Holy Buckeye!
In 2025, Ohio State legends Andy Katzenmoyer, J.K. Dobbins and Maurice Clarett headlined the first three 12th Warrior Happy Hours. We will kick off 2026 in the same fashion, welcoming national champion wide receiver Michael Jenkins to appear on the live Q&A, Thursday, March 5 at 6 p.m.
In a live Q&A exclusive with Jenkins, 12th Warriors will hear untold stories, ask questions and connect with an all-time Buckeye like never before. It's relaxed. It's interactive. It's our way of saying thank you for backing independent Ohio State sports coverage, for representing Eleven Warriors and for being the heart of what we do at 11W.
Grab your drink of choice, log on and let's make some memories. We'll share further details in the Premium Lounge next week.
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Michael Jenkins, Ohio State Legend
Jenkins was a towering, reliable deep threat who defined the Jim Tressel era’s passing game, serving as the primary target during Ohio State’s resurgence in the early 2000s. A three-year starter from 2001 to 2003, Jenkins finished his career as the school’s all-time leader in receiving yards (2,898), a record he has held for over two decades. His rare combination of size, speed and smooth route-running made him the ultimate clutch receiver, consistently moving the chains when the Buckeyes needed it most.
Jenkins’ legacy is forever cemented by his heroics during the 2002 national championship season. He hauled in the iconic "Holy Buckeye" touchdown pass against Purdue — a 37-yard fourth-down strike that saved Ohio State’s undefeated season. He followed that up by leading the Buckeyes with four catches during the 2002 national title game, including a critical fourth-down reception in overtime that set up the tying score against Miami, ultimately securing Ohio State's first consensus national title in 34 years.
Following his storied college career, the Tampa, Florida, native was selected in the first round of the 2004 NFL draft by the Atlanta Falcons. Jenkins enjoyed a productive nine-season professional career, primarily in Atlanta and Minnesota, where he was respected as a savvy veteran and a consummate professional. Known for his blue-collar approach to the wide receiver position, he retired with 354 career receptions and 25 touchdowns, embodying the consistency he displayed during his college career in Columbus.
In his post-football life, Jenkins has remained a steady and dignified ambassador for the Ohio State program. He has transitioned into the business world, finding success in real estate and logistics, while frequently returning to campus to support the next generation of Buckeye wideouts. Jenkins is often cited by former teammates and coaches as the gold standard for the program's culture — a quiet leader who let his play on Saturdays speak for itself and who continues to represent the program with class and humility.
Header Photo: Mike Munden, The Columbus Dispatch
