Two former Ohio State Buckeyes on College Football Hall of Fame ballot

The College Football Hall of Fame has announced its finalist for the 2024 Hall of Fame class. Among the 78 players to make the cut are two former Buckeyes, James Laurinaitis, and Chris Ward.

Laurinaitis was a three-time first-team All-American while starring in Scarlet and Gray in the mid-2000s. He was a unanimous selection in 2007. The OSU linebacker helped lead the Bucks to four Big Ten conference championships and back-to-back appearances in the BCS national championship game. Laurinaitis earned Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year twice and also won the Bronco Nagurski trophy in 2006 and the Butkus Award in 2007. He finished his Ohio State career with 375 tackles, including 13 sacks and 9 interceptions.

Chris Ward suited up for the Buckeyes in the mid-1970s on the offensive line. Ward earned three all-conference selections and was a two-time All-American selection in 1976 and unanimous in 1977. Ward was part of the line that opened holes for two-time Heisman winner Archie Griffin and helped lead the Buckeyes to at least a share of four Big Ten championships.

Voters have until June 30 to cast their ballots. Inductees will be announced early next year with the induction ceremony taking place on December 10, 2024.

This is the fifth time James Laurinaitis has been on the ballot and the sixth time for Chris Ward.

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Story originally appeared on Buckeye Wire