the theory of continuous phase transitions using scaling and the renormalization group. |
| Rattan Lal | Distinguished University Professor of Soil Science | Soil Science | unknown | Recognized for contributions to the IPCC's Fourth Assessment Report, which shared the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize with Al Gore for informing global climate change awareness. |
| C. K. Shum | Professor of Civil, Environmental and Geodetic Engineering | Geodetic Science | unknown | Contributed to the IPCC report awarded the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize alongside Al Gore for advancing knowledge on anthropogenic climate change. |
| Brent Sohngen | Professor of Environmental Economics | Economics | unknown | Part of the team whose IPCC work earned the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize shared with Al Gore for disseminating critical climate change insights. |
| Pierre Agostini | Professor Emeritus of Physics | Physics | unknown | Awarded the 2023 Nobel Prize in Physics for pioneering experimental methods to generate attosecond light pulses, enabling the study of electron dynamics in matter. |
