Members of the “Block O” section in the south stands spells out “Strong”. Ohio State beat Kent State 59-3 on Sept. 19, 2026. Credit: Cassandra D’Angelo | Sport Photo Editor.
As Ohio State took a commanding 35-0 lead over Kent State into halftime, the Buckeyes left an impression on the Golden Flashes and fans in Ohio Stadium that they were going to cruise right into a victory.
As Ohio State’s lead grew throughout the game, the number of fans in the stadium shrunk.
While there were more gray bleachers than scarlet shirts in many sections of the Horseshoe in the second half, that wasn’t the case for Block O, Ohio State Athletics’ official student section.?
In the lower middle section of the south stands, students could be heard proclaiming that third down is their down when the Buckeyes are on defense and “That Team Up North still sucks” after Ohio State’s offense picked up a first down.?
Regardless of the score or the number of fans in attendance, Block O vice president Ella Shmarak said the group looks for ways to continuously improve the game day experience for those in the designated section.?
“After halftime, we’ll look and see [and think] ‘Okay, wait, there’s a lot of space in the middle, everyone come fill down,” Shmarak said. “Although you still have to have a Block O ticket, the people who had that view from higher up can get that good view, or at least a better view.”?
In different parts of the game, some student section leaders help maintain engagement and energy by spicing things up throughout the game.?
Block O Football Director Cameron Thompson said he enjoys throwing t-shirts to students in the section during “T-Shirt Time” after the Buckeyes’ defense forces a turnover and distributing snacks during the fourth quarter’s “Snack Time.”?
To keep fans engaged, Shmarak said variety matters when assigning chant leaders.?
“We’ve had newer people on the mic, just as practice, but also, kind of to get other people involved, to hear a different voice,” Shmarak said.?
Additionally, students participate in card stunts to honor prominent Ohio State figures and throw a tarp over the section after touchdowns to celebrate.?
Aiden Matthews, a second-year in exercise science, said his passion for the Buckeyes fuels him to stay through heat, rain or cold weather in the stands.?
“I just absolutely love Buckeye football,” Matthews said. “I’ve grown up a fan my entire life. I’m from Northeast Ohio, and just the energy at their stadium is always electric, even though, on a day like this, when it’s raining, and we’re playing [a] maybe not as great opponent, it’s still just so fun to be here. Everyone in Block O just makes it a great time.”?
Though a blowout victory may not provide intense second-half action, some students look forward to watching the Buckeyes’ backups play in the game.?
“Especially with an opponent like [Kent State], the hope is to be efficient, get your starters out quick, so that you can get a better sense of what your second [string looks] like,” AJ Jeffries, a second-year in chemical engineering, said. “So should anything happen, you know who you’re gonna start in their place and how to adapt. So I enjoy seeing them play.”?
Thompson said he looks for members of Block O to treasure every moment during a home Ohio State football game, as he sees the experience as invaluable.?
“Every year we have a single-digit amount of home games, so that’s really something I want [to] harp on is to really cherish these moments, because you’re going to be missing them in one, two, three years [or] whenever you graduate,” Thompson said.
