While it may seem like all that student-athletes focus on is the latter part of their title, 189 of them are set to don the cap and gown today at noon inside Ohio Stadium and officially graduate from The Ohio State University.
So far this year, 215 Ohio State student-athletes have been named to the All-Big Ten Academic Team, with spring and at-large sports still to come. A whopping 692 Buckeyes were recognized at the Scholar-Athlete Dinner in April, which is a record.
Some notable student-athletes graduating today are:
Kelsey Mitchell, Women's Basketball: Mitchell was the #2 overall pick of the WNBA draft, but will return to Columbus for graduation. She finished her illustrious Ohio State career as the second leading scorer in NCAA history, as well as a three-time Big Ten Player of the Year and a four-time All-American.
Sean Melton, Men's Gymnastics: Melton is one of the most decorated gymnasts in Ohio State history. He is a seven-time Big Ten Champion and the 2016 Big Ten Gymnast of the Year. He is also a member of the U.S. Senior National Team.
Nicholas Szerszen, Men's Volleyball: Despite being knocked out in the semifinals of the NCAA Tournament just a few days ago, Szerszen had a decorated career at Ohio State. He led the Buckeyes to back-to-back titles, was the 2016 AVCA National Player of the Year, and was a three-time All-American.
Joe Burrow and Dante Booker, Football: Two of nine football players graduating, Booker and Burrow are unique in that they are the only two that still have Ohio State eligibility remaining. Of course, both have been linked extensively to transfer rumors (with a false report even coming out about Booker leaving the Buckeyes program), and both will now be free to transfer without having to sit out a season.
Christian Bryant, Football: In a feel-good story, the 26-year-old former Ohio State safety returned to school and is now graduating with his degree. After a four-year NFL career, it is nice to see that Bryant still prioritized his academics and will now receive a degree.
A big welcome back to 2013 captain @2CBryant! Here in The Shoe today to receive his degree in sociology #GoBucks #DevelopedHere pic.twitter.com/XYGKsOJjUd
— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) May 6, 2018
Bo Jordan, Wrestling: The four-time All-American and family man will officially graduate today. Jordan helped lead the Buckeyes to the 2015 NCAA Championship and the runner-up crown this season.
Kam Williams, Basketball: Williams is the lone member of the Ohio State basketball team who is graduating today, as fellow seniors Keita Bates-Diop and Jae'Sean Tate did so back in January. It has been a long road for Williams, a member of the program for five years, but he is finally graduating today, and seems pretty excited about it.
I can say I WILL BE A GRADUATE AT THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY!!!!
— Kam Williams (@kd__will) April 27, 2018
You can watch a live stream of the ceremony online by clicking here. The complete list of student-athletes graduating today can be found at this link. Congratulations to our own Kevin Harrish, who will also walk today after five years of hard work.
