Troy Smith

Troy Smith was born in Columbus, Ohio, and grew up in Cleveland’s Glenville neighborhood. He began his high school football career at St. Edward High in Lakewood, Ohio, later transferring to Glenville High. As a high school senior in 2001, Smith passed for 969 yards and 12 touchdowns. He redshirted his freshman year at Ohio State University in 2002. In 2003, he contributed as a running back and kick returner, accumulating 14 rushing yards and 83 return yards.

Smith became Ohio State’s starting quarterback midway through the 2004 season, leading the team to four wins in five starts. He concluded the season with 896 passing yards and 8 touchdowns, alongside 339 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns. In 2005, he guided the Buckeyes to a 10-2 record and a Fiesta Bowl victory, recording 2,282 passing yards and 16 touchdowns, plus 611 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns. His collegiate career culminated in 2006 when he led the Buckeyes to an undefeated regular season, completing 67% of his passes for 2,507 yards and 30 touchdowns with only five interceptions. Smith received the Heisman Trophy in 2006, securing 86.7% of the vote, making him Ohio State’s seventh Heisman winner. He holds a 3-0 record against rival Michigan as a starting quarterback, a distinction shared with Tippy Dye.

After graduating from Ohio State with a bachelor’s degree in communications, Smith was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the fifth round of the 2007 NFL Draft (174th overall). He played three seasons with the Ravens before joining the San Francisco 49ers in 2010. Smith also played in the CFL. In 2014, he was inducted into the Ohio State Sports Hall of Fame. He actively participates in charitable initiatives, including a celebrity golf scramble benefiting Ohio State’s NIL causes and mental health.