With Ohio State facing Miami in the 2025 Cotton Bowl Classic, many fans are reminiscing about the 2002 Buckeyes — the last time OSU beat Miami for a national title.

A bunch of those guys went on to NFL careers and life outside football. We know OSU likes to bring former champs back for big games, so who do you think we’ll see in Dallas? I’d bet on a few Brutus-Era legends showing up, even if they aren’t announced yet.”

Let's take a little unscheduled trip down memory lane and talk about who they are and where they've been since that fateful Championship run. Hop on board and keep your hands and feet in the ride at all times!

Jim Tressel — HC “The Vest”

2002 role: Head Coach; architect of the 2002 national championship team that defeated Miami in the Fiesta Bowl
Post-OSU: Retired from coaching; later served as a university president (Youngstown State) and remains an active public figure
Current status: In February 2025, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine appointed Tressel to be Ohio’s 67th lieutenant governor after Jon Husted moved to the U.S. Senate seat. This nomination was confirmed by the Ohio General Assembly. He officially took office as lieutenant governor in early 2025. Frequently involved in Ohio State alumni, ceremonial, donor, and legacy events; maintains strong ties to the program. 
Dallas likelihood: High — While there is no official confirmation yet, Tressel has a history of appearing at major Buckeye moments. A CFP rematch with Miami fits perfectly with Ohio State’s tradition of honoring championship-era leadership during marquee postseason games.

Craig Krenzel — QB

2002 role: Starting QB, Fiesta Bowl MVP-type performance
Post-OSU: Brief NFL career; transitioned into business and real estate.
Current status: Lives primarily in Ohio; remains connected to Buckeye alumni circles.
Dallas likelihood: Medium — He has appeared at OSU reunions and anniversary events before; high-profile alumni often show for CFP games.

Maurice Clarett — RB

2002 role: Freshman phenom; 1,237 yards, 18 TDs; Fiesta Bowl game-winner
Post-OSU: Public journey through legal struggles, recovery, and redemption; now a mental-health advocate and speaker, including events tied to OSU.
Current status: Frequently participates in OSU-adjacent speaking and alumni events.
Dallas likelihood: Medium-High — He has re-embraced his Buckeye legacy and could easily be present for a Miami-related CFP moment.

Mike Doss — S

2002 role: Defensive leader; Thorpe Award winner
Post-OSU: Long NFL career (Colts, Vikings, Bengals); post-football business and mentoring.
Current status: Regularly appears at OSU alumni functions and celebrations.
Dallas likelihood: High — One of the most visible and engaged members of that title team.

Matt Wilhelm — LB

2002 role: Captain-level presence; defensive anchor
Post-OSU: NFL career (Chargers, 49ers); later coaching and youth development involvement.
Current status: Maintains ties to Ohio State and football circles.
Dallas likelihood: Medium — Less public than Doss, but historically present for reunions.

Michael Jenkins — WR

2002 role: Leading receiver; clutch Fiesta Bowl TD
Post-OSU: NFL career (Falcons, Vikings); business and family focus post-football.
Current status: Generally private but participates in milestone OSU events.
Dallas likelihood: Medium — Not flashy publicly, but big-game reunions fit his pattern.

 

Mike Nugent — K

2002 role: Mr. Automatic; Lou Groza Award winner
Post-OSU: Long, highly successful NFL career
Current status: Retired, respected specialist alumnus
Dallas likelihood: Medium-Low — Specialists attend fewer events, but CFP is a draw.

Every note or hint of any of these Buckeye legends being at the game are purely speculation but here's my take from Defiance City:

What’s Confirmed vs. Speculation
Confirmed:

Ohio State has reunited and honored the 2002 team multiple times over the years.

Several members (Krenzel, Doss, Clarett) remain publicly connected to OSU.

CFP games historically attract championship-era alumni, even without formal announcements.

Not Yet Confirmed:

No official OSU release listing 2002 Buckeyes attending or being on the sidelines in Dallas (as of now). No published CFP or Cotton Bowl alumni ceremony announcement yet.

I'm sure I'm missing more memories/players/life-altering moments than I've included so tell us what's coursing through your cerebral cortexes as we lead up kick-off! 

Let's compare notes on this trip down memory lane and who we may see in Dallas and of course as always, GO BUCKS!