This is going to have people thankful football season is almost here for Ryan Day and Ohio State. While as of this writing we're still about a month away from the Buckeyes hosting Ball State for the season-opener, the field at The Shoe looks like it's in midseason form. Yes, you read that right.
As most of the Ohio State faithful know, there are some major changes coming to The Shoe ahead of the 2026 campaign, including new turf being installed. Well, we've all been given a close-up look, and be ready to be left favorably impressed. It's incredibly difficult to watch the video below and not get jacked up for the new season to get here:
I've seen a lot of turf changes, this one at the Shoe is night and day from last season.
— Adam King (@AdamKing10TV) August 3, 2026
The Scarlet pops like never before, the green looks so crisp. The best the Shoe has looked in a long time.
They are still adding the ribbon boards and finishing the new video board. pic.twitter.com/XuILOC6XPJ
New turf at The Shoe should have Ohio State football fans fired up for Week 1
Shout out to reporter Adam King for the look here. Seriously, the turf looks sensational and the paint looks brand spanking new. The multiple changes at the stadium looks spectacular, and Ross Bjork deserves plenty of credit for making sure they get done.
While grass is still something that should be implemented in Columbus, fans can go ahead and celebrate this small win for now. And it's one that indeed should have people itching for the season-opener to arrive. Expectations could not be higher for the Buckeyes, which is always going to be the case under the direction of Day.
This group is completely motivated to wipe away the bad memories from last season, which of course ended with the loss to Miami in the College Football Playoff at the Cotton Bowl. Before that, a defeat was posted to Curt Cignetti and Fernando Mendoza in the Big Ten Title game, which is something Hoosiers fans continue to bring up.
The Buckeyes will have revenge on their minds for an Oct. 17 dance, though that game will be played in Bloomington. Despite that, there are some monster home games on the way where the new look of The Shoe will be on full display, including the matchup with TTUN. After crushing the Wolverines last season, Ohio State will be ready for a repeat performance this November.
And they'll be ready to do so with The Shoe looking better than ever. Sure, it might be that time of the offseason where the excitement for football may not be at its highest, but this makeover has plenty of Ohio State supporters talking and rightfully so. Again, thanks to Bjork for this. Next up, let's get 'Hang on Sloopy' to make a comeback and then we'll really be cooking...
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