Ohio State is shifting its senior day celebration from its traditional spot in the home finale all the way to the season opener.
The Buckeyes will recognize their seniors before their Sept. 5 game against Ball State at Ohio Stadium. The celebration typically occurs in the final home game, which this season comes against archrival Michigan. Ohio State has dropped consecutive home games to Michigan after winning the past nine it hosted against the Wolverines. The Buckeyes beat Michigan last fall on the road to snap a four-game losing streak in the series.
Coach Ryan Day has moved the team's senior tackle event from Michigan week, as well as the marching band's visit to practice, in an effort to focus solely on the rivalry contest. Other teams have moved up their senior day celebrations to avoid home rivalry games, including Georgia (Georgia Tech) and South Carolina (Clemson).
Ohio State also will enshrine former coach Jim Tressel into the school's Ring of Honor before the opener against Ball State. Tressel now serves as lieutenant governor of Ohio.