Jim Tressel, the former head coach of the Ohio State Buckeyes, has been nominated to serve as Ohio's next lieutenant governor. This announcement garnered a positive response from one of his former star players, Terrelle Pryor, who played quarterback for the Buckeyes from 2008 to 2010.

Tressel's final season with the Buckeyes was in 2010, the same year Pryor threw for 2,772 yards and 27 touchdowns. Both Tressel and Pryor were subsequently involved in a scandal concerning improper benefits, which led to an NCAA investigation involving the FBI and the Justice Department. The investigation concluded that Tressel, Pryor, and other Buckeyes players had violated NCAA rules by receiving impermissible benefits, such as tattoos or cash in exchange for autographs. Tressel was accused of withholding information during the investigation, leading to his resignation before the 2011 season. Pryor also left the university before his final year of eligibility.

Following his departure from Ohio State, Pryor transitioned to wide receiver in the NFL and had a respectable professional career. Tressel, however, did not return to coaching college football. He served as the president of Youngstown State University from 2014 to 2023. Governor Mike DeWine's nomination of Tressel for lieutenant governor comes after Jon Husted filled the U.S. Senate seat vacated by JD Vance. DeWine praised Tressel's leadership qualities and values, emphasizing his ability to unite people and his preparedness to step into the role of governor if needed.

Tressel expressed his respect for DeWine and his intention to learn the responsibilities of the lieutenant governor position from his predecessor, Jon Husted. He stated his willingness to contribute in any way possible to the state of Ohio.