The Ohio State football program takes a lot of things seriously. They obviously take their work on the field seriously, which is why they have been so successful. The Buckeyes have won three national titles in the last 22 years, which is something very few other programs can claim.
Of course, the Ohio State Buckeyes take their off-the-field things seriously, as well. Coaches make sure that players behave well when they are not at practice or playing in games. The players are expected to perform well in the classroom, as well.
Former Ohio State receiver Mylan Graham kicked up a fuss when he took a shot at Ohio State's academics in a recent interview. He seemed to imply that Buckeyes don't have to attend class in person. Another former Buckeye couldn't disagree with that more.
Former Ohio State linebacker puts Mylan Graham in his place
Steele Chambers, a former linebacker and running back for the Buckeyes, took to social media to make sure that Graham knew what he said was wrong.
I’ve got about $500 worth of parking tickets and lingering carpal tunnel that says otherwise. We had to go to class #Buckeyes https://t.co/cGr2rh9sgZ
— steele chambers (@steeleC22) February 19, 2026
Chambers was clearly not pleased with what Graham said. Ohio State football players have in-person classes. Not everyone just has online classes. Some majors require more in-person classes than others, so perhaps Graham's major at Ohio State didn't require much time in the classroom.
To generalize that Ohio State players don't care about school and don't try to earn their degrees is wrong. Graham likely wasn't trying to imply all of that, but that is what some Notre Dame fans and other fan bases are taking from his comments. Regardless, Chambers wanted to clear that up.
The Buckeyes who decided to stay on the roster for the 2026 season know that they have to succeed in the classroom if they are going to get playing time on Saturday. Ryan Dya has made that very clear over the course of his head coaching tenure with the Buckeyes.