Ohio State’s latest reward to team captain is a huge testament to who he has become for the Buckeyes

Every season, we see players around college football take until late in their tenures to really put it all together. That very well could be the case for one starter on Ohio State’s defense.

Linebacker Cody Simon is stepping into the shoes of Tommy Eichenberg, who held down the middle linebacker spot last season. Simon, in his fifth season with the Buckeyes, is set to be a crucial part of their defense.

Simon has been given the Block O jersey ahead of the 2024 season and named a team captain as well. Those decisions are a testament to who he is.

Ohio State awards the jersey to a player each year who demonstrates toughness, accountability, and the highest of character. The tradition began in 2019 in honor of the late defensive end Bill Willis. In the past, Jonathan Cooper, Xavier Johnson, and Thayer Munford are some of the players who have held the honor.

The Buckeyes’ other three team captains that will be joining Simon are running back TreVeyon Henderson, wide receiver Emeka Egbuka, and defensive end Jack Sawyer. Simon has been pointed to as an extreme leader who has the respect of all of his teammates.

Simon had 57 tackles last season in 13 games and the previous season he had 32 tackles and a pair of sacks. As a sophomore, Simon got his first real role with 54 tackles, one sack, and one interception.

The 2024 Ohio State team returns a ton and Simon is a key part of the team. The Buckeyes will lean on Simon in tough moments undoubtedly simply because he has been through some tough games in his four previous seasons. It is a strong list of team captains in 2024.

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