Former President of Youngstown State University and Ohio State football head coach Jim Tressel has been confirmed as Ohio’s next Lt. Governor.

Tressel, who was nominated by Ohio Governor Mike DeWine earlier this week, fills the vacancy left by Senator Jon Husted, who was appointed by DeWine late last year. The OMA praised Tressel’s nomination in a statement, highlighting his extensive experience in workforce development.

Tressel, 72, retired as president of Youngstown State University in 2023. He spent 10 years as head football coach for the Ohio State Buckeyes, winning the national championship in 2002.

DeWine and Tressel sat down with 10TV after the nomination to discuss their priorities over the next two years, including growing Ohio’s workforce and educating students. 2/12/2025