Laurinaitis, Ward on College Football HOF Ballot

The National Football Foundation (NFF) & College Hall of Fame announced June 5 the names on the 2024 ballot for induction into the College Football Hall of Fame, including 78 players and nine coaches from the Football Bowl Subdivision and 101 players and 32 coaches from the divisional ranks.

A pair of Buckeyes are on the 2024 ballot:

• James Laurinaitis, Ohio State-Linebacker-Three-time First Team All-American (consensus-2006, 2008; unanimous-2007) … Two-time Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year who led the Buckeyes to two national championship games and four consecutive conference titles … 2007 Butkus and 2006 Nagurski recipient, leading OSU in tackles three straight seasons.

• Chris Ward, Ohio State-Offensive Tackle-Two-time First Team All-American (consensus-‘76, unanimous-‘77) … Three-time First Team All-Big Ten selection who helped Buckeyes to at least a share of four conference titles … Blocked for Archie Griffin during second Heisman Trophy-winning campaign.